Why Do My Outdoor Christmas Lights Keep Shorting Out?

Outdoor Christmas lights are a great way to dress up your home and make it look festive during the holidays. But when they keep shorting out, it can be frustrating. There are several common causes of outdoor Christmas lights shorting out, and understanding them can help you identify and fix the problem quickly.

Loose Connections

One of the most common causes of outdoor Christmas light shorting out is loose connections. If the plugs or connection points in the wiring aren’t fully connected, it can cause an electrical short.

This is especially true if you’re using older strings of lights that have been stored away for years. Check all your connections to make sure they are secure.

Faulty Bulbs

Another common cause of outdoor Christmas lights shorting out is faulty bulbs. Even if one bulb in a string is bad or has come loose, it can cause a break in the circuit, resulting in a short circuit. Inspect all of your bulbs to make sure they are securely in place and not damaged.

Overloaded Circuits

If you’re using too many strings of lights on one circuit, it can cause them to short out. To prevent this from happening, don’t exceed the maximum wattage for that circuit. You should also spread your lights out over multiple circuits if possible.

Conclusion

By understanding these common causes of outdoor Christmas light shorts, you’ll be able to more easily identify and fix the problem when it happens. Check for loose connections, faulty bulbs, and overloaded circuits to determine why your outdoor Christmas lights keep shorting out.

Photo of author

Jennifer Watson