Hello, and welcome to the Cuban Redneck website. In this post, I want to address an issue I see many people searching the internet, and that is how to repair Christmas lights? Given that Christmas lights are very affordable nowadays, should you be putting time and effort into repairing your Christmas lights? I do because if I don’t, I will be buying new lights every holiday season. You know that all saying, they don’t make them like they used to! Well, it definitely applies to Christmas light!
When you search the internet for fixing Christmas lights, you will run into two sets of articles and how-to videos on things like Christmas light replacement fuse and another set trying to sell you a Christmas light repair tool. There are two trendy tools specially designed for Christmas light repairs. They are the Ulta Lit Keeper LED Light Set Repair Tool for LED Christmas lights repair and the Ulta Lit Light Keeper PRO for regular (incandescent) Christmas light repair tool. Either one is going to set you back about $20.00 last I checked! Yes, I recommend using a tool for fixing Christmas lights, but I am suggesting about 10% of those others’ costs.
- NON-CONTACT: The voltage pin tester uses a non-contact method to detect voltage, with an NCV AC induction probe; simply place the tip near the terminal block, wall outlet, or power cord. When the pen tip glows red and the pen beeps, you know there is voltage, so you don't have to worry about the possibility of an electric shock.
- AUTO SHUT-OFF: The tester has an automatic shut-off function. If the test pen is not operated and does not detect AC voltage within 5 minutes, it will turn off automatically. Not only does this save and extend battery life, but it is also safer to use.
- SMART DESIGN: The test pen has a small design and can be taken with you. The unique design of the pocket clip ensures ease of use. At the same time, it has buzzer alarm, loud and sensitive, and and easy to use.
- 【DUAL RANGE】The circuit tester accurately detects standard and low voltage (12-1000V AC / 48-1000V AC), which is more sensitive and flexible. Low sensitivity can probe power supply lines such as power boards, desk lamps, computers, etc., and high sensitivity can detect buried walls and other internal wiring detection (depth≤1.18 inches). The electronic pen can beep from low, medium, and high frequency to indicate voltage.
- 【SAFETY FIRST】The live wire detector detects voltage in a non-contact way, and insulation operation can ensure the safety of testers. Safety Compliance: CAT.III 1000V CAT.IV 600V; CE, FCC.
- 【MULTIFUNCTION, EASY TO USE】The LED flashlight with high brightness can illuminate your workspace in the dark. In addition, the sound, light, and screen display triple alarms, and the voltmeter buzzer alarms loudly, allowing you to feel the voltage visually and audibly.
- allsun GK13 Christmas Light Tester: Bulb Tester is non-contact AC voltage detection,used as a 12V to 600V AC power tester, allows you to easily find any burned out bulbs on your Christmas lights. Power Supplied by 2 pieces 1.5V LR44 button cells.If you have any issues, please kindly check the batteries.
- 50 Pieces Mini Christmas Replacement Light Bulbs:2.5 Volt Replacement Light Bulbs for Xmas Trees Decorative Light Supplies, 0.17 Ampere, 0.43 Watt (Red, Purple, Blue, Pink, Green). Multi-color design: mini modeling surface, warm light. The lighting effect can bring a comfortable atmosphere to any scene.
- Mini Christmas Bulbs Widely Application:These multi-color replacement bulbs are suitable for indoor and outdoor use as Halloween Christmas lights, wonderful to decorate your home for the upcoming holiday season. These can be connected with light strings on Halloween/Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and similar lighted decorations.
- Fixes LED Light Sets (Does NOT work on Incandescent light sets); Tool has built in Bulb & Fuse Tester along with a Bulb Puller.
- One 9 Volt battery, 2 Place Markers to assist in testing, and 2 Universal Replacement PODs to assist with socket issues Included.
- Intended for conventional Christmas LED_light sets that are manufactured in series design. Cannot assist with incandescent, rope lights, light sets with control boxes, low voltage or battery operated light sets.
- LightKeeper Pro fixes most incandescent light sets in seconds with the squeeze of the trigger. LightKeeper Pro's Quick Fix Method repairs the #1 cause of light set failure known as a Shunt Issue (internal bulb failure).
- Great for Pre-Lit Trees, icicle light sets, net lights, wreaths, garland, and other pre-lit décor. Over 6 million LightKeeper Pro's sold!
- Includes Bulb Tester, Fuse Tester, Bulb Puller, Storage Compartment for spare bulbs & fuses, 10 clear replacement bulbs (2.5V, 170mA). Even includes Batteries (1.5 Volt Alkaline).
Replacing vs. Repairing Christmas Lights
I understand that for some people, that taught of putting five minutes towards fixing or repairing a string of Christmas lights is nonsense. But know that it is effortless and it does not take much time at all! Manu of the videos and how-to videos I have seen on YouTube refer to the Christmas light replace fuse, but in my experience, that is rarely the case. However, it is something to consider. With that said and if you are going to replace your Christmas lights, consider buying the incandescent type. I know that everyone is focused on LED, but just like in many other applications, in my opinion, LEDs are not the best option for Christmas lights. The power consumption difference does not equate to even $.50 over the two-three months you will have them on. They look like LEDs! What do I mean? To me, LED Christmas lights look like just a blob of color. They lack the sparkle and glimmering effect Christmas lights are known for, which has to do with the fact that they are plastic and not glass!
