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.
How can I shorten the wires on my Christmas lights?
You should see that the Christmas lights change from having 3 wires to 2 wires then changes back to 3 wires. 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.
How to cut a string of Christmas lights to size?
Make sure your Christmas lights are unplugged and spread out. Measure how long you want your new string of lights to be and check where it ends. Look for the part of your lights where it tapers off into 2 wires. This will be where the previous section of lights end. Cut that part with your wire cutters.
What do you use to cut led Christmas lights?
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.
Can You lengthen or shorten Christmas tree 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.
Can LED Christmas lights be shortened?
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.
How do I change the length of my Christmas lights?
0:0312:25How to Customize Christmas Lights to Fit Your Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe wide blade that's negative the narrow blade is positive. So all you have to do is is just lineMoreThe wide blade that's negative the narrow blade is positive. So all you have to do is is just line it up with a little vampire teeth. That's on the plug.
Can you cut and splice Christmas lights?
Basic electrical wiring can often be cut. The wire coating can be stripped, exposing the copper wire within it and then that wiring can be connected to a corresponding wire using any number of techniques like twist-on wire connectors, butt/splice connectors or making a permanent connection with solder.
How do you shorten C7 Christmas lights?
Longer Answer: Cut C7, C9, or E26 medium base cords to fit by clipping them with wire cutters and terminating them. Think through your project and you might even be able to use the extra cord for another project.
How do you shorten 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
How do you shorten LED lights?
0:559:38How 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.
Can you shorten outdoor string lights?
Only Cut Light Strings Designed to be Cut Outdoor light strings with male and female end plugs are meant to be connected end to end. Shortening these lights voids the safety rating and can cause the string to no longer work. Patio light strings without end plugs are available that can be cut to any desired length.
Can you cut LED string lights and still work?
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.
How do you cut LED and splice Christmas lights?
2:405:20Changing The Length of LED Christmas Lights. Don't Do This!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right now the one thing to note here though. It's where you cut these you'll notice that I cutMoreAll right now the one thing to note here though. It's where you cut these you'll notice that I cut my filler strand. Much much longer almost to the next light.
How do you customize outdoor Christmas lights?
0:2211:55DIY Custom length LED Christmas Lights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's pretty straightforward construction just using half inch pvc and some elbows you can see upMoreIt's pretty straightforward construction just using half inch pvc and some elbows you can see up here i use some 45 degree elbows obviously over there i use 90 degree elbows. But you just cut it to
How do you connect Christmas lights together?
0:092:03How To Attach 2 Strings Of Christmas Lights Together-Holiday Decorating ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou should wrap both of the plugs in electrical tape now the reason that I do this is for twoMoreYou should wrap both of the plugs in electrical tape now the reason that I do this is for two reasons one the electrical tape actually holds them together. And it is pretty strong.
How many C7 lights can I string together?
Follow these recommendations when decorating with multiple strings of regular incandescent commercial Christmas lights: For mini bulbs of 50 to 100 per string, connect a maximum of three strings together. For larger bulbs such as C7, C9, etc., string together no more than 50 bulbs total.
Can outdoor string lights be cut?
Patio light strings without end plugs are available that can be cut to any desired length. Commercial stringers and spools for Christmas lights come with sockets already attached and can be shortened as needed.
Can you cut strip lights?
LED strip lights are designed to be easy to cut apart with a pair of scissors. Each LED has a pair of copper dots at the end. As long as you cut between the dots, all of the LEDs will work. From there, you can connect the LEDs to a power source either through a quick connector or by soldering.
How do you connect Christmas lights together?
0:092:03How To Attach 2 Strings Of Christmas Lights Together-Holiday Decorating ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou should wrap both of the plugs in electrical tape now the reason that I do this is for twoMoreYou should wrap both of the plugs in electrical tape now the reason that I do this is for two reasons one the electrical tape actually holds them together. And it is pretty strong.
How do you connect LED Christmas lights together?
0:373:25Christmas Direct - How to connect our LED string lights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure everything is lined up correctly. And then join them up together making sure it's a tightMoreMake sure everything is lined up correctly. And then join them up together making sure it's a tight tight fit and then screw up very tightly. Now this will allow you just to switch the lights. On.
How to shorten Christmas lights?
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.
How many wires are in a mini Christmas light?
Start by locating both sides of each series section of lights that turn off when a bulb is removed. You should see that the Christmas lights change from having 3 wir es to 2 wir es then changes back to 3 wires.
How to tell if lights are wired in series?
One way to determine how the lights are wired is to completely remove one of the bulbs. If all or a section of lights turns off than the lights are wired in series. If all the lights remain on then most likely the strand is wired in parallel.
What happens if all lights are turned off?
If all or a section of lights turns off than the lights are wired in series. If all the lights remain on then most likely the strand is wired in parallel.
What does each colored line on a light bulb mean?
Each colored line represents a different wire. The blue line connects all the lights together in series and supplies power to the light bulbs. The yellow and red wires are both connected to the blue line on either side of the light bulbs. The diagram above shows the CORRECT way to connect the spliced wires.
