Why won't my outdoor string lights turn on?
The problem may also be a bad fuse. Most string lights have two tiny fuses inside the plug. Typically, a box of lights is also packaged with a replacement fuse or two. To replace a fuse, take a small set of pliers or flathead screwdriver and slide open the cover.
Check for Burnt-Out Bulbs
Ensure each bulb is seated properly and fully in its socket. If a bulb's glass is darkened around a broken filament, it's a sure sign it's burned out. Unplug the strand and replace the bad bulb with a new bulb of the same size and the same voltage rating.
Overheated outlets and wires are the main reasons for blown fuse bulbs. Adding dedicated circuits and GFCI outlets, especially for exterior holiday lighting, can help prevent this problem. For the same reason, limit the use of extension cords. Connecting too many extension cords will likely overload the outlet.
With the plug in hand, slide the door marked "Open" in the direction pointed by the arrow. Remove the two fuses, and inspect them by looking at them up against a bright background (such as the sky). If the fuse is good, you should see an unbroken strand of wire running between the two metal contacts.
The reasons for this can vary considerably from the power source to the bulb itself. Reasons often include a faulty power supply, loose connections, a faulty circuit design, or even damage due to water ingress caused by rain.
In a simple circuit, including one in an incandescent light bulb, electricity travels through a closed circuit, passing over a filament, causing it to glow brightly. The more current that passes over a filament, the hotter it will get, the brighter it will burn, and the quicker it will burn out.
- Unplug the Twinkly lights from the socket.
- Press and hold the button on the Twinkly controller and plug the lights back in.
- Keep hold of the button until the lights on the string go red (static)
- The reset is complete.
Tighten the bulb if it is loose, then try the switch again. If a problem remains, be sure the switch is off, remove the bulb and substitute a new one. If the light does not work with a new bulb, check whether the circuit breaker or fuse governing the fixture has tripped or blown.
If one of the resistors fails or is removed, the circuit is now open, current flow is disturbed and none of the resistors will work. This is why one bad, loose or missing lightbulb will make the whole string go dark!
Habitually loose connections, either at the socket or with the wire connections, can burn out the bulb quickly, as well as cause flickering. These loose connections increase the electrical resistance and the heat passing through the filament of the bulb, which can shorten its life.
Can you leave string lights plugged in all night?
Fire Safety Precautions for Outdoor String Lights
Outdoor lights should not be left on for prolonged periods of time or overnight. Even LED lights can overheat and cause a fire if exposed to dry leaves or flammable substances.
Outdoor Command hooks allow you to hang Christmas lights, rope lights, string lights, and other decorations without the use of screws or nails. These hooks are said to withstand winter weather conditions, water, and strong UV rays.
An easy, economical way to hang string lights over a deck is to screw 8-foot furring strips into the deck's rail posts, and hang the lights from cup hooks drilled a couple of inches from the top of each furring strip.
Use zip ties or hooks between each bulb as needed on deck railings or other structures. If applicable, attach the strings to your guy wire as you go.
You can tell which bulb is out on your string of traditional Christmas lights by looking for the bulb that is “burned out” by looking at the tiny little filaments in the light bulbs to see which bulb is “burned out” or has lost it's filament. Many times the bulb will be “smoked” as well.
Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
There is no way to reset it other than unplugging and plugging back in again, usually after a power outage. If you have LED lights that turn on at random times during the day, then this likely needs to be done. Other reasons that you may need to reset your LED strip is if it does not work after being installed.
It happens due to faulty fixture drivers. Sometimes, the voltage supplied to the LED is more than what it requires. And this makes the LED flash and then go off. If you face this issue, it's better to call a technician.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Polarity
It is very important that LEDs are connected to a circuit in the right direction. The current flow can flow only from the ANODE (+) terminal to the CATHODE (-) terminal. If the LED is connected in the wrong direction it will not illuminate.
Most sets of Christmas lights have fuses located in the male end-plug. Just use a short flat head screwdriver to slide back the door and replace the blown fuse with one of the two replacement fuses that originally came with your set.
Why did my lights suddenly stop working?
By far the most common problem is a loose wire connection at the switch itself, which is subject to constant on-off usage. Less commonly, a light bulb socket may go bad. If so, you will need to replace the socket.