The lights did work last year.The problem with Christmas lights is that they burn out when unplugged.Depending on the problem and how hands-on you are, there are several ways to repair your lights.A common problem with a quick and easy fix is a blown fuse.
Step 1: If the string goes out, try this.
The entire string will be dark, not just part of it.Too many strings are connected end-to-end can cause this.When the wires are accidentally stapled during installation, or when the lights are plugged into a sockets with too high a voltage, a fuse can blow.If only some of the lights are not dark, replace the bulbs.
Step 2: The case needs to be opened.
A string of Christmas lights usually have one or two tiny wires in a plastic box.You can slide or pry open the cover if you look closely at the plastic on the side of the box.You may need to use force if these get stuck.During this method, do not plug the lights back in.
Step 3: Check the power supply.
There should be a wire running through each one.If the wire inside is broken or the fuse is black, it needs to be replaced.If you want to inspect it, you need to remove the fuse and hold it up to a bright light.
Step 4: You need to remove the blown fuses.
The blown fuses should be levered out with a screwdriver.
Step 5: An exact replacement can be found.
A lot of Christmas lights are sold with spare parts.If your spare parts have escaped from the holiday box, you can ask for a replacement at an electronics store.It's best to confirm your rating with the store employee.The higher the rating, the better the fuse.This can lead to a fire risk.You can keep a second one in the plastic compartment if you need it.Transfer a fuse that isn't attached to wires to the other slot.
Step 6: Put the old one in the new one.
The plastic cover needs to be closed to open the new fuses.The light bulbs should be plugged in to see if the problem has been solved.If the lights don't come on, try a different outlet.Keep reading for other solutions if that doesn't work.
Step 7: Purchase a christmas light repair tool.
Everything you need to find and replace a bad bulb is included in most of the tools.If you only have a few strings of lights, this may not be worth it.If you don't want to buy a specialized device, you can get a non contact voltage detector and skip tracing the dead bulb.You can buy a cheaper light bulb tester.Make your own tool to tackle the project.
Step 8: You can use the spark function on your repair tool.
The whole string of Christmas lights will go dark if one bulb fails.The failsafe is supposed to prevent this by closing the gap across the burnt-out bulb, but these often don't work properly.The shunt usually does its job in regions with 230V mains.Plug the string of lights into the sockets on the repair tool and the sparker function will zap the shunt, hopefully closing the gap.The button will be pressed about 20 times.Each time you should hear a click.Plug the lights into the outlet.Continue if the string is still dark.Don't replace individual bulbs if the string only lights up one or two bulbs.
Step 9: Find the location of the dead bulb.
If the lights don't light up, move on to the detector.You can identify the point where the current fails by detecting it.To identify the one directly connected to the light bulbs, you have to separate the braided wires.Place the detector between the two bulbs on the wire.If your tool has a small hole, place a light bulb into it.The problem is in the half of the string farthest from the plug if the tool hums or lights up.The problem is close to the plug if there is no hum or light.The tool should be moved to the middle of the problem area and narrowed down to 14 of a string.Continue until you find a bulb with a current on one side and no on the other.Use tape to mark this bulb so you don't lose track, then replace it.
Step 10: Understand what the goal is.
When a Christmas light bulb burns out, a "shunt" is supposed to close the gap.A small surge of current can put your lights back on if this fails.This approach won't work every time.If you want to get quick results, use the methods above.
Step 11: A button can be used to find a lighter.
The lighter has a crystal that creates a spark when pressed.The type should not be used with a metal wheel.
Step 12: The lighter should be empty.
Don't burn the fuel if the lighter is disposable.Transfer the lighter fluid to another lighter or a fire-proof container if it is refillable.Lighter fluid should never be put in a drain or household trash.
Step 13: The igniter should be removed.
Lift out the igniter with a pair of needle nose pliers.The igniter has a button and two metal or plastic prongs.There is a spark when the button is pressed.You will get a mild electric shock from the spark.It could cause fumes and light a small flame.Keep your fingers and face away from the sparker as you work over a nonflammable surface.
Step 14: The light string needs to be Zap'd.
The sparker should be positioned against the Christmas light plug.Push the button a number of times.You should see a spark when you hear a click.If it's difficult to line up the prongs, connect them with insulated wires.
Step 15: Plug in your lights.
The lights should light up if everything went well.The dead bulbs should be replaced as described below.The other bulbs will burn out sooner if the dead bulbs are not put on.
Step 16: Check the connection by twisting the light bulb.
It only takes a second to check this problem.The light bulb should be tightened in position.Plug in the lights if the bulb moved noticeably and see if there is a loose connection.Continue if the bulb is still out.Buy a string of the same brand and type of bulbs if you have a lot of lights.You can use the bulbs as replacements when you need them.
Step 17: Purchase new bulbs.
Take the burnt-out bulbs to a hardware store, pharmacy or home improvement store if you don't have replacements.Look for bulbs that match.It's a good idea to check the packaging of your lights to see what type of bulb is needed.When installed, some bulbs will cause lights to flash on and off.There is no need to have two flashers on the same circuit.
Step 18: The light bulbs need to be removed.
To delicately remove the fragile bulbs from the broken light's plastic base, use your thumb and index finger.If you have a Christmas light repair tool, it may come with a small grip.If you want to remove a broken Christmas bulb from its sockets, you have to find the two copper wires that sit on the base of the old bulb.If you want the copper wires to point towards the floor, you have to push them down.The light's base should now be separated from the bulb.
Step 19: The old bulb's sockets should be inserted with the replacement bulb.
The holes in the bulb's base should be aligned with the two copper wires.Once the bulb is seated in the base, you can fold the copper wires against it.Plug in your lights and watch them light up.If your lights don't turn on when you use a continuity/voltage detector tool again, use it again.There is a second burned-out bulb.The tools can only detect one burned out bulb at a time.
Step 20: The broken sockets need to be removed.
If a new bulb won't light up, you may have a damaged wire nearby.One or two bulbs should be fine, although removing each bulb will cause the remaining bulbs to burn more brightly and therefore burn out sooner.Unless done well, a damaged wire or a repair using this method may present an electric shock or fire hazard.If you don't feel comfortable removing the light bulb sockets, you can just leave them in place, or cover them with electric tape to prevent an electric shock.Follow the method of unplugging the lights.The wire should be cut on either side of the broken sockets.Don't cut the other wires.Wrap insulation from each cut end with a wire stripper.There are two strands of wire.A small conical cap is what you'll get from an electronics store.Hold it in place by twisting over the wire.