Helpful Hint: Inexpensive Christmas lights purchased in multi-packs are ideal for decorating your whole home for the holiday season. As you can see the blue wire (the wire connecting the lights) must always be connected to one of the loose wires. Step 1: Gather your materials (the lights you wish to cut, wire cutters, outdoor/waterproof wire connectors, and waterproof electrical tape). Choose one of the following ways to terminate shortened cords: Need a picture? One of them is connected (through the plug) to the wide blade or receptacle; the other to the narrow. XXXOOO! The steps below will show you how to install these types of plugs on a wire. Id like to extend the distance between bulbs to go from one section of the house to another without having to unscrew bulbs. One wire has a slightly raised "rib" along one side (you may have to feel for it). This video shows how easy they are to install! Step 2: Because youll be working with exposed wires, youll want to use an abundance of caution. Customizable lights do not come with attached plugs like standard outdoor lights do. We find this photo from that article to be super-useful. Wire cutters again, a pair can be purchased in any hardware or electrical supply store. As you slide the backing on, it will press the electrical cord firmly onto the vampire teeth, securing the electrical connection. With that being said, you would need to connect the 2 wires together and might need to extend the 3rd wire by itself. These teeth bite into the cord when the plug is assembled to connect to electric current.
Most mini Christmas lights and LED Christmas lights are wired as multiple sections of wired in series. Start by locating both sides of each series section of lights that turn off when a bulb is removed. These problems are even more likely once theyve been cut. Im looking to shorten a light stand to about only 5 lights but the C9 bulbs ate too big. Look for the 2 wires entering the last bulb where you want the strand to end. The result is a polished Christmas light display with clean lines and no extra mess of wires or unused sockets. Heres how you can remove an entire section: Shortening LED Christmas lights can be done safely with the right tools and steps. Hi Jean, That is a great idea for another video. Align these humps to ensure you're attaching the back the right way. If the lights go outdoors be sure to useoutdoor/waterproof wire connectors. Last year my son did the lights and we ended up with a giant clot of ganglion wires over the front door it looked far more Halloween than Xmas, but we were too lazy/busy/disinterested to do anything about it but laugh. With the holiday seasons nearing, its almost time to put up those festive Christmas lights in your shop or at home and go beyond just the bulbs. One wire has a slightly raised "rib" along one side (you may have to feel for it). In this guide we'll show you the best ways to create a custom Christmas light display perfectly tailored to your home! Note that both the socket and the backing have a matching "hump" on one side. This year will be somewhat different, thanks to you . America's most shopped online Christmas lights store! Light stringers where bulbs can be replaced are commonly used for C7 and C9 Christmas bulb displays. Prices, promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Only one loose wire and the wire coming from the light bulbs should be connected together. Register with an email address and password.
Nevertheless, it is still possible. Gray House Studio does receive commissions for sales from these links but at no extra cost to you. The installation process is the same whether you are using E12 or E17 size sockets. 6) Now push the backing down onto the electrical cord firmly enough to press the cord onto the teeth in the socket. This maintains the polarization of the electrical current. But have you ever bought a string of lights only to have it be slightly too long for where you want to hang it? Follow the simple steps and the second diagram below and you will be able to shorten string Christmas lights in no time. Ive found 2 strand but againOCD. Not only is it unsafe to use indoor lights outside in general, but it will be even more unsafe after you cut them. It can also reduce the need for extra extension cords or leaving live open sockets in areas of the display you don't want bulbs to be seen. Choose a few times that work best for you: Simply choose date & time option(s) that fit your schedule. Ive been looking for a way to shorten some lights for a project Im working on and this is perfect! Learn more tips at KRM Light+. When it comes to light wires, there are two options for customization. Shop the products we used for this project in one place. Zip plugs feature a slide-off backing that lets you lay electrical cord inside. 
