How to Repair Christmas Tree Lights
Christmas tree lights make the tree complete. They add sparkle and glimmer. One common problem people face each Christmas when getting ready to decorate a tree is lights that do not work. You can spend a little time and effort to repair the lights. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Outlet
- Power strip (optional)
- Fuses
- Replacement bulbs
- Light tester (optional)
Instructions
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1
Gather your Christmas lights and find an area that's near an outlet. A power strip will allow you to test several strings of lights at once. The area also needs to be big enough to open the string of lights so you can see all the bulbs.
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2
Unpack each strand of lights and untangle each string, being careful not to pull too hard on the wires or bulbs. Make a thorough inspection of each of the Christmas bulbs. Look for any missing, loose or broken lights and other damage to the wire or bulbs.
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Replace any damaged, missing or loose lights.
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4
Plug the string of lights into the outlet and leave them plugged in for several minutes to make sure they are working correctly.
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Unplug the string of Christmas lights if they aren't working and check the plug area for the location of the fuse. Make sure there is only one fuse; some strings of lights have more. Examine each fuse and replace with new ones if required. Plug the lights back in to test again.
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Test the individual lights on the string with a store-bought light tester and replace them as needed (see Resources).
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Tips & Warnings
Consider replacing your old Christmas lights with newer ones. Older-generation tree lights do not utilize "parallel circuits," which allow the other lights on the string (or portions of it) to continue working when others are not. The more modern lights will continue working and are much easier to maintain and repair.
Always unplug your Christmas tree lights when working on them, unless otherwise directed.
Resources
- Photo Credit christmas tree lights image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Where can I purchase replacement 2.5 V mini bulbs that are for strings that use 100 milliamps rather than the typical 150-200 milliamps?
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Richard Firn
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Sure one of the lights are not making contact
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What do you do when half of the string lights don't work?
