
What is the difference between C7 and C9 bulbs?
C7 bulbs are the smaller than C9s. The have an E12 candelabra base, the same size as a night light bulb. They are around 1 1/2 inches long and generally use 5 watt bulbs for incandescent bulbs. C9 bulbs are larger, over 2 inches long, and fit an E17 base.
What are C7 bulbs generally used for?
C7 Bulbs have a candelabra or E12 base. This size bulb is typically used for chandelier-type fixtures and decorative lighting. C9 Bulbs have an intermediate or E17 base. These are historically known as the old Christmas light bulb size. Medium Bulbs have a E26 base (E27 in Europe).
What are the best Christmas lights?
The Best Christmas Light Displays:
- Fantasy In Lights
- Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights
- Nights of a Thousand Candles
- Lightscape
- Nights of Lights
- Blossoms of Light and Trail of Lights
- Magic Christmas in Lights
- Gardens Aglow
- ZooLights at Oregon Zoo
- Enchanted Forest of Light
Which is bigger C7 or C9 bulb?
C7 bulbs are the smaller than C9s. The have an E12 candelabra base, the same size as a night light bulb. They are around 1 1/2 inches long and generally use 5 watt bulbs for incandescent bulbs. C9 bulbs are larger, over 2 inches long, and fit an E17 base. Just grab a nightlight, and if the bulb fits it, then you know you have the C7.

Should I use C7 or C9 lights?
Cord Socket Size - When it comes to the socket base size, you can choose between C7 or C9. For most structural perimeter lighting, C9s are the most commonly used. If lighting displays or small structures, then C7s work well.
Do C7 and C9 bulbs interchangeable?
The short answer is yes. But if you place C7 and C9 LED replacements bulbs next to incandescent bulbs, the light string's colors will glow differently and will appear “off.” You cannot substitute LED mini lights on an incandescent light string because LEDs require a much lower wattage than incandescent mini lights.
Is C9 brighter than C7?
Just grab a nightlight, and if the bulb fits it, then you know you have the C7. And here's the C9 bulb. You can tell just by looking that it is the larger of the two. At 7 watts, it's quite brighter and we do offer this in a clear 10-watt version as well.
What does C7 Christmas lights mean?
C7 refers to the size of the base of the bulb; from base to tip the C7 bulb is a little over two inches high. C7 Christmas light bulbs have an E12 base (the same size base as the bulb you use for a traditional night light). The letters LED stand for Light Emitting Diode.
Can you use C9 lights on a Christmas tree?
C9 LED Christmas Lights Many homeowners will hang these lights on outdoor trees because they produce a high impact light display that may be overwhelming when used on smaller, indoor trees. C9 bulbs and strings can be purchased individually or as a set, with a variety of customization options available.
How many C9 lights do I need for a 7 foot tree?
To determine the number of C7 or C9 lights for your tree, try the following: Ht x diameter (divided by 2) for trees up to 7 feet = number of lights. Ht x diameter (divided by 3) for trees 7 1/2" and up = number of lights.
Is C9 the largest Christmas light?
Choose a favorite size and shape of bulb C9 - C9 bulbs are about 2 1/4 inches long and are the largest traditional lights that everyone associates with Christmas.
How long do C9 Christmas lights last?
a 3,000 hourEvery C9 bulb is rated for a 3,000 hour life span and will fit into any C9/E17 socket base.
How bright are C9 LED Christmas lights?
The actual lumen output of an LED light depends on the color. Just as a colored bulb will dim a white incandescent light, colored LED bulb housings and colored LED lights will have a lower luminosity than white ones. White LEDs are brightest, the warm and cool C7 and C9 bulbs averaging around 4 lm.
Can C7 Christmas lights be used outside?
USE ANYWHERE: This decorative light set is just what you need to decorate a wedding, restaurant, prom, or any other indoor/outdoor space.
Why do my C7 Christmas lights keep blowing fuses?
The main reasons why your Christmas lights keep blowing a fuse include using multiple strands of lights, using the wrong type of lights or using damaged lights.
How do I know if my bulb is a C7?
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Can C9 bulbs be replaced?
C9 LED Stringer Set - The light line and the bulbs on the line are manufactured as a single unit. The bulbs cannot be removed and replaced. This is commonly called a C9 stringer set.
What do C9 bulbs fit?
E17 baseThese are used for applications like outlining roofs, stringing on pergolas and outlining driveways. C9 bulbs are larger, over 2 inches long, and fit an E17 base.
Can you replace C7 bulbs with LED?
C7 LED Bulbs Frequently Asked Questions. Do you have an LED replacement bulb that will fit into my C7 (E12) Christmas light stringer? Yes, these C7 style LED bulbs are similar in size and shape to a traditional C7 light bulb. You can use them in any C7 cord that is in good electrical repair.
Can you replace C7 incandescent bulbs with LED?
LED replacement lamps, also referred to as retrofit LED bulbs, are light bulbs that fit in standard C7 (E12 socket size) and C9 (E17 socket size) stringers, making the transition from traditional incandescent lighting to energy saving LED Christmas lights easy and more affordable.