Luckily, there's a much faster way of creating custom Christmas lights using zip plugs, zip cord and zip sockets. Exposed wires can shock you. With zip plugs, zip cord and electrical accessories you can create custom lighting configurations tailored to your home's unique design. Now that you know how to shorten string Christmas lights, you can fill in any small gaps of lights on your roof or create custom length string lights to decorate with in your home. Note that the plastic divider down in the well should separate the split ends of your electrical cord. They both figuratively and literally brighten ones home and makes one feel more cheerful during those dreary winter months. That said, if you have any questions, dont hesitate to research further! When you slide the backing on again, this presses the cord down onto the "vampire teeth" inside of the plug, creating a connection with the electrical current. Apply gentle force so as not to damage the socket, and make sure the backing is seated firmly all the way around. Step 5: Cover any remaining exposed wire with weatherproof electrical tape. Rest assured, we'll call to confirm. You may want to use pliers, or set the socket down and press the backing on with a hard, flat item like a piece of wood. Once youve cut it, cover each loose end with a wire nut and secure it firmly with electrical tape. After twisting the wires together secure with a wires connector. The diagram above shows the CORRECT way to connect the spliced wires. Think through your project and you might even be able to use the extra cord for another project. For information on which zip plugs and wires you should use for your project, visit our Wiring Accessories guide. This is important. There are three different wires. So to identify each section on the strand, simply remove a bulb and mark the beginnings and ends of where the lights go out.
A good rule of thumb is that most rope lights, lights that are labeled as patio lights, and Christmas lights are usually safe to be used outdoors because theyre made with durable materials.
All tips below are based on our experience and if you use any of the techniques shown below, you are doing so at your own risk. Ace Rewards members spending $50 or more are eligible to receive free Next Day delivery on in-stock orders. Its a somewhat complicated process that well outline as best we can. You can still receive delivery on qualifying items for a fee. Step 6: Once everything is safely cut and the ends are taped over, plug the lights in to make sure they work. Christmas Lights, EtcWholesale and Retail Christmas Lights and Trees - Wholesale & Commercial Sales. What if I only want to remove a few bulbs, not a whole section? ), 15 Best Thanksgiving Roast Turkey Recipes, 15 Fall Wedding Ideas That Are Cozy and Chic. It also eliminates any excess wiring at the end of your runs. For screen reader problems with this website, please call. Sounds familiar? You may have to press it in a bit with your finger. I found some black covers that fit over mini lights so you can reduce any number of lights in a string. For Commercial E26 patio cords, all you need are 15-amp rated male plugs if you are working with spools. If you dont mind a little asymmetry, then dont sweat it! Any cords that are made with 20, 18, 16, or 14 AWG lamp cord wiring can be cut to fit. These will be used to secure the ends of your shortened LED Christmas lights.
Our delivery program lets you get the qualifying items delivered from the store to your door by a helpful Ace associate. As you slide the backing on, it will press the electrical cord firmly onto the vampire teeth, securing the electrical connection. For C7 and C9 18 AWG wire, we love the ease of installation that comes with gilbert plugs. Note that the ones designed to be cut are far more expensive than standard strands because they come with a large amount of lights to accommodate more customizable lengths. Ace Rewards members are eligible to receive free delivery on orders of $50 or more. If your goal is to remove one or two lights off a strand wired in series it is possible but not ideal. Good news! Make sure the ribbed wire is laying on the tooth that's connected to the side of the socket. *Shipping outside the continental 48 United States and over-sized items requiring truck shipping will incur additional shipping fees. So always double-check before purchasing lights for use outside to make sure that the ones you have can endure the outdoor conditions! There are an amazing number of choices when it comes to patio lighting. Enjoy your new shortened LED Christmas lights. If you google add plug to lamp cord there will be lots of information that is similar. Is there a way to do this to indoor fairy lights?? How do I put a plug end to the other 