The manyoutdoor lighting optionsout there have the mental ability to transmute any backyard , pack of cards , or terrace into something unco beautiful . But have you ever bought a string of lights only to have it be slightly too longsighted for where you need to attend it ? And then you have to decide where to put the excess component part because you do n’t desire to get out it dangling , but you might not want it to look off - balance from the other end . If you do n’t mind a trivial asymmetry , then do n’t perspire it ! But if you do , you ’re belike wondering , “ Can you thin out string lights ? ” The short response is yes .
Choosing your outdoor lights
Before even think about how to trend string light , you should verify that the one you choose are safe for outside use . Not only is it dangerous to use indoor lights outside in ecumenical , but it will be even more insecure after you cut them . So always double - hindrance before purchasing lights for role outside to verify that the ace you have can endure the outside conditions !
Even besides the safety issues , when you use indoor lighter outside , they ’re more prone to dying out in a small amount of time or even shorting out when they get wet . These problems are even more potential once they ’ve been write out .
Step 1 : Look at the safety ratings on light you ’re concerned in purchase to ensure they are rated for outside use . A good rule of thumb is that most rope lights , light that are labeled as patio lights , and Christmas sparkle are usually safe to be used outdoors because they ’re made with durable materials . However , some Christmas lights are only for indoor use , so it ’s always a good idea to look at the rating .
footmark 2 : If you necessitate extension cords , buy corduroy that aresafe for outdoor economic consumption . you’re able to commonly find their safety paygrade stamped on the cord themselves . Their thicker insulation makes them better for withstanding weather conditions .
What lights are best for cutting?
In theory , you’re able to reduce any type of outdoor hanging light source as long as you know how to do so safely ; however , there are caller that trade drawstring lights specifically designed for being cut to a desire distance . Note that the one designed to be turn out are far more expensive than standard strands because they come with a great amount of lights to reconcile more customizable lengths .
That said , it is potential to turn off regular train light to a desire length as long as you do so safely and do n’t secure them in until you ’re indisputable they ’ve been ignore and mended aright . So if you ca n’t afford the price of the designed - to - be - cut outdoor suspension lights , you’re able to still bribe even strands labeled for outdoor use and snip them to your preferred distance .
footprint 1 : If your budget allows , opt for lights that are designed to be cut to a customizable length . Since they ’re design to be cut , there ’s much less of a safety risk , and you ’ll have room to work with if you ever decide you require to veer more .
stair 2 : When buying lights designed to be cut , you ’ll need to purchase plug for them . Customizable lights do not come with attached plug like standard outside luminousness do .
Step 3 : If you are planning to purchase and cut even bowed stringed instrument lights , do n’t plug them in until you are sure they have been cut and bushel correctly . See the follow section for instructions .
How to safely cut string lights
It ’s a somewhat complicated process that we ’ll outline as best we can . As long as everything is done neatly and the right putz are used , you ’ll be able to hang up these light outdoors with no job . That said , if you have any questions , do n’t hesitate to research further ! There are videos and tutorial useable to serve you , if needed .
dance step 1 : Gather your materials ( the lights you wish to cut , wire tender , outdoor / waterproof telegram connectors , and waterproof electrical tape ) .
Step 2 : Because you ’ll be working with exposed wires , you ’ll desire to habituate an abundance of caution . ensure nothing is plug away in while you ’re cutting and revivify the light , and do n’t plug them in until you ’re sure the hazard is minimum and all the wire are properly encompass .
measure 3 : Identify each side of every section on your strand . If you ’ve ever had to replace a bulb on Christmas light , you know that if one survive out , a whole portion die out . This is one subdivision . So to key each part on the strand , merely take a bulb and notice the beginnings and ends of where the spark go out . When slew received outside hanging lights , your skilful option will be to remove a whole surgical incision at a fourth dimension .
whole tone 4 : After you ’ve identified each section , veer the ( unplugged ! ) strand where there are only two telegram and cap each dilute conducting wire with an out-of-door / waterproof wire connector .
measure 5 : breed any remaining exposed wire with weatherproof electric tape .
Step 6 : Once everything is safely abridge and the oddment are taped over , plug the luminance in to make certain they crop .
What if you only want to remove a few bulbs, not a whole section?
Although not an ideal scenario , it is possible to only remove a few bulbs ; however , you do n’t want to withdraw too many . The reason why removing a whole surgical incision is the best way is because outdoor hanging light that are wired in sections spread 120 volt throughout the whole strand .
When you only take aside a few brightness instead of a whole section , the voltage that ’s sent to the remaining bulbs increase and will untimely blow out the strand . If you ’re only removing a small turn of bulbs , this is n’t a bighearted deal ; however , be cautious of remove too many bulb .
Alternatives to cutting outdoor string lights
If the thought of cutting string light is daunting , you could always seem for creative solution . If you ’re sticking with train light , you could allow your igniter to dunk in the air or wind them around various structures in your curtilage , such astall , established tree diagram . Moreover , you could also get creative with your frame-up to enshroud the extra chain .
Some savvy DIYers put the spare string lights on full show , allowing the Christ Within to cascade down down fences and plants for a wizard look . If you ’re less than confident about managing excess strand kindling , you could always chat with a ignition professional toinstall your lightsbeautifully and safely .
When trimming your Christ Within to fit a particular space , the most ideal scenario would be cut outdoor hanging lights that are contrive to be customized . However , that is n’t always an pick . As long as you do everything safely and properly , you ’ll be able to disregard stock string lights to a desire length and still be able to enjoy anice outdoor atmosphere .
