Good evening, happy Hollidays! Put up sets (approx 10) of string a lights wrapped around a tree. White lights on bottom with blue lights on several branches of the tree. Everything worked tonight when lights were first on then the branch lights went out. Thank you for your help.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline they are just on, no light show. I have the branches individually wrapped and then connected with another set with the blue lights.
When this happens to me. And it does reach year, it was so to one of two causes. One, one of the connected strings male and female ends came apart or became loosened. Or, an animal chewed through one of the strings which disabled the flow of electricity.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline ok I was just at lowes and was reading the bakc of the lights box. It says you can only connect up to 5 sets. I think I have exceeded that. I may have 10 or more connected to one power source. Would that mean the fuses blown, wrap it up its a done deal or add more power sources to other plugs (finding which ones I can't connect to). Thank you
Prelits are just so dang hard to fix, BD. For dim but not dark lights, check for exposed or bent wires around the connection points. This is oftentimes due to wildlife getting to a wire or a break in the wire that occurred during storage. To rule out the outlet, plug it into a different outlet just to rule out low voltage issues.
Thanks Charlie for that great insight. The problem with my Christmas light, is that the lights went dim almost immediately I turned them on. Is it due to age? it was bought last year though. How can I fix this?
Hey there, Chine. It could be age related if they are quite old. Sometimes, quite often in fact, the dimming is due to bulb or bulbs about to go bad and they are a drain on the other bulbs. So, it dims. Check for blackness on the bulbs tips. This is a visual clue that one is going bad. Remove that and replace it. That should provide a boost to the rest of the string.
You either have corrosion in a socket that is stopping the free flowing of power or, more likely, you have a break in the copper line. For the corrosion, use a flashlight to look into the socket of any bulbs you suspect may be the culprit. Without a flashlight, it is nearly impossible to tell when there is an issue. For the break in the line you have a few options. One, you can use a voltage detector or a multimeter to see if power is being transferred through the entire string. If its not, then you will know where the problem lies on the string as the detector will stop its audible alarm where the power stops. An easier solution would be to remove the plug from the string and reattach a plug from a matching string. I will purchase an extra string of lights from each manufacture that I use. The extra string provides me with spare bulbs and spare ends. I reattach the new plug by using heat shrink as seen in this video: ruclips.net/video/DXWullu2FTk/видео.htmlsi=55ry6rgDtm-5G0X4
Great video. Question for you: my strand says it needs "3 volt, 0.57 watt lamps" and I only see 2.5v or 3.5v bulbs on Amazon. Are 3.5v going to be correct?
That's a good question about the voltage for your Christmas light strand, Josh! Generally, it's best to stick as close as possible to the recommended voltage and wattage for your lights to avoid potential issues. If your strand specifies a requirement for 3 volts and 0.57 watts, using bulbs with a slightly higher voltage, like 3.5 volts, might cause the bulbs to burn out quicker than usual due to the increased voltage. Conversely, bulbs with a lower voltage might not light up as brightly or may not work at all. It's always safer to try to find bulbs that closely match the specified voltage and wattage to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your light strand. If you're having trouble finding exact replacements, you might want to reach out to the manufacturer of your Christmas lights or explore specialty stores that cater to lighting replacements.
Great video…. My issue is weird.. I connect everything and then out of the sudden they all broke down, took the first one out and just plug it to the second one…. 10 min later all dark again, same issue repeated and now I am afraid I damaged them for good. Do you think the outlet might be the problem?
I imagine you have a GFCI tripping. If they are good when you plug then in and then eventually go out then you likely either have an issue with too many lights daisy-chained. While it could be the individual outlet is creating the oddity, that can be checked by utilizing a different outlet and seeing if the issue duplicates itself. It so, then you need to separate the lights to multiple outlets.
I have multiple strands of lights connected together and the 1st strand is good 2nd is completely out, 3rd strand good 4th strand good, 5th strand out. I checked the fuses. They are good. I even checked the first bulb after the plug-in in the bowl is good. Thoughts are recommendations.
Hey there, Acura. I would imagine that each string has it's own failures. Most likely, you have multiple failures in each string that is out. First, I would recommend using the LED Keeper (amzn.to/4aK1o2u) to quickly diagnose the issues and to locate the bad bulb(s). Apart from using the LED Keeper, here are a couple more steps that might come in handy: Isolation Technique: Try isolating each string to check if one particular section is causing the issue. Disconnect the strings and test each one individually to identify the exact problem area. Also, make certain each string is firmly connected to the next one. Sometimes it is as simple as a loose connection. Lastly, if these lights are outside, check the full length of the string to ensure your local wildlife has not made a snack out of them and chewed through a socket. I have to repair 5-10 strings each year as a result of our squirrel population. Feel free to give these steps a shot and let me know how it goes! Don't hesitate to reach out! Merry Christmas
I have small pre-lit tree (LED lights that switch between color and white when you hit a button) and all of the lights are on, but very very dim when in color mode. However, when in white mode, they are all bright as ever! I’ve replaced the one bad bulb I found (identifying and testing this on a prelit tree is A CHALLENGE to say the least) and it didn’t change anything. Still dim when color, bright when white. How is this possible?? Any ideas of a fix?? Ps - your videos have single handedly given me the knowledge and confidence to fix my broken lights this year instead of replace. Thank you!!
Hey there, Courtney. Thank you for the kind words! For me, fixing lights is cathartic and can be fun even. Plus saving money is always a nice bonus. This season, I had one set of lights that had a similar flaw. For normal string lights, the reason for the dimness is likely a failure of the copper wire. There is a break in the line somewhere and it is not carrying the full load. From time to time, it can be a fuse issue but that is rare. However, with pre-lit trees, they are not designed to be fixed...in most cases. Your tree will likely have a control box on it or some fashion of a box that allows you to change the color of the tree. There is likely a malfunction in the box and would need to be repaired. That is the biggest downside to pre-lit trees. Normally, they cannot be repaired. Did you happen to register your tree when you purchased it/ Most pre-lit tree companies offer an extended warranty when you do.
As I was string all my light strands together, I noticed that all of a sudden they all went out at some point. These are all brand new lights out of the box. I Reset the GFI several times, tried plugging strands in individually but none are working. Do you have any idea what went wrong??
The one time I had this exact problem was when I unwisely repaired a string of reds and used heat shrink to fix it. I still had them plugged in to a daisy-chain of other reds. The heat from the heat gun traveled the line and blew the fuses out of all of them. So, that was a lesson learned lol. With that said, I would imagine you simply have multiple failures on each string. I am assuming you are talking about LEDs and they are 100ct. If these are 50 or 70ct lights, you may have just one bulb failing which is causing them all to stay dark. If you don't own an LED Keeper, I highly recommend them. I use it constantly to repair lights each and every year. It is great at finding the bad bulbs!
I would try bypassing the socket with a Light Keeper POD. Those are designed to allow power to flow evenly through a string after eliminating a bad socket. I've done that several times with success, John.
Video idea: how to retwist christmas light wires! I have a bunch of old lights that have been used for over 10 years and work fine however the wires are not all apart now.
Sort of, Paul. Here you go: ruclips.net/video/DXWullu2FTk/видео.htmlsi=djiWe30o4q47qPIK This shows how to cut the cord and reattach it. Here is the playlist for our other cord fixes: ruclips.net/p/PLsOns0gkNWyYnVMxCFKGwRelqDXqSTh2W&si=TBu69PDvicp7hG_o
I have a prelit garland, interior use only, suddenly get bright and go out. Of course, it's up high and fully decorated. I love the ambient light, so leaving them off for the season is not an option. What's the best guess to the problem?
If they are getting brighter for no apparent reason, I am guessing these are incandescent lights, correct? LED lights won't normally have this error due to the strings rectifier. If they are incandescent lights, you likely have a bulb that is either going out or you have a shunt that has closed and is not regulating power effectively. Shunts can be easily fixed without removing the decorations by using the trigger on the Light Keeper Pro: amzn.to/41h8EOQ
Hi, I have a set of 200 or so Phillips C6 LED christmas lights and a section of the strand is very dim. I tried unplugging eveything extra attached to it to account for voltage drop and that did not fix the problem. I don't see any bulbs that are completely out or loose or missing. Any suggesitons?
Troubleshooting these can be a bit intricate, but let's tackle it together, Seattle. Since you've already addressed the voltage drop issue by disconnecting extra attachments, the next step is to try a simple trick: gently wiggle each bulb in the dim section. Sometimes, even if they appear fine, a slight adjustment can make a difference. If that doesn't work, consider using a bulb tester (amzn.to/3RuvgqG) to check the string for any malfunctioning bulbs that might not be immediately obvious. If you still can't find the culprit, we'll dive deeper into the circuit to identify the root cause. Don't worry, we'll illuminate this mystery!
I want to put up Christmas lights but I’ve never done it yet. how do you manage lights that are too long for the area that you need? or if you want to use the same string of lights, but want just a few feet where it’s not lit up. How do you create that ‘break’ of light? Hope this makes sense.
It makes sense, Cameille. You just need to block out the light to give the illusion the lights are no longer there. These are what I use: amzn.to/3gVDzxl I did a review of the product here: ruclips.net/video/Eaikp48Vr6k/видео.html
I'm having a problem with a pre lit Christmas tree I've got all the light's working but not the top section is was the one beneath the top got it now its the top Any suggestions ?
Good morning, and Happy Thanksgiving!.- on pre lit Trees, the master bulb or the first bulb on a strand has a white base, it appears to be a little different than the rest (I am not sure how to pop it out or if this replacement bulb can be swapped?) , if that bulb looks burned out, - what kind of problems will it create? I am dealing with half the strand being out, I don't think it's the fuse but i will check it... Also, my tree had many burned out bulbs (dark) which I find odd and unlikely from last year, perhaps there is a bigger issue? Many thanks! -Steve
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Steve. So, two things. One, most pre-lit trees malfunctions are permanent. That is the largest con to owning a pre-lit tree. Now, if you are lucky enough to have a pre-lit that employees the universal LED mini bulbs then you are in luck and the LED Keeper can assist you in finding the issue, should you own a Keeper that is. For more modern pre-lits, I hear the Twinkly brand is looking towards a solution to this industry wide issue but I've yet to hear a definitive answer. Secondly, if you have multiple dark bulbs than there was likely a surge that has, in all probability, damaged the copper wire beyond repair. Apologies for not giving you good news!
Hello Charlie, Hopefully you can help me. I have a 1992 144 light 8 function Merry Christmas sign. Two red lights were out so I wanted to replace them. I carefully took the back panel off and figured out how to replace the bulbs. When I turned the sign back on the last 4 bulbs were dim and two others won't light so I turned it back off. I played around with it and when I removed one of the bulbs, two come on normal and the others are dim or don't light. I checked the non lighting ones with the light keeper and they light with that tool. The new bulbs I used were 2.5 volt but not sure if I'm supposed to use 2.5 or 3 volt bulbs in the sign. I also went in the back and jiggled the 3 wires that go to each bulb socket and looked for loose connections. I also cleaned the contacts in the socket with rubbing alcohol in case it was dirty and not getting proper voltage for the lights down the line. I would like to get this working properly and any help would help. Thanks again Charlie.
Well, first, my 91 Silverado thanks you for your handle. Just gave it back to my dad after he wanted to redo the body. I digress, for some reason that has been the exact same problem that has plagued a ton of people this season. That is a frustrating problem indeed. I had one set do the same thing you were describing. In the end, I had to abandon it simply due to time constraints. The common issue with dimly lit bulbs on a set that has fully illuminated lights is a matter of electrical flow. Something, oftentimes a break in the wire that you cannot see through the plastic coating, is interrupting the free flowing power in the line. You can always try a voltage meter and see if that provides you with clues to the amount of power being transmitted.
