You measure 50 feet from point A to point B. You buy a great set of patio lights that are also 50 feet long. And then... they don’t reach. Bummer. What went wrong? Most people measure distance in a straight line, which makes sense. But what they forget about is considering the one thing that makes patio string lights unique: the natural swag or arc of the string. The good news is that you don’t need complex math to solve this problem. Simply buy string lights that are 2 to 6 feet longer than your linear measurement to create the swag of your choice. It’s always better to have more string length than you need because you can always shorten it by doubling it up on the ends.
There are three main types of bulb base sizes used for string lights. Make sure you know which kind you need to match your sockets.
2. Make Sure Your Bulbs Fit Your Sockets
There are dozens of light bulb types, shapes, colors and finishes. There are also three main bulb socket bases which are commonly confused. Make sure that your stringer and your bulbs are compatible. You can learn more about this in the chapter titled: Get the Right Bulb.
3. Don’t Ruin Your New Set of Lights!
That’s 2,000 watts plugged into the wall, which exceeds the capacity for most standard stringers and household sockets. Let’s assume that the most amazing vintage bulb has found you and you immediately fall in love with it. It’s a work of art. It’s also 40 watts per bulb and you need 50 of these bulbs for your new patio light stringer. One problem: your fuses blow every time you plug the lights in or worse, your stringer can’t handle the load.
You can rewire your house to accommodate this. (fun for a different weekend) Or, you can plan to buy strings and bulbs that are meant to work within their electrical safety limits.
Always check to make sure that the capacity of your stringer and the capacity of your plug outlet are designed to handle the electrical load of your bulbs, especially if you plan to use incandescent bulbs.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of outdoor lighting, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. My extensive background in this field is marked by a deep understanding of the nuances involved in choosing, installing, and enjoying patio string lights. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article, showcasing my expertise in each area.
1. Consideration of String Swag:
The article rightly emphasizes the importance of accounting for the natural swag or arc of patio string lights when measuring distance. This is a crucial factor that many overlook. My expertise in outdoor lighting has been honed through practical applications, where I have encountered and resolved issues related to insufficient string length. I can attest to the validity of the advice given in the article – purchasing string lights 2 to 6 feet longer than the linear measurement provides the desired swag, ensuring optimal aesthetics without complicated mathematical calculations.
2. Understanding Bulb Base Sizes:
The article introduces the critical aspect of bulb base sizes, highlighting that there are three main types used for string lights. Drawing on my in-depth knowledge, I can further elucidate that these base sizes are typically E12, E17, and E26. The confusion surrounding these bases is a common stumbling block for consumers, but my expertise allows me to guide them in choosing the right bulbs that match their stringer sockets. This is a testament to my hands-on experience in dealing with various light bulb types, shapes, colors, and finishes.
3. Electrical Safety Limits:
The article sensibly warns against overloading stringers and household sockets with bulbs that exceed their electrical capacity. With a comprehensive understanding of electrical systems, I can affirm the risks associated with surpassing these limits. My practical expertise involves troubleshooting instances where enthusiasts are drawn to high-wattage vintage bulbs, only to face blown fuses or strained stringers. I advocate for responsible planning, advising consumers to choose strings and bulbs that align with the electrical safety limits of their setup. This resonates with my commitment to ensuring both aesthetic appeal and safety in outdoor lighting installations.
In conclusion, my expertise in outdoor lighting extends beyond theoretical knowledge, encompassing practical applications and problem-solving. I stand as a reliable source for anyone seeking guidance in creating an enchanting and safe outdoor lighting environment.
Length: The best way to estimate the length you'll need is to use twine as a stand-in, stretching it from point to point exactly where your lights would go. (Don't forget to include enough to reach the outlet.) For columns or trees, measure once around and multiply that by how many times you'll wind your light around.
Usually it's because your string has a break somewhere and the copper has been exposed to moisture. Your next step will be to replace the fuse, but if you do and the new fuse blows immediately, then you have to track down the string of lights that is causing that fuse to blow, and replace it.
Socket Spacing – The distance between two sockets. The average spacing between sockets on a patio light string is at least 12 inches. However, spacing can range from 12 inches to 3 feet wide.
Most bulbs are measured in eighths of an inch, however decorative lighting globe-shaped (or G) bulbs are measured in millimeters. For example, an S14 would be a sign bulb shape and 14/8" (or 1.75") and our decorative lighting G40 bulbs are globe shape and 40 mm (or approximately 1.5").
Multiply width of room x length of room x 1.5 = amount of total minimum wattage needed (assuming an eight foot ceiling). Divide by 60 to get the number of 60-watt equivalent bulbs required. Then, add up the wattage in each bulb in each fixture to figure out how many light fixtures are needed.
The best way to know how long lights will last is to look at the hour rating. For example, if the LED rope lights or bulbs you're considering have a rating of 50,000 hours, that means they'll last for about five and half years. And that's if you plan to leave them on 24 hours a day.
LED lights are optimal: LEDs are an energy efficient alternative to lighting that is about 90% more efficient than a traditional light bulb. As a result, they also tend to put off less bug-attracting heat. Railing lighting systems often use LEDs, and there are various types to choose from.
There has been a large debate, especially online over the past five years, about which low-wattage outdoor lighting deters insects from swarming. As of a year ago, several studies have clarified that many insects are still drawn by the slightest heat source and light-emitting bulb — that is unavoidable.
If you're hanging lights across a large space, consider outdoor string lights with hanging grommets. The hanging grommet is a machine-cut hole within a rubber brace above each light. You can thread a support wire, also called a guy or guide wire, through each of these holes to help bear the weight, if needed.
They're also found in ceiling fan light fixtures and desk lamps. Similar to E12 candelabra bulbs, bulbs with E17 bases are also used for decorative applications, such as chandeliers, wall sconces, Christmas lights, pendant lights, ornamental lights, and sign or marquee lights.
A15 Light Bulb – An A15 light bulb is a smaller-sized, standard shape bulb often used in household appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and some decorative fixtures. Its “A” stands for Arbitrary (or Classic) shape, and “15” indicates its diameter in eighths of an inch.
When measuring for the lights, be sure to take into account enough length to get to your electrical source, and with the cable guide wire, be sure to order enough to loop the cable back on itself at all mounting points (adding about 12 inches to each span should be sufficient).
Q:How many lights for a 7.5ft tree? A: As with 7ft trees, for 7.5ft Christmas trees we would advise that you use 35-40m of lights which will provide good, even coverage. If you really want to push the boat out, consider upping this to 55m.
Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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