How to Shorten Light Strings
- 1). Locate the spot on your string where there are two wires instead of three. This spot is typically between bulbs 50 and 51, according to Christmasinshirley.com. It is here that you have a hot wire and a neutral wire, but there is no polarity.
- 2). Cut the string using a wire cutter. Make the cut in the center between the two bulbs to leave enough wire on either end to attach the plugs.
- 3). Strip the plastic coating on the wire to reveal the wires themselves. With your wire stripper, score the plastic all the way around the wire at the place you wish to remove the coating. The coating slides off the wire when pulled. Don't strip too much away as you don't want to compromise safety. There should be no bare wire showing once the plugs are attached.
- 4). Attach the plug to the end of the string. Use a female plug as this will serve both to end the string and make it easier to add additional strings later.
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