Cut, Separate & Strip the Wires
- Cut the chewed section and plug off the cord using a wire cutter.
- Separate the wires by pulling them apart about one to two inches down.
- Strip about one inch off the ends of the two wires using a wire stripper.
- Twist the ends of the wires so they are tight and no longer frayed.
- Make a loop on each wire by wrapping it around a screwdriver.
Can you fix a broken bulb on Christmas lights?
Sometimes you have two or more defective bulbs, so only identifying one bad bulb may not fix the Christmas lights. Keep in mind that inexpensive strings of Christmas lights aren't durable. So at the end of the holiday season, take down the lights with care. Pro tip: Don't pull too hard on the wires.
How to fix Christmas tree lights that are not working?
1 Christmas tree light repair is actually really simple. 2 First, slide back the plastic covering on the plug to check the Christmas light fuse. ... 3 Replace any blown Christmas light fuses.
How can I tell if my Christmas lights are bad?
With other Christmas light testers, like the one shown below, you simply touch each bulb. You can test an entire strand in a few minutes. Sometimes you have two or more defective bulbs, so only identifying one bad bulb may not fix the Christmas lights. Keep in mind that inexpensive strings of Christmas lights aren't durable.
How do you test a Christmas tree light bulb?
Test the Christmas light bulbs with an inexpensive tester. A Christmas tree light tester is an essential Christmas light repair tool. Some Christmas light testers work by sliding each bulb through a hole, like the image shown below. Pro tip: Usually, changing a problem bulb (or tightening it) will fix the entire strand.
How do you fix a chewed string light?
0:272:35How to Fix a Cord Chewed by Your Pet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing you want to do is cut the chewed section and the plug. Off the wire. Then separate theMoreFirst thing you want to do is cut the chewed section and the plug. Off the wire. Then separate the two wires about an inch and a half down then you want to strip the wires. Using a wire strippers.
How do you fix frayed Christmas lights?
1:273:14How To Repair Christmas Holiday Lights - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe lights pull out the old bulb. With its plastic base some replacements have the base alreadyMoreThe lights pull out the old bulb. With its plastic base some replacements have the base already attached if not then straighten the wires on the new bulb. Thread.
How do you fix a chewed cord on a Christmas tree?
Cut, Separate & Strip the Wires Cut the chewed section and plug off the cord using a wire cutter. Separate the wires by pulling them apart about one to two inches down. Strip about one inch off the ends of the two wires using a wire stripper. Twist the ends of the wires so they are tight and no longer frayed.
Is it worth fixing Christmas lights?
But when it comes to Christmas lights, as with most purchases, you're better off using or fixing your existing incandescent lights, rather than upgrading to LEDs before you need to.
Can you repair Christmas lights that have been cut?
Step 1: Unplug the lights. Place a piece of masking tape on each wire on either side of the damaged portion you are cutting away, about 2 inches on either side of the damage. This will leave you with two pieces of tape on each wire strand--most Christmas lights have two strands, but some have three or more.
Can you cut and rewire Christmas lights?
The lights are designed so each bulb receives all 120 volts and each bulb has a direct route to power, meaning they can be cut to any length without overpowering and burning out bulbs. With the lights unplugged cut wires with wire cutters between the bulbs and cap each end with wire connectors.
Can electrical tape fix a chewed cord?
"No you don't have to apply electrical tapes. To avoid partial contacts of the chewed cables, you need to have the damaged cables removed and replaced. You have to engage the services of a qualified electrician to access the extent of the damage."
How do you fix a cord that has been cut?
0:193:59How to repair a power cord that has been dog chewed. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing you'll want to do is take some cutters. And just amputate the bad part of the cable.MoreThe first thing you'll want to do is take some cutters. And just amputate the bad part of the cable. Now the goal is to splice the two remaining pieces back together.
How do you fix a ripped cord?
1:115:21Best Way to Repair Broken or Chewed Power Cords - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo let's get started so what these plastic tubes are check this out it's heat shrinking tubing rightMoreSo let's get started so what these plastic tubes are check this out it's heat shrinking tubing right for making electrical repairs this kit this is heat shrink tubing as well different diameters.
How do you fix outdoor string lights?
How to Troubleshoot and Repair String LightsStep 1: Look for Safety Issues. ... Step 2: Look for Unseated or Corroded Bulbs. ... Step 3: Change the Fuses. ... Step 4: Check for Damaged Shunts. ... Step 5: Replace Burned-Out Bulbs on String Lights.
How do you repair LED string lights?
