Thanks for showing that cutting lights that run in parallel can be shortened without fear of bulbs burning out because of too much voltage. Great video.
Thx, very clear cut and informative. I have past electrical installation experience. However, it's been 15yrs and not really dealing with x-mas lights. So thx for getting right to the point.
Thanks for solving my problem! I knew from my basic understanding of electrical currents (from high school science, almost 50 years ago) that I had to get the correct two wires connected and even that I would need those little plastic wire covers but even my husband couldn't solve this for me. This video was exactly the answers I needed.
I'm pretty skilled at electrical work but never knew about the bulbs getting brighter if you remove too many. It makes a lot of sense since the bulbs are in series Now that I think of it. Very interesting. I guess I'll stick to my rubber caps to block off unwanted bulbs.
I’ve got led c9’s, specifically, the sylvania stay lits that Costco sells. They seem to be parallel, removing a single bulb, they all stay lit. However, there are threes strands, not two as shown in the video. Thoughts, help?
Thank you for showing the easy way to cut them in half . And I know that one end of the string has the plug on it. So that end is cool! Done! BUT.... did you say how to attach a plug onto the end that has the female part of the plug? That's what I need to know, please!
Thanks for the video, can you let me know if I shorten the led set of 100 LEDs to 50, will it be ok to put a plug on the other end where the Female one is and then get 2 set's of LED lights ? I think my string of LED lights are in series. I await your reply, thanks.
So, if I have a 50 count string, two 25 bulb series, I can cut in the middle of the string, completely removing the second series and then put the plug back on it? I need a string of 25 and I'm in a pinch...
Thanks for the informative video. I have several sets of 100 mini incandescent lights where only half the bulbs work. I'd like to splice the working sections on two of the strands together to make a full working set. I could buy a new set, but what fun would that be?
That would work but you could also consolidate all the working bulbs. Most likely only a few bulbs are actually burned out even though half the strand isn’t lighting up.
I have a set where enough of the bulbs are burned out though all the shunts are still intact causing any new good light bulbs i put in to immediately fry. I think it's time to just toss that dead section because I don't have 50 spare blubs and it's probably cheaper to buy a new set than replace 50 bulbs sadly. I'm wondering if I can reconnect the plug though, so I can still string it to other sections....
Got a strand of 50 c9 led, all of it is 3 wires. Only need half....yes, i could go to store and purchase. Would it be worth cutting line in half or would the lights end up being too bright?
Thanks for the info, great video👍 Q’s so the C9 incandescent lights from Home Depot (Home Accents Holiday) also run in parallels, can I shorten them to my needs? What’s your opinion on those lights? I’m not planning to spend on commercial lights yet, maybe next year! Please let me know and thank you.
Yes the standard c9 strands can just be cut where you dont need. The quality isn't great but work. I have been splicing wire in so I can have different areas lit without buying a bunch of extra sets and to keep everything looking clean
Hey there I have LED lights and they have three wires. Two wires that go from LED to LED then one wire that travels the length of the LEDs but only connects to the last one at the end of the length. Any thoughts?
I only need 20 lights lol, too high voltage was problem with previous lights in the infinity mirror. Everything looked melted. Do I need an in line fuse? How should I go about this safely?
I did this last year and it burnt out the entire string after 20 days of being on. Does changing the fuse for a higher or lower make a difference or prevent this from happening? (the fuse usually found at the plug)
Great explanation and helpful for working with my LEDs. Any thoughts on why some of my c9 LEDs have 4 wires??? Mind blown. Most of my stands are 3 wires. Almost tried to splice two 4-wire sets with a 3 wire piece. Figured that would be bad.
Got a set of 50 c9 with three wires. Only need half. Worth trying cutting the line in half or will it make the light brighter than the others on a full strand?
I have to cut on the other end (pin side). Now i got 4 wires instead of 2, will it be ok if i join 2 wires each or is that dangerous.please tell me what to do.
Thanks for the video! Are those orange or red wire nuts you're using? Is it okay that I stripped the wires a bit before I twist on the nuts? I'm not joining wires--just using one per nut--but I accidentally stripped the wires half an inch). TIA, if you see this! 😀
@@GrayHouseStudio Thanks! Do you mean no exposed wires under the plastic? Like...you cut the wire shorter than it's insulation? That would definitely look better, but I wasn't sure if it would be safe...
