Maintenance

To date there aren’t any Christmas lights that are manufactured here in the US, but we use millions of lights. Manufacturing so many lights for consumption with only months to prepare has led to holiday decorations notoriously being poorly manufactured and unreliable. Our Christmas lights are commercial grade, with greater durability and quality than our competitors. The following guide offesr advice and solutions to the most common Christmas light problems whether you’re using our lights or your own.

WHEN LIGHTS FAIL

1. Check that all circuits are on and that all plugs are plugged into a sufficient power source.
2. Check the plug fuses of the light set. If the filament within the fuse is broken, replace the fuse. It is also sometimes necessary to spread plug prongs of plugs to insure circuit contact. This is a common problem.
3. While the light set is plugged into a sufficient current, run a finger slowly over the bulb tops. If the light set comes on while touching a particular bulb, this bulb is most likely causing a short in the circuit. Remove and replace this bulb. In this case, the wire was not making contact with the light socket.
4. Check that the appropriate amount of light sets are plugged into each other, end to end. There should be no more than two (2) sets of lights plugged into each other.
5. If the lights are plugged into an extension cord, there may be an overload. Make sure there are not too many lights plugged into the cord. Also check the plug fuse of the extension cord. *NOTE* It is always best to check any light set while it is plugged into a wall plug outlet.
6. Should a light set be burning brighter than normal, there are most likely more than eight (8) to fifteen (15) bulbs that have burned out. Find and replace those bulbs that are not working. Do not replace burned out bulbs while the light set is plugged in. This will cause a current surge and will burn out the new bulb.
7. When replacing a burned-out bulb in a mini light set, it is helpful to use a tester. This will dramatically simplify the repair of light sets on both trees and displays. To use the tester, plug one light set into the plug outlet on the light tester. Push the test button on the tester; a buzzing sound will come from any defective bulbs. Remove and replace the bulb(s). On light sets of over fifty lights (light spheres, 100 light sets, etc.), remove one bulb from the end of the set or sphere, and plug the light into the tester. Push the test button. Remove and replace the bulb. Continue testing each light until the defective light is found.

Power Setup–Click here for Part II of this article

You don’t need to read your electric bill to know that outdoor Christmas lights can draw a huge amount of power. 100 feet of incandescent C9 bulbs, for instance, draw 3 and half times more power than most televisons! Needless to say, if you plug too many light strings into one plug, you will quickly overload that circuit.

Most homes have a 16 amp plug in the front and back yard; however, that circuit is usually shared with a room in the home, so not all 16 amps are usable. If you are planning a large Christmas light display, it is wise to calculate the number of amps your Christmas lights and decorations draw to make sure it is far less than 16 amps.

Amperage is usually posted on the UL tag at one end of your light string. If it is not, use this formula to determine the amperage of your light strings:

Number of Feet x Number of Watts Per Bulb / 125 Volts = Number of Amps

Using the example above:

100 Feet of C9 Bulbs x 7 Watts per Bulb / 125 Volts = 5.6 Amps.

Assuming other electrical devices are not using this circuit, you could plug additional lights or decorations into your outdoor plug. However, you should check the UL tag for maximum connections (usually 3) before plugging additional lights in end-to-end.

Note: Most Mini Light strings are not rated in watts, but amps, so the math is done for you.

Disclaimer

Please note: This information is just a general guideline to assist you in your project. With any electrical product or situation there is a risk of electrical shock. DFW Christmas Lights and it’s parent company, Dallas Curb Appeal accepts no liability for the content of this article, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this e-mail are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company-

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By Maria Bargellini of DFW Christmas Lights.

You know you what to do Holiday Lighting but you aren’t sure what to do–No Worries. Our Holiday Lighting Designers can put your mind at ease by working with you to create the perfect design. Our Virtual Designs help you visualize what your home will look like at it’s seasonal best. Below is a sample of a virtual design and an actual installation.

Virtual Design

Actual Installation

Virtual Estimates: We offer FREE estimates for both “Virtual” and “In Person” clients. These virtual designs allows us to provide our services for busy families who don’t have the time during the day to meet with a professional holiday designer. With this new process we can digital measure and apply the Christmas Lights right on to a picture of your house. You can send your picture via e-mail or we can take one out in the field.

