Trouble Shooting
By Maria Bargellini
So your Christmas lights don’t work and you don’t know why. This post should help you figure out what’s going on and how to fix it. Trouble shooting electrical issues with your Christmas lights can be easy at times and it can also make you want to pull your hair out. If you require assistance with your Christmas lights please feel free to call or write anytime.
| Issue | Equipment | Possible problem | Solution |
| Lights won’t turn on | Timer | Power out, Timer bad or not set | Check for power first. If power is working check and re-set timers. Electrical surges or outages can knock timers off time or damage them. |
| GFIC outlet | Outlet doesn’t have power | Test for power. If dry ou -t reset outlet. If the outlet does not appear to be a GFIC search for the closest GFIC in the vicinity, they will most likely be connected. | |
| Individual strands off | Strand | Squirrel or other animal damage, fuse blew, | Replace the fuse, usually located by the plug. Replace the strand if damage is not repairable. If you have a lot of chewing animals you should keep extra strands on hand. |
| GFIC won’t turn on | GFCI outlet | Outlet not working or tripped | If it is still moist or raining out the GFCI may continue to trip. Wait until it is dry before you re-set it. These devices do fail when tripped excessively or well-aged. Replacement may be warranted. |
| Lights don’t last long | Strands | Too many strands together or too many different strands together. | If using residential strands make sure you do not have more than 3 connected end to end. Only use like strands together. Most lights are rated to last for 3 years; it may just be time for a change. |
| Lights not on at the same time | Timers | Mechanical and digital timer overload | Mechanical timers can be as much as 5+ mins off. Because of load constraints your roof may not be connected continuously and can be on 2 timers that are not going on at the same time. Digital timers can get up to 1 minute difference but are more susceptible to power surges and overloads. Heavier loads may also lag in time. A short wait may be unavoidable. Try LED bulbs instead. |
Any advice, guidance or other information provided on this or any website that Dallas Curb Appeal Inc. operates cannot completely anticipate your situation or skill level. If you are at all unsure about completing any action as described on any of Dallas Curb Appeal Inc. websites such as but not limited to holiday lighting, outdoor lighting, irrigation, drainage or landscape work, consult a qualified professional in your area to go over your specific needs and to perform any of the service(s) you require.
ALWAYS follow local code requirements before undertaking any home electrical project, especially those taking place outdoors where weather can adversely affect the task. Contact your local electrical authority and or your insurance company to ensure that you comply with all policies, warranties, regulations and authorities concerning this and any other type of work. Additional Disclaimer here.