Pleeeeease help ! I have 2 identical same brand LED fairy lights (3 wires) that I want to connect together to make it longer and being able to use only one plug for it. How can I do that ??? I would love if there is a tutorial on it. Please help, I really wanna get it ready for my Christmas decorations :)
That is an interesting challenge. I think for the fairy lights you have to strip the coating over the metal and solder the wired, but I’m not sure because I don’t have any handy.
Don’t shorten mini Christmas lights unless you want to destroy their longevity. Mini lights are rated for a certain low voltage sometimes as low as 2 volts. unlike the c9 lights which are rated for a full 120v. Shortening a light strand by half on say 2 volt mini lights doubles the power going to each bulb, which is why they get brighter. The get brighter, hotter, and burn out faster. It’s up to you if you want to do it obviously, just know you are greatly reduced the life span of your lights.
Cutting some off and using the long portion is fine. There is a point where the voltage divided by the number of bulbs become greater than the built rating and it creates a snow ball effect.
Hey, I was wondering if I can use a strand of Christmas lights to make a candolier by using just three sockets and the plug. How would I do that with a C-7 strand? Use the plug end, but if I cut the strand after the 3rd bulb, how do I end or finish it?
Hi! I need to shorten lights to about 6 on the strand... I am having trouble finding lights that run parallel other than the C9 that are too big for my project. Any suggestions?
I have the same requirement, only I want just a 3 light string of lights. After research, I have concluded you will never find a set of parallel mini lights because each light has to be given a low amount of voltage (no more than 4 volts) otherwise it will burn out. So in your case, in order to be able to have a 6 light string of mini lights, each mini light bulb would have to be able to handle 20 volts per bulb. They simply do not make mini bulbs that can handle that kind of voltage. In my case, I would need mini lights that can handle 40 volts...not happening. lol
Hello, I wanted to know how much watts will be pulled from a shortened sting. So if I cut my 100 bulb string down the middle as shown, how much watts does the new 50 bulb string uses? Thank you.
Google can help. www.christmasdesigners.com/blog/much-electricity-led-christmas-lights-use/ If you know the watts used for the full 100 bulb string, divide by two to get the wattage for each 50 bulb section. The string I have right now is .25w per bulb, so 25 watts for the full 100. In my case I can get two 50 bulb, 12.5 watt sections. But most references I see have larger per-bulb wattages listed, so adjust accordingly. Your string probably has a tag near the plug telling you the string/bulb specs.
Do not do this if the lights are ran in series! If you cut too many bulbs, your resistance will go down and you can blow bulbs faster or create a fire!!
Thanks for showing that cutting lights that run in parallel can be shortened without fear of bulbs burning out because of too much voltage. Great video.
Thanks for this.
I purchased a fake tree that was 1-foot too tall for my living room. Hack saw and this TH-cam video solved it.
Thx, very clear cut and informative. I have past electrical installation experience. However, it's been 15yrs and not really dealing with x-mas lights. So thx for getting right to the point.
Thanks for solving my problem! I knew from my basic understanding of electrical currents (from high school science, almost 50 years ago) that I had to get the correct two wires connected and even that I would need those little plastic wire covers but even my husband couldn't solve this for me. This video was exactly the answers I needed.
Glad I could help! It is super frustrating when you know all but one details and burn the last string of lights out.
Merry Christmas to everyone 🙋🏽♂️ and a happy new year 2022.
Thanks you so much for this helpful video.
Thanks. You saved me a lot of time.
Best explanation after dozens of videos!
I'm pretty skilled at electrical work but never knew about the bulbs getting brighter if you remove too many. It makes a lot of sense since the bulbs are in series Now that I think of it. Very interesting. I guess I'll stick to my rubber caps to block off unwanted bulbs.
Very Very Very helpful. Thank you
thanks. slightly more nuanced than I expected.
Thank you. This was very helpful!
straight to the point. i like it!
Great job! Right to the point! Answered every question I had.
Thanks and glad it helped. I’m excited to get my hands on come LED lights.
I’ve got led c9’s, specifically, the sylvania stay lits that Costco sells. They seem to be parallel, removing a single bulb, they all stay lit. However, there are threes strands, not two as shown in the video. Thoughts, help?
Thanks Peter from the chosen
Sweet thanks dude - very helpful
Nice quick video!
Thank you helped me so much
Good job on the video .very helpfull, no bullsht
Thank you for showing the easy way to cut them in half . And I know that one end of the string has the plug on it. So that end is cool! Done! BUT.... did you say how to attach a plug onto the end that has the female part of the plug? That's what I need to know, please!
great video! thank you!