@@ChristmasOnCrestlineThe cab corners and wheel wells usually rot out first, especially if you live in a state that salts the roads in winter. I do see a crimp in the wire that has been there for years but maybe by me moving wires around it cracked internally. I'm not sure if the crimp is by the dim lights, I'll have to check. I could cut it out and use a wire nut to connect the wire together. As for the multimeter I don't have one and never really used one before so that could be something I do in the future if I can't get the light set working again.
Hi Charlie. I have a problem with my vintage c7 lights. I have had them for over 25 years. I replaced the fuse this Christmas and when I plug the lights in, the first c7 nearest to the plug lights up but the rest do not light. What can I do? Will an electrician or my local hardware store be able to help? Thank you.
Hey there, Sheila. Vintage incandescent you say... With them being that old, the obvious question is did you change out a few of the building into that first functional socket to ensure they are not burnt out?
There is actually a six reason why Christmas lights don’t work the shunts break overtime that is inside of the Christmas light bulb only for incandescent.
I have a string of c9 led lights that are all out so I checked each bulb and I had a few that I had to replace than I plugged in lites and no lites light up what is the problem?
Hello, Wayne! I've had that happen a ton and I know the frustration! I presume these are LED lights. This normally occurs when you have either multiple bad bulbs or when the bulb's copper prongs are missing or not fully making contact inside of the socket. Make sure to save yourself some time and use the LED Keeper to test the string. Instead of testing each bulb, this tool can test the string for you. amzn.to/34YsIdo Here is one of my several videos to use the tool: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.htmlsi=JOEqQ0xis_Mjghm1 Also, make sure to test the wire by plugging the string into a power source. Then daisy-chain a second set of lights into it and see if that set illuminates. If it doesn't then your first set is not carrying power and is no longer functional.
I have a brand new little outdoor spiral christmas tree by holiday time. the big one works great the little one nothing. i changed the fuses. plug it in and test it with my voltage pen. the whole tree is energized but no light anywhere. i switched out the first bulb for fun but nothing. any ideas ? thanks
If it uses incandescent bulbs, check to see if it has a red tipped bulb and replace that with a replacement bulb that came with the prop. Those bulbs are often times the catalyst for device issues. If this in an LED bulb tree that is brand new, you likely have either a bad socket or multiple bulb failures. The most common issue would be missing or broken prongs on the bulbs. If this is pixel lights, you'll need to return it to the store and exchange it as there is no quick fix to diagnose a pre-lit pixel tree. I hope this helps you, Trevor.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline i researched and they are wide angle LED lights. i will start replacing some bulbs tomorrow and check the plug. thank you very much sir.
I have a string of 100 LED Christmas lights with two what looks to be a fuse holder. The section of lights past the second "fuse holder" didn't work when tested before hung. Are these fuse holders or something else? Can I open them?
Those are not fixable, Jim.The second "fuse holder" does not open and they are not designed to be repairable. When that is the issue, the only thing left to do is to save the bulbs as replacement bulbs for future issues. You can't even turn it into an extension cord.
I need help please!!! I put up 9 strings of icicle lights in my house on one extension cord and they won’t work they just turned off. It worked when it was just 6 strings but when I started adding the last 3 they all turned off. Please tell me how to fix it
That sounds frustrating, Carlos! From your articulation, if it worked fine with six connected, the solution would be to split up the power load and have five plugged ino on one extension cord and the other four plugged into a seperate cord. This happens often with incandescent icicles more than LED. However, several LED brands limit icicle strings to a max of three sets connected back-to-back. For example, Walmarts Holiday Time icicle lights have the three string limitation. You might check the lights specs and see what the maximum amount of strings you are allowed to connect is for the brand you have.
I tried to search for "Noel Christmas light show" but couldn't find it online. If the lights have a control box, the error is likely with the box and not with the bulbs themselves. I would highly suggest trying the LED Keeper (for LED lights). I use it religiously and it works incredibly well at diagnosing the bad bulbs very quickly for me. You can get one quickly here: amzn.to/49CIASh
Oh, man! I've done that before! First, let's check and make certain you've overloaded them. Unplug them around the 1/2 point and plug in a string that you're certain works correctly. If it illuminates, then you haven't blown all the fuses! If it doesn't, then you likely only need to replace the fuses as opposed to taking them down. I'd recommend testing the fuses in an LED Keeper before you go to the hours long task of replacing fuses. You can get one here: amzn.to/34YsIdo
I have a prelit xmas tree. Part of the bottom lights are out. I went through bulb by bulb, replacing/testing but then found a loose wire!!! Some of the wire is 3 strand, then it goes down to 2 strand, then parts in upper tree are 3...??? the piece of wire I found loose is coming from a 3 strand. 2 strands go into the next bulb, then the string stays at 2 stands. I don't see a loose wire to hook the loose wire i found to and it has a little metal piece on the end of it so I think I need to shove it up into that next bulb holder that has the 2 strands-??? Please help! I have pics! Do u have an email?
Hey there, Carol. That sounds frustrating! I just interviewed John DeCosmo, the very first pre-lit tree inventor. He said pre-lit trees are not designed to be fixable. Here's the interview if you'd like to hear him explain it: ruclips.net/user/live_O-9UtqxqzM?si=4_dwQAER6RP5dOX1 You can email your pictures to Christmasoncrestline@gmail.com I'd be happy to take a look for you.
Hi! I am using GE LED constant on net lights on my boxwood shrubs. They are all exactly the same product, but I have several sets that are burning at half the light of the other sets. Can you help me resolve the issue?
Hi, Valerie! Thanks for your question. It sounds like you may have exceeded the maximum number of net lights that can be safely connected in one line. When too many light sets are plugged end-to-end, the voltage can drop across the string, causing some sets to appear dimmer since they’re not receiving full power. This is especially common in setups like yours with several bushes in a line. To fix this, try reducing the number of sets connected together by splitting them into separate power sources or using extension cords with multiple outlets. This way, each group of lights gets the proper amount of power and shines at its full brightness. Let me know if this helps or if you have any other questions! Have a great light hanging season and don't be a stranger! Today, we are interviewing the Allison Family from the Great Christmas Light Fight. I'll be sure to bring up power in the interview to see how they combat the same issues you are having!
Hello, I tested the light before installing and all was good. After installing none are work. The cable is fine and tested connecting different lights into the plug, and the new set works. Help! How can I fix it? Thank you!
First, are these LED or Incandescent lights? Second, from your description you have many things plugged into one outlet. Did you check the male/female connection to the lights? I imagine you did but I do that myself sometimes and the initial lights are just not snug enough. I push them into together once more and they work just fine. Lastly, and this happens quite often, if you are daisy-chaining lights, it could be that one of your cords is not carrying power to your new lights. Try plugging another set in it's place and see if that one works.
How do you fix low voltage IP44 Christmas lights with out replacement bulbs. I have a strand installed. There is power in the lines but the lights won’t turn, I have checked outlets, changed the plugs, and nothing worked
I don't run across too many IP44 Christmas lights. Are these on a pre-lit tree or attached to a control box? Since they have an IP rating I presume they are LED lights. If they are attached to a control box, they are likely not fixable. I just interviewed John DeCosmo about this and he had some eye-opening insider knowledge on this lighting problem: eaduwtcy-w5
Came across your channel and love the Xmas light info!! Weird situation with my led strand…plug them in and they flicker dimly quick and then they’re out, except you can very faintly see the light on the blue leds…happen to drop the female end on the floor and they flashed on, full blast and then out again…when I happen to tap the female end on the floor, they go “on” for a second, then right back off…any possible fix for this strand or are they done? Can you fix a plug end of an led strand?
It sounds as if you have a break in the copper somewhere in the line, Big Wheels. When you drop it, it causes the break to briefly connect in a manner which allows for the free flow of power. Yes, you can fix the plug by removing it, via wire cutters, and attached an end you have removed from another end from a matching string of lights. I prefer to heat shrink my ends when I do this.
Awesome video , but I have a different problem can you help please , my Christmas led we’re working so well , but while we put it on they suddenly dim happened and no longer working with full lighting and I tried many ways but couldn’t find to the solution so can you please help ?
Hello, Al. If the LEDs are on but they are dim, you likely have a break in the wire somewhere which is preventing the free flow of electricity to fully power the diodes. That is a tricky issue as the problem is usually hidden inside the plastic and you cannot visually find it. Ironically, this is an easy fix for incandescents as you simply need to shock the shunts. But...with LEDs it is extremely hard to find the break in the line. Another possibility is a corroded socket. To check for socket corrosion, you have to remove the bulbs and I use a flashlight to check the sockets. Luckily, you do not have to check each bulb the string. Just the bulbs that are dimly light and one bulb on either side.
I have led c7. I have three strands plugged in together The FIRST one is not lit. The two following are okay. Does not seem to be able to replace the bulbs
Hey, they, Atomic. If the 2nd and 3rd strings are functional, then you know the first string is carrying power. So, since string has power and the bulbs are not replaceable, to save them you can use the LED Keeper to find the bad bulb(s). You can cut those bulbs out and either heat shrink the line back together or use the LED Keeper's pods to easily rewire the string and save it! Here is the tool, if you don't already own it: amzn.to/34YsIdo
Hey there, Tony, Unfortunately, that isn't enough information for me to provide you with any answers. If you have LED lights, you can normally daisy-chain 10 or more sets together. For incandescent lights, it is usually under 10 sets.
Hey there, Ninja. So, assuming these are LEDs, it is likely one of two things. One, you have overloaded the coppers max load by having too many lights daisy-chained. Two, you have either a torn or exposed area of the wire that is causing a short and the fuse in popping to prevent a fire.
I have a very desperate Christnakah light problem. Last year I mistakingly let my husband put on the colored led lights. He proceeded to wrap the lights so that most are on the end of branches. In other areas there are big gobs of wire just hanging out. How do I fix this so the tree doesn’t look awful ( sadly, my ornaments are wonderful ) ? Do i stuff them back into tree( 8 foot black tree) “trunk” and affix with wire? Do i get a divorce?😂I have some really nice cool white led lights that i’d like to put up and i will do it correctly. Please help me out here and thank you ever so much.
I'm having a difficult time picturing your tree, Somebody. Email me a photo at ChristmasOnCrestline@gmail.com and I'll let ya know! I'm always happy to help!
I have a strand of LED multicolored Christmas lights and half the strand all of a sudden has become dim, not off just dimly Lit the other half of the strand is fully lit. Not sure what is going on.
Hey there, J. You have one of two issues going on. One, you have a bulb or bulbs that are not seated properly in the socket and the connection is preventing the free flow of power through the second portion of the string. This can be due to corrosion, a faulty prong on a bulb(s), or a cut in the line near a socket that is not yet fully broken. The second option, is that your rectifier is about to go out. Unfortunately, rectifiers are not fixable. The easiest way to figure out what the issue is with your lights is to utilize the LED Keeper. I use it constantly during the light hanging season. You can find it here: amzn.to/4aq7swX I explain its use here: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.htmlsi=oKoQB54ZPaDhfb5S
I believe my power inverter does not like running. Incandescent, Christmas lights for a very long on battery. Most likely due to being lead acid. Maybe I need to get some lithium iron phosphate, batteries and hook those up to my Solar System.
Thanks for sharing! It sounds like your lead-acid batteries might not be holding up well for long-term use with incandescent Christmas lights. Switching to lithium iron phosphate batteries could be a great solution, as they generally offer better efficiency and longer life cycles, especially when paired with solar systems. Plus, they’re lighter and more reliable for running setups like yours. Let me know if you end up making the switch and how it works out for you!
