Christmas lights problem

dfisher · 11-30-2010, 03:44 PM

I've tried searching online for an answer to my problem with no luck, so I figured the knowledge here is pretty varied so someone might have an idea.

Anyway, I have 4 sets of Christmas LED icicle lights chained together via an extension cord (pretty heavy duty and able to be used outdoors) thru my basement window. When I got them up, I noticed that the last third of the first strand was out. Since I didn't really need the entire length of all four strands, I switched the first and last strands, figuring that the last third isn't seen anyway (I just tuck it into the gutter).

After this I turn the lights back on, only to see the lights on the new first strand out at the exact same spot, and all the lights on the new last strand working properly.

Any ideas? Should I try a new extension cord and plug them into a different outlet? Would that even matter since it is the first strand and not the last strand that is the problem?

PackerFanatic · 11-30-2010, 03:48 PM

Either try a different extension cord or maybe something is screwy with the second set (the set right next to the outage on the first set) that is causing not enough power to get that way? Have you tried plugging them all in alone to see if they all work?

fantom1979 · 12-01-2010, 01:18 AM

What gauge is your extension cord? If it is a 14 gauge, try a 12 gauge. I would do this after trying Packer's suggestions, since 12 gauge extension cords can be (relatively) expensive.

RomaGoth · 12-01-2010, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfisher

I've tried searching online for an answer to my problem with no luck, so I figured the knowledge here is pretty varied so someone might have an idea.

Anyway, I have 4 sets of Christmas LED icicle lights chained together via an extension cord (pretty heavy duty and able to be used outdoors) thru my basement window. When I got them up, I noticed that the last third of the first strand was out. Since I didn't really need the entire length of all four strands, I switched the first and last strands, figuring that the last third isn't seen anyway (I just tuck it into the gutter).

After this I turn the lights back on, only to see the lights on the new first strand out at the exact same spot, and all the lights on the new last strand working properly.

Any ideas? Should I try a new extension cord and plug them into a different outlet? Would that even matter since it is the first strand and not the last strand that is the problem?

Is this a story problem?

dfisher · 12-01-2010, 02:14 PM

I'm going to try some fixes tomorrow morning. I'm working 12-8 shift this week, and I spent last night with my 5 month old daughter. Then I was going to try this morning, but it was pouring rain all morning, and my baby was sick. First I'm going to switch out the extension cord. I have a thicker cord; unfortunately it is bright yellow instead of the white one I have to blend in with the siding. Hopefully, I can hide it well.

Mustang · 12-03-2010, 01:18 AM

I would definitely think it is the 2nd strand that is causing the issue. I'd check the fuses in the plug that the 1st string is connecting to.

(I assume all 4 strands are the same type)

11-30-2010, 03:48 PM	#2
PackerFanatic Pro Starter Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Appleton, WI	Either try a different extension cord or maybe something is screwy with the second set (the set right next to the outage on the first set) that is causing not enough power to get that way? Have you tried plugging them all in alone to see if they all work? __________________ Commissioner of the RNFL

12-03-2010, 01:18 AM	#6
Mustang Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wisconsin	I would definitely think it is the 2nd strand that is causing the issue. I'd check the fuses in the plug that the 1st string is connecting to. (I assume all 4 strands are the same type) __________________ You, you will regret what you have done this day. I will make you regret ever being born. Your going to wish you never left your mothers womb, where it was warm and safe... and wet. i am going to show you pain you never knew existed, you are going to see a whole new spectrum of pain, like a Rainboooow. But! This rainbow is not just like any other rainbow, its...

12-01-2010, 01:18 AM	#3
fantom1979 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, Mi	What gauge is your extension cord? If it is a 14 gauge, try a 12 gauge. I would do this after trying Packer's suggestions, since 12 gauge extension cords can be (relatively) expensive.

12-01-2010, 02:14 PM	#5
dfisher High School JV Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Hatboro, PA	I'm going to try some fixes tomorrow morning. I'm working 12-8 shift this week, and I spent last night with my 5 month old daughter. Then I was going to try this morning, but it was pouring rain all morning, and my baby was sick. First I'm going to switch out the extension cord. I have a thicker cord; unfortunately it is bright yellow instead of the white one I have to blend in with the siding. Hopefully, I can hide it well.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)