Great tutorial! Thank you! Who's the jazz group playing in the background? It's nice!
Great video
Thanks!
Very helpful. Thanks!
+duffdoesstuff We can't believe it is already time to get the Christmas lights out again. Glad the info is helpful.
Thanks for the video, can you let me know if I shorten the led set of 100 LEDs to 50, will it be ok to put a plug on the other end where the Female one is and then get 2 set's of LED lights ?
I think my string of LED lights are in series.
I await your reply, thanks.
So, if I have a 50 count string, two 25 bulb series, I can cut in the middle of the string, completely removing the second series and then put the plug back on it? I need a string of 25 and I'm in a pinch...
👏
Thanks for the informative video. I have several sets of 100 mini incandescent lights where only half the bulbs work. I'd like to splice the working sections on two of the strands together to make a full working set. I could buy a new set, but what fun would that be?
That would work but you could also consolidate all the working bulbs. Most likely only a few bulbs are actually burned out even though half the strand isn’t lighting up.
I have a set where enough of the bulbs are burned out though all the shunts are still intact causing any new good light bulbs i put in to immediately fry. I think it's time to just toss that dead section because I don't have 50 spare blubs and it's probably cheaper to buy a new set than replace 50 bulbs sadly.
I'm wondering if I can reconnect the plug though, so I can still string it to other sections....
cool thanks :) do you know if this would work the same for LED lights? i'm guessing it would
I had a rabbit chew through all 3 wires. Can I just connect the 3 wires back randomly? Any risk to which wire connects to which?
Got a strand of 50 c9 led, all of it is 3 wires. Only need half....yes, i could go to store and purchase. Would it be worth cutting line in half or would the lights end up being too bright?
I have c9 led with 2 wires that run the full length and one that connects to every light 3 wires total ? Any ideas on how to shorten this style?
Thanks for the info, great video👍 Q’s so the C9 incandescent lights from Home Depot (Home Accents Holiday) also run in parallels, can I shorten them to my needs? What’s your opinion on those lights? I’m not planning to spend on commercial lights yet, maybe next year! Please let me know and thank you.
Yes the standard c9 strands can just be cut where you dont need. The quality isn't great but work. I have been splicing wire in so I can have different areas lit without buying a bunch of extra sets and to keep everything looking clean
Hey there
I have LED lights and they have three wires. Two wires that go from LED to LED then one wire that travels the length of the LEDs but only connects to the last one at the end of the length. Any thoughts?
Would electrical tape work for covering the exposed wire as well?
I only need 20 lights lol, too high voltage was problem with previous lights in the infinity mirror. Everything looked melted. Do I need an in line fuse? How should I go about this safely?
I did this last year and it burnt out the entire string after 20 days of being on. Does changing the fuse for a higher or lower make a difference or prevent this from happening? (the fuse usually found at the plug)
Great explanation and helpful for working with my LEDs. Any thoughts on why some of my c9 LEDs have 4 wires??? Mind blown. Most of my stands are 3 wires. Almost tried to splice two 4-wire sets with a 3 wire piece. Figured that would be bad.
Got a set of 50 c9 with three wires. Only need half. Worth trying cutting the line in half or will it make the light brighter than the others on a full strand?
Can you do this with mini lights for 1 single mini light?
Can you use a vampire plug on the end of the 3rd set of lights (all the way to the right) at 1:05? Or are the wires too thin?
What if I want to cut my strand of mini led lights add some Christmas light wire then re wire it to rest of the strand is that possible??
I have to cut on the other end (pin side). Now i got 4 wires instead of 2, will it be ok if i join 2 wires each or is that dangerous.please tell me what to do.
Thanks very helpful, my cat chew on the xmas lights and cut the light wire in 3
I just burned out all of my bulbs by removing too many. Should've finished the video first. 🤣
Thanks for the video! Are those orange or red wire nuts you're using? Is it okay that I stripped the wires a bit before I twist on the nuts? I'm not joining wires--just using one per nut--but I accidentally stripped the wires half an inch). TIA, if you see this! 😀
It shouldn’t matter. I usually just clip it off so there are no exposed wires even under the wire but, unless I’m splicing wires together.
@@GrayHouseStudio Thanks! Do you mean no exposed wires under the plastic? Like...you cut the wire shorter than it's insulation? That would definitely look better, but I wasn't sure if it would be safe...
