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The US Fire Administration recommends that consumers use only lights certified by an approved testing facility, so check the box before you buy. If you are decorating with last year’s lights brought up from the basement, the tag near the plug should tell you if they are outdoor or indoor lights.
What happens if you put indoor Christmas lights outside?
Indoor-only lights aren’t insulated like outdoor lights and won’t work with moisture from the outdoors. In fact, if indoor lights are exposed to water, snow or any other outdoor element, they could possibly become hazardous. Never use “indoor only” lights outdoors.
What is the difference between indoor lights and outdoor lights?
The biggest difference between indoor and outdoor light bulbs is that outdoor light bulbs can withstand temperature changes and moisture. Indoor light bulbs should never be used in outdoor fittings. Outdoor light bulbs are much more resilient than bulbs used indoors.
What kind of Christmas lights go outside?
C6 bulbs are considered the traditional Christmas light. C9 bulbs are a larger bulb of the same shape and are typically used outdoor.
Can indoor lights be used outdoors?
While it’s generally safe to use an exterior light fixture indoors, the reverse isn’t true. You should not use an indoor light fixture outdoors in wet locations. They aren’t sealed against moisture and will stop working during the first heavy rain.
Can you use Christmas lights as patio lights?
If you’re aiming to wrap trees and columns, you’ll need to use Christmas string lights instead since the wind will knock the bulbs in patio strings into the branches or stone and increase the risk of breakage. While many patio lights have both a male and female end, some only have a male plug and cannot be connected.
How can you tell if fairy lights are suitable for outdoors?
to look out for Christmas lights marked with a symbol should NOT be used outdoors. Christmas lights marked with a symbol are suitable for mounting on normally flammable surfaces, such as wood. Lighting suitable for outdoor use should be marked with a water drop symbol or an IP Code as shown in the table below.
What are Christmas bubble lights?
A bubble light is a decorative device consisting of a liquid-filled vial that is heated and illuminated by an incandescent light bulb.
Can LED lights be used outdoors?
LEDs are the best choice for outdoor lighting for many reasons. Outdoor LED lighting benefits include: Brighter light: LEDs are a brighter white than traditional halide street lamps, helping better illuminate streets, sidewalks and parking lots. Longer life: LEDs, depending on their usage, can last up to 50,000 hours.
Can I hang an indoor chandelier outside?
Remember, outdoor chandeliers can be hung indoors, but indoor-only chandeliers should never be hung outside.
What is the difference between C6/C7 and C9 lights?
C6 lights are the smallest of the strawberry-shaped lights that many consider the “traditional Christmas bulb” shape. C9 lights have the same traditional strawberry shape as C6 and C7, but are slightly larger than C7. C9 lights measure 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/2 inches tall.
How do you measure outdoor Christmas lights?
The most accurate method: Use a measuring tape. Pretty simple, measure along the roofline either directly at the edge between two people on ladders, along the ground under the roofline, or while walking along the ground with a rolling measure under the roofline edge.
Are Christmas lights rain proof?
One of the most common questions from our customers is whether Christmas lights are water resistant. Most modern lights with a rating above IP44 are waterproof. Christmas lights with this rating are safe to be used outdoors and are protected from rain and water.
Can LED Christmas lights be used outdoors?
Warm white LED lights give off a soft glow that is comparable with traditional lights and are a good choice for using indoors on Christmas trees. And cool white LED lights can be used to achieve a more snow-white tone and are often used outdoors.
Can battery operated Christmas lights be used outside?
Battery-powered lights can absolutely be used outdoors.
What makes a light fixture outdoor rated?
Fixtures rated for wet locations use waterproof seals to protect their internal components from moisture. This eliminates leaks and allows them to safely function in places where other fixtures would fail. These lights are used everywhere outdoors.
What lengths do outdoor string lights come in?
Outdoor string lights typically come in lengths of 10, 25, 35, 50, and 100 feet.
Can I leave patio lights out in winter?
Modern outdoor lights are specially designed to be weatherproof and can be hung out all year round. Though most outdoor lights are weatherproof, you should check the wire and lights once a year and try to install them in a cool, dry place if possible to help them last longer.
Can bubble lights be used outdoors?
Good for both indoor and outdoor use, This bubble light set is a fun, festive way to add to the lighting of your holiday décor.
What do bubble lights look like?
History of Bubble Lights First introduced in 1956, bubble lights are brightly colored, made of glass and shaped liked a candle with a wide base and narrow tube. They were developed by the NOMA Electric Corporation. You can string bubble lights on your tree or display them on a mantle or windowsill.
Why did they stop making bubble lights?
Warming Up. One of the most common reasons a bubble light may fail to bubble is because it is simply too cool. Allow your bubble light to stay lit for several minutes to warm up. If used outdoors, the air temperature may be too cold to allow the liquid to reach the boiling point.