Great list. But I don't think my issue is on it. I bought two, 25 light LED strands a couple years ago. Plugged them in this year (after they were up, duh) to find neither worked. I guess these are kind of unique. They don't have actual bulbs. Each light has a colored, screw-off cover shaped like a traditional C9 bulb. But the light itself is a small, colored LED embedded in the base. These can't be removed. I'm getting 110v all the way through to the end socket, as verified by a DMM (and another strand plugged in). One other point: the strand has three wires. One runs bulb to bulb. One runs from plug into the last bulb (next to the socket). The 3rd wire runs from plug to socket. Since they can't be replaced, I'm thinking only way to fix would be to locate, cut out and bypass the failed LED(s). Would need the seeker tool for this though. Any ideas? Thanks.
It sounds like you are describing sets similar to what I use on my roofline but mine are C6's. The cover unscrews to reveal an LED light bulb that appears to not be removable. However, they are in fact removable. I use needle nose pliers to remove the bad LEDs and then insert the replacement bulbs. I just did this tonight on a string of blues that are on my roofline. I wonder if your lights aren't made the same?
@@ChristmasOnCrestline You are correct! With a needle nose and a good tug, the LED is removable. Like pulling a tooth. Problem now is that I don't know which bulb(s) is out, or if I have any spares like this to replace with even if I could troubleshoot the bad one. Very odd that neither strand works now, whereas when stowed last year all was well. I'd done incandescent bulbs for many, many years. LED bulbs were supposed to be better in so many ways. I didn't know though they'd be like the real old school strands where when one goes out, they all go out. 😞
So what could the problem be if " one bulb only" doesn't work and the rest do in a set of Christmas lights, but when checking the the LED keeper the bulb in fact is good. What could be causing this short? Ty in advance
@@ChristmasOnCrestline Bought a non contact voltage tester to troubleshoot. The results are maddeningly inconsistent. Voltages will show and not show at same points along the strands. The positioning of the wires has an effect. I’m thinking there are disconnects based on this. These wires make tiny connections that a small twist can undo.
Hi! I have 3 sets of Noma lights with the big bulb and my fuses are good and i got 120 V at the end of the plug.😢So should i check with my non contact tester at which light the current is not passing?
My prelit tree was all lit up and then the other balbs that i added just went out but not the balbs that came with the tree all the lights are plugged in to one except the ones that came with the tree any suggestions?
How many did you plug in? From your description, it sounds like you may have overloaded your lights and possibly thrown a fuse. Try unplugging them half way through and add a light string that you know works. If that string doesn't illuminate then you have bad fuses or a tear in the copper somewhere. If they are incandescent lights, you can get a Light Keeper Pro here: amzn.to/369KaLt. For LED lights, which I believe you're speaking of, LED Keeper is amazing and is my go-to tool. You can get that tool here: amzn.to/34YsIdo
I was walking and I found them and we just got hit by a hurricane so they might have gotten submerged because they where just sitting outside got thrown out I took them home and they don't work at all and I think they short surceted and if so how would I fix that because there pretty lights
I've got you, CH. First, if they are LED lights, you will need an LED Keeper: amzn.to/3BruMxh This device will allow you to test a fuse without guessing if it is bad. Secondly, if they have a resistor on them, (hard plastic looking tubes) on the string and if those are bad, there is no chance to fix the lights. The Keeper will allow you to test the string to diagnose the problem thought. With that said, Christmas lights are really good about bouncing back from being soaked. They may just need a bit of time to fully dry out.
Hey there, Jennifer! I totally understand how frustrating it can be to put in all that effort and see zero results - it's the worst! I'm assuming you're talking about an LED string. Here's a troubleshooting step for you: plug in the malfunctioning string and daisy chain a second set (one that you know works fine) into it. If the second set lights up, it means the first string carries power, and we can rule that out. My suspicion is that you might have a bad rectifier on the string. When that fails, the whole string becomes almost useless. The best way to save it is to contact the manufacturer for a replacement. Getting an exact match is crucial; ordering one on Amazon might be slightly different, and we want to avoid any potential fire hazards. Once you have the new part, you can remove the old and add the new via this method: ruclips.net/video/DXWullu2FTk/видео.htmlsi=b7WRTUAFqswUw2mh Let me know how it goes, and we'll figure this out together!
I need a bit more information, Opu. Are they LED or incandescent? Do they go completely dark or just dim? After you unplug them and plug them back in, do they function correctly?
Whole string of LED lights lighted up for mini seconds then went off. Unplugged and plugged in again the string same thing happened. The string have 3 wires coming out from the male connector. Checked two fuses and every bulb and they worked. What could be the problem?
Hey there, Patrick. That sounds frustrating indeed! A few things come to mind. 1) corrosion in a socket(s) can't be seen unless you use a flashlight. If you have a socket in mind as the culprit, you might utilize a flashlight and check it out. 2) There is an issue with the connection to the power source. Try using a different docs source of power and see if the issue duplicates itself. If it doesn't, problem solved. 3) You have a break in the copper line. You can use a voltage detector (you can pick one up for around $5) and check if the entire string is carrying power. If not, it will tell you the spot that it stops. 4) You simply have a set of lights that need every bulb seated tightly in its socket and you have one or more bulbs slightly out of socket or their copper prongs are not making a through connection. All in all, if they light up, they can be saved 85-95% of the time!
Hey there, Melissa. You likely have corrosion somewhere in your line. Use a flashlight and look at bulb's sockets and check for corrosion. Also, check on either side of the dim bulbs. Another normal reason for this would be a cut in the copper. You might want to check the string and see if an animal hasn't chewed at it somewhere in the line. Squirrels are notorious for this. I recommend using the LED Keeper as a handy tool to quickly find issues with LED lights. amzn.to/3EiaHra Let me know what the issues ends up being!
Hey there, Darrin. I feel the frustration! Unfortunately, that isn't enough information for me to offer any educated insight. First, are they LED or Incandescent lights? While you must be mindful of how many you daisy-chain together, LED lights do allow you to plug more lights together than their incandescent brethren. The general rule of thumb is 10 LED strands and 3 incandescent strands. If that isn't the issue, how many items to you have plugged into a single outlet? If you are overloading the outlet then it could adversely effect the strings. Next, check that there isn't a break or tear in the strings. I can't tell you how many times I checked bulb-by-bulb only to realize a squirrel chewed thorough the cord. Let me know if these check out for you!
The fuse for my C9 strand of Christmas lights keeps blowing. I replaced the fuse a couple of times and each time I replaced the fuse and plugged it back in, the fuse immediately blows. I checked the wiring and it all looks in tact with no tears. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hey there, Ben. So, two things. One, if it is blowing every time, you either have a bad rectifier or you have a break in the wire somewhere underneath the plastic coating. A third option, would be that you have a piece of metal that has broken off inside one of the sockets that is connecting power in an adverse way once it receives power.
That is always frustrating, Dryna. Most strings of LEDs that are half out simply means you have a bad bulb. Here is how you find and fix that: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.html
Okay, fueses are really annoying, but now I’ve learned how to take care of them the past few years by: NOT CONNECTING 50 STRANDS TOGETHER! 😂 (of course I’m exaggerating a lot)
Hey there, Juan. That can be frustrating. Fuses are rarely the issue but it's great you have eliminated that as the issue. You likely have multiple bulb failures which is causing the lights to not illuminate. The fact that the lights behind this string have power is good news. Here is a video on how to find the problem bulb(s): ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.html
Hello, tony. Unfortunately, that isn't enough information for me to hazard a guess. I can tell you that LED lights allow for more strings to be daisy-chained together than incandescent lights do. If you have any moisture near the lights, this can/will cause them to dim or to not work correctly. Sometimes, it is as simple as a squirrel or some other wildlife crawled along the strings and one of the connections is no longer thoroughly plugged in.
Hey there, George. It sounds like you are likely connecting too many strings. This must often occurs when you go past the manufacturer's threshold for strings you've attached. How many do you have connected to one another. As an example, most net lights only allow for three sets to be connected to one another.
I have a pre lit tree and the top strand only half works. The half connected to the working strand/bottom half of the tree is off, so there is a space of off lights in the middle. It's a brand new tree. I changed the fuses which weren't blown and checked all the bulbs in the non working strand. Help!! Lol
Ah, the classic case of half-lit trees! It can be quite the head-scratcher, especially with a brand-new tree. Let's try to tackle this problem together, Beer. Since you've already swapped out the fuses and checked the bulbs on the non-working strand, it sounds like we might need to dig a little deeper into a few other potential causes: 1. **Connection Points:** Sometimes, the issue lies within the connectors or junctions between the working and non-working sections. Ensure all the plugs and connections are securely in place and not damaged. 2. **Continuity Check:** Have you tested the continuity of the wires in the non-working section? There might be a break or damage somewhere along the line that's interrupting the flow of electricity. This typically occurs during the storage in the off-season. Any hard drops or exposure to wildlife (squirrels, rabbits, & mice mainly) can lead to broken and eaten-through strings. 3. **Voltage Check:** Verify the voltage reaching the non-working section. A voltage drop or irregularities could be causing the lights to malfunction. You can check this with any multimeter (amzn.to/47bE9v6) or LED Keeper (amzn.to/48cAqPh) 4. **Controller or Switches:** Some pre-lit trees have controllers or switches that might control different sections of lights. Ensure these are set correctly and functioning as intended. Given that it's a new tree, it might be worth considering warranty options or contacting the manufacturer for specific troubleshooting steps, especially if the issue persists after trying these steps. Hopefully, one of these steps can shed some light (literally!) on the issue. If not, feel free to get back to me, and we'll keep at it until we crack this light mystery!
That sounds like quite the tree trouble! Don't worry, I'm here to help. Let's troubleshoot together to get those lights twinkling again. The first thing that comes to mind...did someone/thing accidently unplug it? Sometimes a loose plug or a tripped circuit can be the culprit. Also, examine the strands of lights closely; if there's a blown fuse or a damaged bulb, that might be causing the blackout. Give those a look and let me know if anything stands out. We'll get your tree shining bright again in no time!
I have a Members Mark LED set with 8 different functions. When I plug them in, the entire set blinks on once for just a few milliseconds. Then they go out. The fuses have continuity and the voltage measures 120v at the female plug at end of the run. Again ALL bulbs blink briefly. Any help appreciated! Thanks!
Unfortunately, if this set of lights has a controller box on it, they are not designed to be fixed. In your case, the lights come on briefly but then extinguish themselves. So, we know the string has the ability to accept power but it is not doing so on a constant and consistent basis. That lets us know it is the control box that is preventing the lights from illuminating rather than a bulb or socket issue. My suggestions would be to one, reach out to the manufacture to see if these happen to be under warranty. Two, cut off the box and attached a new male or female end to the string that matches the strings exact power needs. Lastly, you can always try manipulating the controller box and move it around until you find the exact manipulation that compels the lights to stay on. Sorry that there is no easy fix to this problem, Kevin.
Hey there, Jennifer. If they are dull the likely cause is either corrosion in a socket, which you'll need a flashlight to check and see, or you have a bulb (or more) that have poor prongs. LED bulb's prongs can wear over time. They can break off competently or become shortened which causes the bulb to not make complete contact with the socket. When the flow of power is interrupted, you get dim lights.