Hi if I was to cut these in to single lights... am I better off using batteries?
Thanks
COULD YOU SHOW CLEARER how to do the 3 wire section. Where does each line go. ????
Get a multimeter and use the continuity setting ( looks like a megaphone) it will beep if it’s the same wire
Will this work with led extensions?
can the wire nut be change to electric tape?
Just saved me from having to buy a new strand after a squirrel chewed off the end plug. Thanks
ok but how would i use just one light from the small ones? if thats even possible
How can I use just 20 bulbs from a set of 100, lighting it with 240v/50Hzac please?
That is a bad idea.
Pleeeeease help ! I have 2 identical same brand LED fairy lights (3 wires) that I want to connect together to make it longer and being able to use only one plug for it. How can I do that ??? I would love if there is a tutorial on it. Please help, I really wanna get it ready for my Christmas decorations :)
That is an interesting challenge. I think for the fairy lights you have to strip the coating over the metal and solder the wired, but I’m not sure because I don’t have any handy.
Don’t shorten mini Christmas lights unless you want to destroy their longevity. Mini lights are rated for a certain low voltage sometimes as low as 2 volts. unlike the c9 lights which are rated for a full 120v. Shortening a light strand by half on say 2 volt mini lights doubles the power going to each bulb, which is why they get brighter. The get brighter, hotter, and burn out faster. It’s up to you if you want to do it obviously, just know you are greatly reduced the life span of your lights.
1.5 volt per on the indoor set that was used out in snow and died.
Are all c9 lights wired in parallel?
Yup
How would you add a strand to the middle of lights.
To add lights I usually just plug them in end to end.
So both end of cutted stings will burnout? Any solution? Many thanks
Cutting some off and using the long portion is fine. There is a point where the voltage divided by the number of bulbs become greater than the built rating and it creates a snow ball effect.
If you shorten them doesnt it also shorten the life of the bulbs?
my LED lights have like 5 wires! how can I can cut that?!!!🌚
Is it the same for icicle lights?
Hey, I was wondering if I can use a strand of Christmas lights to make a candolier by using just three sockets and the plug. How would I do that with a C-7 strand? Use the plug end, but if I cut the strand after the 3rd bulb, how do I end or finish it?
You didn't show how to modify LED's. I would think those to be the most critical as the voltage range is very small............. Just sayin
I cut mine and they instantly went out what do I do)
great. now show how to cut LED light strands to length.
I’m just a kid who wants to put a piece of Christmas light on a bottle cap ;-;
Found the vdo i want
Hi! I need to shorten lights to about 6 on the strand... I am having trouble finding lights that run parallel other than the C9 that are too big for my project. Any suggestions?
The only other smaller lights I know of the are run in parallel are the battery operated lights like the Dewdrop lights.
I have the same requirement, only I want just a 3 light string of lights. After research, I have concluded you will never find a set of parallel mini lights because each light has to be given a low amount of voltage (no more than 4 volts) otherwise it will burn out. So in your case, in order to be able to have a 6 light string of mini lights, each mini light bulb would have to be able to handle 20 volts per bulb. They simply do not make mini bulbs that can handle that kind of voltage. In my case, I would need mini lights that can handle 40 volts...not happening. lol
Hello, I wanted to know how much watts will be pulled from a shortened sting. So if I cut my 100 bulb string down the middle as shown, how much watts does the new 50 bulb string uses? Thank you.
Google can help. www.christmasdesigners.com/blog/much-electricity-led-christmas-lights-use/
If you know the watts used for the full 100 bulb string, divide by two to get the wattage for each 50 bulb section. The string I have right now is .25w per bulb, so 25 watts for the full 100. In my case I can get two 50 bulb, 12.5 watt sections. But most references I see have larger per-bulb wattages listed, so adjust accordingly. Your string probably has a tag near the plug telling you the string/bulb specs.
Do not do this if the lights are ran in series! If you cut too many bulbs, your resistance will go down and you can blow bulbs faster or create a fire!!
At the end of the video I show how as you cut lights off the string gets brighter until they burn out, like you are describing.
Im 13 and I don’t know how to do this
shame on you
All electricians like to explain like everyone already understands stringing, series, volts, amps, etc.
Did you find this helpful or did I still fail to explain the basics so non-experts can follow along?
Not clear.
There is a blog post linked in the description with a few more details that might help. Feel free to let us know any specific questions you have.
These are some cheap crappy lights. Get some better LED lights and do a tutorial on them.