What do you use to cut led Christmas lights?
Can you cut LED Christmas lights? LED Christmas lights wired as a series will consist of 3 wires then slowly taper off to 2 wires then back to 3 as it starts a new section. Cut that part with your wire cutters. Once you've cut it, cover each loose end with a wire nut and secure it firmly with electrical tape. Click to see full answer.
Where can I buy wire cutters for Christmas lights?
To cut Christmas lights that are wired in parallel, follow these three basic steps: Unplug the Christmas lights from the outlet. With your wire cutters, cut the wires between the bulbs that you want to remove. Cap each end with wire connectors and secure with electrical tape (if desired). That’s all there is to it!
How to cut a string of Christmas lights to size?
Dec 24, 2021 · Stay Off The Roof Super Bright Led Christmas Lights Set Multicolored Jewel Cut 50 Piece 13 25 Ft Lighted Length Connect Up To 45 Sets Holiday Pack Com. The Best Christmas Lights And Exactly How Many You Need Bob Vila. Analysis Of A 100 Led String Wire Lights You.
Can you shorten led Christmas lights?
Watch as Ace's Home Expert, Lou Manfredini, shows you how to safely shorten Christmas lights.Featured Products:Gardner Bender 8 in. L Black Cable Tie 25 pk\h...
Can you cut and shorten LED Christmas lights?
Short Answer: 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.Dec 14, 2018
Can LED string lights be cut?
But if you do, you're probably wondering, “Can you cut string lights?” The short answer is: yes.Feb 9, 2021
What do you do if your Christmas lights are too long?
The best way to shorten lights wired in series is to remove an entire series section of lights by cutting lights apart where there are only has two wires, with the lights unplugged. Then, simply cap each of the two cut wires with a wire connector.
Can you cut the end of Christmas lights?
1:223:21Gray House Studio - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe easiest and best way to shorten lights wired in series is to shorten by removing an entireMoreThe easiest and best way to shorten lights wired in series is to shorten by removing an entire section by cutting where there are only two wires. With the lights. Unplugged. Once cut the cut into the
What happens if I cut my LED lights?
Will they continue to work if they are trimmed down? 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.Apr 1, 2021
What do you do if you cut your LED lights?
Is that possible? A: If the LED light strip you purchased can be cut, the remaining part that you have cut off cannot be used anymore. If you want to reconnect them after cutting, you must use an additional 4 pin connector to reconnect.Jul 1, 2020
How do you shorten 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.
How do you cut LED string 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.
How do you shorten outdoor LED string lights?
2:285:00How to Shorten LED light set - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo now that i have the power turned off i've decided that it was right after this bulb is where iMoreSo now that i have the power turned off i've decided that it was right after this bulb is where i needed to end this line of lights. So i'm not going to cut it really close i want to give myself a
Why are there 3 wires on LED Christmas lights?
The string uses a full-wave rectifier (improves flicker) and splits the diodes between the plug end and receptacle end (so both plug and receptacle are not too large). So for an extra wire per bulb this design gains redundancy- one bulb of any or multiple pairs can be missing or open and the string still lights.Dec 16, 2016
How do you fix cut Christmas lights?
0:463:46How to repair a broken wire on Christmas lights or any other wireYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTogether. Then you dip your tip in the brass cleaner there and tin a little bit with solder. And putMoreTogether. Then you dip your tip in the brass cleaner there and tin a little bit with solder. And put the solder on one side put the heat on the other and it'll soak right through the wire.
How do you shorten LED Christmas lights with 3 wires?
How to shorten Christmas lights with 3 wires?Unplug the lights.Cut the two wires that enter the last light in the series.Strip the ends of the wires with wire cutters and tie them together. ... Cut the third wire of the series to match the other two in length and cap it with a separate wire connector as well.Oct 14, 2020
How Christmas Lights Work
Examining Christmas lights is a great way to understand how the flow of electric current works. In a simple circuit, including one in an incandescent bulb, the electricity passes through a closed circuit and over a filament, which causes it to glow.
How to Shorten Christmas Lights
Whether your lights are LED, incandescent, or any other, you always want to make sure that they are plugged OFF before you begin any work. Never tinker with live wires. Always use caution when you’re working with exposed wires and don’t plug the lights in until all of the exposed wires are covered with wire connectors.
Materials Needed
The tools and materials that you’ll need to cut your Christmas lights to length are as follows:
Removing an Entire Section in a Series
To remove an entire section in a string of Christmas lights wired in a series, you first need to find where the series of connected lights begin and end. With these types of lights, there will often be multiple series of lights joined together. To find where a series begins and ends, simply remove random bulbs across the string.