1/2 of the string? This is the "neutral" wire. What you cannot forget to spend a perfect day at the beach, What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents (and How Can You Reduce Your Risks? Blue (22-870) or Gray (22-871) wire nuts are the two that work the best for small gauge (22-16 AWG) wires. I bet youll ne, #ad | We were long overdue to give our bed an upgr, Currently juggling a hundred projects right now in, Shop the products we used for this project in one place, Painting a Perfect Oil-Rubbed Bronze Finish. helpful thanks i will try this on my project. Splicing Means Different Things to Different People. Participation and delivery area vary by store. Lastly, cover the wire with a wire nut connector and secure with electrical tape so it doesnt fall off. You can either end the wire with a socket or add a male or female zip plug to the end as needed. With the lights unplugged cut wires with wire cutters between the bulbs and cap each end with wire connectors. Participation and delivery area vary by store. Free delivery offer excludes same day delivery. Please contact customer service. Important: Use caution when working with exposed wires! Now look closely at your electrical cord. We explained in our article answering the question, Are Christmas lights in series or parallel?, we discussed that while mini lights with small wiring harnesses wired in series cannot be easily cut to custom lengths, parallel wired cords can be cut and terminated. So if you cant afford the price of the designed-to-be-cut outdoor hanging lights, you can still buy regular strands labeled for outdoor use and snip them to your preferred length. LED Christmas lights wired as a series will consist of 3 wires then slowly taper off to 2 wires then back to 3 as it starts a new section. And now you would have Two separate sections of lights. If youre only removing a small number of bulbs, this isnt a big deal; however, be cautious of removing too many bulbs. Make sure no loose wire strands are sticking out. 1) Unplug anything you are going to be working with. Option 1: Purchase commercial light strings or spools with the sockets already attached in popular increments like 6, 12 & 18 inch bulb spacing. Orders must be placed on days the store is open, before 4pm local time or 2 hours before store closing time, whichever is earlier. This is the "neutral" wire. LED Christmas lights are a safer option for festive holiday decorations. How can I know if the lights Im looking at run in a series or not? 6) Align the ribbed wire with the "vampire tooth" that's connected to the wide blade or receptacle of your plug, press the end of the electrical cord down into the "well" on one end of the plug. We appreciate you supporting this site. Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison. This diagram shows how Christmas lights wired in series are wired. This is important. When trimming your lights to fit a particular space, the most ideal scenario would be cutting outdoor hanging lights that are designed to be customized. 3. Remember to consult with a master electrician if you have any questions and to check your work. Almost! When it comes to house current, it is good to be double safe! The latter, however, is trickier as removing only a few bulbs may end up burning out the remaining lights because of the uneven distribution of electricity. You should see that the Christmas lights change from having 3 wires to 2 wires then changes back to 3 wires. Cut the remaining wire the same length as the other two. Moreover, you need to decide how long you want your new string of Christmas lights to be. For homes that feature roof lines with extra peaks, windows, dormers and other architectural features that look good when outlined with Christmas lights, customizing the lengths you need can not only look much better, but it can be easier to install. Thanks! In theory, you can cut any type of outdoor hanging lights as long as you know how to do so safely; however, there are companies that sell string lights specifically designed for being cut to a desired length. This will lay the electrical cord across the vampire teeth. That said, it is possible to cut regular string lights to a desired length as long as you do so safely and dont plug them in until youre sure theyve been cut and mended correctly. As you can see, removing a few bulbs isnt a huge deal but remove too many and risk burning out all the lights. This will help you find out which method will work best for your needs. 