The whole strand of lights after my burn out, strand or working, and I can’t find a problem with any of the LED lights on the strand that’s not working
Hey there, Mike! I fee your frustrations! I think you are saying the entire string of lights is not working for you. First, let's check that the cord is carrying power. Plug it into an outlet and then daisy-chain another string of light to it. If they light up, the cord has power. If they don't, then you know there is an electrical issue as it is not carrying power to the sockets. Secondly, you can use the LED Keeper to fix the LED lights: amzn.to/47NH7XY This tool is designed to find the bad bulb(s) and sockets(s). You can see how to use the device here: ruclips.net/p/PLsOns0gkNWyanw6tVp-5ZHezGSBLTW3Co&si=PKNb2XSL7pg_KlQ2
Literally I watched video like this and change the fuses but like in a hour or something it just goes out and when I change the fuse again it just goes out in a hour or something
Hmm...the fuse is rarely the problem. If you have fuses that keep burning out you have a power problem. A few things, One, the most common reason this occurs is when you go beyond the manufacturers limitations and daisy-chain too many lights together. This occurs in net lights all the time. Most folks don't realize you can only plug in a finite amount of lights together. The second most common occurrence is when people plug in LED lights and incident lights together. That is an issue and can lead to fuse issues. Lastly, try using a different outlet to power the lights and see if that solves the issue. Let me know if this helped, Thang. Also, here is a video on how I fix LED lights: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.html
I have this too. Maybe daisy chaining four strands is too much. I had two missing bulbs I just taped up the sockets thinking the missing bulbs wouldn't matter. Are those the culprit????
Thanks for responding to my message. Yes I believe it’s the control box. Also, I bought those at Lowe’s. They were like $32 for a set and maybe lasted two years.
You likely went past the strings power threshold. All Christmas lights, both residential and commercial-grade, have an advertised threshold on the box, in the instructions, or on the label attached to the string. As an example, net lights almost all have a three string daisy-chain limit. Three sets work just fine BUT you add a fourth string and they will not function. So, the easy fix is to find what your light's limit is and stick to that number. If these lights do not allow for a fourth set, simply utilize another power source for the fourth set!
they dont make lights very well anymore, we purchased many ' Sylvania ' brand christmas berry lights between 2010-2012, and these lights still work to this day, in fact i just put them outside on our bush- i put on 4 sets of 200 ct. each, so 800 total, i didn't have to replace one bulb, in fact ive hardly ever had to replace any on them, last year i purchased some green and red C6 lights off amazon, i think they were around 10-12 bucks each, literally thin wire that rips so easily and the main plug in was so flimsy that i snapped the main power plug-in from the connecting wire like 3 or 4 times. it seems the newer lights shorten out easier too with hardly any pressure-
Great call, Ford. I think someone, about a decade ago, said, "Hey, if we make these where they break and fail then they'll have to buy more!" Then he twisted his evil mustache and belly laughed! Yep, I completely agree. I have a set of my grandfather's lights from the 50s and they light up like champs still!
@@ChristmasOnCrestline i ended up buying some ' NOMA ' brand lights from out of chicago, thinking they were made top notch, average price of each box i paid for like 60 count red and green LED was like 15.00 to 18.00 ish......they were OK.....but one set had 3 green lights in a row at the end of the strand for some reason and there were virtually no replacement lights :/
I have a tree with several different strands. I have been able to fix all but 1 strand. I have changed fuses. I have taken out, checked and replaced every bulb. Still nothing. I'm at a loss!
It sounds like you've really tried everything! Sometimes, a stubborn strand can mean there's an issue deeper in the wiring that might not be visible, especially if it's an older strand. Another trick to try is to carefully examine the plug ends and make sure there isn’t any debris or wear on the prongs. More often than not I use a flashlight to check the sockets and look for corrosion. Most times socket corrosion is green and blends into the color of the socket. Without a flashlight, you won't see it. You could also test the strand with LED Keeper (amzn.to/40qibVx) if you have one; sometimes a single socket is causing the problem. If it’s a pre-lit tree, the wiring can sometimes be tricky to trace back fully, so it might even be worth checking each section independently if you can. The last option would be that their is a break in the line itself. This can be checking by manipulating the wire as it is plugged in. By moving every part of the wire, if there is a break in the copper, it will oftentimes come on for a split second once you've reached the break. Moving the string around will create a temporary connection that let's you see that there is a break in the line. Keep at it-you’re so close!
In the same socket? If new lights are screwing up in the same socket, try using a flashlight and looking into the socket. I wonder if you have some corrosion in there.
I e changed the fuses several times but the lights keep going out. These are inside lights (on my tree). I’ve split the line into two. Has not helped still shorting out. HALP! Thank you!
Fuses are rarely the problem, Aaron. Are they incandescent or LEDs? Or is this a pre-lit tree? If it is a pre-lit, those are not designed to be repaired unfortunately. If these are LEDs, try this video: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.html
@@ChristmasOnCrestline I think i have a mix. could that be a problem? doesn't seem to be as part of my mixed lines work and the other set does not. I tried using a voltmeter to find a potential faulty light bulb but since my tree is all ready strung, there is a lot of interference with the looping wires. Thank you for the response!
That always sucks to have happen! You have either exposed wire or you likely have a foreign object sitting in one of the sockets that is shorting out the string.
Hey SOTO ! Oh, the rain vs LEDs struggle - a classic decorator's challenge. Many of us have been there! Make sure those lights are weatherproofed or outdoor-rated - that's a game-changer. And those pesky connections, a bit of electrical tape, or sealant can keep the water out. But If you can, give your lights a little lift to avoid direct water hits. Always let them dry completely before hitting the on switch again. Don't forget to shield the power source and cords! Safety is key. If the water dance with your LEDs keeps going, reaching out to the manufacturer for some weather wisdom might be the next step. Cheers to ya!
The little wires breaking off is my biggest issue. I don't believe my leds are copper wires on the "bulbs" they are always silverish which make me think it copper clad aluminum or something other the copper. Incandescent lights are definitely copper. The only fuses I've blown are ones in extension cords I've made from old lights. Those cords can't carry the load of of a couple hundred incandescent lights.
That's interesting to hear. 90% of our cords are former incandescent strings and we've yet to kell a fuse. My only fuse issue was when I stupidly fixed a string that was still plugged into 8 others (already hung) and I heat shrinked a socket back on. BAM! The heat carried through every string and blew every fuse.
I feel your frustration, Sonny. Thank you for reaching out! A dim strand can sometimes be caused by loose or damaged bulbs or faulty connections. Have you tried using a tool like the LED Keeper? amzn.to/48qO5lx It's great for identifying and fixing issues in non-working LED light strands by sending a pulse of electricity through them. Give that a try, and if the problem persists, feel free to let me know for further assistance
Ah, troubleshooting those dim LEDs can be a bit of a puzzle! So, you've gone through changing out each bulb and the dimness remains across the whole set? That's quite a head-scratcher! Pre-lit trees are oftentimes THE most difficult lights to fix in the industry. Let's dive a bit deeper-have you had a chance to peek at the power source and connections? I bet you have but sometimes, wonky connections or a hiccup in the power input can cast a dim light over everything. The best tool in the industry to use to fix these LED issues is the LED Keeper: amzn.to/41F569t Here's a thought: reaching out to the manufacturer could be a game-changer. They're usually packed with tips and tricks specific to their product. Tell them what's been going on, all the steps you've taken, and see if they have any secret hacks up their sleeves. Oh, and don't forget to mention the age of the tree-knowing how old it is might help crack this dimness mystery. Plus, if it's a newer tree, there might just be some warranty magic that could lend a hand here. The most common problem with pre-lits is the rectifier. Once those go bad, the tree is unfixable. The manufacture can best diagose that as the problem.
So I have 2 strings of lights plugged together and the entire 1st strand doesn't work but the 2nd strand is working fine. How would power go through the 1st strand and get to the 2nd strand without lighting the 1st strand? Help I'm confused 😕
That is extremely common, Doc. In fact we use that to our advantage for our show. When we run out of extension cords, we simply remove a few bulbs from a string and use it for a makeshift extension cord. Power still freely flows through the cord no matter if the bulbs are functional or not. You simply have multiple bulb failures in your first string that need to be located and repaired.
Hello, Dionicio. From your articulation of the problem, the simple fix seems to be to either not use the timer and to use an extension cord with multiple outlets. Here is an example of one we use: amzn.to/3Fpoi1o or to bypass the timer. Most timers have an always on function that should allow you to bypass the automatic shut off function that seems to be giving you problems.
My problem is my new battery operated light strand has an off switch and a timer and all of a sudden it just stopped working unless I press on the battery box then it turns back on.? Help…
Another great overview Charlie. I have had my fair share of issues with squirrels and chipmunks. Happy decorating!!!
Ahhh I hadn't thought about chipmunks. We don't see those often in our area. Good call, Terry. Happy light hanging to you!
Good evening, happy Hollidays! Put up sets (approx 10) of string a lights wrapped around a tree. White lights on bottom with blue lights on several branches of the tree. Everything worked tonight when lights were first on then the branch lights went out. Thank you for your help.
Are you using these in a static display and they are just on or are you using these as part of a light show?
@@ChristmasOnCrestline they are just on, no light show. I have the branches individually wrapped and then connected with another set with the blue lights.
When this happens to me. And it does reach year, it was so to one of two causes. One, one of the connected strings male and female ends came apart or became loosened. Or, an animal chewed through one of the strings which disabled the flow of electricity.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline ok I was just at lowes and was reading the bakc of the lights box. It says you can only connect up to 5 sets. I think I have exceeded that. I may have 10 or more connected to one power source. Would that mean the fuses blown, wrap it up its a done deal or add more power sources to other plugs (finding which ones I can't connect to). Thank you
This list is on point, Charlie! Great job.
Much appreciated!
What about a prelit Christmas tree. All the lights work they are just very dim this year. Anything to look for?
Prelits are just so dang hard to fix, BD. For dim but not dark lights, check for exposed or bent wires around the connection points. This is oftentimes due to wildlife getting to a wire or a break in the wire that occurred during storage. To rule out the outlet, plug it into a different outlet just to rule out low voltage issues.
Thanks Charlie for that great insight.
The problem with my Christmas light, is that the lights went dim almost immediately I turned them on. Is it due to age? it was bought last year though.
How can I fix this?
Hey there, Chine. It could be age related if they are quite old. Sometimes, quite often in fact, the dimming is due to bulb or bulbs about to go bad and they are a drain on the other bulbs. So, it dims. Check for blackness on the bulbs tips. This is a visual clue that one is going bad. Remove that and replace it. That should provide a boost to the rest of the string.
Great information, I have one fuse blowing out ,same fuse on the first strand connected to extension cord, Any ideas??
You either have corrosion in a socket that is stopping the free flowing of power or, more likely, you have a break in the copper line. For the corrosion, use a flashlight to look into the socket of any bulbs you suspect may be the culprit. Without a flashlight, it is nearly impossible to tell when there is an issue. For the break in the line you have a few options. One, you can use a voltage detector or a multimeter to see if power is being transferred through the entire string. If its not, then you will know where the problem lies on the string as the detector will stop its audible alarm where the power stops. An easier solution would be to remove the plug from the string and reattach a plug from a matching string. I will purchase an extra string of lights from each manufacture that I use. The extra string provides me with spare bulbs and spare ends. I reattach the new plug by using heat shrink as seen in this video: ruclips.net/video/DXWullu2FTk/видео.htmlsi=55ry6rgDtm-5G0X4
At least they're not like the old old light bulbs what they were glass you know how many I would step on by accident
😂 that would be a pain
Good call, Rob. I still have a set of glass bulbs but I don't put them out just for that reason.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline I actually have a couple bins still of them also
Great video. Question for you: my strand says it needs "3 volt, 0.57 watt lamps" and I only see 2.5v or 3.5v bulbs on Amazon. Are 3.5v going to be correct?
