Lighting Issues and Troubleshooting

The first step to fixing lighting problems, is to first figure out what the problem is: the outlet, the AC adapter, a burnt out bulb, and so on.

• Check the AC Plugs: Each light set comes with an AC plug. Locate the AC plug of the problematic light set. Ensure its receiving power by plugging it into a direct power source in your home. Be sure there is power to the outlet. Note: Its easier to pinpoint the problem with only one light set connected at a time. 

• Check for Loose Bulbs or Bad Contact in a Bulb Socket: Follow along the non-working light set. Ensure all bulbs are tightly seated in their sockets by firmly, but gently pressing down on each bulb. At the same time, look for broken, burnt out, or missing bulbs and replace as needed.
  • Note that it is important to replace bulbs in a timely manner in order to increase the longevity of the light set. Replacement bulbs were included with your purchase. See the section on this page, How to Replace Bulb(s).
  • If the tree has an extension cord with an on/off foot pedal, check that the foot-pad has been stepped on in order to turn the tree on.

• Check the Flow of Electricity:
  • If you have a bulb tester, such as the Light Keeper Pro,use the audible voltage detector to pinpoint the problem with more ease. There must be metal to metal contact for the electricity to flow and complete the circuit. Once you locate the problematic bulb socket, remove the bulb and test it.  If it works, then make sure the copper wires are making contact with the metal in the socket.
  • Lights are wired in a series. Electricity must flow through each bulb to the next for them to light. An individual bulb shunt failing to energize can cause a whole section of lights to go out opposed to one bulb.
  • With a bulb tester, such as the Light Keeper Pro, hook the strand up to it and send an electrical pulse through the set to clear the shunts. Pulse the set at least 20 times to repair any internal bulb failure.
  • Note: There should be two copper wires at the bottom of each bulb. If one wire is missing or twisted, it will prevent the light set from lighting. That bulb will need to be replaced.

• Check the Fuses: Fuses could be missing or not working. Each set of lights will have two tiny fuses located inside the AC plug. There is a little drawer that slides out from AC plug. This drawer holds the fuses. Try changing the fuses in the plug of the light set. There should have been spare fuses with your purchase.
  • Note: See the section on this page, How to Replace Fuse(s).

• Still No Luck? If none of these tips fix the problem, then contact us with the online customer service form, by phone, or email for further assistance.
• Prior to calling, please have the following information available so that we may better assist you:
  • Name of the retailer/store where you purchased the tree
  • Year that the tree was purchased
  • Description of the tree including model/style number

Also see a video from one of our vendors, Ace Hardware, for additional tips and suggestions.

Light Keeper Pro

EQ2 refers many of our customers to try this great tool for checking and correcting your lighting difficulties!

"Defective Bulb shunts cause most light set failures. Simply plug your LightKeeper Pro into the light set and pull the trigger. The LightKeeper Pro sends a pulse through the light set, finds the bad bulb, and fixes the shunt—allowing the light set to work properly." -- Light Keeper Pro

Find out more and purchase your own Light Keeper Pro at: lightkeeperpro.com

Disclaimer: Light Keeper Pro is a product of the Ultra-Lit Tree Company and is not part of Equinox 2, Inc.