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Difference Between Indoor & Outdoor Christmas Lights
- Misconceptions. Indoor lights may look the same as outdoor lights, but there are important differences. ...
- Types. Outdoor lights are weatherproofed. ...
- Safety. You wouldn't put candles on your tree, so don't put questionable lights on it either. ...
- Benefits. Outdoor lights are often bigger and brighter than indoor lights. ...
- Options. ...
Can indoor Christmas lights be used outdoors?
Indoor-only lights won’t stand up to the elements well. They may become a hazard if used outdoors since they’re more susceptible to shorts caused by moisture. Outdoor-only lights may be larger and, in some cases, may put off more heat than those that are suitable for indoor use. Christmas lights and extension cords come in different amperages.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor LED lights?
Lights that are certified for outdoor use are specifically made to withstand cold and wet conditions, and lights that are certified for indoor use have been safety tested to make sure that they are not a fire hazard for trees. Outdoor lights are weatherproofed.
What happens if you hang Christmas lights indoors?
If these lights are hung closer to the house, the short could also potentially start a fire. Bulbs on strands of indoor Christmas lights are also sometimes not as durable as those used in outdoor or indoor/outdoor lights and they can wear down more easily and break due to inclement weather.
Are outdoor Christmas tree lights a fire hazard?
Similarly, outdoor lights used indoors may become a fire hazard because they are often hotter than standard tree lights. Outdoor lights are often bigger and brighter than indoor lights.
Is it OK to use indoor Christmas lights outside?
Use Indoor Lights Indoors and Outdoor Lights Outside They're not — unless they're marked that way on the package. Lights designed for outdoor use are made to withstand cold and wet conditions. Indoor lights are safety tested so they're not a fire hazard for trees, but they're not durable enough for outdoors.
What happens if you use indoor lights outside?
You should not use an indoor light fixture outdoors in wet locations. They aren't sealed against moisture and will stop working during the first heavy rain. Moreover, they aren't corrosion resistant and could become an electrocution hazard if the parts that cover the electrical connections deteriorate.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor lights?
The biggest difference between indoor and outdoor light bulbs is that outdoor light bulbs can withstand temperature changes and moisture. Indoor light bulbs should never be used in outdoor fittings.
Can indoor outdoor Christmas lights get wet?
One of the most common questions from our customers is whether Christmas lights are water resistant. Most modern lights with a rating above IP44 are waterproof. Christmas lights with this rating are safe to be used outdoors and are protected from rain and water.
How do you tell if a light can be used outdoors?
The best way to tell if a light fixture or bulb is safe to use outdoors is by checking its UL rating. So proceed with caution if you plan to use indoor lighting fixtures outdoors, as most indoor fixtures are for indoor use only.
Do outdoor lights need special bulbs?
Q: Are there special light bulbs for outside lights? A standard light bulb can be used for any outdoor light fixture as long as it is not exposed to rain or other weather. Otherwise, make sure the bulb is rated for use in wet conditions.
Can you use indoor LED lights outside?
In a nutshell, you should avoid using indoor LED lights outside. The risk of electric fires is just too great. However, if you have to use them, use indoor bulbs with thick glass. Of all the types of bulbs, LED lights are the most suitable for outdoor use.
How do you turn an indoor lamp into an outdoor light?
0:102:08DIY Outdoor Lamp - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo on or bottom just take a pair of scissors. Make. Sure it's not plugged in and cut off the court.MoreSo on or bottom just take a pair of scissors. Make. Sure it's not plugged in and cut off the court. From the bottom once you've done that you can really easily pull the plug out of the top.
Can LED lights be used outdoors?
The good news is that LED lights, in general, are quite durable. As long as your LED lights are housed properly and have the right sealing, it is safe to use them in an outdoor context. One important thing to know, though, is that LEDs come with different ratings, which is known as Ingress Protection, or IP rating.
Can I hang an indoor chandelier outside?
Remember, outdoor chandeliers can be hung indoors, but indoor-only chandeliers should never be hung outside.