0:0219:37How to fix LED Christmas lights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's see what we can do to fix them so as you remember my how to fix Christmas lights video thatMoreLet's see what we can do to fix them so as you remember my how to fix Christmas lights video that has just the incandescent. The light keeper Pro is the tool to have.
Can you replace old Christmas lights with LED?
The short answer is no. You can't use LED replacement bulbs (if you can find them) to replace traditional mini lights on a traditional light string. It may seem like a good idea, cost-effective and simple. However, the wiring for your classic lights is different and unsuitable to handle LEDs.
Step 1
I have bags of replacement bulbs scattered through my garage, but the creativity of the light producers results in light sockets of many shapes and sizes, none an exact fit to the string under repair.
Step 2: Repairing an Individual Light
Fixing an individual light is easy. Let's assume the green socketed lamp on the left is bad.
Step 3
Bend the wires down from the bad lamp (green socket) and good lamp (red tip).
Step 6
Bend the legs. You now have a working light that will fit your defective string.
Step 7: Finding the Bad Spot
If the bad string of lights is embedded in a tree, you might consider a light repair tool (I can't personally vouch for this--reviews are fairly positive).
Step 10
You will start with 50 dead lights. Unplug the lights. Go to the center of the bad area and remove one light (I use a tiny flat blade screwdriver to pry the bulb assembly from the socket). Press one probe (we'll call it probe A) against the right side of the lamp socket. Press the other probe (probe B) against one of the flat blades of the plug.
Step 11
In theory, each bulb has a shunt, so filament failure should not cause a blackout.
What happens when a light bulb goes out?
The current runs down the cord, through the bulb and out into the cord again to the next bulb. A broken bulb breaks the flow of electricity.
What happens if a plug won't light?
If the whole strand won't light. If the whole strand won't light, then chances are the fuse in the plug is toast. Take a look at the plastic box part of the plug, then pry open the little door with your nails or a flathead screwdriver.
How to check if a bulb is connected to a socket?
Put on a pair of protective gloves and firmly grasp the bulb with your index finger and thumb. Some bulbs screw in, so look to see if the base of the bulb is connected to the socket or if the bulb is inside the socket. If the bulb is inside, pull. If it's connected, twist the base.
How to remove a black fuse?
If they are black or the strand in the center of the fuse is broken, the fuse needs to be replaced. With a small flathead screwdriver, remove each of the fuses out by leveraging your screwdriver under the metal end of the fuse and popping it out. Replace them with the extra fuses that came with the lights.
How to pull a bulb out of a socket?
Pull the bulb straight up from the socket, though. Pulling at an angle can make the bulb break off in the socket. If the bulb is already broken, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the bulb from the socket.
Do Christmas lights need to be replaced?
How Christmas lights work. Energy.gov. If you have lights with a parallel circuit (if they're LED, they have a parallel circuit for sure), you'll still need to replace the burnt out bulbs, but a huge section of the strand won't be affected. It will be easy to see which ones are bad when you plug them in.
How do I repair a Christmas tree light?
Christmas tree light repair is actually really simple. First, slide back the plastic covering on the plug to check the Christmas light fuse. Pro tip: Some Christmas light strings have more than one fuse, in which case they'll be next to each other. Replace any blown Christmas light fuses.
How do Christmas light testers work?
Some Christmas light testers work by sliding each Christmas light bulb through a hole. Pro tip: Usually, changing a problem bulb (or tightening it) will fix the entire strand. Second, test the Christmas light bulbs with an inexpensive tester. The Christmas light tester will indicate which bulbs are bad and need to be replaced.
How long do holiday lights last?
Also, be aware that most holiday light bulbs have short life expectancies, about 1,000 to 1,500 hours. This means the lights are designed to last one to three seasons, depending on your usage.
Chewed Wires
Bad news: Squirrels and mice are strangely attracted to something in the wire, and they will go to town on them if they have the chance. If you see frayed or chewed wires of any kind, you should throw them away immediately. We can all agree that it's better to buy a new strand than get electrocuted by rogue wires, right?
Blown Fuses
Behind a small door in the male end of your strand's socket are a number of small silver fuses. These can get overheated and stop working. Whenever you purchase a box of lights, they generally come with a small packet of replacement bulbs and an extra fuse or two.
Light Bulb Connection
Sometimes a fix is as easy as looking to see if any of the light bulbs on your ailing strand aren’t pushed down into the connector enough. If the fine wires on the end of a light bulb aren’t able to connect to the power source, a loose connection is probably your culprit.
Broken Bulbs
If all is well with your fuses and all the lights are pressed securely in their spots, it’s time to assume that the problem lies with one or more of your light bulbs.