Removing a Few Bulbs in a Series
If you want to remove one or two lights from a strand that’s wired in a series, this is possible but not always ideal. Christmas lights that are wired in a series distribute 120 volts from the plug across the lights. The table below outlines how when bulbs are removed and the volts increase, the lights become brighter:
Cut Christmas Lights Wired in Parallel
With Christmas lights that are wired in parallel, they are designed so that each bulb receives all 120 volts from the outlet and each bulb has a direct route to the power source. This means that you can remove as many bulbs as you desire and cut the lights to any length without the risk of overloading or burning out the bulbs.
How to secure a wire to a wire?
Cut those wires and strip off the ends with your wire cutter. Twist the exposed wires together. Cover the newly joined wires with a wire nut connector and secure it with electrical tape. Cut the remaining wire the same length as the other two. Lastly, cover the wire with a wire nut connector and secure with electrical tape so it doesn’t fall off. ...
Why is each section wired?
Each section is wired so that the current is evenly distributed among all the bulbs that by removing one or two bulbs, the others end up receiving more electricity.
What to do if LED light is too long?
If the LED light strip you bought is too long, you need to cut off the extra part. The first thing you should do is measure the right length. If you accidentally cut the strip too short, your effort will be wasted. Step 2. Look for the scissors logo on the light strip.
Where is the scissors logo on LED lights?
For the convenience of users, manufacturers have placed a scissors logo on the cuttable part of their LED light strips. To avoid causing damage, you must find the scissors logo before cutting.
What size connector should I use for a 10mm light strip?
There are many light connector products, so you need to choose the right one according to the type of light strip. If your light strip is 10mm wide, the 4Pin connector you select must be suitable for 10mm. If your light strip is 8mm wide and you purchase a 10mm connector, it will not work.
Can you cut a light strip?
Before cutting light strips, please make sure that the strip you bought can be cut; otherwise, cutting the light strip may render it unusable; at the same time, you must remember to disconnect the power; directly cutting a light strip that is connected to a power supply is extremely dangerous.
Can you cut LED lights?
A: If the LED light strip you purchased can be cut, the remaining part that you have cut off cannot be used anymore. If you want to reconnect them after cutting, you must use an additional 4 pin connector to reconnect. However, if the operation is improper when you cut and connect, it may also cause the light strip to stop working properly. So we recommend that you double-check the length of the strip before cutting and avoid the need to reconnect after cutting.
Can you attach LED lights to a wall?
If you need to attach the light strip on a wall, please clean the wall first. If the wall is dusty or wet, you cannot attach the LED light strip properly.
Do LED lights come with a controller?
If you have purchased a LED light strip set, it should come with a connector and a controller. You should use the connector to connect the light strip and the controller. When connecting the light strip and the connector, please pay attention to the front and back.
What You Need
- Wire nut connectors – you can buy this in any hardware or electrical supply stores near you. These will be used to secure the ends of your shortened LED Christmas lights.
- Wire cutters – again, a pair can be purchased in any hardware or electrical supply store. They’re also available online. They will be used to cut and shorten your LED Christmas lights.
- Electrical tape – this is optional, but if you want to make sure that your wire nuts are secured…
- Wire nut connectors – you can buy this in any hardware or electrical supply stores near you. These will be used to secure the ends of your shortened LED Christmas lights.
- Wire cutters – again, a pair can be purchased in any hardware or electrical supply store. They’re also available online. They will be used to cut and shorten your LED Christmas lights.
- Electrical tape – this is optional, but if you want to make sure that your wire nuts are secured, then it’s best to purchase a roll as well.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Before we start, you first need to find out whether your LED Christmas lights are wired as parallel or as a series. Most LED Christmas lights are wired as a series, and this tutorial deals with those wired as such. Moreover, you need to decide how long you want your new string of Christmas lights to be. This will help you find out which method will work best for your needs. There are tw…
Removing An Entire Section
- LED Christmas lights wired as a series will consist of 3 wires then slowly taper off to 2 wires then back to 3 as it starts a new section. Here’s how you can remove an entire section: 1. Make sure your Christmas lights are unplugged and spread out. 2. Measure how long you want your new string of lights to be and check where it ends. 3. Look for the part of your lights where it tapers o…
Removing only A Few Bulbs in A Series
- Although this is fairly easy to do, the risk lies in the possibility of overloadingthe remaining bulbs in the section. Each section is wired so that the current is evenly distributed among all the bulbs that by removing one or two bulbs, the others end up receiving more electricity. The more bulbs you remove from each section, the more chances of burning out the remaining bulbs. Here are t…
Final Thoughts
- The holiday season doesn’t feel complete without the presence of Christmas lights. They are one of the easiest and most fun ways to showcase your holiday spirit. They both figuratively and literally brighten one’s home and makes one feel more cheerful during those dreary winter months. By learning how to shorten LED Christmas lights, you can ensure that your light decorati…