Can you use Christmas lights outside?
It's becoming increasingly common for all Christmas lights to be approved for indoor/outdoor use. However, some indoor lights are still single-purpose, and if you use these Christmas lights outside, they will not be as resistant to any moisture. Rain, ice, snow, and even just condensation can get into the connections and cause an electric short that could damage the lights. If these lights are hung closer to the house, the short could also potentially start a fire. Bulbs on strands of indoor Christmas lights are also sometimes not as durable as those used in outdoor or indoor/outdoor lights and they can wear down more easily and break due to inclement weather.
Is Christmas light indoor or outdoor?
While many lights these days are made for both indoor and outdoor use, outdoor Christmas lights are different from indoor lights in a few ways. It’s important to know which differences exist between the two, so you don’t run into any avoidable problems as a result of using the wrong lights.
How many types of Christmas lights are there?
There are three types of Christmas lights; those marked for outdoor use only, those for indoor and those that are certified for both.
Can you use indoor and outdoor lights interchangeably?
In the whirlwind of holiday decorating, shopping and festivities you might find yourself opening a package of lights to hang on your porch only to discover that the box is marked "indoor." Indoor and outdoor lights are very similar in appearance and function, and you may be tempted to use them interchangeably. Don't make this mistake.
Can you put Christmas lights on a tree outside?
Many people believe that it is safe to hang indoor Christmas lights outside and to put outdoor lights on the tree. This is a common misconception. Lights that are certified for outdoor use are specifically made to withstand cold and wet conditions, and lights that are certified for indoor use have been safety tested to make sure that they are not a fire hazard for trees.
Do outdoor Christmas lights make a fire?
If you choose the right types of lights when purchasing your Christmas decorations, you will do more than just help to ensure the safety of your family over the holidays. You will find that your outdoor lights are large and bright enough for passersby to see from the road, while the lights on your tree will be just the right size and cool enough to rest against thin needles and not start a fire.
What type of light is used for Christmas lights?
Although the traditional teardrop-shaped light remains the most popular choice for Christmas lights, round or globe bulbs are also incredibly common. Aside from these two, you have many options to choose from with regard to Christmas lights based on shape or light type, including:
What are the different types of Christmas lights?
Whether you decide to stick with tradition or gravitate toward the latest trends, there are three main types of Christmas lights to choose from based on the power source: plug-in, solar-powered, and battery operated .
What are icicle lights?
Icicle lights are both classic and beautiful, making them a popular choice for Christmas lights. They look great on peaks, overhangs, roof awnings, windows, and over garage doors. Creating a stunning light display with icicle lights starts with having the right clip. You’ll want to find a versatile clip that makes it easy to hang icicle lights on either your shingles or your gutters.
What colors do icicle lights come in?
Traditionally found in white, icicle lights now come in a range of other colors such as red, white, and blue for a patriotic display, purple and orange for Halloween, or blue and green for a beachy/coastal vibe.
How big are mini lights?
Whereas, the LED variety has a round or globe shape. Regardless, mini lights are roughly ¼ inch in diameter and approximately 5/8 inch tall. These types of lights work well in trees and also when decorating various elements on both the exterior and interior of your home. Mini lights are the most popular sized Christmas lights, and likely the kind that you use or are most familiar with.
How much less energy does an LED light use?
LED lights use up to 90% less energy and last considerably longer than the incandescent alternative. This allows you to add as many lights to your home as you desire, guilt-free, and they’ll keep shining bright for much longer.
How to decorate for Christmas?
One of the most striking ways to decorate for the holidays is by combining multiple types of Christmas lights, whether it be indoors or along the roofline of your home. Now that you have a better understanding of your options, this is much easier to achieve. By layering light styles, you can create a multidimensional presentation that will truly stand out on your block.
What is indoor lighting?
