How to Install Christmas Lights
Installing Christmas Lights
When installing your Christmas Lights, highlight the tree or shrub's natural grace and beauty. Work with the natural shape of growth and avoid straight lines and regular patterns
Use a ladder, stepladder or extension pole appropriate to the size of the trees you intend to decorate. DO NOT CLIMB THE BRANCHES, AND BE SURE TO HAVE SOMEONE HOLD THE LADDER FOR YOU. See our safetly tips here.
Divide the tree or shrub into manageable parts. Begin at the top and work randomly downward, moving from the inside of the tree to the outside and back again, following the natural sweep of the branches. Wrap the lights around the branches, DON'T drape them from branch to branch.
Respect the tree you are decorating as a living thing and remember that frozen branches break easily when handled roughly.
Super Mini Lights
Keep track of how many you use on each tree. It is easy to forget or loose count. (Hint: Attach twist-ties or rubber bands to the ladder and count them when you're done.)
For larger trees use triple taps every 10' to break up power locations. Run extensions to them.
If tree goes out you can go directly to first triple tap.
Keep the lights in a bundle as you install.
Plug in the lights as you install to know if they go out during installation
C7/C9
7 Watt
C-9 are bigger bulb (still 7 watt)
12" spacing can run 100'
6" spacing can run 50'
Calculating Power Consumption = *Bulbs are 7 watts 12" spacing, *100' equals 6 Amps, *Can use only 100' of 12" spacing C7/C9
C7/C9 are easy to calculate how much you have used (Just count bulbs (divide by 2 if useing 6" spacing)
Use 12" spacing on rooflines
Use 6" for pillars
Bulbs have 10% immediate burn-out rate, so plug in each bulb to test them before you install them
Dip the socket-end of the bulb into petroleum jelly to help prevent corrosion. It also makes it easier to remove the bulbs.
Plugs
Never separate wires when installing ends
Extension Cords
16 Gauge cords handle 13 amps
14 Gauge cords handle 18 amps
Check power at end of extension cords if question about power availability
Extension Cords are rated for their distance
Grease/wax/electrical tape connections
Keep Connections off ground/out of gutters
Unwind extension cords to avoid overheating
Use extension cords long enough for the job. Never have tension on cords.
For Large 40-50 Tall 10' Wide Tree
WIRE
100' strands plus 20' lead
Use 4 (gives you 8 lines down around tree) = 24 amps
They have plugs on them.
Run two extension cords to them each from different breaker. Plug 2 in one and 2 in the other (most breakers are 15 or 20 Amps)
C7 Bulbs
C9 Bulbs
Village Lighting C9 have same base as C7 for simplicity. The C9 of most other brands have a different size base.
Clear is the most commonly used light bulb.
Order atleast 10% more bulbs than needed.
10% (no matter the brand) will burn out immediately when plugged in.
Install bulbs and plug in before putting on tree! (Due to burn-out rate)
See safety tips
