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How to Maintenance your Christmas Lights Part II

Categories: Holiday Tree Lights, Home Lighting | October 16th, 2010 | by Maria | no comments

Click here for Part I of this article

Power Setup

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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Christmas Lights Dallas: DIY Lighting–Part II

Categories: Christmas Lights, Home Lighting | September 16th, 2010 | by Maria | no comments

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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Christmas Lights Dallas: DIY Lighting–Part I

Categories: Christmas Lights, Home Lighting | September 11th, 2010 | by Maria | no comments

By Maria Bargellini, president of DFW Christmas Lights

Want to do your own lights? Great–here are some thing to consider and tips to help you get started.

1. Which lights can you connect together? This is by far the biggest mistake people make. Here are some rules to live by.

Do not connect mini lights of different numbers together-never connect a 100 light set to a 50 light set. If you do, the 50 light set will burn out prematurely. The same goes for any other combination.
Do not connect different bulb types together. LED strands and mini lights burn at different voltages and will burn out prematurely as well. LED C9′s cannot be mixed with incandescent C9′s for this same reason.
Read the manufacturers directions for connecting their lights. Some allow up to 6 to be connected end to end while others only 3. Connecting more than you’re allow may overload your circuit, short out your lights or worst–cause a fire.

2. Will any extension cord due? NO spend your money on good extension cords and do not overload them. The cords you see at the discount store may have a price that’s too good to be true. That because they are. At first glance they may appear to be the same as your typical 15amp cords commonly sold in our big box and hardware stores but some are inferior or worst-counterfeit. The larger the copper and better the insulation the more current it can carry. Inferior cords will have smaller copper wires and inferior insulation–both are UL tested to protect you. Counterfeits are not regulated and therefore are not tested.

Buy your cords from a reputable store
A regular 9 ft. extension cord with a 3 plug receptacle will handle 3 light sets of the same length per receptacle.hat’s a total of 9 lights.
You can vary sets with different number of lights on an extension cord, but as with wall receptacles, not in the same receptacle. ie-1 outlet can have 3-100 set lights, 2 outlet can have 3 50 set lights, and the 3rd can have 3 other decorations
Make sure that the cord you’re using has enough amperage carrying capacity to light your lights. You may need to use mutliple cords that are powered from multiple power outlets (receptacles).

3. What about my tree topper? Do not connect lighted tree toppers or novelty light sets into other end to end plugs.
Following the mixing of lights rule, you cannot connect a lighted tree topper or novelty light set (usually containing 10-30 lights) to other sets of end to end lights and not expect premature burnout. Use a dedicated plug outlet and an extension cord to accommodate tree toppers and novelty lights.

On larger trees I like to use a few small to mid size tree toppers in place of large ornaments.
I know you want to put your tree topper last but it is easier to hide the wires if you lay it in before your mini lights. You can always lights it last.

Click here for part II of this article

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