Q&A for How to Replace a Fuse on Christmas Tree Lights

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How can you tell if a fuse is blown in Christmas lights?

Marvin Woo
Licensed Electrician
Marvin Woo is a licensed electrician and the Owner of Woo's Electrical & Appliance based in East O’ahu. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in troubleshooting issues and maintaining residential electrical systems. Marvin is both licensed and insured to complete electrical work in the state of Hawaii.

Marvin Woo

Licensed Electrician

Expert Answer

Start by checking the outlet that the Christmas lights were plugged into to make sure there's power present. If the outlet isn't the issue, use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the meter reads open, you can know for sure that the fuse is blown and should be replaced.

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Question

My plug receptacle doesn't show an open door. How do I get to the fuses?

Community Answer

Then the product most likely does not have a replaceable fuse. Not all products have this feature. However, do look carefully, because some products use only a single fuse, and the door may be smaller.

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Question

My fuse is stuck in the upper part of the light plug. What do I do?

Community Answer

Try using a pair of pliers to straighten out one or two bends in a paper clip, then create a short (~1/16th inch) hook, bent to about 90° at the end. Work it into the fuse recess until you can hook the far end of the fuse and pull it downward and outward. This won't be as smooth as it sounds, but persistence will eventually pay off. Try not to break the glass in the fuse. But if you do, it will probably make things easier. Just be sure to get all of the old fuse (including the second metal cap and the small pieces of glass) out before inserting a new fuse. It may take a magnifying glass, but one of the metal caps should have the fuse's rating (Voltage and Amps) stamped into it.

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Question

I don't have replacement fuses. Are they all standard fuses?

Community Answer

You can find them most places the lights are sold, such as Target and online. Before buying new fuses, check to see if a small bag came with your lights; manufacturers usually supply spare bulbs and fuses.

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Question

I replaced the fuse on my lights, but they still do not work. What else should I check?

Community Answer

Such lights tend to be connected sequentially. Probably one of the lights is broken and interrupting the circuit. Try checking every light and replacing broken ones.

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Question

What type of fuse is used on Christmas tree lights?

Community Answer

It depends on the exact lights you use. I would check the tag on your lights (if there is one).

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Question

How do I know if the fuses are upside down?

Community Answer

There is no such thing for this type of fuses; they work either way.

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Question

What do I do if the light plug is melted?

Community Answer

Toss the complete set, as that is a potential fire hazard and not worth the risk. Buy a new set, they're not that expensive.

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Question

How do you identify which light is broken?

Community Answer

Buy a LightKeeper, look them up online. They have one for incandescent and one for LED.

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Question

The manual on the Christmas tree says to use 3 amp, 120 volts. But the plug going into wall says on it 3 amp, 125 volts only? What to do?

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Top Answerer

That is not a problem. The "120 volts" is a nominal voltage and may vary from 115 to 125, but 120 was adopted by some standards as the "reference". At least you know it is not some other range such as 208 volts or 240 volts.

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