What is the difference between a C7 and C9 light bulb?
The sockets on a C7 cord are slightly smaller than on a C9 cord. If you are looking for the brightest C7 and C9 bulbs, we recommend our new SMD bulbs which can provide 21st century technology with surface mounted LEDs. Both types of cords (socket wire C7 and C9) use a different base size of light bulb, and the C7 cord fits a candelabra base bulb (also known as an E12 base).
How big are C9 LED lights?
C9 LED bulbs measure 1 1/4″ inches in diameter and 2 1/2″ inches tall (C9– retrofit bulbs measure 2 1/4″ x 1 1/8″ and contain 3 LEDs), while C7 LED bulbs measure 1 inch in diameter and 1 1/2″ inches tall (C7 retrofit bulbs measure 1 7/16” x 7/8” and contain 2 LEDs). They both normally can be found in single mold strings or retrofit replacement bulbs and socket wire, with the more popular choice of the being the retrofit bulbs because of their flexibility, low power draw and brightness. Using socket wire and retrofit bulbs gives you more flexibility when faced with odd measurements for example on your roof line. When using C7 or C9 socket wire you have the option to custom cut to length. Comparatively, when using the single mold C7 or C9 strings, if you have access wire you must find a way to hide it or incorporate it into your display.
What is a C7 cord?
Both types of cords (socket wire C7 and C9) use a different base size of light bulb, and the C7 cord fits a candelabra base bulb (also known as an E12 base). C7 strings and bulbs have a variety of applicable uses due to their smaller stature: Edging gardens. Wrapping and hanging in trees. For parties.
What are C7 bulbs used for?
C7 strings and bulbs have a variety of applicable uses due to their smaller stature: 1 Edging gardens 2 Wrapping and hanging in trees 3 For parties 4 Strung along walkways on stakes or to highlight a path using stakes 5 Holiday displays
What is a C9 LED bulb?
The C9 LED bulbs are often used on larger outdoor Christmas trees, and for outlining roofs and doors on commercial property.
Can you use C7 wire on a C9 socket?
When using C7 or C9 socket wire you have the option to custom cut to length. Comparatively, when using the single mold C7 or C9 strings, if you have access wire you must find a way to hide it or incorporate it into your display.
Do C9 bulbs produce light?
While both of these bulbs have the similar, “traditional” strawberry shape, you will notice that the C9 bulbs will be slightly larger and in some cases (if you are buying and hanging single mold light strings, rather than individual retrofit bulbs) they may produce less light.
What are C7 and C9 Christmas lights?
Both C7 and C9 Christmas lights are popular items for Christmas decoration. These lights are used not only inside the house, but on roofs, in yards or on the ground alongside driveways. Both types of Christmas lights can be either semi-transparent, wrapped in the coating through which you can see a bulb, or opaque, which gives a nice colored glow.
What type of bulb is used for C7 Christmas lights?
Incandescent light bulbs for C7 and C9 Christmas Lights, side to side. C7 Christmas lights use a small base bulb. These bulbs are small and on a small base. The C7 bulbs are normally used for Christmas trees of smaller sizes, indoors or outdoors.
What is a C9 bulb?
C9 Christmas lights refer to the C9 bulb they use in their construction. These Christmas lights are suitable for outlining large roofs or a commercial building. When you see a large restaurant, venue, or administrative building outlined with Christmas lights, it is the C9 Christmas lights that are used in decoration.
How many watts does a C9 light bulb use?
C9 Christmas lights, on the other hand, utilize bulbs starting from 7 watts and up to 9 watts. In LED format the bulbs go also as 0.96 watts. If you are thinking about decorating outdoor trees in your backyard, consider using C9 Christmas lights. They look better on outdoor trees than C7 Christmas lights due to their larger size.
What type of lights are used for retro Christmas?
If you want to create a retro look for your Christmas tree and home decoration, then your choice is the C7 Christmas light. They are a perfect fit for retro style decoration, unlike C9 Christmas bulbs. It is recommended to use LED bulbs when creating a retro look with the help of C7 Christmas lights. LED is more energy-saving, besides, they are ...
What is the base size of a C7 bulb?
The base for C7 Christmas light bulbs is E-12 candelabra. C9 Christmas light bulbs, on the other hand, feature a bigger, E-17 intermediate size base.
Which is better: LED or C7?
LED is more energy-saving, besides, they are brighter and cooler to the touch. C7 Christmas lights utilize smaller bulbs than C9 Christmas lights. If you need to decorate a larger space, like a two-store home grand facility, you’d better opt for C9 Christmas lights.
What is the power of a C9 light?
C9 light wattage can be up to twice as powerful as C7 lights. Due to their power, they are commonly used for commercial purposes, and really illuminate roofing and larger parts of your landscaping. We shoot for quality, and that’s why we use C9 lights to light your home brighter than any other house on the block!
What is a C9 bulb?