Generally, indoor lighting fixtures are designed for use in dry spaces inside your home. They include kitchens, hallways, dining rooms, and bedrooms. The indoor light fixtures are designed for damp locations or transitional outdoor/indoor spaces. Some of them include laundry rooms, bathrooms, spas, and pool rooms.
How to determine if a light fixture can withstand the elements?
An easy way to do so is by determining its UL rating for damp, wet, and dry locations and its ability to withstand outdoor temperature changes.
What happens if you don't have UL rated lights?
If you use an indoor lighting fixture that isn’t UL-rated outdoors, you run the risk of electrocution or even fires in your home. Indoor bulbs that are UL-rated feature silver or green tags with the word ‘UL’ written in silver or red.
Can outdoor lights be used in damp areas?
Outdoor locations that are listed as damp include covered patios and porches. If you have to use indoor lights in these locations, ensure they are UL-rated for use in damp locations. This will go a long way in minimizing the risk of corrosion and electrocution.
Is a light fixture meant for indoor use?
Generally, lighting fixtures designed for outdoor use tend to have bigger and stronger bulbs than those meant for indoor use.
Can you use a light bulb outside?
According to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a lighting fixture can only be deemed safe for outdoor use after being inspected and proven safe from fire and shock. Before you use an indoor light bulb outdoors, you should ensure it’s UL listed. You can ascertain this by checking for the UL tags on the cords.
Can you use a fluorescent light bulb indoors?
Incandescent flood light bulbs: These can be used outdoors and indoors if they are not in contact with moisture.
Where to Start
Ask yourself the following questions to decide which type of Christmas lights to buy:
LED and Incandescent Christmas Lights
Although both LED and incandescent string lights come in a variety of colors and bulb shapes, there are a few basic differences between them.
Types of Christmas Lights
Mini string lights have small bulbs and have remained popular for the past few decades.
How Many Strands of Lights Will It Take to Cover the Area?
Although personal preference is the ultimate deciding factor, here are a few basic considerations:
Choosing the Right Color
Some people have a strong preference for either colored or white Christmas lights, and here are a few considerations:
Conserve Energy
Consider the following tricks to save on your energy bill during the holidays:
Christmas Light Installation
What’s the best way to hang Christmas lights? Some Christmas lights, such as net lights, make it easy. Our How to Decorate a Christmas Tree guide will give you tips on adding both lights and ornaments to your tree. Take a look at our video How to Hang Outdoor Christmas Lights to learn how to create your own outdoor Christmas lights display.
What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor extension cord?
Indoor extension cords do not have the same materials and protective insulation as outdoor extension cords do. Outdoor cords are made with durable insulation to protect against moisture and temperature changes. Sunlight can also break down the insulation used for indoor extension cords, but outdoor extension cords use a special material to protect against light damage. Outdoor extension cords are also constructed to prevent damage from chemicals, such as oil.
What is an outdoor cord?
Outdoor cords are made with durable insulation to protect against moisture and temperature changes. Sunlight can also break down the insulation used for indoor extension cords, but outdoor extension cords use a special material to protect against light damage.
How long should an extension cord be for a table lamp?
An indoor table lamp will need an 18-gauge cord specified for up to 25 feet. A circular saw requires a 12-gauge, heavy-duty outdoor extension cord for up to 100 feet. An indoor vacuum can use a common 16-gauge indoor extension cord. Advertisement.
Can you use an extension cord indoors?
An outdoor extension cord can be used indoors, but you should never use an indoor extension cord for outdoor tasks. Knowing the difference indoor and outdoor cords will help you eliminate safety hazards. Advertisement. The Differences Between Indoor & Outdoor Extension Cords. Image Credit: katerina krasikova/iStock/GettyImages.
Do outdoor extension cords need more amps than indoor extension cords?
Indoor extension cords generally have a lower amperage rating than an outdoor extension cord, since outdoor devices require more amps than indoor appliances. For instance, whereas a lamp utilizes approximately half an amp, a leaf blower can use up to 12 amps. Most indoor extension cords would be unable to accommodate the amperage needs ...