HELP! Godforsaken Chrsitmas Tree Lights!!!

[Maddy McCall]

I have a lighted tree that I bought at the local florist several years ago. Every damned year, it's the same ritual. The light strings are permanently affixed to the tree, so I can't take off the strings and replace them...so I replace all the bulbs in the strings that don't light.

Well, this year, I have one string that is giving me a goddam headache. Half of the lights on the string won't light. I have replaced all the lights--still won't burn. I replaced the fuses, and it still won't burn. The half that won't burn is on the end furthest away from the plug. Does anyone have any advice for me, before I commit Christmas tree murder?

[Sporadicus]

1. Sounds Like a Broken Wire

There's nothing else in the circuit. You'll need a multimeter or continuity tester to verify this. It's likely at a physical connection where the wiring meets a bulb socket.

[Maddy McCall]

3. Silly question...

can I buy a tester at walmart? It's the only thing open right now, and I am damned and determined to get this tree finished tonight.

Thanks!

[Maddy McCall]

5. One more question...

If I find the socket where the broken wire is, can I just cut the socket out and splice the wires?

[Sporadicus]

6. Yes, Wally World Should Have Them

If you attempt splicing the wires, the safest way would be with shrink tubing - also available in the electrical section. slip a piece longer than the splice over one end, make the splice, move the shrink tubing over the splice, and pass a lighter over it - less than one second at a time until it shrink-wraps the splice. Cover the splice with Scotch 33 (or equivalent) electrical tape.

[Maddy McCall]

7. Thank you thank you thank you thank you!

:yourock:!!!!!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

2. Look at the wires closely

See if one may have a nick in it that is breaking the circuit. Since it's half of the lights it would only be on one side of the wire I am betting.

Opps...I was a tad slow on that one. :)

[Maddy McCall]

4. Thanks!

[Zomby Woof]

8. No more advice

You are a Ph.D now... you know everything by now and are not allowed to ask DUers (or anyone) for advice.

:P

(Especially DUers)

[Maddy McCall]

9. I am the epitome of the absent-minded prof, though.

I'll always ask for advice. :-)

[Zomby Woof]

10. keep asking

But if you keep asking on DU, it will be bum advice. I have seen it happen too many times. I kind of enjoy the train wreck of ill wisdom being dispensed though.