8) Slide the backing onto the plug again. Note that these teeth are not aligned. Thank you. You'll note that it's actually two wires side by side. If youve ever had to replace a bulb on Christmas lights, you know that if one goes out, a whole portion goes out. Now look closely at your electrical cord. By connecting the wires this way, the lights will turn on when you plug it in. Although not an ideal scenario, it is possible to only remove a few bulbs; however, you dont want to remove too many. There are two ways you can do so: by removing an entire section or by removing a few bulbs. Theyre also available online. I know some strings will be too long so this is a perfect fix! The lights I have are icicles so the strand has either 3 wires or 4 wires between each icicle. Risk of removing individual lights from lights wired in series. This will lay the electrical cord across the vampire teeth (again, make sure the ribbed wire is laying on the tooth that's connected to the wide blade or receptacle). You must switch the wire coming from the light bulb to connect to the other loose wire. Wire nut connectors you can buy this in any hardware or electrical supply stores near you. Were here to give you the installers secret to perfect lengths of Christmas light without the need to pre-measure and order to fit. Lay your electrical cord into the channel on the back of the socket. 4) Now look closely at your electrical cord. 7) Bend the wire over and lay it into the channel that runs the length of your plug. Electrical tape this is optional, but if you want to make sure that your wire nuts are secured, then its best to purchase a roll as well. How to make sure youre not wasting your money, The 5 best outdoor floodlights for your yard, 3 of the best solar garden lights for a bright and eco-friendly yard, 5 outdoor lighting tips we learned from experience so you didnt have to, How to soundproof windows so you can finally get a good nights sleep, 10 bad ideas for your front yard that will kill your curb appeal, How to level a yard (and 3 reasons why you really should), These are the best zone 8 plants for your warm, bright climate, How to harvest romaine lettuce you can eat fresh from the garden, The 5 best places to buy succulents online to start your plant collection, What you need for a gorgeous indoor rose plant, Everything you need to know about growing healthy ferns indoors, How to grow tomatoes from seed for the biggest, most delicious haul. If you cut the lights where there are only two wires adding a plug is pretty simple. This is the "neutral" wire which connects to the wide blade or receptacle of your plug. 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We'll reach out to you shortly to discuss your project and answer any questions you may have. Some pressure will be needed to slide the plug in place and you may even need to use pliers. The many outdoor lighting options out there have the capacity to transform any backyard, deck, or patio into something remarkably beautiful. WONDERFUL, thank you!!! Christmas lights are a must-have item for the holiday season. Using a sharp knife or other cutting tool, gently split the end of your zip cord to separate the two wires, pulling them apart a half inch. Anyone able to help with this? Unplug anything you are going to be working with. Find a picture online of lights in a *Parallel* circuit, which is what you have. Is It Really Possible to Acquire an Office in Mayfair? It sure doesnt hurt to wrap the wire nuts with some electrical tape to make sure they dont get knocked off. Like these! (Other than an extra couple of plugs!). Well done! The best way to shorten lights wired in series is to remove an entire series section of lights by cutting lights apart where there are only has two wires, with the lights unplugged. Excludes Giant Everest trees and commercial decorations. I am interested in: (check all that apply). Although this is fairly easy to do, the risk lies in the possibility of overloading the remaining bulbs in the section. This will be a great way to improve our light display. What size wire nuts do you use to seal off the ends of the lights (only one string per nut)? The other is connected (through the socket) to a metal tab running up the side of the socket. Most useful when removing more than 1 or 2 lights. Each colored line represents a different wire. Shop Ace to find all the Christmas lights you need to prepare for the most wonderful time of the year. All materials, unless otherwise noted, were taken from the Internet and are assumed to be in the public domain.In the event that there is still a problem or error with copyrighted material, the break of the copyright is unintentional and noncommercial and the material will be removed immediately upon presented proof. With the lights unplugged, cut the two wires that enter the last light in the series strand with wire cutters. You may want to use pliers, or set the socket down and press the backing on with a hard, flat item like a piece of wood. Step 1: If your budget allows, opt for