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How to Inspect Christmas Tree Lights
by Jennifer Anderson
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Overview
Each year when Christmastime arrives, decorating should begin with a thorough inspection of the Christmas tree lights you will be using indoors and out. Inspect single strands of lights and pre-lit tree lights alike. If you are planning to keep a strand of lights for many years, you must take proper care storing and maintaining the lights. Upon plugging in the lights, whether they fully work or not, an inspection of the strands quality is important to reduce the risk of fire.
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Step 1
Unwind and untangle the strand of Christmas tree lights, stretching the lights out completely to be inspected. For a pre-lit tree, put the tree together to begin light inspection.
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Step 2
Check the light strands for signs they have been tested and certified by a credible lab. According to ConsumerReports.org, some lights sold at certain discount stores and dollar stores are uncertified, causing overheating and fires. Look for a safety certification label from a lab such as Underwriters Laboratories.
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Step 3
Check the plugs on the end of each light strand. Look at both the male and female plugs and inspect for burns, melted plastic and straight prongs.
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Step 4
Inspect the insulated wires of each strand; each socket should have two intact wires connected securely. Look for exposed inner copper wires, animal bites or kinks, covering any exposed wires with electrical tape. If the strand insulation seems brittle or old, the strand should be discarded.
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Step 5
Plug the lights in to inspect the bulbs. If the entire strand will not light, check the fuses located in the male and female plugs at each end of the strand. A Christmas light tester can be purchased to test fuses, or simply replace the fuse with a new one to see if the strand will light at all. Replacement fuses are often included with the purchase of the lights.
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Step 6
Ensure that each socket contains a bulb that is inserted tightly. If part of the strand is not lighting, test each bulb with either a Christmas light tester or replace each bulb, one at a time. Push the working replacement bulb in each socket fully until the broken light is found and all the lights are back on.
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- Replacement bulbs
Replacement fuses
Electrical tape
Christmas light tester
- Replacement bulbs
- Replacement fuses
- Electrical tape
- Christmas light tester
- Pull the light bulb from the plastic base, not by the glass which may damage it. Fingernails or a set of pliers used in a gentle rocking motion work well.
- Pull the light bulb from the plastic base, not by the glass which may damage it. Fingernails or a set of pliers used in a gentle rocking motion work well.
