No, you can’t lengthen or shorten standard series-wired incandescent and LED Christmas tree light strings that are made with 2 or 3-wire harnesses. Even if they work at first, they won’t last long.
Can you shorten a string of Christmas lights?
Can You Shorten a String of Christmas Lights? No, you can’t lengthen or shorten standard series-wired incandescent and LED Christmas tree light strings that are made with 2 or 3-wire harnesses. Even if they work at first, they won’t last long.
Is it safe to cut or shorten a light string?
2 weeks later... The bottom line is that it is not safe to cut or shorten any series wired light strings unless you absolutely know how it's wired. Even then it becomes a problem.
Can LED lights be lengthened or shortened?
LED strings are like these. We know you’ve seen those videos on the web showing how you can lengthen or shorten these light strings but the fact is that either more or less current will flow through a different number of bulbs than the lights were specified for and this means you’ll run into one of the two following scenarios:
How do you cut string lights to length?
Step 1: Remember to only work with your string light when they are unplugged. Step 2: Decide on how many bulbs you need to cut off to achieve the perfect length for your lights. Step 3: Since your lights are wired in series you will be cutting at a point that has 3 wires.
How do you shorten a strand of LED Christmas lights?
0:281:42How To Shorten LED Christmas Lights - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd or a zip tie it's not anything that you have to do. So securely that you have to put. MultipleMoreAnd or a zip tie it's not anything that you have to do. So securely that you have to put. Multiple ones on there and just bunch them up put the zip tie through there so it ratchets in.
Can you cut LED string lights to make them shorter?
But if you do, you're probably wondering, “Can you cut string lights?” The short answer is: yes.
What do you do if your Christmas lights are too long?
1:503:21Shorten Christmas Lights // How-To - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf serious lights need to be cut between bulbs that contain three wires it is possible but it's notMoreIf serious lights need to be cut between bulbs that contain three wires it is possible but it's not ideal by stripping and combining the two wires that connect into the bulbs with the wire nut and
How do you make a string of Christmas lights shorter?
3:226:27How to Shorten Christmas Lights & Remove the Top Plug - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe'll notice that there are two wires going into the top bulb and for all the other bulbs is oneMoreWe'll notice that there are two wires going into the top bulb and for all the other bulbs is one wire going in one wire coming out. So what we will do is we need to and then there's one wire that also
How do I shorten my LED lights?
1:089:38How to cut, connect & power LED Strip Lighting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you have found the cut line marked on the LED strip. Simply use the scissors to cut directlyMoreOnce you have found the cut line marked on the LED strip. Simply use the scissors to cut directly along the line as demonstrated. Here it's important to note that LED strip must only be cut at the
Can you cut LED light strips and still work?
You can make a clean cut with a pair of craft scissors along the black center line. Make sure to cut directly in the center as you need to have the copper exposed on each end of LED strip lights.
Can you customize the length of Christmas lights?
Christmas Lights THAT CAN BE Customized The light stringers use a two-wire configuration only and the stringers can be bought in up to 1,000 ft spools, which is what professional installers often use to create custom length light runs.
Is it safe to shorten Christmas lights?
Don't Cut. You never want to cut your Christmas light cords. This is not only dangerous it also will stop your lights from lighting up entirely.
How long do LED Christmas lights?
Depending on the LED, the bulb may last from 50,000 hours to 200,000 hours as compared to the 3,000 hours of an incandescent light. LEDs are also more durable and do not burn out, thus lasting longer than incadescents.
How do you shorten LED tube lights?
Rope light spools can be cut using either sharp scissors or a knife. To cut rope light, measure the area where you plan to install the rope light and then cut the tube at the nearest cutting mark.
What happens if you cut a string of Christmas lights?
So, yes you could cut and solder your lights, BUT, a string of incandescent lights contains bulbs that are rated for a specific length and number of bulbs. Change the number of bulbs or change the resistance of the light string and the lights won't last as long as they should – or they might not come on at all.
Can I cut my LED lights if they are too long?
Yes, LED strip lights will carry on working after they've been cut as long as you cut along the designated lines. LED strips are made up of several individual circuits, so each cut line demarcates the end of one circuit and the start of a new one.
Can you short out an LED light?
If you remove the bad LED then the others work fine. Unlike incandescent lamps that fail as an open circuit, LED's can fail and short the circuit.
Why are lights wired in parallel?
Cords and bulbs wired in parallel have the advantage that their constant voltage, varying current configuration allows them to be trimmed to fit. These are light cords and bulbs like those shown in these categories. Work with a Master Electrician and clip your string to fit using proper termination.
