Best lighting pros near Scottsbluff, NE

Before investing in motion sensor lights, there are a couple of disadvantages worth noting. For starters, they’re not as reliable as other forms of lighting. Motion sensor lights can be accidentally triggered by pets or wind, which can become a nuisance after a while. The opposite situation can occur, too, where they don’t turn on when you need them to. 

If half of a string of Christmas lights is out, it is likely because of a single burned-out, loose, or broken bulb within that section. Long strands of lights often contain more than one circuit, so when one bulb fails, it can cause the entire circuit (or half the strand) to go dark. To fix this, inspect the unlit section and test each bulb to ensure it is tight and functioning properly. Replacing the faulty bulb or repairing a damaged shunt will typically solve the problem.

The cost to repair a short circuit depends on the type of repair. A faulty outlet or simple loose wire can be a simple fix that might only cost a handful of dollars. For example, if you need to rewire a house, you’ll spend around $2 to $4 per square foot, but replacing an entire electrical panel costs anywhere from $500 to $2,100.  

If your lights are shorting out during rain storms or other winter events, you should probably replace them. These shorts indicate electrical issues that could cause serious hazards. Look for outdoor-rated lights with connectors made for rainy conditions to replace them. But if your Christmas lights are new and you want further protection, you can find weatherproof covers to add to the male-end connectors of your Christmas light strings. These can minimize the risk of shorts.