How to Put a New Fuse in Christmas Tree Lights
Christmas lights are protected from electrical hazards by fuses. These fuses are located inside the male plug on the light strand and are easy to replace. Always replace fuses with new fuses of the same current rating. There are two primary causes of blown fuses: Electrical short circuits result from both conductors touching, usually the result of frayed or broken wires. Overloaded circuits, the result of too may strands connected together, will also blow a fuse. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Unplug all strands of Christmas lights that you will be working on.
-
2
Slide the small plastic panel on the nonworking strand's plug to the open position. Usually you can do this by moving the panel toward the prongs of the plug. This should reveal the fuse. Consult the manufacturer's instructions if you can not identify the access panel or find the fuse.
-
-
3
Place a small screwdriver under the fuse, and gently pry it loose and pull it out. Two sets of metal prongs hold the fuse in position.
-
4
Shake the plug to remove the extra fuse, which many Christmas lights hold as a spare next to the active fuse.
-
5
Place a new fuse into the metal prongs. Press lightly to secure.
-
6
Slide the access door on the plug closed, and reconnect the lights.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the fuse on the first set of lights in a string consistently blows, the likely problem is too many strands connected together. Remove some of the strands, and connect them directly to another electric outlet.
Buy new fuses from home centers or electrical suppliers. Or borrow a spare from another strands of lights.
Never replace an electrical fuse with one of larger capacity or with a wire or other metallic object. Overloaded circuits can result in fire or shock hazard.
