Table of Contents
How do you put Christmas lights outside?
There are two ways to power outdoor Christmas lights that illuminate the exterior of your house: using an outdoor light socket or power from a basement. You can also augment these power-supplying methods by using lights that do not run on electric power.
Should you cover outdoor Christmas light plugs?
If your outdoor receptacle isn’t under a roof or some other protective cover it needs to have a special cover, known as an “in-use” cover, over it. As the name implies, these covers will keep the receptacle and the plug that’s in it dry—even in the rain.
How do you fasten outdoor string lights?
Most commercial-grade patio lights come with clips attached to the top of the bulb socket or the wire above the bulb. If you used a mounting wire, clip the lights onto the wire. Once all lights are up, once again plug the string lights into the exterior outlet or extension cord plugged into an outlet.
How do you hang Christmas lights without shingles or gutters?
Hang the lights pointing up or down, just make sure they’re all clipped in the same direction. If you don’t have gutters, you can use the same clip to attach lights to your shingles instead. Simply flip the clip around.
Do you need a special extension cord for outdoor Christmas lights?
For running Christmas lights, you want to make sure that any cord you use is rated for outdoor use. Pick a 16-gauge extension cord for light runs of 25 feet or less and go with a heavier duty 14-gauge cord for runs over 25 feet. Devices that generate heat, such as space heaters, should not be used with extension cords.
Can you use an extension cord between Christmas lights?
Yes, you’ll need to either use the splitter at the end of an extension cord, a separately purchased splitter or an additional extension cord to avoid running more than the maximum number of lights in series than are specified for your set.
Is it OK to leave Christmas lights on in the rain?
“Make sure where everything plugs in is dry and not exposed to the elements because the electricity still goes through the equipment and the light portion, what goes outside is what’s important.” He said Christmas lights are meant to be used outside, they will be fine in rainy conditions.
How do you hide unwanted Christmas lights?
Visually disguise the bulbs that are messing with your perfect rectangular window vibe but hiding them with a couple of quick turns of electrical tape.
How do I make the perfect Christmas lights?
When should you put Christmas lights up?
Holiday lights are OK to go up the day after Thanksgiving. You can take them down anytime after New Year’s Day, but before January 6th—that’s Three Kings Day and the last of the 12 days of Christmas.
How do you plug in outdoor strings without outlet?
The four ways to plug in Christmas lights without an outdoor outlet are: Use Battery Powered Lights. Waterproof Extension Cords. Heavy-Duty Extension Cords. Be Careful About the Voltage. Turn Off the Power Source. Keep the Lights and Cords Away From Risky Areas. Do Not Overload the Electrical Outlets.
How do you hang string lights without holes?
However, is there any way to hang them up without putting nails into the wall? One of the ways to hang outdoor patio lights without nails is using adhesive hooks or gutter hooks. Alternatively, you can tape or staple them to your wall. You can also hang them on trees, bushes, posts, potted plants, and your fence.
What kind of pole do you use for string lights?
Long vertical poles secured with concrete footings are an easy way to support twinkling string lights and are sturdy enough to stay up for the entire summer season. A little carpentry work and a few basic supplies are all that’s required, and this DIY project can be done in one day.
How do you hang string lights on a patio?
Step 1: Select Anchor Points. Lay string lights around the perimeter of your deck. Step 2: Install Screw Eyes. Predrill holes into the wood structural supports in your marked locations. Step 3: Attach String Lights with Carabiners. Step 4: Install Light Bulbs. Step 5: Attach String Lights to Power.
How do you tell if a cord can be used outside?
Letter Designation On the extension cord packaging or on the cord itself, the letter “W” indicates that the cord is designed for use outside. Outdoor extension cords have a heavy-duty appearance and tend to have tough, bright orange covers that are made from rubber, vinyl or plastic.
How many extension cords can you connect together for Christmas lights?
In this case, most traditional incandescent Christmas mini lights only allow you to connect 4 or 5 sets end to end but with many LED mini light strings you can connect 40 to 50+ together depending on the light count. Consider your circuits: Most household circuits are 15 or 20 amps.
What gauge extension cord do I need for outdoor Christmas lights?
For running Christmas lights, you want to make sure that any cord you use is rated for outdoor use. Pick a 16-gauge extension cord for light runs of 25 feet or less and go with a heavier duty 14-gauge cord for runs over 25 feet.
How do I power my outdoor Christmas lights?
Use battery power Use Existing External Outlets. Run an Extension Cord from Inside the Home. Use Solar Lights or Panels. Using Batteries to Power Outdoor Lights. 12 Volt Batteries Can be Used. Safety Precautions when Using Electricity and String Lights. The Don’ts of Extension Cords. Pay Attention to Wattage.
How do I get more power out of my Christmas lights?
Use Outdoor Power Outlet Stakes If you have ambitious plans for your Christmas light display this year, you may want to pick up some outdoor outlet stakes. These power stakes are similar to surge protectors in that they offer a multitude of outlets with some overload protection options.
Is it safe to leave outdoor Christmas lights on overnight?
Lights, when turned on, produce heat. The longer that the lights are left on, the hotter they become. Therefore, leaving your Christmas lighting on for too long – regardless of whether it’s overnight or over a long period during the day – isn’t recommended.
What kind of tape do you use for Christmas lights?
Blu Tack. Masking tape or painter’s tape.
Why do my outdoor Christmas lights go out when it rains?
Unfortunately, when it comes to Christmas lights and decorations and GFCIs, generally all it takes to trip a circuit is for a little moisture to get into the outlet, cord, or lights. If this happens and the power is on, the circuit will trip, causing the lights and décor to go out.
How do you keep Christmas lights from shorting out in the rain?
Plug the Christmas lights into your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), or outdoor outlet. Wrap Teflon tape (electrical tape) securely and carefully around the plugs, completely coating the plug to prevent water from getting in and effectively creating a water-tight seal.