That's a good question about the voltage for your Christmas light strand, Josh! Generally, it's best to stick as close as possible to the recommended voltage and wattage for your lights to avoid potential issues.
If your strand specifies a requirement for 3 volts and 0.57 watts, using bulbs with a slightly higher voltage, like 3.5 volts, might cause the bulbs to burn out quicker than usual due to the increased voltage. Conversely, bulbs with a lower voltage might not light up as brightly or may not work at all.
It's always safer to try to find bulbs that closely match the specified voltage and wattage to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your light strand. If you're having trouble finding exact replacements, you might want to reach out to the manufacturer of your Christmas lights or explore specialty stores that cater to lighting replacements.
Great video…. My issue is weird.. I connect everything and then out of the sudden they all broke down, took the first one out and just plug it to the second one…. 10 min later all dark again, same issue repeated and now I am afraid I damaged them for good.
Do you think the outlet might be the problem?
I imagine you have a GFCI tripping. If they are good when you plug then in and then eventually go out then you likely either have an issue with too many lights daisy-chained. While it could be the individual outlet is creating the oddity, that can be checked by utilizing a different outlet and seeing if the issue duplicates itself. It so, then you need to separate the lights to multiple outlets.
Your hat and shirt are so awesome 😍🥰🙌💖💖🎄Thanks for the assist.
You are so welcome, Insta. 🎅I'll be announcing some new information about the hat on tomorrow's livestream....stay tuned!
I have multiple strands of lights connected together and the 1st strand is good 2nd is completely out, 3rd strand good 4th strand good, 5th strand out. I checked the fuses. They are good. I even checked the first bulb after the plug-in in the bowl is good. Thoughts are recommendations.
Hey there, Acura. I would imagine that each string has it's own failures. Most likely, you have multiple failures in each string that is out. First, I would recommend using the LED Keeper (amzn.to/4aK1o2u) to quickly diagnose the issues and to locate the bad bulb(s). Apart from using the LED Keeper, here are a couple more steps that might come in handy: Isolation Technique: Try isolating each string to check if one particular section is causing the issue. Disconnect the strings and test each one individually to identify the exact problem area. Also, make certain each string is firmly connected to the next one. Sometimes it is as simple as a loose connection. Lastly, if these lights are outside, check the full length of the string to ensure your local wildlife has not made a snack out of them and chewed through a socket. I have to repair 5-10 strings each year as a result of our squirrel population. Feel free to give these steps a shot and let me know how it goes! Don't hesitate to reach out! Merry Christmas
I have small pre-lit tree (LED lights that switch between color and white when you hit a button) and all of the lights are on, but very very dim when in color mode. However, when in white mode, they are all bright as ever! I’ve replaced the one bad bulb I found (identifying and testing this on a prelit tree is A CHALLENGE to say the least) and it didn’t change anything. Still dim when color, bright when white. How is this possible?? Any ideas of a fix??
Ps - your videos have single handedly given me the knowledge and confidence to fix my broken lights this year instead of replace. Thank you!!
Hey there, Courtney. Thank you for the kind words! For me, fixing lights is cathartic and can be fun even. Plus saving money is always a nice bonus. This season, I had one set of lights that had a similar flaw. For normal string lights, the reason for the dimness is likely a failure of the copper wire. There is a break in the line somewhere and it is not carrying the full load. From time to time, it can be a fuse issue but that is rare. However, with pre-lit trees, they are not designed to be fixed...in most cases. Your tree will likely have a control box on it or some fashion of a box that allows you to change the color of the tree. There is likely a malfunction in the box and would need to be repaired. That is the biggest downside to pre-lit trees. Normally, they cannot be repaired. Did you happen to register your tree when you purchased it/ Most pre-lit tree companies offer an extended warranty when you do.
As I was string all my light strands together, I noticed that all of a sudden they all went out at some point. These are all brand new lights out of the box. I Reset the GFI several times, tried plugging strands in individually but none are working. Do you have any idea what went wrong??
The one time I had this exact problem was when I unwisely repaired a string of reds and used heat shrink to fix it. I still had them plugged in to a daisy-chain of other reds. The heat from the heat gun traveled the line and blew the fuses out of all of them. So, that was a lesson learned lol. With that said, I would imagine you simply have multiple failures on each string. I am assuming you are talking about LEDs and they are 100ct. If these are 50 or 70ct lights, you may have just one bulb failing which is causing them all to stay dark. If you don't own an LED Keeper, I highly recommend them. I use it constantly to repair lights each and every year. It is great at finding the bad bulbs!
Any advice for sealed non-removeable bulb lights that aren't working? Is there anything to do, or are they junk? Thanks
I would try bypassing the socket with a Light Keeper POD. Those are designed to allow power to flow evenly through a string after eliminating a bad socket. I've done that several times with success, John.
Video idea: how to retwist christmas light wires! I have a bunch of old lights that have been used for over 10 years and work fine however the wires are not all apart now.
I got you, Trains. I did a video on that exact topic and it's super easy. Here ya go: ruclips.net/video/tgKFjIKbsWk/видео.html
@@ChristmasOnCrestline awesome!! Thank you so much! Appreciate it.
Do you have a video for replacing a plug for a 3-wire LED christmas light set?
Sort of, Paul. Here you go: ruclips.net/video/DXWullu2FTk/видео.htmlsi=djiWe30o4q47qPIK This shows how to cut the cord and reattach it. Here is the playlist for our other cord fixes: ruclips.net/p/PLsOns0gkNWyYnVMxCFKGwRelqDXqSTh2W&si=TBu69PDvicp7hG_o
I have a prelit garland, interior use only, suddenly get bright and go out. Of course, it's up high and fully decorated. I love the ambient light, so leaving them off for the season is not an option. What's the best guess to the problem?
If they are getting brighter for no apparent reason, I am guessing these are incandescent lights, correct? LED lights won't normally have this error due to the strings rectifier. If they are incandescent lights, you likely have a bulb that is either going out or you have a shunt that has closed and is not regulating power effectively. Shunts can be easily fixed without removing the decorations by using the trigger on the Light Keeper Pro: amzn.to/41h8EOQ
Hi, I have a set of 200 or so Phillips C6 LED christmas lights and a section of the strand is very dim. I tried unplugging eveything extra attached to it to account for voltage drop and that did not fix the problem. I don't see any bulbs that are completely out or loose or missing. Any suggesitons?
Troubleshooting these can be a bit intricate, but let's tackle it together, Seattle. Since you've already addressed the voltage drop issue by disconnecting extra attachments, the next step is to try a simple trick: gently wiggle each bulb in the dim section. Sometimes, even if they appear fine, a slight adjustment can make a difference. If that doesn't work, consider using a bulb tester (amzn.to/3RuvgqG) to check the string for any malfunctioning bulbs that might not be immediately obvious. If you still can't find the culprit, we'll dive deeper into the circuit to identify the root cause. Don't worry, we'll illuminate this mystery!
I want to put up Christmas lights but I’ve never done it yet. how do you manage lights that are too long for the area that you need? or if you want to use the same string of lights, but want just a few feet where it’s not lit up. How do you create that ‘break’ of light? Hope this makes sense.
It makes sense, Cameille. You just need to block out the light to give the illusion the lights are no longer there. These are what I use: amzn.to/3gVDzxl I did a review of the product here: ruclips.net/video/Eaikp48Vr6k/видео.html
I'm having a problem with a pre lit Christmas tree I've got all the light's working but not the top section is was the one beneath the top got it now its the top
Any suggestions ?
Good morning, and Happy Thanksgiving!.- on pre lit Trees, the master bulb or the first bulb on a strand has a white base, it appears to be a little different than the rest (I am not sure how to pop it out or if this replacement bulb can be swapped?) , if that bulb looks burned out, - what kind of problems will it create? I am dealing with half the strand being out, I don't think it's the fuse but i will check it... Also, my tree had many burned out bulbs (dark) which I find odd and unlikely from last year, perhaps there is a bigger issue? Many thanks! -Steve
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Steve. So, two things. One, most pre-lit trees malfunctions are permanent. That is the largest con to owning a pre-lit tree. Now, if you are lucky enough to have a pre-lit that employees the universal LED mini bulbs then you are in luck and the LED Keeper can assist you in finding the issue, should you own a Keeper that is. For more modern pre-lits, I hear the Twinkly brand is looking towards a solution to this industry wide issue but I've yet to hear a definitive answer. Secondly, if you have multiple dark bulbs than there was likely a surge that has, in all probability, damaged the copper wire beyond repair. Apologies for not giving you good news!
I watched your stream yesterday with the LED keeper, and I was hoping that you were able to ask my question, but it never was brought up.😞
You must have missed it, Jeff. We talked about control boxes. John spoke about them during th interview.
OK I’m going to go back and watch again thanks.
Interesting, I wish I would have kept my lights I threw out last year. I now I know to keep them.
Hey there, GR! Yep, those are instant replacement bulbs. Good to see you!
Hello Charlie, Hopefully you can help me. I have a 1992 144 light 8 function Merry Christmas sign. Two red lights were out so I wanted to replace them. I carefully took the back panel off and figured out how to replace the bulbs. When I turned the sign back on the last 4 bulbs were dim and two others won't light so I turned it back off. I played around with it and when I removed one of the bulbs, two come on normal and the others are dim or don't light. I checked the non lighting ones with the light keeper and they light with that tool. The new bulbs I used were 2.5 volt but not sure if I'm supposed to use 2.5 or 3 volt bulbs in the sign. I also went in the back and jiggled the 3 wires that go to each bulb socket and looked for loose connections. I also cleaned the contacts in the socket with rubbing alcohol in case it was dirty and not getting proper voltage for the lights down the line. I would like to get this working properly and any help would help. Thanks again Charlie.
Well, first, my 91 Silverado thanks you for your handle. Just gave it back to my dad after he wanted to redo the body. I digress, for some reason that has been the exact same problem that has plagued a ton of people this season. That is a frustrating problem indeed. I had one set do the same thing you were describing. In the end, I had to abandon it simply due to time constraints. The common issue with dimly lit bulbs on a set that has fully illuminated lights is a matter of electrical flow. Something, oftentimes a break in the wire that you cannot see through the plastic coating, is interrupting the free flowing power in the line. You can always try a voltage meter and see if that provides you with clues to the amount of power being transmitted.
@@ChristmasOnCrestlineThe cab corners and wheel wells usually rot out first, especially if you live in a state that salts the roads in winter. I do see a crimp in the wire that has been there for years but maybe by me moving wires around it cracked internally. I'm not sure if the crimp is by the dim lights, I'll have to check. I could cut it out and use a wire nut to connect the wire together. As for the multimeter I don't have one and never really used one before so that could be something I do in the future if I can't get the light set working again.
It's squirrel season year round here lol. Time to get those varmints!
OH MY GOODNESS, squirrels get on my nerves, like don’t CHEW the WIRES!!
See, you get it, BB lol
They really need to figure it out lol. Silly squirrels.
I just did a job and it was on dark facial, where the light reflecting the bulbs look dimmer then the houses with white facial
The same thing is true for projection mapping houses too. The dark surfaces tend to soak in the light.
Hi Charlie. I have a problem with my vintage c7 lights. I have had them for over 25 years. I replaced the fuse this Christmas and when I plug the lights in, the first c7 nearest to the plug lights up but the rest do not light. What can I do? Will an electrician or my local hardware store be able to help?
Thank you.
They are incandescent. I usually plug them into 3 other sets for my tree.
Hey there, Sheila. Vintage incandescent you say... With them being that old, the obvious question is did you change out a few of the building into that first functional socket to ensure they are not burnt out?
🔥🔥🔥Great job! Much needed video
Appreciate it!! All five happen every year too.
