Can I plug my Christmas tree into an extension cord?

Plug lights or decorations directly into an outlet whenever possible. Typically, it's safe to use a power strip or extension cord but not both together.

Why can't I plug an extension cord into my Christmas lights?

It looks like the problem is that your extension cord is polarized, but your Christmas lights aren't. The best solution is to replace the electrical receptacle at the end of the first set of lights with a polarized one.

Can you plug a Christmas tree into a surge protector?

Don't Overload Electrical Outlets

The lights on your Christmas tree should be plugged into a surge protector to help avoid a voltage spike, causing all of the lights on your tree to burn out.

Do I need a heavy duty extension cord for Christmas lights?

For running Christmas lights, you want to make sure that any cord you use is rated for outdoor use. Pick a 16-gauge extension cord for light runs of 25 feet or less and go with a heavier duty 14-gauge cord for runs over 25 feet.

What is a Power Connect Christmas tree?

This Christmas tree features the power connect (TM) through-the-pole lighting system that eliminates the need for connecting multiple light strings, reducing setup time. Also featured is real branch tip technology, creating a tree with remarkable realism.

Extension Cords cause FIRES. USE POWER STRIPS

How do prelit Christmas trees work?

A pre-lit tree is a convergent product of Christmas lights and an artificial Christmas tree. The product is an artificial fir tree that comes pre-wired and strung with lights, which cannot be removed and are usually embedded within the artificial branches.

Can you use an extension cord permanently?

Only use extension cords temporarily; permanent wiring should be installed when use of the cord is no longer temporary. National Electrical Code (NEC) does not allow extension cords in lieu of permanent wiring (NEC 400.8(1) – 2014 Version).

Can I use an indoor extension cord outside for Christmas lights?

An outdoor extension cord can be used indoors, but you should never use an indoor extension cord for outdoor tasks. Knowing the differences between indoor and outdoor extension cords will help you eliminate safety hazards.

How many watts can an extension cord handle?

As the cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity of the cord gets lower. For example, a 16 gauge extension cord less than 50 feet in length can power a 1625 watt (W) appliance. A 16 gauge cord that is longer than 50 feet in length can only power an appliance up to 1250W.

Do I need a surge protector for my Christmas lights?

Use Surge Protectors.

Always plug your lights into an outdoor rated surge protector – especially if you are using LED lights in any part of your Christmas lights display. Surges on the line are your LED light string's nemesis.

Can you put a normal plug on Christmas lights?

Christmas lights typically have fuses in the plug. It's not safe to replace the fused plug with an unfused plug and I'm not sure that you would be able to find a replacement fused plug to install.

Can you wire Christmas lights to a plug?

You can either end the wire with a socket or add a male or female zip plug to the end as needed. Zip plugs feature a slide-off backing that lets you lay electrical cord inside.

Can LED lights be plugged into an extension cord?

If this is what you mean then yes that should be fine. If you're suggesting plugging the LED lamps directly into the mains extension lead then "DEFINITELY NOT" as they could explode and/or catch fire.

How do you know if a cord is indoor or outdoor?

Rating Indicator — Look for the letter “W” on the cord or on the packaging. That's the letter used to identify cords that are designed for outside electricity use. Insulation — Extension cords rated for outdoor use have additional insulation around the wires in the cord.

What's the difference between an indoor and outdoor extension cord?

Insulation is the significant difference between indoor and outdoor extensions cords. Indoor extension cords lack the materials that act as protective insulation to protect against moisture and varying temperatures. Outdoor extension cords are also made durable enough to withstand long periods in the sun.

What happens if I use an indoor extension cord outside?

Indoor extension cords

External extension cords are thicker, rain tight and have a safe rubber moulded female socket at the end and can carry more power over longer distances. Indoor extension cords left outside for extended periods may break and could lead to sparking, fire and shock.

What should not be plugged into an extension cord?

Can extension cords cause fires?

Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.

Do extension cords use electricity when plugged in?

By itself, it does not and cannot consume units of power. If anything is plugged into the extension cord, it may be using electricity. There are many everyday household items that use electricity when they are powered off but still plugged in, whether directly to the wall or through an extension cord.

Are pre lit Christmas trees a good idea?

Pre-lit trees are designed to make Christmas as easy as possible. You will not need to purchase extra lights to go with your tree as the lights are already built-in and evenly spaced around your tree so you can simply plug in and go.

How long do pre lit Christmas trees last?

So here's an honest answer to the question: A string of top-quality, professional-grade Christmas lights can reasonably be expected to last for roughly 6 or 7 seasons. That assumes that the lights are removed and stored during the off-season, and not left up year-round.

What is the life expectancy of a pre lit Christmas tree?

A higher light count means a brighter tree. A good rule is 100 light bulbs per every 1.5 feet of the tree. Most artificial trees have a life expectancy of around 10 years. Invest in a tree bag to help protect the tree from dust and insects while it's in storage.