1. Never connect cords of different numbers of lights. This is the number # 1 mistake most people make when lighting both interior and exterior. Example: Do not connect a 100 light set to a 50 light set, the result will be that the 50 light set will burn out prematurely. Rule to remember: Christmas lights must be separated by number of lights per string. Example: 100 lights with 100 lights, 50 lights with 50 lights, 35 lights with 35 lights, ext…Never integrate different bulb count lights sets. Measure a set of lights by bulb count.

2. Do Not overload extension cords. A regular extension cord, 9' long with a three plug receptacle will handle 3 light set per plug receptacle, 2 plug receptacles on the front, and 1 plug receptacle on the back... Extension cord plugs will have a fuse. You can vary sets with different number of lights on an extension cord, but not in the same individual plug receptacle outlet. Example: one plug receptacle could have three 100 light sets, the other plug receptacle could have three 50 light sets, while the third plug receptacle could have three 35 light sets. Never mix light sets per plug receptacle.

3. Do Not Connect a lighted tree topper or novelty set of lights into other end to end plugs. Lighted tree toppers and novelty light sets usually have 10 to 30 lights. Following the mixing of lights rule, you cannot connect a tree topper or novelty set of lights to other sets of end to end lights and expect the lights to burn long. Premature burn out is almost a given. Use a dedicated plug outlet in an extension cord to accommodate the varying light sets.

4. When applying strings of lights, it is always best to apply the lights while lit. This allows for even distribution of lighting and if there is a loose bulb or technical problem, it is easy to find at this time.
   
   
   
5. It is always recommended that light sets be plugged into a surge protector light bar. This serves as a deterrent to overload. Light surge protector bars are available here.
   
   
   
6. Miniature light sets and bulbs are not always interchangeable. It is always recommended that you use lights and bulbs from one manufacturer.
   
   
   
7. When replacing burned out bulbs in a light set, use only the appropriate bulb for the specific light set. Example: You would not replace a 35 light set bulb with a 50 light set bulb. Reason: A 35 light set uses a 3.5 volt bulb whereas a 50 light set uses a 2.5 volt bulb. This rule and application is consistent with all Christmas lights.

Christmas Light Decorating is a difficult undertaking for any homeowner, everyone wants to have a beautiful display and no one wants to deal with the hassle involved.

1000 Bulbs.com understands your problem and we have prepared this comprehensive guide for you to navigate any difficulty you may encounter this holiday season. Home owners love the look a good light display gives their home in the holiday season, particularly at Christmas time. We want you to have the display, without the dirty work.

Decorating Your Christmas Tree

The most iconic symbol of the holiday season is the family tree. Decorating this symbol of Christmas cheer tastefully and beautifully is a challenge. 1000Bulbs.com has prepared the following tips to steer you in the right direction.

Buy extra sets of the same lights.
When you find the perfect lights for your tree, make sure to buy two or three more sets than you think you will need. This way, you'll have extras on hand if one or more bulbs should burn out or if an entire string should go bad. Even if the sets come with replacement bulbs, it's a good idea to have extra replacements so you aren't tempted to steal from other sets.

Use correct replacement bulbs.
Always make sure to replace burned out bulbs with new ones of the correct voltage. Borrowing from a different type of set can cause burnouts and can even be dangerous. Always make sure that all lights used indoors are cool burning and specifically labeled for indoor use.

Plug in before placing on tree.
Remember to plug in each set of lights and make sure all the bulbs work before you start stringing them on the tree. This will save you the time and hassle of removing a bad set of lights after the tree is trimmed.

Light a third at a time.
We recommend lighting a third of your tree at a time, starting at the bottom and working up.

Hang in an "s" curve.
Try draping the light strings in a "ribbon candy pattern," which is basically an "S" curve that travels back and forth around the tree.

Hanging lights in your yard

When buying Christmas lights for your yard, make sure they are made for outdoor use. Most Christmas lights are indoor/outdoor, which usually work fine outdoors. You want to make sure they will be safe to use even in bad weather.

Bushes and shrubs are the easiest to decorate. Simply wind around every which way until you are pleased with the results. In the dark you won't see the plants anymore but you will see a random arrangement of lights. If you insist on having your Christmas lights in a uniform order, you may want to consider light nets instead of individual strands. These are extremely easy to use. Just place the center on the top of the plant, the net drapes down, and you're done decorating the bush.

If your yard lacks shrubs but is full of tall trees, you can wind the lights around the tree trunks. In places like Florida and California where there are tall palm trees, people will decorate the trunks as far as they can reach. For trees with a lot of branches and leaves, hanging lights can be difficult, but not impossible. Just set a ladder against the base (be sure it is secure) and starting as high as you can, wind the lights around the tree's branches, uniform and even lines do not look good in trees usually, so if everything looks random, you will have a better visual effect.

Hanging Roof Lights

1. Locate an electrical receptacle for the lights
   Plan to run heavy-duty extension cords from a working 120-volt electrical outlet that is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Ideally, use a switch-controlled outlet or plug the lights into an automatic timer that will turn them on at dusk and off late at night (but remember to turn the timer off when you won't be home). Both the receptacle's circuit and the timer must be rated to handle the combined amperes of all light strings connected to it. Do not use an indoor timer outdoors.
   