lights that are designed to be cut to a customizable length. Align the ribbed wire with the "vampire tooth" that's connected to the wide blade or receptacle of your plug, press the end of the electrical cord down into the "well" on one end of the plug. These teeth bite into the cord when the plug is assembled to connect to electric current. Im a bit OCD and it drives me nuts to see the empty sockets running across my roof. You kept it simple and informative. If you want to fix these problems yourself but dont know how to shorten LED Christmas lights, then we have the right tips for you. Shop Ace to buy Christmas tree lights and other seasonal lighting options to add festive flair to your home. Christmas lights wired in series spread 120 volts coming out of the plug across all the lights. Then, cut the third wire to match the length of the other two wires and cap it with a wire connector. Then install zip sockets at any spacing intervals you like along the wire. You'll note that it's actually two wires side by side. Use cable ties or spools designed for ribbon or speaker cable to keep your strings of holiday lights organized when they're stored. 2) Slide the backing off of your zip plug. Inside of the plug you'll see two "vampire teeth" set down into the channel that runs along the length of the plug. See more about these cords. Are Christmas lights in series or parallel? This was great. Have you ever found yourself in a situation while decorating for Christmas where you need a shorter string of Christmas lights? As you can see in the diagram, the red wire is not connected at all. Set the back on the socket. Here are a couple of examples that are worth a 1000 words. 1) Make sure nothing you're working with is plugged in. Thanks! If all the lights remain on then most likely the strand is wired in parallel. Christmas festivities arent complete without the presence of Christmas lights. 2000 - 2022 Christmas Lights, Etc. This is the "neutral" wire which connects to the wide blade or receptacle of your plug. The other is connected (through the socket) to a metal tab running up the side of the socket. The reason why removing a whole section is the best way is because outdoor hanging lights that are wired in sections spread 120 volts throughout the whole strand. Lights (and extension cords, if needed) rated for outdoor use. Since theyre designed to be cut, theres much less of a safety risk, and youll have room to work with if you ever decide you want to cut more. This is one section. Discount is off product's original list price. You can usually find their safety rating stamped on the cords themselves. 1. 5) Set the back on the socket. Planning your light display before making a purchase will save you from a lot of potential roadblocks during installation. Your email address will not be published. It will connect to the vampire tooth that's connected to the metal tab on the side of your socket and maintain the polarization of the electrical current. Your email address will not be published. 4) Lay your electrical cord into the channel on the back of the socket. Zip sockets arrive in two pieces, a socket and a backing, which you connect to attach to your electrical wire. We hope this helps you adjust the length of your Christmas lights so you can now you hang up you custom length string Christmas lights! Note that the plastic divider down in the well should separate the split ends of your electrical cord. You do not need 3 strand wire to extend them. The more bulbs you remove from each section, the more chances of burning out the remaining bulbs. One of them is connected to a metal tab at the bottom of the socket. As long as you do everything safely and properly, youll be able to cut standard string lights to a desired length and still be able to enjoy a nice outdoor atmosphere. There was an error processing your signup! And then you have to decide where to put the excess portion because you dont want to leave it dangling, but you might not want it to look off-balance from the other end. The thought of all that perfection without wrapping and hiding the ends of the cords is a fantasy for all Christmas light lovers! Behind the tree, they're the most important aspect of creating a merry, seasonal environment for your friends and family. Each section is wired so that the current is evenly distributed among all the bulbs that by removing one or two bulbs, the others end up receiving more electricity. Cover the newly joined wires with a wire nut connector and secure it with electrical tape. As long as you cut it in the middle as Was instructed there should only be Two cut wires on the strand with out a male plug. This diagram shows that if you connect the wires this way it will short circuit and throw the breaker for the outlet.
