Christmas Light Material List

This article is a comprehensive guide to the materials needed to expertly install Christmas lights. Understanding the essential materials required to install Christmas lights is crucial so you can always deliver on safety, efficiency, a high quality of work, and professional service. 

Materials needed to install Christmas Lights

Wires

There are two types of wires you can use, SPT-1 and SPT-2. Both types are effective when working with Christmas lights. The main difference between the two wires is the thickness of them. Most people use SPT-1 wires but we use SPT-2 due to them being used for more commercial grade systems, which makes them long lasting and safer to use. Note that you can use either wire type but once you decide which to use, you need to make sure the Bare wire, Socket wire, and Vampire Plugs are all the same type (either all SPT-1 or all SPT-2). Below are the two types of wires you will need for Christmas light installation

• Bare Wire: an electrical wire composed of a single solid metal or a bundle of metal strands without any non-conductive material surrounding it. It is used to connect the lights and allows for a low-profile look, making it more aesthetic.
• Socket Wire: an electrical wire that has a connector, or socket, at one end that is able to put bulbs into. Sockets can be spaced apart at many different lengths but we typically do 12”.

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Vampire Plugs

Vampire plugs are an electrical connector used for installing Christmas lights and other low-voltage outdoor lighting. They are specially designed for connecting and splicing together wires without the need for stripping or cutting, making it perfect to connect the strands of lights. Note that you will need to use either SPT-1 or SPT-2 vampire plugs based on which bare and socketed wires you are using.

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***Please read our safety suggestions before starting, and never put two male plugs on the same wire***

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Bulbs

Typically C7 or C9 bulbs are used when creating a light display. (We use C9’s 99% of the time) You can purchase these bulbs in warm white, cool white, or colored bulbs and design it exactly how you want (any colors can go anywhere along the strand). 

• C7 bulbs are approximately 2” long
• C9 bulbs are approximately 3” long.  Most people will use C9s unless there is a specific reason to use the C7s.
• They also make smart light kits where the string of lights are able to change colors through your phone.

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Mini Lights

We use commercial mini lights, which are pre-bulbed strands of lights similar to the kind you get at Home Depot or Lowes. They are safer because of the wire used and they have open caps so they are not as prone to breaking/bursting. We use mini lights for landscaping projects, columns, bushes, and surfaces outside of the outline of the house. 

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Fasteners

When installing lights, the type of fasteners you use will depend on the surface or location where you are mounting the lights. Different fasteners you will need include

• ‍Standard clips: Typically used for the outline of the lights. We use Tuff Clips because they are versatile and durable. They can be attached to gutters, shingles, roof edges, and other surfaces creating ease when installing the lights‍
• Ridge Clips: Used to attach the lights to the ridges or peaks of a roof. ‍
• Light Stakes: The stakes are used if you plan on installing lights in the ground, or on lawns. We typically use them when outlining a driveway or pathway. These stakes allow you to securely string the lights in place. ‍
• Hot Glue: Used to glue sockets to the house‍
• Staples: Used to attach the wires to wood

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Timers

You will want to use outside timers to allow the lights to be turned on during certain times. Timers are convenient, safe, energy efficient, and expand the lifespan of the bulbs, while also allowing the customer customization to program their light display on/off. There are a few different types of timers

• Photocell timers: Also known as dusk-to-dawn timers because they utilize a light-sensitive sensor (photocell) which allows the lights to be on when it is dark outside. If you are using these timers, you need to be careful of house lighting because it can cause the timer to believe it is daytime. 
• Mechanical timers: These are the “normal” timers that have either a rotating dial setting or digital timer on it that allows you to program specific on/off times with a countdown of how many hours it will be turned on.
• Smart timers: Timers that are able to be controlled through your smart devices so you can turn on/off the timer remotely, using wifi. These timers offer extensive customization options and real-time control.

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Colored Tape

Used for labeling lights when taking them down. Read the labeling article for more information.

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