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Outdoor Christmas String Lights


LED color comparison chart

Outdoor Christmas String Lights

Planning out your holiday decorations? Make sure to include outdoor Christmas lights. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, these versatile lights can be used to decorate fences, roof lines, garlands, mantels, and much more both indoors and out. Christmas lights can be used throughout the year as well to decorate for parties, weddings, and other events. We carry the best outdoor Christmas lights from top brands at affordable prices.

C7 vs C9 Christmas Lights

The most common outdoor Christmas lights are C7 and C9. While both have the same general shape, there are a few differences between them. When choose which bulb to use, you need to consider the size. The number after the C represents the diameter of the bulb in eights of an inch. C7 Christmas lights measure 0.875 inches in diameter while C9 Christmas lights are slightly larger, measuring 1.125 inches in diameter. If you are looking for a smaller light for wreaths or craft projects, consider using C6 Christmas lights. These lights measure 0.75 inches in diameter.

Due to differing sizes, C9 and C7 Christmas lights draw different wattages. This difference is more noticeable in the incandescent bulbs. Incandescent C7s use about 5 Watts per bulb while C9 Christmas lights use about 7 Watts. LED C9 Christmas lights and LED C7 Christmas lights both use less than a Watt; the exact amount will vary by brand. Another difference between C7s and C9s is their bases. C7 Christmas lights have a candelabra (E12) base, the same as a night light. C9 Christmas lights feature an intermediate (E17) base.

LED vs Incandescent

Considered the classic holiday lights, incandescent outdoor Christmas lights are a good choice if you prefer a more traditional look. Since these lights use between 5 to 7 Watts per bulb, you will need to ensure that you do not go over the maximum Wattage per string. Incandescent bulbs also generate heat and are hot to the touch when lit. When a C7 or C9 bulb goes out, replacing the bulbs is easy. Christmas replacement bulbs with an intermediate or candelabra base simply screw into the socket.

Designed to be more energy efficient, LED outdoor Christmas lights last far longer than incandescents. LEDs generate far less heat and are cool to the touch when lit. Unlike incandescents, LED Christmas lights are single piece molded construction in order to protect the sockets from water. This means that the bulbs cannot be replaced but will stay lit if one bulb goes out. If a lamp does fail, LED light testers and "PODs" can be used to repair around the lamp.

Where to Use Outdoor Christmas Lights

Christmas string lights can be used indoors and outdoors. These lights are designed to withstand general weather conditions, but should not be submerged in water. LED Christmas lights are better suited for extended outdoor use due to the molded construction. Make sure to protect string connections with cord protectors.