Q&A for How to Fix Christmas Lights

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Question

What do I do if it appears my whole set has blown, but the fuses are still good?

Community Answer

Check the entire wire, beginning at the plug, for a shunt interruption using the red gun. Read the instructions carefully; they seem very complicated at first, but become intuitively clear as you become more familiar with it. At the first interruption, replace the light bulb. Continue to do that all along the way. Eventually, one replaced bulb may light up the whole set.

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Question

What do I do if I cannot remove the dead bulb from the original socket to replace or test it?

Community Answer

Use a thin knife blade to remove the bulb holder from the socket. Then you can remove the bulb from the holder.

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Question

Why does the whole set of lights burn out when just one light burns out?

Community Answer

The lights are connected in a series circuit, so if one light burns out the, metal inside isn't conductive anymore. This means that the energy can't go past that piece of metal, which results in everything burning out.

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Question

Why are part of my strands out if my lights were new?

Community Answer

Some of the bulbs may not be in all the way or they may have been defective at the time of manufacture or sale. First, make sure they are fully inserted into the sockets so you can be sure whether or not that is the issue. If this doesn't help, return the lights to the store for an exchange or refund.

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Question

Why are some of my Christmas lights not as bright as others?

John Croft

Community Answer

They may be close to going out and need the bulbs to be replaced. If they are new, then they are not as bright as advertised.

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Question

What do I do if my light strand is out?

Community Answer

Try replacing the strand. If that does not help, then it's possible that the lights need to be disposed of appropriately.

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