Comments on: You Can Use Your Christmas Lights All Year

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:45:01 +0000

Does anyone know whether a typical set of outdoor xmas lights (150ft length; clear; GE “commercial grade”) can beSAFELY connected to a rheostat (dimmer) ?
Thanks.

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:35:33 +0000

I agree! I wouldn’t use them for long periods of time as the only source of light and probably wouldn’t use them more than a year or two before replacing them. They’re still dim and not meant to be a primary source of light. They’re only really meant to be used for accent lighting. There are “hardier” versions of lighting similar to Christmas lights available from some specialty lighting stores.

By: Aaron Ondo

Aaron Ondo — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:51:41 +0000

WARNING – Christmas light sets are not designed for continuous use. The National Electric Code only permits the use of non-permanent decorative lighting for sixty days. Read the packaging or the tag on the light set (if you didn’t rip it off). The fine print will say “not for continuous use” or “for decoration only” or in some way reference the NEC.

By: Christmas Central

Christmas Central — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:10:16 +0000

Hey, just wanted to let you know we loved the tips in this post - my favorite is the television backlighting trick. I never would have thought of that on my own.

We linked to this article on our blog, so check it out (and maybe check out the Christmas lights we have in stock).
http://www.christmascentral.com/blogs/2008/04/24/use-your-christmas-lights-all-year/
Thanks!

By: Christmas Central » Blog Archive » Use your Christmas Lights all year

Christmas Central » Blog Archive » Use your Christmas Lights all year — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:06:44 +0000

[...] The Home Improvements Depot has a list of other alternative uses for Christmas lights: Try using them as under-counter lighting, the tried-and-true dorm room decoration route, or (my personal favorite) television backlighting. [...]

By: Rosemary

Rosemary — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:18:36 +0000

Such good ideas! I actually use Christmas lights outside on the patio. Use them along the deck rail or wrap them around a tree trunk. Looks great for outdoor parties.

Rosemary
http://her-home-blog.com

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:20:55 +0000

Thanks! I’m hoping to use them around my kitchen and maybe garage sometime soon myself! If I ever get around to cleaning out my basement I’m likely going to try them there as well :-)

By: Aimee

Aimee — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:36:03 +0000

Such good ideas! We actually own a “TV Lamp” from the 50’s. They used to be really popular and come in all kinds of shapes and animals. I use lights for other holidays, and when we have a deck/patio they will be put to good use there as well.

Great list! :)