Troubleshooting Prelit Christmas Trees

By Kelli Harvey | Updated Nov 26, 2022
Troubleshooting Prelit Christmas Trees
How to Replace Christmas Light Fuses

4 Basic Steps for Troubleshooting Prelit Trees

Step 1

If the tree has multiple light plugs stacked together, the most common reason for a section not turning on or flickering is often as simple as one of these plugs coming loose. Check that all plugs are secure. If your tree is a power pole or one plug design, check each section where the poles meet to ensure that there is nothing obstructing the connection and that they are seated properly.

Troubleshooting Prelit Christmas Trees -Check that plugs are secure
Secure All Plugs
Troubleshooting Prelit Christmas Trees -Inspect Fuses
Inspect Plug Fuses

Step 3

If the fuses all look fine or replacing them does not fix the problem, there may be a problem with a bulb or the wiring itself. Replace any damaged bulbs with spare ones. If the issue is with the wire itself, remove the entire string and replace with a new strand of lights. In older trees all of the light wires may need to be removed at some point (snipping them with wire cutters makes the job faster), you can then restring the tree with lights, which will allow you to keep your cherished tree for even longer!

Step 4

If no bulbs are damaged, test each bulb with a bulb tester, these can be found online and in most big box hardware stores.

Troubleshooting Prelit Christmas Trees -Replace Bulbs as Needed
Replace Bulbs as Needed

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