Can You Splice Two Lights Together?

Christmas Lights

• Christmas lights string together on a circuit that has one to three strings. Each string has its own set of strings and if one light on a circuit is damaged or burns, the rest of the lights probably won't shine. Lights that cannot be repaired or replaced you can remove from the circuit through splicing. When splicing Christmas lights, do not mix different string types together. Check volt and wattage rating of the wires for compatibility.

Rope Lights

• Rope lights are primarily for decorating homes and businesses; they sometimes are referred to as Christmas lights. Some projects that use rope lights may require splicing. When combining rope lights, keep in mind that each string has a different voltage and wattage rating and will not work properly unless joined to a similar thread. Rope light typically has markings spread out 12 to 18 inches and these markings indicate where incisions can be made for the purpose of splicing. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are light bulbs that do not have a filament. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and styles. LEDs are sometimes sold as rope lights and you can splice together when they're in this form.

Socket Lights

• Only a licensed professional electrician should splice a fixed light socket. Circuitry for fixed sockets can be altered by splicing, but in most cases finding an alternative solution to splicing isn't a good idea. Each state and community within the United States has laws and building codes that you must follow when making changes to fixed electrical wiring within a home.

Considerations

• When splicing two lights, use shrink tubes and containing rings to connect splices as opposed to using basic electrical tape. Shrink tubes and containing rings offer better protection from fire and electrocution and they won't eventually unravel--unlike electric tape. If you attempt to splice two lights together, confirm that the lights are not plugged in or receiving any sort of power, in order to avoid electrical shock.