Let’s face it, lights fail at some time. Knowing what to do can be a handy thing to learn. Here are a few tips that you can try.

1. Simply check that the power is on at the outlet you are plugging into.

2. Check the inline fuse. Most if not all light strings have inline fuses. If the filament in the fuse is broken you should be able to see it. Replace the fuse with one of the same type. If the fuse was blown and looks black or cloudy then there is a short circuit. Look for bare wires as they are most likely the cause. If you have any doubts just replace the whole string as your safety is the most important thing. Do not play around with electricity. Unless you really know what you are doing you can get seriously hurt.

3. Sometimes bulbs come loose in the socket. With the string plugged in try gently pushing down on the top of the bulb if it is the push in type. If the string lights up you have found your culprit. Mark that bulb with a marker or some tape. Unplug the lights and replace the bulb. Chances are it wasn’t making contact.

4. Too many light strings connected together can also cause a problem. If there are more than two strings hooked together, there may not be enough amperage available to properly supply the lights. This may make it seem as though you have a bad bulb.

5. The same is basically true of extension cords. Most people try to get away with using the least amount of extension cords that they can. It is understandable. No one wants cords running all over the place. But too many light sets plugged into one extension cord can also cause an amperage drop. This in turn can cause a circuit breaker or fuse “pop”. While you are at it , check the extension cords for blown fuses if they are built that way.

6. If a string seems to be brighter than usual, that could mean that several bulbs are burned out and need replacing. The burned out bulbs do the opposite of too many bulbs. They allow excess amperage to the remaining bulbs which is most likely going to burn out the rest of the good ones. If it is obvious which bulbs are out, mark them in some way, unplug the string and start replacing.

7. There are bulb testers on the market. If you like to decorate extensively you might consider purchasing a light tester. It could make life easier for you. But whenever you replace bulbs just like anything electrical always use the correct replacement. If a bulb is rated for a certain voltage and amperage, then replace the burned out one with that and not something “close enough”.

Light Keeper PRO

Decorating your house or patio with rope or string lights can make an ordinary one into a fantastic one. There is always something you can do with patio string lights to set your place apart from everyone else and that is what you want to do don’t you?