How many volts does a Christmas light need to be wired in series?
If your goal is to remove one or two lights off a strand wired in series it is possible but not ideal. Christmas lights wired in series spread 120 volts coming out of the plug across all the lights. Each light that is removed increases the voltage to all the remaining bulbs.
How many volts does a light bulb need?
The lights are designed so each bulb receives all 120 volts and each bulb has a direct route to power, meaning they can be cut to any length without overpowering and burning out bulbs.
How many bulbs are needed for mini lights?
While Mini-Lights are usually sold in strings of 100, some displays may require strings of less than 100 bulbs. This article will explain how Mini Lights work and how to split them in half.
How long is a Christmas light string?
The most common Christmas light string has 100 mini light bulbs and is around 24 feet long. The string is constructed of 2 smaller 50 light sets put together. The 2 50 light sets are put together in a parallel circuit. The 50 light set it self is wired in a series fashion. This is why there are 3 wires in a standard Christmas light string. A hot for the 1st series circuit, a hot for the second series circuit and a common neutral.
How many wires should be between two light bulbs?
Between those two bulbs should only be 2 wires, not 3 like the rest of the string. Once you find the 2 wires between two bulbs you have found the point at which you can shorten the light string. Also there is usually a larger bulb socket at the middle.
How many wires are in a Christmas light?
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:
What part of the series do you cut bulbs from?
Since you will be removing bulbs from a series, you will be cutting from the 3-wire part of the series.
Is it safe to shorten LED Christmas lights?
Although LED Christmas lights consum e less energy and are generally safe for use, they still deal with electricity, so shortening your LED Christmas lights is still a risk. Make sure to follow all the steps and remember to be careful.
Can you use electrical tape to shorten LED lights?
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.
Do Christmas lights make you feel more cheerful?
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.
Can you cut a string of lights?
The first one is the safer and easier option as it would only require you to cut away a part of the entire string of lights. The latter, however, is trickier as removing only a few bulbs may end up burning out the remaining lights because of the uneven distribution of electricity. Nevertheless, it is still possible.
Can you put Christmas lights in your shop?
However, some may find that the Christmas lights they recently bought are far too long for their intended use. Christmas festivities aren’ t complete without the presence of Christmas lights.
How to tell if Christmas lights are in series?
Although most Christmas lights are wired in series, you can confirm by removing one bulb from anywhere in the center of the string. If the bulbs surrounding the bulb you removed stop working, your lights are wired in series. Whereas, if the bulbs continue functioning – they are wired in parallel.
How does the current in a Christmas light work?
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. The more current that travels over the filament, the hotter it gets, the brighter it burns, and the faster it will burn out.
How many volts does a Christmas light need to be 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. To cut Christmas lights that are wired in parallel, follow these three basic steps:
What happens when you remove a light bulb?
When you remove a light, the voltage is increased to the remaining bulbs. While removing a couple bulbs isn’t a big deal, removing too many presents the risk of overload and burning out the lights. With that in mind, follow these tips for removing a few bulbs in a series:
Can you remove a string of Christmas lights?
The former is the easier and safer option that only requires cutting away a piece of the entire string of Christmas lights. The latter, on the other hand, is more complicated as removing only a couple bulbs could lead to burning out the remaining lights because of an uneven distribution of electricity.
Can you cut Christmas lights?
Fortunately, it is possible to cut or shorten Christmas lights – whether they’re LED, incandescent, or something else. The process is relatively simple, just requiring a little bit of know-how. You first need to know whether your Christmas lights are wired in a series or as parallel, then you can determine if you want to remove an entire section of lights or just a couple of bulbs.
Do you have to plug off lights before you start?
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. If your lights are going outdoors, make sure that you use outdoor/waterproof wire connectors.
Why are Christmas lights not removed?
Unless you are only shortening the strand by five or less, individual lights should not be removed, because the remaining lights will receive too much power and burn out much faster. Advertisement.
How to shorten a strand of lights?
This option will result in the need to replace the remaining bulbs frequently, because the remaining lights will now take the full electrical load that would have been used for the full strand. This option could work well if you only need to shorten the strand by five lights or less. Wrap the unwanted covered lights around your hand and tuck them away so that they cannot be seen in daylight .
Why are my lights not working?
Cutting the wire will result in the full strand of lights not working, because all lights on the strand are needed to complete the circuit. Watch out for broken bulbs that could cut you. Open bulb sockets could result in a shock if you touch the plug with your finger. Advertisement.
How to cover a light with electrical tape?
Cut a 2 inch piece of electrical tape for each light that needs to be covered. Stick the ends of these pieces of tape to a solid flat surface to make them easier to grab.
Can you shorten Christmas lights?
When your three-strand Christmas lights are too long for the place you had intended and you do not have any shorter strands, you can shorten your light strand in a couple of easy but time consuming ways. This problem can occur when Christmas lights are added to the yard and yard decorations. Unless you are only shortening the strand by five or less, individual lights should not be removed, because the remaining lights will receive too much power and burn out much faster.
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.