When will Christmas lights be installed in 2021?
April 20, 2021. Short answer: Ocean saltwater breezes combined with sun and high temperatures are hard on Christmas lights and light strings. Installation on or near a beach will shorten their lifespan. Longer answer We love nothing better …. Get This Look: Multicolor Lights on Black Wire for a Black and Silver Tree. April 2 , 2021.
Can light strings match other lights?
light strings will be dim, won’t match other lights in the installation and will be generally disappointing
Can you shorten a Christmas tree light cord?
No, you can’t lengthen or shorten standard series-wired incandescent and LED Christmas tree light strings that are made with 2 or 3-wire harnesses. Even if they work at first, they won’t last long. If, however, you are installing C7/C9 18 AWG Christmas light cords with sockets and screw in bulbs that are wired in parallel, yes, you can shorten them.
What are the different types of Christmas lights?
As you shop, the bulbs are separated into two main categories: C7 and C9 bulbs – most traditionally used for Christmas but great used all year on patios and for parties. Bigger, brighter party lights – these come in a wider variety of shapes and colors. So, browse and choose.
What bulbs are used for Christmas?
C7 and C9 bulbs – most traditionally used for Christmas but great used all year on patios and for parties
Can you cut a plug to fit yourself?
Cut them to fit yourself, no special purchase required! (Other than an extra couple of plugs!)
Can mini lights be cut in series?
We explained in our article answering the question, “Are Christmas lights in series or parallel? “, we discussed that while mini lights with small wiring harnesses wired in series cannot be easily cut to custom lengths, parallel wired cords can be cut and terminated.
How to cut string lights safely?
Before you start cutting the lights, you should ensure that you have all the safety tools you need, like wire cutters, waterproof outdoor wire connectors, and electrical tape. The process is somewhat complex, which we'll outline as best we can; however, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to conduct additional research. If you require assistance, you can watch videos and follow tutorials.
How do I make fairy lights a little shorter?
By simply cutting the wires of fairy lights with a pair of scissors, you can easily shorten their length. The power connection between the fairy light bulbs will not be hampered if connected in parallel.
Are you able to cut string lights to the desired length?
Cutting the fairy lights to length will not affect the power distribution inside the wire, as long as everything is connected in a parallel fashion throughout the entire circuit. The two ends of the fairy lights, on the other hand, will require the use of wire connectors to be secured together.
How does a string of LEDs work?
Ainsworth - Acutally when you take out an LED, you remove a small amount of resistance in the string. Since the voltage essentially remains the same (ie. - 115 volts AC) then as the formula states, the current has to increase. It is the increase in CURRENT that will do in the LEDs as they are sensitive to it more than a change in voltage (although they do have a range of voltage to work in as well). That is why each string of LEDs has certain resistors built in to it to make it work. Either in the "blobs" that are in strings at the ends and sometimes in the middle depending on the lenght of the string or else the resistors are actually inside the shell of the light that houses the actual LED.
How to shrink lights?
Buy tubing that is a bit larger than the lights, cut it a bit longer than the light, slip it over the light, and use a heat source (blow drier) to shrink it. Works great, and saves cutting the light string. Plus, if you want to use that string elsewhere in the future, you can just cut the heat shrink off the lights.
How to get LEDs to burn faster?
Put black tape over the unused bulbs. LEDs use a very specific voltage which is partially regulated by the resistance of the bulbs. Take a bulb out of a string , the remaining bulbs will get higher voltage and burn out faster.
Why are LED lights trickier?
LED's are even trickier because they use rectification and current limiting resistors in the process. That's the one or more lumps with heat shrink tubing you see along the wire. All series strings are designed for maximum efficiency of the bulbs or LED's.
What happens if you short out a lite?
Finally, if you try to short out one or more lites in the middle of a series circuit you would most likely destroy the string. because the bulbs that remain would see a higher current than what the limiting resistor (in the lump) was designed for.
Can you shorten a series light string?
The bottom line is that it is not safe to cut or shorten any series wired light strings unless you absolutely know how it's wired. Even then it becomes a problem. Jim is right in that you could probably shorten a string to half but even that could cause problems by exposing the high voltage pass through wires. LED's are even trickier because they use rectification and current limiting resistors in the process. That's the one or more lumps with heat shrink tubing you see along the wire.
Is the current supplied to LEDs constant?
Dennis; I think I got it. The total current supplied to the LEDs remains constant (the voltage compensation done in the bias resistor), since the total number of LEDs has been reduced, the remaining ones have to use more.
