How to Guide: Proper Procedures to String Lights on a Christmas Tree

String your Christmas tree lights following the simple procedures in this easy-to-read how to guide. Stringing Christmas tree lights is probably a normal task every Christmas that takes no thought. Well how about creating a beautiful and well lit Christmas tree that lights the house with holiday spirit and one that provides an inspirational scene for all those outside to see and enjoy.

Safety First

The first and most important thing you should always remember when stringing lights and plugging in multiple strands of lights into the wall is safety. Dependent upon how many light strands you have you should always use high quality surge protectors. In addition, you want to minimize the use of extension cords as these do not prevent fires. If you do use extension cords NEVER plug an extension cord into another.

Only three strands of Christmas tree lights should be plugged together. This will keep from shorting the light strands and potentially starting a fire.

Never plug in Christmas tree lights while you are stringing them. This could cause unintentional electrocution or fire. Always string your lights first then plug them in.

You should always have the assistance of another person while stringing Christmas tree lights so you do not injure yourself or break anything.

Prepping Your Lights

Before beginning to string your Christmas tree lights you need to check them to make sure they all work. This should always occur before you begin stringing your lights, because it is easier to find the Christmas lights that are burnt out while they are strung out on the floor rather than finding them through the pines in the tree.

Take all the lights out of the boxes, preferably in the garage or a large area that will allow you to fully stretch the lights, and stretch them out across the floor. Do this with each strand and lay them parallel to each other.

Plug in each strand of Christmas tree lights individually and check for any light bulbs that are not lit. If an entire strand is out start checking the lights nearest the power source. NOTE: purchasing a light tester will make this task a lot quicker and less painful.

Leave the lights strung out for one to two days to allow the bends to fall out in the wires. This makes stringing them much easier and less of a hassle.

String Lights on Christmas Tree

With the assistance of someone else and a step ladder; start with one strand at a time from the top of the tree. Make sure the female end (part that does not plug into the outlet) is the part of the strand you start with. This will allow you to plug in the decorative item of your choice at the top of the tree and for easier plugging at the bottom without the need of an extension cord.

Slowly, with a loose grip and plenty of slack in the lights start stringing the lights around the entire tree. Make sure you have the tree pulled away from the wall or window in order to allow easier access to the entire tree. You can string the lights close together or farther apart around the tree dependent upon how much light you want emanating from the tree.

String the lights on the outer part of the branches, as not to bury them into the tree. This will not only bring out more light, but will also help light the ornaments and decorations you place on the tree later.

Plug the strands into each other, unlit, as you string them around the tree. This will save you time and allow you to plug one plug in at the end.

Once you have placed all the lights around the tree it is time to plug them into the surge protector and turn them on.

Voilá you have a beautifully lit Christmas tree that shouts holiday spirit. Now it is time to put everything else on to really turn the Christmas tree into a work of art.