Technical ·Jul 31, 2014

I'm upgrading to C9 LED lights, how do I choose?

💡 The Ultimate Guide: C9 LED Bulbs vs. Pre-Wired Sets (2 Approaches)

Customer Question:

I am looking to purchase C9 LED lights for my house to replace icicle lights that are too much maintenance. I want clear white (not the blue tint) with white wire to line the front of my house. Is it better to get 25 or 50 ft lengths? How many can be plugged together and what product numbers should I look up. It becomes overwhelming with all the choices.

That's a great question! Here was our answer: You have two main choices when designing your Christmas lights display with LED C9 lighting.

Color Note:

The color of the white bulb you are interested in is "Warm White." Our bulbs are "Sun Warm White," one shade warmer than a more neutral yellow-white. It's the most "warm" you can get in the industry now.

It's better not to mix bulbs from different suppliers, and remember that LED bulbs will change color as they burn in. (I hope that makes sense.)

Approach 1: LED Bulbs and Cords – Purchased Separately (Customization)

Cords (The Backbone)

Take a look at the cords: C9 Cords. Get the length that works best for your project.

Spacing: The standard spacing on the 25, 50, and 100-foot cords is 12 inches. If you want closer or broader spacing, you must purchase and cut to fit one of our 1000-foot spools.
Wire Gauge: The 25-foot cords are 22AWG; if possible, stick with 50- and 100-footers (18 AWG) for thicker insulation and consistent wiring.
SPT Specs: SPT-1 is for standard commericial/residential use, and SPT-2 has thicker insulation and is targeted for retail/commercial customers. SPT-1 is easier to wrap around trees and columns. Read more about SPT-1 vs. SPT-2.

Bulbs and Accessories

Bulbs: C9 LED Bulbs: Choose between faceted, opaque, twinkle and smooth.
Plugs: Purchase a plug to terminate the end of the cord if you cut it to fit. See a white Gilbert plug here.

Advantages of Separate Bulbs and Cords

Slightly brighter bulbs.
Ability to customize lengths to your home.
If a cord is damaged, the bulbs can be moved to a new cord, or the cord can be repaired by an electrician.
You can use your own C9 cord if you have them.
You can alternate and change the colors of bulbs—possibly providing decorating options for future events and Holidays other than Christmas.
You can use any of the installation hardware tailored for C7 or C9 stringer wire.

Things to Consider

You must install a plug if you cut the end. (This process is simple: you lay the cord in the top of the Gilbert plug and slide the top shut—instant installation.)
Maximum of 250 feet of 18 AWG wire in any one run.
50 and 100-ft cords come with just one plug—so if you want to run them end to end, you will need to install a female plug on the end of your cord. (This is standard as it discourages long runs exceeding cord specifications).

Approach 2: Pre-wired Sets (Ease & Length)

Here is our pre-wired C9 warm white LED Christmas light string with unibody construction (currently out of stock but expected back soon):

Warm White LED Christmas Bulbs

Advantages of Pre-wired Sets

You can run up to 87 sets of these lights end to end—that's over 2100 feet—in a single series run (and plug them into one outlet).
Easier to install since you don’t have to run many extension cords—if any.
More water resistance due to sealed construction (unibody).
More economical per LED.
Tighter 8-inch spacing.
Perfect for applications where you are going to run a LOT of lights. Cities love pre-wire string lights for massive trees.

Things to Consider

If a squirrel eats through the wiring, you have to replace the entire set.
If a bulb fails, you have to replace the entire set.

Remember that LED light bulbs that outline a roofline do not have the same look as traditional C9 incandescent bulbs and cords but have a look all their own.