How to Install LED Christmas Lights Outside
At Christmas, many people decorate their homes, inside and out. You can decorate outside if you have an electrical outlet available or with solar lights, if you want to save energy and the expense of putting in an outlet box. You can use icicle lights or string lights for decorating trees, porches, overhangs and doors. Once you install LED Christmas lights outside, you will be able to join in the neighborhood celebration of holiday lights. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stepladder
- Extension ladder (optional)
- Twist ties
- Extension cords
- Staple gun
- Lights (electrical or solar powered)
- Velcro (optional)
Instructions
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Determine how much electricity you can use without overloading the circuit. If you have limited electrical usage, you can use some solar powered lights in places where you don't have adequate electrical current. If you want to use solar lights, find a place where you can place the solar panel for capturing the sunlight during daylight hours.
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Test the LED lights before you install them outside. Make sure that the lights work and replace any burned-out bulbs or complete sets, if they do not work. Undo any bends and twists in the lights so that when you put them up, you will not have to spend time straightening them out.
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Use a stepladder to reach higher places where you will install the lights. For rooftops, you may need an extension ladder to reach the overhangs. Start at one side and work your way to the other side or at the top of a tree and work your way down. Use a staple gun to attach the lights to the wood or use twist ties if you are decorating a tree.
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Attach the extension cord to the plug at the end of the last string of lights. Make sure that the cord is long enough and will not be stretched. If using solar lights, place the solar panels in the ground with the stake or mount on the side of the house where the sun will shine for at least four hours a day. Mount the panels with twist ties or use Velcro to attach them to the house.
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Tips & Warnings
Never run an extension cord from outside to an indoor outlet. This can cause fires and other serious problems. The outlet box outside must be a GFI outlet. Use only UL products outdoors.