I have a couple of strings that half of the 100 bulbs are burned out. Any idea what would cause that and how do I fix it?
Sure thing, Jerry. Here ya go:ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.htmlsi=mgN8GWo5U7XnwSnq
There is actually a six reason why Christmas lights don’t work the shunts break overtime that is inside of the Christmas light bulb only for incandescent.
Great call, Bryce. The Light Keeper Pro was designed to fix that exact problem.
I have a string of c9 led lights that are all out so I checked each bulb and I had a few that I had to replace than I plugged in lites and no lites light up what is the problem?
Hello, Wayne! I've had that happen a ton and I know the frustration! I presume these are LED lights. This normally occurs when you have either multiple bad bulbs or when the bulb's copper prongs are missing or not fully making contact inside of the socket. Make sure to save yourself some time and use the LED Keeper to test the string. Instead of testing each bulb, this tool can test the string for you. amzn.to/34YsIdo Here is one of my several videos to use the tool: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.htmlsi=JOEqQ0xis_Mjghm1
Also, make sure to test the wire by plugging the string into a power source. Then daisy-chain a second set of lights into it and see if that set illuminates. If it doesn't then your first set is not carrying power and is no longer functional.
I have a brand new little outdoor spiral christmas tree by holiday time. the big one works great the little one nothing. i changed the fuses. plug it in and test it with my voltage pen. the whole tree is energized but no light anywhere. i switched out the first bulb for fun but nothing. any ideas ? thanks
If it uses incandescent bulbs, check to see if it has a red tipped bulb and replace that with a replacement bulb that came with the prop. Those bulbs are often times the catalyst for device issues.
If this in an LED bulb tree that is brand new, you likely have either a bad socket or multiple bulb failures. The most common issue would be missing or broken prongs on the bulbs.
If this is pixel lights, you'll need to return it to the store and exchange it as there is no quick fix to diagnose a pre-lit pixel tree.
I hope this helps you, Trevor.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline i researched and they are wide angle LED lights. i will start replacing some bulbs tomorrow and check the plug. thank you very much sir.
I have a string of 100 LED Christmas lights with two what looks to be a fuse holder. The section of lights past the second "fuse holder" didn't work when tested before hung. Are these fuse holders or something else? Can I open them?
Those are not fixable, Jim.The second "fuse holder" does not open and they are not designed to be repairable. When that is the issue, the only thing left to do is to save the bulbs as replacement bulbs for future issues. You can't even turn it into an extension cord.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline Thanks for the reply. Going to save me a lot of frustration,. Merry Christmas....
I need help please!!! I put up 9 strings of icicle lights in my house on one extension cord and they won’t work they just turned off. It worked when it was just 6 strings but when I started adding the last 3 they all turned off. Please tell me how to fix it
That sounds frustrating, Carlos! From your articulation, if it worked fine with six connected, the solution would be to split up the power load and have five plugged ino on one extension cord and the other four plugged into a seperate cord. This happens often with incandescent icicles more than LED. However, several LED brands limit icicle strings to a max of three sets connected back-to-back. For example, Walmarts Holiday Time icicle lights have the three string limitation. You might check the lights specs and see what the maximum amount of strings you are allowed to connect is for the brand you have.
I have the Noel Christmas light show and they’re not working. I checked both fuses and replace them and it still is not working. Can you help.
I tried to search for "Noel Christmas light show" but couldn't find it online. If the lights have a control box, the error is likely with the box and not with the bulbs themselves. I would highly suggest trying the LED Keeper (for LED lights). I use it religiously and it works incredibly well at diagnosing the bad bulbs very quickly for me. You can get one quickly here: amzn.to/49CIASh
Hello, I overloaded my lights , none of them are not working, is there a easy fix , without taking them down?
Oh, man! I've done that before! First, let's check and make certain you've overloaded them. Unplug them around the 1/2 point and plug in a string that you're certain works correctly. If it illuminates, then you haven't blown all the fuses! If it doesn't, then you likely only need to replace the fuses as opposed to taking them down. I'd recommend testing the fuses in an LED Keeper before you go to the hours long task of replacing fuses. You can get one here: amzn.to/34YsIdo
I have a prelit xmas tree. Part of the bottom lights are out. I went through bulb by bulb, replacing/testing but then found a loose wire!!! Some of the wire is 3 strand, then it goes down to 2 strand, then parts in upper tree are 3...??? the piece of wire I found loose is coming from a 3 strand. 2 strands go into the next bulb, then the string stays at 2 stands. I don't see a loose wire to hook the loose wire i found to and it has a little metal piece on the end of it so I think I need to shove it up into that next bulb holder that has the 2 strands-??? Please help! I have pics! Do u have an email?
Hey there, Carol. That sounds frustrating! I just interviewed John DeCosmo, the very first pre-lit tree inventor. He said pre-lit trees are not designed to be fixable. Here's the interview if you'd like to hear him explain it: ruclips.net/user/live_O-9UtqxqzM?si=4_dwQAER6RP5dOX1 You can email your pictures to Christmasoncrestline@gmail.com I'd be happy to take a look for you.
Hi! I am using GE LED constant on net lights on my boxwood shrubs. They are all exactly the same product, but I have several sets that are burning at half the light of the other sets. Can you help me resolve the issue?
Hi, Valerie! Thanks for your question. It sounds like you may have exceeded the maximum number of net lights that can be safely connected in one line. When too many light sets are plugged end-to-end, the voltage can drop across the string, causing some sets to appear dimmer since they’re not receiving full power. This is especially common in setups like yours with several bushes in a line.
To fix this, try reducing the number of sets connected together by splitting them into separate power sources or using extension cords with multiple outlets. This way, each group of lights gets the proper amount of power and shines at its full brightness. Let me know if this helps or if you have any other questions! Have a great light hanging season and don't be a stranger! Today, we are interviewing the Allison Family from the Great Christmas Light Fight. I'll be sure to bring up power in the interview to see how they combat the same issues you are having!
Hello, I tested the light before installing and all was good. After installing none are work. The cable is fine and tested connecting different lights into the plug, and the new set works. Help! How can I fix it? Thank you!
First, are these LED or Incandescent lights? Second, from your description you have many things plugged into one outlet. Did you check the male/female connection to the lights? I imagine you did but I do that myself sometimes and the initial lights are just not snug enough. I push them into together once more and they work just fine. Lastly, and this happens quite often, if you are daisy-chaining lights, it could be that one of your cords is not carrying power to your new lights. Try plugging another set in it's place and see if that one works.
How do you fix low voltage IP44 Christmas lights with out replacement bulbs. I have a strand installed. There is power in the lines but the lights won’t turn, I have checked outlets, changed the plugs, and nothing worked
I don't run across too many IP44 Christmas lights. Are these on a pre-lit tree or attached to a control box? Since they have an IP rating I presume they are LED lights. If they are attached to a control box, they are likely not fixable. I just interviewed John DeCosmo about this and he had some eye-opening insider knowledge on this lighting problem: eaduwtcy-w5
Came across your channel and love the Xmas light info!! Weird situation with my led strand…plug them in and they flicker dimly quick and then they’re out, except you can very faintly see the light on the blue leds…happen to drop the female end on the floor and they flashed on, full blast and then out again…when I happen to tap the female end on the floor, they go “on” for a second, then right back off…any possible fix for this strand or are they done? Can you fix a plug end of an led strand?
It sounds as if you have a break in the copper somewhere in the line, Big Wheels. When you drop it, it causes the break to briefly connect in a manner which allows for the free flow of power. Yes, you can fix the plug by removing it, via wire cutters, and attached an end you have removed from another end from a matching string of lights. I prefer to heat shrink my ends when I do this.
Awesome video , but I have a different problem can you help please , my Christmas led we’re working so well , but while we put it on they suddenly dim happened and no longer working with full lighting and I tried many ways but couldn’t find to the solution so can you please help ?
Hello, Al. If the LEDs are on but they are dim, you likely have a break in the wire somewhere which is preventing the free flow of electricity to fully power the diodes. That is a tricky issue as the problem is usually hidden inside the plastic and you cannot visually find it. Ironically, this is an easy fix for incandescents as you simply need to shock the shunts. But...with LEDs it is extremely hard to find the break in the line. Another possibility is a corroded socket. To check for socket corrosion, you have to remove the bulbs and I use a flashlight to check the sockets. Luckily, you do not have to check each bulb the string. Just the bulbs that are dimly light and one bulb on either side.
I have led c7. I have three strands plugged in together
The FIRST one is not lit. The two following are okay.
Does not seem to be able to replace the bulbs
Hey, they, Atomic. If the 2nd and 3rd strings are functional, then you know the first string is carrying power. So, since string has power and the bulbs are not replaceable, to save them you can use the LED Keeper to find the bad bulb(s). You can cut those bulbs out and either heat shrink the line back together or use the LED Keeper's pods to easily rewire the string and save it! Here is the tool, if you don't already own it: amzn.to/34YsIdo
Do I have too many strings of a light hooked together
Hey there, Tony, Unfortunately, that isn't enough information for me to provide you with any answers. If you have LED lights, you can normally daisy-chain 10 or more sets together. For incandescent lights, it is usually under 10 sets.
My fuse keeps blowing out on the Christmas lights. What could it be to your experience?
Hey there, Ninja. So, assuming these are LEDs, it is likely one of two things. One, you have overloaded the coppers max load by having too many lights daisy-chained. Two, you have either a torn or exposed area of the wire that is causing a short and the fuse in popping to prevent a fire.
I have a very desperate Christnakah light problem. Last year I mistakingly let my husband put on the colored led lights. He proceeded to wrap the lights so that most are on the end of branches. In other areas there are big gobs of wire just hanging out. How do I fix this so the tree doesn’t look awful ( sadly, my ornaments are wonderful ) ? Do i stuff them back into tree( 8 foot black tree) “trunk” and affix with wire? Do i get a divorce?😂I have some really nice cool white led lights that i’d like to put up and i will do it correctly. Please help me out here and thank you ever so much.
I'm having a difficult time picturing your tree, Somebody. Email me a photo at ChristmasOnCrestline@gmail.com and I'll let ya know! I'm always happy to help!
So true!!!
Indeed
I have a strand of LED multicolored Christmas lights and half the strand all of a sudden has become dim, not off just dimly Lit the other half of the strand is fully lit. Not sure what is going on.
Hey there, J. You have one of two issues going on. One, you have a bulb or bulbs that are not seated properly in the socket and the connection is preventing the free flow of power through the second portion of the string. This can be due to corrosion, a faulty prong on a bulb(s), or a cut in the line near a socket that is not yet fully broken. The second option, is that your rectifier is about to go out. Unfortunately, rectifiers are not fixable. The easiest way to figure out what the issue is with your lights is to utilize the LED Keeper. I use it constantly during the light hanging season. You can find it here: amzn.to/4aq7swX I explain its use here: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.htmlsi=oKoQB54ZPaDhfb5S
I believe my power inverter does not like running. Incandescent, Christmas lights for a very long on battery. Most likely due to being lead acid. Maybe I need to get some lithium iron phosphate, batteries and hook those up to my Solar System.
Thanks for sharing! It sounds like your lead-acid batteries might not be holding up well for long-term use with incandescent Christmas lights. Switching to lithium iron phosphate batteries could be a great solution, as they generally offer better efficiency and longer life cycles, especially when paired with solar systems. Plus, they’re lighter and more reliable for running setups like yours. Let me know if you end up making the switch and how it works out for you!
Great list. But I don't think my issue is on it. I bought two, 25 light LED strands a couple years ago. Plugged them in this year (after they were up, duh) to find neither worked.
