General Tips

Putting lights on a Christmas tree isn't hard. Following a few basic safety rules is easy, too.

• Consider using miniature clear (white) lights for your base lighting, then add strands of the new cool-burning large bulbs for color and variety. Or, add sets of novelty lights, such as flicker-flames, flashing lights, bubble lights, or other shapes.

 

Buy lights with the same
kind of plug, either
stacked (like the white
plugs above) or end to
end (like the green plugs).

• Christmas tree lights are either stacked (like the white plugs in photo) or end to end, also called string to string (like the green plugs). Check the boxes of lights before you buy to make sure they're all compatible. By using stacked plugs, you can join more strands than you can with end-to-end type plugs. Be sure to check the box for the manufacturer's recommendations, however. Usually you can string together three 100-light strands or six 50-light strands.
• For safety's sake, never plug more than two extension cords together. Instead, buy them in the lengths you need and make sure they can handle the wattage of the bulbs.
• Make sure the wattages of all the lights you use are the same; this prevents power surges and prolongs the life of the bulbs.
• Plug in the lights before you remove them from the box so you can see if they work before you put them on the tree.