C9 Christmas Lights. C9 bulbs are Lit Professional Lighting’s light of choice. They still maintain the shape of C6, and C7 lights, but are the largest yet. They are 1 ¼” round and 2.5” tall, a full inch taller than the C7. C9 light wattage can be up to twice as powerful as C7 lights. Due to their power, they are commonly used for commercial ...
How many watts does a C7 light bulb burn?
They are a full 1” round and 1.5” tall. They are fairly versatile and can work well on medium to large outdoor trees. C7 bulbs typically burn at about 5 watts per bulb and make a great light source for your property’s holiday lighting.
What is the smallest Christmas light?
C6 Christmas Lights. These are the smallest lights that still have that traditional Christmas bulb shape. The only size smaller are mini icicle lights which have a thin, pointed shape in comparison. C6 lights (the C stands for cone Size) are generally ¾” round and 1 ⅛” tall.
Do LED lights burn brighter than incandescent lights?
To summarize, an LED string will utilize less power, but burn less brightly in return. Incandescent lights can burn very bright. Just take care with this option as they get very warm. Whether you choose LED or incandescent bulbs, they’ll fit into the same strand so long as the size matches accordingly.
What is a C7 bulb?
C7 bulbs are the smaller than C9s. The have an E12 candelabra base, the same size as a night light bulb. They are around 1 1/2 inches long and generally use 5 watt bulbs for incandescent bulbs. Although that wattage can deviate on most of our clients I use 4 watt C7 bulbs. There are also newer brighter C7 options on the market that are 7 watt incandescent bulbs. These are used for outlining roofs, stringing on pergolas and outlining driveways.
How many LEDs are in a C7 light bulb?
C7 LED light bulbs use 90% less electricity, but are the same size, and can fit into the same size lighting string as incandescent lights. They generally have 3 LEDs per base and come in smooth, faceted and dimmable finishes. C9 LED have the same basic attributes as the C7s but usually have 5 LEDs to the base.
How many watts does a C9 bulb have?
C9 bulbs are larger, over 2 inches long, and fit an E17 base. They are usually available in 7 or 10 watts for incandescent bulbs and are generally used in the same ways as a C7 bulb. Both C7s and C9s come as incandescent option and will get hot with use.
What are incandescent bulbs good for?
The smaller variety of incandescent-style bulbs is especially good for a high end look for residential applications. They are good for outlining roofs and gazebos all year round, for edging gardens, and wrapping and hanging in trees. Disney World utilizes these bulbs in an LED variety for wreaths, garland and around many of their buildings at the Magic Kingdom.
Can you use C7 bulbs on trees?
For this reason, it is recommended to keep them away from flammable decorations and especially trees. Keep in mind these bulbs should never be used on trees as they are a fire hazard. For most applications C7 & C9 lights are screwed into a socket and that socket is attached to a stringer line that has multiple sockets.
Can you use LED lights in animated light shows?
If you wish to use either variety in animated light shows, be sure to opt for dimmable bulbs. The LED varieties also have a wider variety of effects and finishes than their incandescent counterparts. The LED versions of the C7 & C9 strings utilize approximately 1/10th of the wattage of the incandescent versions, so you can usually utilize about 10 times as many bulbs on one run of LEDs vs. incandescent options.
Christmas Light Bulb Size Chart
Christmas bulbs come in various sizes, such as C3, C6, C7, and C9. The letter “C” stands for Cone, which is the nearly sharp form most often associated with Christmas lights. C7, C9, and C6 bulbs are typical, with C5 and C3 bulbs being used to a lesser degree. The number after the C signifies the diameter divided by 8.
Incandescent Christmas Lights or LED Christmas Lights?
To conclude, an LED string will use less electricity but will burn less brightly. Incandescent lights may produce a lot of heat. Just be careful with this choice since it may become really hot.

C6, C7, and C9 Christmas Lights – The Differences
- C6 Christmas Lights
These are the smallest lights that still have that traditional Christmas bulb shape. The only size smaller are mini icicle lights which have a thin, pointed shape in comparison. C6 lights (the C stands for cone Size) are generally ¾” round and 1 ⅛” tall. They have bulbs designed to illuminat… - C7 Christmas Lights
C7 lights are the same shape as C6 lights, but larger. They are a full 1” round and 1.5” tall. They are fairly versatile and can work well on medium to large outdoor trees. C7 bulbs typically burn at about 5 watts per bulb and make a great light source for your property’s holiday lighting.
Incandescent Or Led Christmas Lights?
- We previouslybroke down some of the major differences between the two light types. To summarize, an LED string will utilize less power, but burn less brightly in return. Incandescent lights can burn very bright. Just take care with this option as they get very warm. Whether you choose LED or incandescent bulbs, they’ll fit into the same strand so long as the size matches a…
C9 Christmas Light Installation – Lit Professional Lighting
- If you’re interested in the quality, high-powered brightness from our C9 lights, use Lit Professional Lighting this holiday. It’s not too late to decorate your home and lawn to show your festive spirit. Let us swoop in and give your home the best lighting decorations on the block. To get your home illuminated for the holidays, don’t hesitate to call Lit Professional Lighting at (281)-961-0781. We…