How Many LED Bulbs can I run in series?

by | Mar 13, 2014

Can I successfully use C7 LED Christmas Light Bulbs with threaded brass base in strings of 50 bulbs and if so, how many strings can I attach together?  -Brian
 
Hi Brian,
 
The C7 LED bulbs can fit into any standard E12 (candelabra) base socket wire.
 
For LED bulbs the maximum length of cord that you can run is not determined by the power draw of the bulb or the number of bulbs but the maximum run length of your cord.
 
That maximum run length is determined by manufacturer’s specification for maximum connectivity for the cord.
 
For example, 18 AWG wire cannot be run more than 250 feet – even with LED bulbs installed.  Over 250 feet in a series, linear run, the wire itself is at a maximum current rating just based on it’s own resistance.  So, you’d have to use a splitter and establish another circuit – or run another extension cord.
 
For this reason, on our 100-foot cords, we sell them with only one plug installed.  We suggest you run them out from a splitter in a T formation.  Our 50-foot cords are wired the same way – with a single plug.  Our 25-foot cords have two plugs and their maximum connectivity is 2 strands since they are constructed with 20 AWG wiring.
 
If the 250 feet limitation won’t work for your installation, you might consider our pre-wired LED sets that feature 3-wire engineering that allow you to run up to 80 sets in series.  Max connectivity is noted on each item.
 
For all scenarios where you are customizing cords and running longer lengths of 18 AWG wire, use the services of a master electrician.
 
Hope that helps.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Recent Posts

Sharing Tables and Meeting Neighbors

Sharing Tables and Meeting Neighbors

We to -  - As the weather warms up or will warm up in the Northern states soon, our minds turn to clearing out the clutter that seems to build up no matter how hard we try to stay simplified. As an alternative to a traditional yard sale or carting everything to a...

read more

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Blog Posts

What does the IP65 rating stand for?

What does the IP65 rating stand for?

The Answer: Whether or not you've heard of the actual rating, IP ratings are becoming more attractive to consumers since they are applied to cell phones. Everyone wants to know what will happen to their phones if they were accidentally dropped in water. Either them or...

read more
FAQ: What do I use to outline my roof?

FAQ: What do I use to outline my roof?

What do I use to outline my roof?During Christmas, a few basic materials are used to outline rooflines with lights. The list includes C7 or C9 Christmas cords, bulbs, commercial clips, and gilbert plugs (both end and inline). You'll also need wire snips and...

read more
Are C7 and C9 bulbs the same?

Are C7 and C9 bulbs the same?

Are C7 and C9 bulbs the same?Short Answer: No, they are very similar but are different sizes. Continue reading the long answer for photos and more information. Longer Answer: C7 bulbs are shorter with smaller diameters than C9s. Both are installed in 18 AWG...

read more
Christmas Lights Lingo!

Christmas Lights Lingo!

Common Christmas Lights Terminology and Vocabulary 5mm This is a shape of LED lens that is about the shape of and slightly smaller than a pencil eraser. It has been referred to as "wide angle" and "conical" in the past since there is a cone shape molded into the lens...

read more
LED Bulbs: Comparing the Whites! 2022 Edition

LED Bulbs: Comparing the Whites! 2022 Edition

This year, we are releasing Natural Pure White, the third available color white in our LED product line. Commercial C9 LED bulbs with E17 bases and 5mm light strings have been released for the 2022 season. More versions will follow next year. Here is a photo comparing...

read more