I guess these are kind of unique. They don't have actual bulbs. Each light has a colored, screw-off cover shaped like a traditional C9 bulb. But the light itself is a small, colored LED embedded in the base. These can't be removed. I'm getting 110v all the way through to the end socket, as verified by a DMM (and another strand plugged in). One other point: the strand has three wires. One runs bulb to bulb. One runs from plug into the last bulb (next to the socket). The 3rd wire runs from plug to socket.
Since they can't be replaced, I'm thinking only way to fix would be to locate, cut out and bypass the failed LED(s). Would need the seeker tool for this though.
Any ideas? Thanks.
It sounds like you are describing sets similar to what I use on my roofline but mine are C6's. The cover unscrews to reveal an LED light bulb that appears to not be removable. However, they are in fact removable. I use needle nose pliers to remove the bad LEDs and then insert the replacement bulbs. I just did this tonight on a string of blues that are on my roofline. I wonder if your lights aren't made the same?
@@ChristmasOnCrestline You are correct! With a needle nose and a good tug, the LED is removable. Like pulling a tooth.
Problem now is that I don't know which bulb(s) is out, or if I have any spares like this to replace with even if I could troubleshoot the bad one. Very odd that neither strand works now, whereas when stowed last year all was well.
I'd done incandescent bulbs for many, many years. LED bulbs were supposed to be better in so many ways. I didn't know though they'd be like the real old school strands where when one goes out, they all go out. 😞
So what could the problem be if " one bulb only" doesn't work and the rest do in a set of Christmas lights, but when checking the the LED keeper the bulb in fact is good.
What could be causing this short? Ty in advance
@@ChristmasOnCrestline Bought a non contact voltage tester to troubleshoot. The results are maddeningly inconsistent. Voltages will show and not show at same points along the strands. The positioning of the wires has an effect. I’m thinking there are disconnects based on this. These wires make tiny connections that a small twist can undo.
Hi! I have 3 sets of Noma lights with the big bulb and my fuses are good and i got 120 V at the end of the plug.😢So should i check with my non contact tester at which light the current is not passing?
My prelit tree was all lit up and then the other balbs that i added just went out but not the balbs that came with the tree all the lights are plugged in to one except the ones that came with the tree any suggestions?
How many did you plug in? From your description, it sounds like you may have overloaded your lights and possibly thrown a fuse. Try unplugging them half way through and add a light string that you know works. If that string doesn't illuminate then you have bad fuses or a tear in the copper somewhere. If they are incandescent lights, you can get a Light Keeper Pro here: amzn.to/369KaLt. For LED lights, which I believe you're speaking of, LED Keeper is amazing and is my go-to tool. You can get that tool here: amzn.to/34YsIdo
I was walking and I found them and we just got hit by a hurricane so they might have gotten submerged because they where just sitting outside got thrown out I took them home and they don't work at all and I think they short surceted and if so how would I fix that because there pretty lights
I've got you, CH. First, if they are LED lights, you will need an LED Keeper: amzn.to/3BruMxh This device will allow you to test a fuse without guessing if it is bad. Secondly, if they have a resistor on them, (hard plastic looking tubes) on the string and if those are bad, there is no chance to fix the lights. The Keeper will allow you to test the string to diagnose the problem thought. With that said, Christmas lights are really good about bouncing back from being soaked. They may just need a bit of time to fully dry out.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline awesome thank you
I have changed my fuses. Cords are intact. Checked every bulb and they work. Still have not a single light. Any other ideas? These are C7 and C9 LEDs
Hey there, Jennifer! I totally understand how frustrating it can be to put in all that effort and see zero results - it's the worst! I'm assuming you're talking about an LED string. Here's a troubleshooting step for you: plug in the malfunctioning string and daisy chain a second set (one that you know works fine) into it. If the second set lights up, it means the first string carries power, and we can rule that out.
My suspicion is that you might have a bad rectifier on the string. When that fails, the whole string becomes almost useless. The best way to save it is to contact the manufacturer for a replacement. Getting an exact match is crucial; ordering one on Amazon might be slightly different, and we want to avoid any potential fire hazards. Once you have the new part, you can remove the old and add the new via this method: ruclips.net/video/DXWullu2FTk/видео.htmlsi=b7WRTUAFqswUw2mh
Let me know how it goes, and we'll figure this out together!
Hey im having a problem i fix my lights then a few hours later they stop working what can i do?
I need a bit more information, Opu. Are they LED or incandescent? Do they go completely dark or just dim? After you unplug them and plug them back in, do they function correctly?
Whole string of LED lights lighted up for mini seconds then went off. Unplugged and plugged in again the string same thing happened. The string have 3 wires coming out from the male connector. Checked two fuses and every bulb and they worked. What could be the problem?
Hey there, Patrick. That sounds frustrating indeed! A few things come to mind. 1) corrosion in a socket(s) can't be seen unless you use a flashlight. If you have a socket in mind as the culprit, you might utilize a flashlight and check it out. 2) There is an issue with the connection to the power source. Try using a different docs source of power and see if the issue duplicates itself. If it doesn't, problem solved. 3) You have a break in the copper line. You can use a voltage detector (you can pick one up for around $5) and check if the entire string is carrying power. If not, it will tell you the spot that it stops. 4) You simply have a set of lights that need every bulb seated tightly in its socket and you have one or more bulbs slightly out of socket or their copper prongs are not making a through connection. All in all, if they light up, they can be saved 85-95% of the time!
My led strands on my house are only a year old. Randomly spots on the strand is dim...not out...but verrrry dim
Hey there, Melissa. You likely have corrosion somewhere in your line. Use a flashlight and look at bulb's sockets and check for corrosion. Also, check on either side of the dim bulbs. Another normal reason for this would be a cut in the copper. You might want to check the string and see if an animal hasn't chewed at it somewhere in the line. Squirrels are notorious for this. I recommend using the LED Keeper as a handy tool to quickly find issues with LED lights. amzn.to/3EiaHra Let me know what the issues ends up being!
I keep replacing the fuse. And it keeps blowing up. So what's causing it to blow out ?
Hey there, Darrin. I feel the frustration! Unfortunately, that isn't enough information for me to offer any educated insight. First, are they LED or Incandescent lights? While you must be mindful of how many you daisy-chain together, LED lights do allow you to plug more lights together than their incandescent brethren. The general rule of thumb is 10 LED strands and 3 incandescent strands. If that isn't the issue, how many items to you have plugged into a single outlet? If you are overloading the outlet then it could adversely effect the strings. Next, check that there isn't a break or tear in the strings. I can't tell you how many times I checked bulb-by-bulb only to realize a squirrel chewed thorough the cord. Let me know if these check out for you!
The fuse for my C9 strand of Christmas lights keeps blowing. I replaced the fuse a couple of times and each time I replaced the fuse and plugged it back in, the fuse immediately blows. I checked the wiring and it all looks in tact with no tears. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hey there, Ben. So, two things. One, if it is blowing every time, you either have a bad rectifier or you have a break in the wire somewhere underneath the plastic coating. A third option, would be that you have a piece of metal that has broken off inside one of the sockets that is connecting power in an adverse way once it receives power.
It is just me or are the links not there?
I checked and the video links are there. If you are watching this on your TV, they may not display correctly though.
My led Christmas light are half dim, what the problem? Lights are on all the way through, just are half dimmed. Ty in advanced
That is always frustrating, Dryna. Most strings of LEDs that are half out simply means you have a bad bulb. Here is how you find and fix that: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.html
@@ChristmasOnCrestline "half dimmed" not "half out"
Okay, fueses are really annoying, but now I’ve learned how to take care of them the past few years by: NOT CONNECTING 50 STRANDS TOGETHER! 😂 (of course I’m exaggerating a lot)
Great call, Willy. That's a pro tip right there!
LED string and the whole thing is out. It’s the first one in the plug and the other strands are working. Changed the fuses in the plug and same thing
Hey there, Juan. That can be frustrating. Fuses are rarely the issue but it's great you have eliminated that as the issue. You likely have multiple bulb failures which is causing the lights to not illuminate. The fact that the lights behind this string have power is good news. Here is a video on how to find the problem bulb(s): ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.html
Mine work for like 5mins then they slowly go out completely. After a day it repeats the same way, 5mins they work perfectly till the go out
LED or incandescents?
My outside lights were working around my hedges in my windows and my garage door one side went out why
Hello, tony. Unfortunately, that isn't enough information for me to hazard a guess. I can tell you that LED lights allow for more strings to be daisy-chained together than incandescent lights do. If you have any moisture near the lights, this can/will cause them to dim or to not work correctly. Sometimes, it is as simple as a squirrel or some other wildlife crawled along the strings and one of the connections is no longer thoroughly plugged in.
I have a strand that doesn’t work once connected with other strands. But when connected to power source by itself, it will work just fine.
Hey there, George. It sounds like you are likely connecting too many strings. This must often occurs when you go past the manufacturer's threshold for strings you've attached. How many do you have connected to one another. As an example, most net lights only allow for three sets to be connected to one another.
I have a pre lit tree and the top strand only half works. The half connected to the working strand/bottom half of the tree is off, so there is a space of off lights in the middle. It's a brand new tree. I changed the fuses which weren't blown and checked all the bulbs in the non working strand. Help!! Lol
Ah, the classic case of half-lit trees! It can be quite the head-scratcher, especially with a brand-new tree. Let's try to tackle this problem together, Beer.
Since you've already swapped out the fuses and checked the bulbs on the non-working strand, it sounds like we might need to dig a little deeper into a few other potential causes:
1. **Connection Points:** Sometimes, the issue lies within the connectors or junctions between the working and non-working sections. Ensure all the plugs and connections are securely in place and not damaged.
2. **Continuity Check:** Have you tested the continuity of the wires in the non-working section? There might be a break or damage somewhere along the line that's interrupting the flow of electricity. This typically occurs during the storage in the off-season. Any hard drops or exposure to wildlife (squirrels, rabbits, & mice mainly) can lead to broken and eaten-through strings.
3. **Voltage Check:** Verify the voltage reaching the non-working section. A voltage drop or irregularities could be causing the lights to malfunction. You can check this with any multimeter (amzn.to/47bE9v6) or LED Keeper (amzn.to/48cAqPh)
4. **Controller or Switches:** Some pre-lit trees have controllers or switches that might control different sections of lights. Ensure these are set correctly and functioning as intended.
Given that it's a new tree, it might be worth considering warranty options or contacting the manufacturer for specific troubleshooting steps, especially if the issue persists after trying these steps.
Hopefully, one of these steps can shed some light (literally!) on the issue. If not, feel free to get back to me, and we'll keep at it until we crack this light mystery!
My Christmas tree was working fine then all of a sudden the hole tree just went off no lights what so ever I need help
That sounds like quite the tree trouble! Don't worry, I'm here to help. Let's troubleshoot together to get those lights twinkling again. The first thing that comes to mind...did someone/thing accidently unplug it? Sometimes a loose plug or a tripped circuit can be the culprit. Also, examine the strands of lights closely; if there's a blown fuse or a damaged bulb, that might be causing the blackout. Give those a look and let me know if anything stands out. We'll get your tree shining bright again in no time!
Half of my lights work find the other half is very dim they are LED lights. How do I fix them?
That's a great question, Marie. I show an example of that here:ruclips.net/video/cPShOxCqnq8/видео.htmlsi=KeSXJgC9y4CY-KV1
I have a Members Mark LED set with 8 different functions. When I plug them in, the entire set blinks on once for just a few milliseconds. Then they go out. The fuses have continuity and the voltage measures 120v at the female plug at end of the run. Again ALL bulbs blink briefly. Any help appreciated! Thanks!
