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shortening light strings

11/11/2005 8:48:33 PM
mac mcmorran 11/11/2005 8:48:33 PM	I am trying to make permannt christmas light frames for my windows that are prestrung with christmas lights. I would like to shorten the strings to custom fit the windows, but so farhave only shorted out the circuits and ruined several experimental efforts. Do you have a simple diagram that shows how these strings work and how I canshorten them safely? Any other suggestions? Add to Favorites

re: shortening light strings

Posted: 11/13/2005 4:24:29 PM

EXPERT

11/13/2005 4:24:29 PM

Most CHRISTMAS LIGHT STRINGS are wired in series and cannot be cut without ruining the lights. If you are using MINI LIGHTS, NET LIGHTS or TWINKLE LIGHTS this is the case.

If you would like to use GLOBE LIGHTS, C7 or C9 LIGHTS, they can be custom cut because the operate at 120 volts and are not wired in series. We have new LED C7 LIGHTS that are very long lasting and use very little electricity.

Of course, you can always use 120 VOLT ROPE LIGHTS for your window displays. It can be cut every 18" or closer depending on the type and voltage you buy.

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re: shortening light strings

Posted: 11/26/2006 9:01:22 AM

Shocker

11/26/2006 9:01:22 AM

I did the same thing this wekend. I used a 3 wire 50 light string. 1st wire is the neutral, 2nd wire is the hot connected to the lights, and the 3rd is the hot that continues to supply voltage to the additional strings. I remove the 3rd wire alltogether, and cut the strand as needed. Then I tied the hot to the neutral at the end of the string. Seems to work. Now there is technically no neutral in a series circuit, so try to keep all wiring the same. I would not go end to end either or double up. I have not tested these for a long period of time, only a few minutes and they are currently holding. Good luck. Keep an eye on them so they do not burn up. Let me know if this works.

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