Why Christmas Lights Fuse Bulb Keeps Blowing

There's nothing more festive than decorating your home with twinkling, colorful Christmas lights. But the festive atmosphere can quickly turn to frustration when your holiday lights won't stay on. If you're wondering why your Christmas light's fuse bulb keeps blowing, we have some tips that should help you solve the problem.

Why Do Christmas Lights Blow Fuses?

Wires in holiday lights heat up as the electrical current increases. If the wires get too hot, they may melt or start a fire. Fuses prevent this from happening by opening the circuit (AKA blowing) whenever the current surpasses a safe level.

When a fuse bulb blows, the rest of the lights on the strand also go out. That's because the full strand is powered by just one (or sometimes two) fuse bulb.

The National Fire Protection Association notes that home fire rates increase significantly during the winter, and holiday lighting plays a major role in this increased risk. Without fuse bulbs, the risk of fire would increase further.

Steps to Replace a Blown Fuse Bulb

In most modern Christmas lights, replacing a blown fuse bulb is fairly easy. Here's how to remove and replace the fuse:

1. Unplug the lights.
2. Open the fuse cartridge. This is usually behind a small door on the plug, which you can slide open with your thumb or a flathead screwdriver.
3. Remove the fuse bulb(s). There will be one or two. Use a screwdriver to pop out each bulb gently.
4. Insert new fuse bulbs. Most Christmas lights come with replacement fuses, and you can also buy spare ones at a local electronics store. Gently place the new bulbs inside the fuse sockets. Close the door.
5. Test the lights by plugging the strand back into the outlet. Your Christmas lights should light up, but if they don't, check the cords. If you notice any damaged wires, immediately replace the lights with a new strand.

How to Stop My Christmas Lights from Blowing Fuses

No one (with the exception of The Grinch) wants their Christmas lights to go dark. But if you connect too many lights to one power source, you'll probably overload the circuit, pop a circuit breaker in your electrical panel, and have no lights.

Here are some recommendations to follow from electrician professionals on the best ways to install your Christmas lights:

• If you want to connect several strands together, don't be like Clark Griswold and put them all on a single outlet; instead, use several power outlets to accommodate the electrical load. Overheated outlets and wires are the main reasons for blown fuse bulbs. Adding dedicated circuits and GFCI outlets, especially for exterior holiday lighting, can also help prevent this problem.
• For the same reason, limit the use of extension cords. Connecting too many extension cords will likely overload the outlet and cause an electrical outage.
• Don't use indoor-designated cords outdoors. These cords do not have the insulation and durability required to be used safely outside, especially if you live in a place with snowy or sleety winters.
• Disconnect chains of light strands that exceed the manufacturer's recommendation. While you can connect several strings of lights, there is still a limit to the number of strands you can connect together. Sometimes, the limit is five strands, but other brands may recommend connecting fewer. It really comes down to the number of lights on each strand and the amount of electricity each strand draws.
• Install a timer to reduce how much power you use each day. Operating your Christmas lights for shorter durations will prevent overheating and allow the circuits to cool down.
• Replace worn-out strings of lights. If you have lights that are ten years old or older, consider replacing them with newer, more energy-efficient lights. Also, toss any strands if you notice frayed or damaged wires.
• Consider switching from incandescent lights to low-voltage LED bulbs. These bulbs require less energy, reduce the risk of blowing a fuse, and shine brighter. They'll also save you money on your energy bill. Bonus!

Holiday Light Problem? Leave it to Mr. Electric®

If you have the holiday spirit but don’t have the time or energy to address holiday lighting issues, your local Mr. Electric can help with specialty lighting. You can count on your local Mr. Electric® for professional holiday lighting preparation and more. Our team of experienced pros will ensure your home is ready for its transformation into a shining winter wonderland. Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment online to ensure your holiday lighting and home is safe for the holidays..