QA

Question: How Far Can String Lights Span

From 10 feet to 400 feet in length, patio string lights can be used pretty much wherever and however the mood strikes you.

How far can you string outdoor lights?

The most important thing to consider here is that people can walk comfortably without running into your string lights or bulbs. For most string lights, about eight to 10 feet is perfect.

How do you keep string lights from sagging?

Learn how to use support cables to hang outdoor string lights over your patio or yard. Make a plan. See above for all the considerations (like power and number of light strings). Attach eye hooks perpendicular to the run of the cable. Run stainless steel cable. Lay out the lights. Secure lights with zip ties. Finish.

How many string lights can I connect together?

In this case, most traditional incandescent Christmas mini lights only allow you to connect 4 or 5 sets end to end but with many LED mini light strings you can connect 40 to 50+ together depending on the light count. Consider your circuits: Most household circuits are 15 or 20 amps.

How much slack do I need for string lights?

Be sure to purchase enough yardage with plenty of extra space for slack. Remember, string lights are normally draped – the cables will not be pulled taut. Allow at least 12-inches of extra cable per strand.

How do you calculate string lights?

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.

Can you cut string lights to length?

Yes, it is possible to cut string lights to the desired length, but you cannot plug them in until you are sure they have been cut and repaired. Make sure the string lights are unplugged before you try to change the length. If this precaution is not taken seriously, there is a risk of electrocution.

How do you hang heavy duty string lights?

How to Hang Outdoor String Lights Step 1: Measure & Prep. The first thing to do is measure for both your string lights and the cable guide wire you need for spanning across any open spaces. Step 2: Mount Screw Hooks. Step 3: Connect & Tighten Cable. Step 4: Attach Your String Lights. Step 5: Sit Back and Enjoy!.

What happens if you string too many lights together?

Because light strings have a maximum wattage capacity, which is why many string lights come with a little fuse just in case you connect too many together at once. The fuse is designed to blow so you don’t overload and damage your Christmas lights. This happens when your wattage exceeds the amp capacity of the circuit.

How many 100 string lights can you connect together?

For example, if you have a 15-amp circuit at home, that’s 1440 total wattages. For an average 10 watt incandescent string of lights, the formula is 1440/100= 14.4, which means you can string 14 strings of lights together.

Can you plug multiple Christmas lights together?

Thankfully, most of the big Christmas lights manufacturers — like Philips, for example — will tell you right on the box how many sets of their lights you can safely string together without any issues. In other words, if you’re only using one type of light, then all the math is already done for you.

How far apart should poles be from string lights?

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.

How long string lights do I need for tree?

“A good rule of thumb is 100 lights for every foot-and-a-half of tree,” according to Lowe’s. But Better Homes & Gardens recommends using three 100-light sets for every foot of a tree’s height. And Real Simple suggests 100 lights for every foot.

How high should patio lights be?

How high should lights be hung off the ground? Patio light display scenarios can vary widely and it’s not uncommon to see lights hung at very different heights even from one end to another. Generally, though, it’s good to have lights 8-10′ off the ground at a minimum just so there’s walking clearance.

How long should lights be on for a 7ft tree?

How Many Lights Do I Need For A 7ft Tree? We recommend 15 metres of lights for a 6ft Christmas tree, but if you have space for a larger tree, for every extra foot of height simply add another 5 metres of lights. So for a 7ft tree, we would suggest using 20 metres of lights.

How many string lights do I need for my patio?

Typically, you can attach three to five strands of patio lights together, depending on the length of each strand. However, each manufacturer indicates on the box the number of strands that can be connected.

What do I do if my string lights are too long?

The best way to shorten lights wired in series is to remove an entire series section of lights by cutting lights apart where there are only has two wires, with the lights unplugged. Then, simply cap each of the two cut wires with a wire connector.

Can LED string lights be shortened?

Short Answer: No, you can’t lengthen or shorten standard series-wired incandescent and LED Christmas tree light strings that are made with 2 or 3-wire harnesses. Even if they work at first, they won’t last long.