skip to main content

Christmas String LED Lights

8 years ago

I had just posted to the thread about end of 100 W bulbs, but realize that my concern about Christmas light strings fits well here and deserves a new topic. I still use my old old mini series christmas light strings. I have usually been able to detect failed bulb positions with those cheap inductive lamp detectors or with a volt meter connected to ground and a section of the non-lit string.

It doesn't appear that failed light sections can be tested with LED string lights. Of course they claim that they won't burn out, but that is essentially false. The bulbs can get slightly dislodged, and especially if outside, the contacts can get corroded.

My current example: we had two of those old lit mechanical dear. After 11 years of casual bulb replacements and not always replacing every unlit (but shorted to maintain the circuit) bulb, I finally overloaded them into oblivian. If I had replaced every unlit bulb, they would probably be running like most of my other 20 to 30 year old light sets. So we bought a new dear with those UG-LY garish lights and the set shut down while setting it up. I found that my old testing methods wouldn't work, but while fooling around, I banged into the loose bulb and all was well for the first year. But last year, it wouldn't light and now I have a dead useless piece of crap. I assume if I had considered replacing my old strings for the planets good, that especially for outside lights, they would all be dead in two or three years. Is there a solution?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

David
8 years ago
The led diodes themselves are pretty hardy. Being diodes, current will only flow in one direction. The individual diode will not light up if wired in reverse.

Low voltage led circuits have other components other than just the led diodes which could be more sensitive (eg capacitors) to incorrect polarity.

Testing low voltage led circuits is more complicated than continuity testing which suffices for traditional incandescent bulbs. It could be viewed as a more mentally stimulating challenge.
chas045
Original Author
8 years ago
David: somehow I missed that you had given a response. I would think that I am up for a challenge unless the electronic test equipment is very expensive. Do you have a link for the methods required?
Related Discussions
how to troubleshoot LED Christmas strings
Q
Comments (5)
Thanks for your reply. They are Canadian Noma brand, and they contain no other electronic components than the LED's themselves. I've been on the site you are mentioning, but they don't really tell how to troubleshoot those LED's. Are they different from regular direct current LED'S? If not, how can I locate the bad one(s) in the string? Thanks.
...See More
fixing the plug on a string of christmas lights
Q
Comments (11)
I viewed this as a 'If you don't know the proper way to terminate a cord and are somewhat unclear on how to do it and make it safe, sell it for scrap and buy a new string.' I have no problem trying to help someone with most anything.. and a Christmas light string seems to be of little threat to health or safety. They can separate your mind from your spirit just as fast as any 120v contact can. I just caution doing many repairs on strings of lights because even a frayed spot in a set of Christmas lights looks far less hazardous than a frayed spot in extension cord laying on the floor. Do you inspect your extension cords as you unroll them looking for bad spots or worn spots... most do. How easy would it be to unravel a string of lights and miss a few spots where a mouse chewed on them over the summer while in storage? Plug them in... all bulbs work and worst of all leave them plugged in as you string them while you stand on an aluminum ladder clipping the lights on the aluminum gutter with one hand while steadying the rest of the string and holding onto the ladder with the other, providing a perfect path across your heart to ground. Would you rather be shocked till you almost wet yourself because you forgot about that repair that got weakened the year before from the ice or snow and didn't check it.. or would you rather buy a new string? I am sorry if I rambled on here but I do not want ANYONE'S family to have to grieve the loss of someone during the holiday season over something so easily overlooked. I have to... and I do not wish it upon anyone.
...See More
How to Select Christmas Holiday LED Lights
Q
Comments (2)
Oh, joanie - I love that pic! I am always tagging spam messages myself.
...See More
Using LED Fairy Lights On Christmas Tree?
Q
Comments (4)
Your link points to the lights on Amazon and the heading says "Long Lasting for Christmas Tree and Room Decorations." However, after reading some reviews, I am not sure you will get what is advertised. I bought a small set at BBB for an outside planter. Now after reading the reviews about "weatherproof", I am going to make sure that my light cord and plug in are in a plastic baggie and hidden well under foliage.
...See More
David
8 years ago
The test equipment isn't too expensive and can be used to figure out power supplies and electronic circuits.

There are forums on such things

eg - electronics.stackexchange

http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/142384/led-circuit-problem

Then, there are more generic guides that apply to LED lighting circuitry (i.e. - the physical circuit board/ circuit powered by rectified DC power) as well as power supplies.

http://www.electronicrepairguide.com/testing-diode.html

Chapter 9: Diodes and Diode Circuits

Hope that helps

Related Stories

LIGHTING Easy Sparkle: String Lights for Christmas and All Year

By Jen L'Italien

Enjoy the merry look of twinkling lights over desk, closet, shelf, mirror or table

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Make Outdoor Magic With String Lighting

By Rachel Grace

Some enchanted evening, string lights may help your patio or porch put a sparkle in someone's eyes

LIGHTING The Lowdown on High-Efficiency LED Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Learn about LED tapes, ropes, pucks and more to create a flexible and energy-efficient lighting design that looks great

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

SHOP HOUZZ Oh, Christmas Tree

Fabulous faux trees, dazzling stars, colorful string lights and ornaments galore

0

CHRISTMAS How to Light Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro

By Innovative Design Build

Give yourself frustration-free tree lighting this year — the trick is clever cord management

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Save on Holiday Lighting

Create a magical scene they’ll see from the street with string lights, LEDs and projectors

0

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Spring Patio Fix-Ups: 6 Ways to Light Your Outdoor Room

By Laura Gaskill

Let the good times roll well into the evening with string lights, sconces, pendants and more to illuminate your patio or deck

HOLIDAYS 25 Gorgeous Holiday Mantels by Houzzers

Laden with boughs, lights and even lemons, these decorated fireplace mantels show a festive Christmas spirit and a creative approach

HOLIDAYS Christmas Tree Decorating the Painless Way

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Holidays are for carols, not cussing. Make tree trimming less work and more fun with this guide at your side

Sponsored

More Discussions

Help! Suggestions for lighting and mirrors in an asymmetrical bathroom

4

Will this Chandelier light our dining room enough?

10

need help picking out a light

1

How can I soften fluorescent lighting in an office that I'm renting?

5

Do these junction boxes meet code?

2