Christmas Lights Advice

Most of the seasoned veterans already know that the current generation of retrofit LED Christmas light bulbs (not the pre-lamped sets) are not suitable for choreographed displays but I thought it merited a mention here.

This is due to engineering differences between the sets and bulbs - primarily related to the way the voltage is stepped down in each scenario - and the bulbs receive an impulse when they are rapidly turned on and off due to a capacitor used in their design. So, flash, flash, fizzle.

So, take advantage of the retrofit C7 and C9 bulbs in your gorgeous static displays but as of now don’t purchase them for dynamic computerized displays.

2 Responses to “LED Bulbs not for Dynamic Displays”

1. Mrs.Claus Says:
   July 13th, 2008 at 10:05 am

   I’m curious as to what type of bulbs and strings are best for computerized light displays? Thanks.

2. Shellie Says:
   July 15th, 2008 at 9:05 pm

   Hi Mrs. Claus,

   Thanks for your question

   Just about all the other kinds of lights are fine for computerized lighting displays. The prelamped LED Christmas light sets, standard C7 and C9 Christmas bulbs and cords, mini lights, net lights, etc.

   One thing to remember is that all the flashing on and off is hard on the lights and using them for a fabulous computerized lighting display will shorten their lifespan - approximately 50% or more depending on the quality of the lights.

   Hope that helps and I’d love to see a video of your display come Christmas!

   Shellie

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