So if you’re not sure if you want colored lights or will like the look of lighting your pathway–no problem. These designs are easy to edit and change offering you a wide range of options for your Christmas Lights.

You can visualize your house with the following

• Different bulb colors
• Different bulb sizes
• Color accents
• Lighting trees
• Roof Lines
• Wreaths
• Garlands
• Lined windows
• Lined sides
• Lined pathways
• and much more..

Usually, your holiday lighting design and estimate will be ready within 1-24hrs of sending your picture. You can email it to Sales@DFWChristmasLights.Com 24hours a day /7 days a week. Call today for more information 214-257-8813.

DFW Christmas Lights and The Outdoor Lighting Expert are owned and operated by Dallas Curb Appeal Inc., A licensed and insured full service landscape contractor.

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Ever wonder what the Christmas holiday is like in other parts of the world? Below is an excerpt of an article on what Christmas, or rather the holidays are like around the world.

Christmas In Argentina

People go to the church with family, then come back to a family gathering. At midnight after eating they toast, then the adults’ dance while younger people go out to see the fireworks. After this they go to sleep, but not before they open the presents under the Christmas tree. That day is very special for because they are Christian and celebrate Jesus’ birth on the 24th of December. The dinner food is pork, turkey, and a great variety of meals. Then the table is covered with sweet things, cider, beer, and juice for consuming while waiting for the time of the toast. After the toast all the family chat, others play.Houses are decorated with red and white garlands; on the door Father Christmas’s Boots are placed. The Christmas tree is decorated with colored lights, ornaments and Father Christmas placed on top of it. Mothers make different kinds of meals such as roasted turkey, roasted pork, stuffed tomatoes, mince pies, Christmas’s bread and puddings. The toast: drink prepared with different kinds of fruit which is cut into pieces, then it is mixed with juice and cider.

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Christmas Lighting Display sequenced to The First Noel–sort of.

DFW Christmas Lights is owned and operated by Dallas Curb Appeal, A full service Landscape Contractor helping you Love Where You Live.

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By Maria Bargellini or DFW Chritmas Lights.com

Continuation of another article: Christmas Lights Dallas: DIY Lighting–Part I

4. Should I start with the lights on or off? There’s nothing worst then hitting the switch on the tree just to see that the hardest lights to get to don’t work.

• Plug in light strings before putting them on the tree. Plugging in lights allows you to find missing or burned out bulbs before you decorate your tree and helps you to evenly distribute the lights throughout the tree.

5. Do I need a Surge protector? Yes, we recommend the use of surge protectors.

• Plug light strings into a surge protector. As an extra deterrent to overload, and to protect your lights from voltage spikes, plug your lights into a surge protector.
• They are relatively inexpensive and you can never be “too” protected. Just make sure you read the directions as it will tell you how many amps you can put on it.

6. Can I use any of my old spare bulbs? Replacement bulbs are not all the same. They may vary in voltage and bulb type.

• Don’t replace a 35 light set bulb with a 50 light set bulb because a 35 light set uses a 3.5 volt bulb while a 50 light set uses a 2.5 volt bulb.
• Don’t use different base types either. Some pop in while others screw in–do not mix these 2 different types.
• Use replacement bulbs of the correct voltage and type. Keep your spares packed away with the lights they belong to so that it’s quick and easy.

7. What is  the easiest way to hold the lights? Long trails of lights can be tough to deal with and may be broken by walking over them when circling the tree.

• Unpack lights and wrap them in a ball
• If the lights are too long and make for a ball that is too big, roll it in two ball sections. It’s easier to control the lights and keep them untangled.
• When you remove them, pack them up in balls so they are ready for next year. Pack them in a container exactly how you use them. And whenever possible drop in the (flatten) box they came in so that you have all the information you will need in the future.

DFW Christmas Lights, and The Outdoor Lighting Expert are owned and operated by Dallas Curb Appeal, a full service landscape contractor in Dallas. If you have questions or comments on this post please leave a comment below.

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