How to Test Xmas Lights

Inspect Christmas lights before decorating the tree.

Christmas lights illuminate homes and buildings, but also pose a safety hazard when damaged. Before adding those bright lights to the outside and inside of your home, inspect each strand closely. Taking the time to test all light strands before decorating will keep everyone safe from electrical shock and fire.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Replacement bulbs
• Long-nose pliers
• Metal pin or No. 00 mini screwdriver

Instructions

1. Inspect the light strand for signs of deterioration. Dispose of Christmas lights that have exposed wiring throughout the strand or near the plug.

2. Put on work gloves, and push in light bulbs that are slightly out of their sockets. This will eliminate any connection issues that might occur.

3. Raise the strand of lights up to a bright light source to inspect the filament inside each bulb. Damaged filaments will be disconnected from one or both of the support wires inside the bulb. Remove the damaged or broken bulbs with long-nose pliers, and put in replacements that were included with the lights.

4. Replace the fuses inside the light plug at the end of the cord. Fuses may be included with both incandescent and light-emitting diode (LED) lights. To retrieve the old fuses and replace them, open the casing in the plug using the pin or mini screwdriver.

5. Plug the lights into a wall socket.

References

• Christmas Lights Etc.:Testing for Faulty Bulbs
• Christmas Lights and More: How to Hang Large Outdoor Christmas Lights