From: "JustDave"


"Hybyd2" wrote in message
link.net...
For one who has the time but is low on funds ... how does one fix those
strings of Christmas tree / colored lights that have the bulbs in series -
presumably, if one bulb blows they all get knocked out? I have a
multimeter and several non-working strings (so hopefully there are plenty
of spare light bulbs).

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Henry

Divide string in half by removing center bulb - check for continuity to one
end of the cord. Repeat as necessary by dividing and checking each bad half
of the remaining strings. 5 tests + confirmation of the bad bulb checks a
string of 100. Dave


There's no such thing as a string of 100. (bulbs in series, that is) Those
strings would be 2-strings of 50, or 5 strings of 20. But your method is sound.
Here's another for strings of 50 or 100 with 2.4 volt bulbs:

Cut off a 1- piece length of 10 sockets/ lamps from a set you're disposing of
anyway. Also remove 2 additional lamps and bases from that set, and take those
2 lamps out of their bases.

Strip the wire at each end of the 10 string and divide in two so it forks
slightly, and thread both ends of the 10-socket length through a lamp base,
same way you'd change a bad bulb.

From a working string, remove the 1st, 2nd, 9th and 10th lamp and replace the
1st and 10th lamp with your test string. If it lights along with the rest of
the 50 lamps, the test string is good.

On a non working string of 50, or the half non working string of 100, remove
the 1st, and 10th lamp. Plug one side of the test string into the 1st and the
other into the 10th. If the set doesn't light, remove the test from the 1st,
replace the lamp and swing it over to the 20th. Continue until you've got the
set lit and isolated the section with only 9 suspect lamps, then, switch the
test lamps with the suspect lamps until you've found the little *******.

Noma and GE are both marketing "Sta-Lit" sets. Even if you yank a bulb, the set
remains lit. (Shunts located in lamps AND the sockets)

LED light sets do not contain either blue or white (clear) lamps.