How to String Lights for Outside
Outdoor string lighting can be powered by the sun or by electricity. The difference is that electrical-string lighting will limit where you can place your lights because of the availability of light sockets. However, solar-powered string lighting will allow you to place your string lights anywhere that they can be connected to the solar panel. Additionally, solar string lights are more expensive to purchase, but electrical string lights are far more expensive to operate. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- String lights
- Measuring tape
- Electrical sockets
- Plastic gutter clips
- Plastic yard stakes
- Solar panels
Instructions
-
Electrical Lights
-
1
Make a plan. Determine the area(s) that you want to light, the color of the lights you want to use and any lighting effects that you want to create. This is important because you want to ensure that you have enough lighting to accomplish your task before you begin.
-
2
Measure the lighting paths that you want to follow with a measuring tape. For example, measure each section of your roof to determine how many feet of lights you require. Purchase any additional lighting you may need.
-
-
3
Plug in your first strand of lights at your electrical socket. You may need more than one electrical socket, especially if you are planning a huge lighting display in your yard. Using more than one socket will prevent you from blowing the socket or fuse and causing your power to go out.
-
4
Attach plastic gutter clips to your lighting strands to mount your lights on your house. Buy plastic at your local home improvement store. If you are stringing your lights along the ground, attach the strands of light to plastic yard stakes, also available at the home improvement center.
-
5
Mount one strand of lights at a time, attaching the strands as you go to the object, or objects, of your choice. Once the first strand is mounted, plug the second strand into the first and continue with the process.
Solar Lights
-
6
Place the solar panel in an area that will attract as much sun as possible during the day. Read the manufacturer's instructions to determine how many solar light strands you can connect to each solar panel, as you may need more than one.
-
7
Connect the first light strand to the solar panel by plugging the strand in to the panel base. Then string your first row of lights, using gutter clips and/or yard stakes to secure the lighting. Gutter clips slide on to the strand easily and yard stakes have a clip that the light strand fits into.
-
8
Attach the second strand to the end of the first, then continue stringing your lights as desired until you have either strung all of your lights, or reached the limit for the number of lights that can be attached to the solar panel.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Draw a complete diagram for your lighting before you begin. This will make the process of hanging your outdoor lighting much easier and less confusing.
Never use string lights with worn cords.
If you must use an extension cord for your lighting, be sure that it is approved by the manufacturer for outdoor use.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit christmas lights image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com