Required fields are marked *. Thank you. These wires can then be cut wherever you want the light run to end. 205 Curie Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30005 - All rights reserved. Their thicker insulation makes them better for withstanding weather conditions. Step 2: If you need extension cords, buy cords that are safe for outdoor use. See Details. Most folks asking this question are interested in Christmas light strings that will be the exact length of the sides of their rooflines and driveways. Even besides the safety issues, when you use indoor lights outside, theyre more prone to dying out in a small amount of time or even shorting out when they get wet. FREE for Ace Rewards Members on Orders $50+ Sign In/Join Now. The fee is determined at checkout. This is important. While electrically savvy DIY'ers can tackle most basic wiring fixes, it is recommended that Christmas mini light strings that are damaged be replaced rather than repaired. Then, simply cap each of the two cut wires with awire connector. Step 2: When buying lights designed to be cut, you'll need to purchase plugs for them. One wire has a slightly raised "rib" along one side. Everyone's display needs are different and sometimes the best answer for the cleanest display is to customize your Christmas lights. But if you do, youre probably wondering, Can you cut string lights? The short answer is: yes. Maybe you need to finish a small section on your roof or you would like to add lights to your fireplace mantle but dont need 30 feet to get the job done. Measure how long you want your new string of lights to be. Thanks for the great diagrams. The first one is the safer and easier option as it would only require you to cut away a part of the entire string of lights. Note that these teeth are not aligned. In this area you can display your biographic info. Christmas lights are a major part of decorating your home for the holiday season. Align these humps to ensure you're attaching the back the right way.
Butnot all Christmas lights can or should be customized. This will be where the previous section of lights end. However, that isnt always an option.
If you connect the wires this way the light bulbs are only connected to one side of the power and they will not turn on. Cut them to fit yourself, no special purchase required! Can I cut Christmas lights to length? Shop Ace Hardware to buy Christmas lights for indoor and outdoor use. Sometimes, a section of the lights has already burnt out with a large part still working. The light stringers use a two-wire configuration only and the stringers can be bought in up to 1,000 ft spools, which is what professional installers often use to create custom length light runs. One wire has a slightly raised "rib" along one side. Cut those wires and strip off the ends with your wire cutter. After you've finished decorating your home's interior, show off your holiday spirit outside. Ace Hardware and the Ace Hardware logo are registered trademarks of Ace Hardware Corporation. Look for the part of your lights where it tapers off into 2 wires. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. You can also easily shop our recommended products here. They do seem to have a very slight flicker, but better than dangling lights under the eave. I am replacing some outdoor lights. Great! All rights reserved. Ace Rewards members spending $50 or more are eligible to receive free Next Day delivery on in-stock orders. Step 1: Look at the safety ratings on lights you're interested in purchasing to ensure they are rated for outdoor use. After youve selected your bulb and cord, youll need to choose a proper plug.
Find white indoor lights, oversized outdoor lights, multi-color LED light sets and all the other options you need to make this season bright. ), Get This Look: Romantic Edison Bulbs Light a Tucson Patio, 5-Minute Project: 4th of July Glass Block, Quick and easy backyard fence lighting project. Do grow lights really work? strand where there are only two wires and cap each cut wire with an outdoor/waterproof wire connector. The lights are designed so each bulb receives all 120 volts and each bulb has a direct route to power, meaning they can be cut to any length without overpowering and burning out bulbs.
There's nothing like a beautiful Christmas light display accented with zip tied clumps of electrical wire and mangled extension cords. When cutting standard outdoor hanging lights, your best option will be to remove a whole section at a time. Maybe you purposely bought longer lights because you cant find the right length and wanted to shorten them yourself. & Outdoor Living.Inspiration, tips and how-tos for a more verdant lifestyle for city dwellers and suburban farmers alike, HappySprout offers a modern take on green living that sparks joy from the roots up. Be sure to twist the wires tightly. Indoor options for your tree, outdoor options for your home, and unique mini-lights for hanging around the house or decorating furniture are all ideal for adding holiday spirit to every space. However, some may find that the Christmas lights they recently bought are far too long for their intended use. Thanks for the information. See the following section for instructions. This is important. Be careful! By learning how to shorten LED Christmas lights, you can ensure that your light decorations are exactly how you want them to be. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Some pressure will be needed to slide the plug in place and you may even need to use pliers.
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