Tips for Hanging Christmas Lights
1. Locate an electrical receptacle for the lights. Ideally, use a switch-controlled outlet or plug the lights into an automatic timer that will turn them on at dusk and off late at night (but remember to turn the timer off when you won't be home). Both the receptacle's circuit and the timer must be rated to handle the combined amperes of all light strings connected to it. Do not use an indoor timer outdoors.
2. Measure the lengths. Using a long measuring tape (ideally 30-feet or longer), measure the length of your house along the ground. Also measure its height and the height of any bushes or trees you intend to light. And measure the lengths of light strings you'll need to encircle doors or windows. Figure the number of 50-foot light strings it will take for all of these measurements.
3. Test your lights. Before you plug them in, visually inspect your light strings, looking for broken or missing bulbs and worn or defective wires. If you discover faulty wires, replace the strings entirely. If bulbs are broken or missing, replace the bulbs. Once a light string is complete, plug it in and check for burned-out bulbs. Unplug the string before replacing faulty bulbs, then re-test to be sure all lights work.
4. Set up a ladder. If your home's eaves are low, you may be able to use a stepladder; otherwise, plan to use an extension ladder. Place it firmly on flat ground and lean it against the eaves, extended well above the eaves and leaning at an angle that will be comfortable and safe to climb--neither too steep nor too flat. If you must lean it against the gutter, place a short piece of 2 by 4 inside the gutter for reinforcement.
5. Hang the lights along eaves. Your objective is to hang lights as easily and safely as possible without marring your home's trim or walls. For attaching lights along gutters or the roof, use plastic clips made for the job--these grip shingles or gutters and have a lower hook that holds a light strand or extension cord.
6. Attach lights to trim. For attaching lights to window trim and similar vertical surfaces, use tube light clips or nail-on plastic clips like those shown in the illustration. Space them about 12 inches apart or as required. All of these clips are available at home-improvement centers. Do not use staples or nails to hang light strings--they can pierce or wear-away the protective insulation, creating an electrical hazard.
Source: http://www.hometips.com |
