How to fix Christmas tree lights

If your Christmas tree is looking more dull than bright, these steps will fix the problem. Whether you're using LED Christmas lights or old incandescent ones, the steps below will help you fix a dark string of lights—whether it's a single bulb or half a string.

 

Step 1: Check the basics

Make sure the light strip is plugged in and has power. Try plugging it into a different outlet or testing a live light strip in the same outlet to confirm.

Check the plug and male end for damage. Some Christmas light strings also have a small fuse in the plug that may need to be replaced.

Step 2: Check for a blown fuse

Use a flathead screwdriver or small tool to open the fuse compartment in the plug. Most light strings have two small fuses.

 

If a fuse blows, replace it with one of the same type and voltage. This simple fix can often restore power to the entire string of lights.

Step 3: Find the broken bulb

A blown or defective bulb can break the circuit in old incandescent bulbs. Start at one end and test each bulb. Look for dark or broken filaments. Unplug and replace any suspicious bulbs with identical replacement bulbs.

If one light bulb fails, all the lights in that circuit may go out.

For LED strips, a single LED bulb failure may not affect the entire strip, but it may cause a section of the strip to fail. These lights typically have multiple sections of wire connected in parallel, so only one section of the strip will be out if one LED bulb fails.

Step 4: Shake and tighten the loose bulb

Loose light bulbs are a common problem. Gently press each bulb into the socket to ensure it is securely seated.

If the bulb pops out easily or feels loose, replace it. A faulty bulb or even one that is out of place can disrupt the flow of electricity.

Step 5: Use a Light Tester or Voltage Detector

A light tester can help you find a broken bulb, especially in a string of lights where half the lights work and the other half don't. The device will sense the current and help you determine where the circuit is broken.

Once you have identified the faulty bulb, replace it.

 

Step 6: Replace the damaged wire or use electrical tape

If the wire is damaged and you cannot repair the Christmas lights by changing the bulb or fuse, you may need to isolate the damaged section of wire. Do not cut the damaged section of wire to re-wire it, as changing the number of bulbs can increase the voltage on the remaining bulbs and may burn them out.

If you can't fix a section of wire by changing the bulb or fuse, it's best to replace the entire wire. While that may seem risky, it's the safest option.

Step 7: Check before hanging the lights

It can be a pain, but testing your lights before hanging them can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Before you hang them on your Christmas tree or along your walls, plug in the wiring and make sure all the lights are working. There's nothing worse than finishing your decorations and finding a broken wire.

And that's it! Just follow these simple steps and your Christmas tree will be sparkling and shining all holiday season.