Unfortunately, if this set of lights has a controller box on it, they are not designed to be fixed. In your case, the lights come on briefly but then extinguish themselves. So, we know the string has the ability to accept power but it is not doing so on a constant and consistent basis. That lets us know it is the control box that is preventing the lights from illuminating rather than a bulb or socket issue. My suggestions would be to one, reach out to the manufacture to see if these happen to be under warranty. Two, cut off the box and attached a new male or female end to the string that matches the strings exact power needs. Lastly, you can always try manipulating the controller box and move it around until you find the exact manipulation that compels the lights to stay on. Sorry that there is no easy fix to this problem, Kevin.
I feel like the worlds biggest moron. I never realized the lights were fused. Everything else is, why the hell wouldn't the lights be.
You're good, Ross. Christmas lights, like anything else, is a learning process. Happy holidays!
My LED are not bright at all. What can I do please?
Hey there, Jennifer. If they are dull the likely cause is either corrosion in a socket, which you'll need a flashlight to check and see, or you have a bulb (or more) that have poor prongs. LED bulb's prongs can wear over time. They can break off competently or become shortened which causes the bulb to not make complete contact with the socket. When the flow of power is interrupted, you get dim lights.
The whole strand of lights after my burn out, strand or working, and I can’t find a problem with any of the LED lights on the strand that’s not working
Hey there, Mike! I fee your frustrations! I think you are saying the entire string of lights is not working for you. First, let's check that the cord is carrying power. Plug it into an outlet and then daisy-chain another string of light to it. If they light up, the cord has power. If they don't, then you know there is an electrical issue as it is not carrying power to the sockets. Secondly, you can use the LED Keeper to fix the LED lights: amzn.to/47NH7XY This tool is designed to find the bad bulb(s) and sockets(s). You can see how to use the device here: ruclips.net/p/PLsOns0gkNWyanw6tVp-5ZHezGSBLTW3Co&si=PKNb2XSL7pg_KlQ2
Literally I watched video like this and change the fuses but like in a hour or something it just goes out and when I change the fuse again it just goes out in a hour or something
Hmm...the fuse is rarely the problem. If you have fuses that keep burning out you have a power problem. A few things, One, the most common reason this occurs is when you go beyond the manufacturers limitations and daisy-chain too many lights together. This occurs in net lights all the time. Most folks don't realize you can only plug in a finite amount of lights together. The second most common occurrence is when people plug in LED lights and incident lights together. That is an issue and can lead to fuse issues. Lastly, try using a different outlet to power the lights and see if that solves the issue. Let me know if this helped, Thang. Also, here is a video on how I fix LED lights: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.html
I have this too. Maybe daisy chaining four strands is too much. I had two missing bulbs I just taped up the sockets thinking the missing bulbs wouldn't matter. Are those the culprit????
I moved my Christmas lights and then when I plugged them in they didn't light. No problem where they were.
Arrgg That sounds frustrating, Lion.
The best way to fix them if squirrels are eating them is shoot the squirrels
🔫🐿️ Apparently they think the lights are nuts lol
Thanks for responding to my message. Yes I believe it’s the control box. Also, I bought those at Lowe’s. They were like $32 for a set and maybe lasted two years.
I'm sorry your lights didn't last longer. Lowe's is a terrible company for many reasons.
No problem. I'm doing a live interview today with the owner of the LED Keeper. I'll ask him your question in today's livestream.
I connected three 62 ft Christmas lights when I went to connect the fourth strip everything went out. What could be going on?
You likely went past the strings power threshold. All Christmas lights, both residential and commercial-grade, have an advertised threshold on the box, in the instructions, or on the label attached to the string. As an example, net lights almost all have a three string daisy-chain limit. Three sets work just fine BUT you add a fourth string and they will not function. So, the easy fix is to find what your light's limit is and stick to that number. If these lights do not allow for a fourth set, simply utilize another power source for the fourth set!
they dont make lights very well anymore, we purchased many ' Sylvania ' brand christmas berry lights between 2010-2012, and these lights still work to this day, in fact i just put them outside on our bush- i put on 4 sets of 200 ct. each, so 800 total, i didn't have to replace one bulb, in fact ive hardly ever had to replace any on them, last year i purchased some green and red C6 lights off amazon, i think they were around 10-12 bucks each, literally thin wire that rips so easily and the main plug in was so flimsy that i snapped the main power plug-in from the connecting wire like 3 or 4 times. it seems the newer lights shorten out easier too with hardly any pressure-
Great call, Ford. I think someone, about a decade ago, said, "Hey, if we make these where they break and fail then they'll have to buy more!" Then he twisted his evil mustache and belly laughed! Yep, I completely agree. I have a set of my grandfather's lights from the 50s and they light up like champs still!
@@ChristmasOnCrestline i ended up buying some ' NOMA ' brand lights from out of chicago, thinking they were made top notch, average price of each box i paid for like 60 count red and green LED was like 15.00 to 18.00 ish......they were OK.....but one set had 3 green lights in a row at the end of the strand for some reason and there were virtually no replacement lights :/
I have a tree with several different strands. I have been able to fix all but 1 strand.
I have changed fuses. I have taken out, checked and replaced every bulb. Still nothing.
I'm at a loss!
It sounds like you've really tried everything! Sometimes, a stubborn strand can mean there's an issue deeper in the wiring that might not be visible, especially if it's an older strand. Another trick to try is to carefully examine the plug ends and make sure there isn’t any debris or wear on the prongs. More often than not I use a flashlight to check the sockets and look for corrosion. Most times socket corrosion is green and blends into the color of the socket. Without a flashlight, you won't see it. You could also test the strand with LED Keeper (amzn.to/40qibVx) if you have one; sometimes a single socket is causing the problem. If it’s a pre-lit tree, the wiring can sometimes be tricky to trace back fully, so it might even be worth checking each section independently if you can. The last option would be that their is a break in the line itself. This can be checking by manipulating the wire as it is plugged in. By moving every part of the wire, if there is a break in the copper, it will oftentimes come on for a split second once you've reached the break. Moving the string around will create a temporary connection that let's you see that there is a break in the line. Keep at it-you’re so close!
Lights came 5
minutes, then just went out
If they're incandescent, you likely have a single bulb out.
Who is the idiot that decided that a string of Christmas lights needed to have fuses hidden in the plug?
It is a bit odd, isn't it, David. That real problems are with the lights that have control boxes attached. Those are not even repairable.
As soon as I replace a light, it immediately stops working.
In the same socket? If new lights are screwing up in the same socket, try using a flashlight and looking into the socket. I wonder if you have some corrosion in there.
I e changed the fuses several times but the lights keep going out. These are inside lights (on my tree). I’ve split the line into two. Has not helped still shorting out. HALP! Thank you!
Fuses are rarely the problem, Aaron. Are they incandescent or LEDs? Or is this a pre-lit tree? If it is a pre-lit, those are not designed to be repaired unfortunately. If these are LEDs, try this video: ruclips.net/video/riGJQjnZ3eE/видео.html
@@ChristmasOnCrestline I think i have a mix. could that be a problem? doesn't seem to be as part of my mixed lines work and the other set does not. I tried using a voltmeter to find a potential faulty light bulb but since my tree is all ready strung, there is a lot of interference with the looping wires. Thank you for the response!
My fuses are keep on burning out anytime i change it what can i do?
That always sucks to have happen! You have either exposed wire or you likely have a foreign object sitting in one of the sockets that is shorting out the string.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline oh okay thank you
@@ChristmasOnCrestline or can it be that i have to much light by conected to it?
How many light sets do you have plugged in, and what does the manufacturer recommend?
Some leds stop working after it rains.
Hey SOTO ! Oh, the rain vs LEDs struggle - a classic decorator's challenge. Many of us have been there! Make sure those lights are weatherproofed or outdoor-rated - that's a game-changer. And those pesky connections, a bit of electrical tape, or sealant can keep the water out. But If you can, give your lights a little lift to avoid direct water hits. Always let them dry completely before hitting the on switch again. Don't forget to shield the power source and cords! Safety is key. If the water dance with your LEDs keeps going, reaching out to the manufacturer for some weather wisdom might be the next step. Cheers to ya!
The little wires breaking off is my biggest issue. I don't believe my leds are copper wires on the "bulbs" they are always silverish which make me think it copper clad aluminum or something other the copper. Incandescent lights are definitely copper.
The only fuses I've blown are ones in extension cords I've made from old lights. Those cords can't carry the load of of a couple hundred incandescent lights.
That's interesting to hear. 90% of our cords are former incandescent strings and we've yet to kell a fuse. My only fuse issue was when I stupidly fixed a string that was still plugged into 8 others (already hung) and I heat shrinked a socket back on. BAM! The heat carried through every string and blew every fuse.
@@ChristmasOnCrestline they only blow fuses when I use them to power too many incandescent lights. No issue with leds.
PROBLEM: The entire strand is dim.
I feel your frustration, Sonny. Thank you for reaching out! A dim strand can sometimes be caused by loose or damaged bulbs or faulty connections. Have you tried using a tool like the LED Keeper? amzn.to/48qO5lx It's great for identifying and fixing issues in non-working LED light strands by sending a pulse of electricity through them. Give that a try, and if the problem persists, feel free to let me know for further assistance
My whole LED is DIM I have changed out each bulb and tested and all are still dim
Ah, troubleshooting those dim LEDs can be a bit of a puzzle! So, you've gone through changing out each bulb and the dimness remains across the whole set? That's quite a head-scratcher! Pre-lit trees are oftentimes THE most difficult lights to fix in the industry. Let's dive a bit deeper-have you had a chance to peek at the power source and connections? I bet you have but sometimes, wonky connections or a hiccup in the power input can cast a dim light over everything. The best tool in the industry to use to fix these LED issues is the LED Keeper: amzn.to/41F569t
Here's a thought: reaching out to the manufacturer could be a game-changer. They're usually packed with tips and tricks specific to their product. Tell them what's been going on, all the steps you've taken, and see if they have any secret hacks up their sleeves. Oh, and don't forget to mention the age of the tree-knowing how old it is might help crack this dimness mystery. Plus, if it's a newer tree, there might just be some warranty magic that could lend a hand here. The most common problem with pre-lits is the rectifier. Once those go bad, the tree is unfixable. The manufacture can best diagose that as the problem.
LED>only the blue is dim but the red and green r bright.. i dont know how to fix it!! grrr
I'm guessing this is a multicolored set of incandescent lights?
🐿🎄
Me thumbing it down because it hurts
🎅🙋♂️
So I have 2 strings of lights plugged together and the entire 1st strand doesn't work but the 2nd strand is working fine. How would power go through the 1st strand and get to the 2nd strand without lighting the 1st strand? Help I'm confused 😕
That is extremely common, Doc. In fact we use that to our advantage for our show. When we run out of extension cords, we simply remove a few bulbs from a string and use it for a makeshift extension cord. Power still freely flows through the cord no matter if the bulbs are functional or not. You simply have multiple bulb failures in your first string that need to be located and repaired.
Because I use a timer I try to connect all of the Christmas lights on one power outlet and they are turning off how do I fix this
Hello, Dionicio. From your articulation of the problem, the simple fix seems to be to either not use the timer and to use an extension cord with multiple outlets. Here is an example of one we use: amzn.to/3Fpoi1o or to bypass the timer. Most timers have an always on function that should allow you to bypass the automatic shut off function that seems to be giving you problems.
My problem is my new battery operated light strand has an off switch and a timer and all of a sudden it just stopped working unless I press on the battery box then it turns back on.? Help…
So, if you keep the button suppressed, does it work still? Or does it go off again immediately?
It goes off again! Unless I hold it down. I don’t think the plastic case is holding the batteries down tight enough to keep contact.