![outdoor twinkle lights outdoor twinkle lights](https://warisanlighting.com/wp-content/uploads/parser/twinkle-lights-outdoor-3.jpeg)
LED bulbs are also more durable and less prone to breakage, with many shape options. However, LED globes produce 300 lumens and use as few as 3.5 watts each, coming in well below the maximum wattage rating of the string and providing 6x the light. not to mention those low-watt incandescents only provide about 50 lumens each. This limits your options since many bulb choices start at 11 watts. For example, a 165-socket string with an 1,800 maximum watt rating can only use 10 watts per bulb or fewer. So, the 1,200 watts would now be divided by 48 sockets instead of 24, meaning each bulb could not exceed 25 watts.Ĭhoosing LED bulbs for your string lights eliminates those calculations since they draw so little power compared to incandescents. But if you connect two strings together, while it doubles the number of sockets, it does not change the maximum wattage rating. For example, a 24-socket string with a maximum wattage rating of 1,200 can support up to 50-watt bulbs (1,200 divided by 24 is 50). Strings have a maximum wattage rating, so do the math to prevent issues. Use outdoor-rated bulbs and check the size of the bulb bases/sockets to ensure a proper fit. Or choose to buy bulbs and strings separately to create a custom look. Choose Your BulbsĬhoose a set with bulbs included for the easiest solution to patio string lighting. If you need to add a string, make the connection near an anchor point rather than in the middle of a run. To prevent gaps where the strings connect, measure carefully to choose the closest string size possible for your application. Strings can be connected to cover larger areas. Choose Your LengthĪvailable in different lengths, patio lights can accommodate spaces large and small. Better suited for smaller areas, they achieve more of a "string-light" look, and when strung close to one another, can resemble a starry sky.
![outdoor twinkle lights outdoor twinkle lights](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/9bc32816-36b2-42f2-9d5a-d7384e635acc.72e7cc66d9260f9010eda118143b4fce.jpeg)
Each bulb hangs from the wire, resembling a small pendant fixture.īulbs are closer to the wire with in-line socket patio string lights and won't swing as much in the wind. Depending on the type and tension of the wire, you can create more or less drape when hanging your lights. Patio string lights with suspended sockets have "eyes" through which you can thread a guy-line (or guy-wire) to add extra support for larger areas.