   
2. Measure the length of your home
   Use a measuring tape (30-feet or longer), measure the length of your house.
   
   
3. Test your lights
   Before you plug them in, check your strings, look for broken or missing bulbs and worn or defective wires. If you discover damaged wires, replace the entire string. If bulbs are broken or missing, replace the bulbs. To remove a broken or unlit bulb, use needle-nose pliers (pull mini-lights out; unscrew C-7 or C-9 bulbs). Once you have confirmed that the string is in good condition, unplug the string before replacing faulty bulbs, then check it again to be sure all lights work. If the string will not light, check it for a blown fuse (be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions). If the fuse has blown, replace it; if it blows again, replace the entire string.
   
   
4. Set up a ladder
   Place the ladder firmly on flat ground and lean it against the eaves, extend it well above the eaves and lean it at an angle that will be sturdy and safe to climb. Do not lean it against the gutter, it will not securely support the weight.
   
   
5. Hang the lights along roofline
   You want to hang lights without damaging your home's trim or walls. For attaching lights to gutters or the roof, use the appropriate plastic clips for the job.
   
   
6. Attach lights to trim
   For attaching lights to trim and other vertical surfaces, use omni light clips. Space them about 12 inches apart.

Maintenance

Christmas lights and other holiday decorations are notorious for being poorly manufactured and unreliable. Our Christmas lights are commercial grade, with greater durability and quality than our competitors. However, should you experience problems with our lights, or any Christmas light set, the following guides offer advice and solutions to the most common Christmas light problems.

WHAT TO DO WHEN LIGHTS FAIL

1. Check that all circuits are on and that all plugs are plugged into a sufficient power source.
   
   
2. Check the plug fuses of the light set. If the filament within the fuse is broken, replace the fuse. It is also sometimes necessary to spread plug prongs of plugs to insure circuit contact. This is a common problem.
   
   
3. While the light set is plugged into a sufficient current, run a finger slowly over the bulb tops. If the light set comes on while touching a particular bulb, this bulb is most likely causing a short in the circuit. Remove and replace this bulb. In this case, the wire was not making contact with the light socket.
   
   
4. Check that the appropriate amount of light sets are plugged into each other, end to end. There should be no more than two (2) sets of lights plugged into each other.
   
   
5. If the lights are plugged into an extension cord, there may be an overload. Make sure there are not too many lights plugged into the cord. Also check the plug fuse of the extension cord.
   
   *NOTE* It is always best to check any light set while it is plugged into a wall plug outlet.
   
   
6. Should a light set be burning brighter than normal, there are most likely more than eight (8) to fifteen (15) bulbs that have burned out. Find and replace those bulbs that are not working. Do not replace burned out bulbs while the light set is plugged in. This will cause a current surge and will burn out the new bulb.
   
   
7. When replacing a burned-out bulb in a minilight set, it is helpful to use a tester. This will dramatically simplify the repair of light sets on both trees and displays.  To use the tester, plug one light set into the plug outlet on the light tester. Push the test button on the tester; a buzzing sound will come from any defective bulbs. Remove and replace the bulb(s).  On light sets of over fifty lights (light spheres, 100 light sets, etc.), remove one bulb from the end of the set or sphere, and plug the light into the tester. Push the test button. Remove and replace the bulb. Continue testing each light until the defective light is found.

Power Setup

For outdoor lighting, your number one concern will always be maintaining enough power through your string(s). Most homes have a single 16 amp plug in the front and back yard. However, because that circuit is normally shared by a room in the home, you may not be able to use all 16 amps. If you are running your lights off of a single plug, you cannot exceed 16 amps for that plug, and to be safe, you should limit the number of amps to 13. Now that you know your limits, you need to be able to calculate the number of amps for your string(s). To calculate the number of amps being pulled by your lights, use this formula:

Number of feet times number of watts divided by 125 volts=number of amps
(C7 lamps draw 5 watts, C9 lamps draw 7 or 10 watts)

Example:
For 200 feet of C7 Lamps: number of feet x 5-watts = 1000 watts
Divide 1000 watts by 125 volts= 8 amps

Since minilight lamps are not rated in watts, you need to refer to the following chart to find the number of amps:

35/50 light strings: 0.2 amps
100 light strings: 0.4 amps

Bulb Replacement

1. Grasp the plug and remove it from the receptacle or other outlet device. Do not unplug the string by pulling on the cord.
   
2. Pinch the grooves on the sides of the socket. Gently pull the lamp base upwards.
   
3. Align the grooves in the base of the replacement lamp with the grooves in the socket.
   
4. Gently push the lamp into the socket until you hear a SNAP. That means the lamp base is locked in place.
   
5. Replace the lamp only with a matching lamp from the set.
   
6. In case the lamp base of new replacement lamp does not fit lamp holder:

• Remove the lamp from its base by straightening the wires and pulling the lamp out of the base.
• Insert the new lamp into the base by fitting wires thought the two holes in the bottom of the base and then bending the wires up onto the sides of the base.
• Insert the completed lamp/base unit into lamp holder.

1. Grasp the plug and remove it from the receptacle or other outlet device. Do not unplug the string by pulling on the cord.
2. Open the fuse cover. Slide open the panel located on the top of the attachment plug towards the blades to expose the two fuses.
3. Remove the fuse carefully by turning the attachment plug over.
4. To avoid the risk of fire, replace the fuse only with the correct amperage replacement fuse (check packaging).
5. Close the fuse cover by sliding the panel on top of the attachment plug.

Risk of fire. Do not replace attachment plug. Contains a safety device (fuse) that should not be removed. Discard product if the attachment plug is damaged.