Fixing Christmas Lights My Way
Unlike the Christmas light repair tool, you find at your local stores and online that are only good for testing and repairing “Christmas lights.” The tool I recommended, which is known as a non-contact voltage tester, is not only for this purpose but a handy tool around the house. The non-contact voltage tester is how even experienced electricians use to diagnose a blown fuse, blown light bulb, malfunctioning switch, if an outlet has power, and more other things. Along with a hammer, a phillips, and a flat screw drive, everyone should have a non-contact voltage tester in their home.
When it comes to using it to repair your Christmas lights, I want to point out that it is most useful when talking about the incandescent type. Although I have used it when it comes to LEDs, it is not as efficient may yield some false positives. Before we go on, you must understand how Christmas lights are wired. Here is a simple diagram.
- 👉【Why Choose This Plug in Christmas Lights for Outdoor/Indoor】 Super-Long ( Total length is 134ft ), Super Bright with Upgraded LED chips, Safer Plug in(UL588 Approved), Waterproof, 8 Lighting Modes, Atmosphere Decoration
- 👉【Widely Used Outdoor Christmas Decorations 】: Perfect for Patio, Garden, Yard, Porch, Roof, Fence, Restaurant, Hotel, Commercial building, Shopping center etc.
- 👉【Safety Plug in String Lights】 29V low voltage plug with UL certified, make this lights safer than those without UL approval. Widely use to holiday season, bedroom decor, room decorations, wedding decorations, birthday decorations, holiday decorations, wall decor, home decor, teen room decor and so on.
- 2024 New Upgraded Solar Christmas Lights Outdoor Waterproof: Super Bright 2-Pack Each 72ft 200 LEDs String Lights with Upgraded LED Bulbs, Higher Conversion with Larger Size Solar Panel, Larger Capacity Battery(1800mAh), IP65 Waterproof Performance.
- Widely Used Solar Fairy Lights Christmas Decorations: This starbright solar lights is a great choice for Outdoor Decorations, Patio, Garden, Yard, Porch, Roof, Tree, Wedding, Christmas, Party, Fence, Restaurant, Hotel, Commercial building, Shopping center etc.
- Quick Charging Technology, Energy-Saving and High Efficiency: This Christmas string lights charging by solar energy, have no extra utility electric cost, and no need to replace the battery. it can work up to 10-12 hours after being fully charged (6-8 hours).
- 【Christmas Icicle Lights 】 Icicle Lights is 33 Ft long and with 400 led bulbs. And each Decoration light has end to end connection that allows up to 3 light strings connected together to illuminate a wider range if needed
- 【8 Lighting Modes Christmas Lights】 This Christmas decoration lights has 75 drops and with 8 operating modes. Combination, In Waves, Sequential, Slow glow, Chasing Flash, Slow Fade, Twinkle Flash, and Steady On. Different lighting effects are controlled by only one button
- 【Ip44 Waterproof and UL588 Certified】The Christmas decorations lights is perfect for outdoor using, including heavy rain and snow. But please kindly note that the Plug is not waterproof, you need to do some protection or keep them away from water
- 403FT Super Long and 1000LEDs Super Bright: The 403ft Christmas lights with 1000LEDs beads, and 9.84ft plug cord, which can be enough to wrap around and decorate a 15ft Christmas tree, no need to extend. Upgraded higher brightness LED bulbs make each LED beads shine 360 degrees but non-dazzling, to create a cozy, romantic and festive atmosphere for Christmas, Party, Wedding, Stage or Family Dinners. As a holiday decoration, KNONEW Christmas string lights is really Excellent Value.
- Smart Christmas String Lights: Including 1 steady on +7 Variable Lighting Modes(Combination/In Waves/Sequential/Slo-Glo/Chasing/Slow Fade/Flash/Steady On). Stay away from single lighting mode! Whether you are hosting a lively gathering or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, variable Lighting Modes allows you to set the perfect mood for any occasion.
- Safer and More Efficient: Christmas LED Lights is powered by 29V low voltage output Plug with UL certified, and Low-temp LED bulbs ensure no overheat after long time using. Very safety for kids and pets even can hold it or hang it on their bodies. The LED beads not only do they consume a fraction of the energy , but they also boast a longer lifespan, saving your both energy and money in the long run. It's a win-win situation that combines eco-friendliness with cost-effectiveness.
As you can see, electricity flows from one prong in the plug to the first bulb, the bulb’s output goes to the next, and so on. What happens is that if the filament of anyone bulb is broken, the flow of electricity is also broken, keeping the next bulb from lighting up.
This is a function, or should I say, a malfunction that we can easily detect using the non-contact voltage tester by simply testing each bulb in the area that is not lighting up. Unlike the image above, 100, 200, and even 300 light strings are sections in sets of ten to twelve bulbs, making the number of bulbs test about five to six on average. Repairing your Christmas lights with a non-contact voltage tester is easy, and in most cases, it takes only a few minutes. Unlike the Christmas light test tool, you can have a handy tool around the house capable of doing many other functions.
Last update on 2024-12-20 at 21:26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
