Mini lights

I have not done it, but I have seen others do it with great success.  I intend to try it soon since we have scads of strings of white lights left over from out younger daughter's wedding reception.

 

Your variety store wasn't Trader Horn was it?  

Since most transformers have a maximum output of 20 volts AC, the lights will be very dim given the fact the light sets are wired in series.

 

-John

He didn't say "all." He said "one or several."

 

Jim, if they are incandescent, AND there are 20, AND they are in series, then each one should run on 6 volts.

 

HOWEVER, the best way to do this is to use a voltmeter and see what the voltage drop is across a typical lamp.  They might be in a series/parallel configuration, or some other weirdness.  Use science, first, before letting out the smoke.

I couldn't wait so I experimented this aternoon with my Lionel 1033 "test" transfomer. They are in series, this 20 light string, but they have longer ones too-50 & 10 lights so I don't know how they are wired. I cut one, two three and four bulb lengths out and the two would be good for car lighting and three and four would work for buildings or street lights etc.  I ran a 726 Berkshire about medium speed at about 10-12 volts and the lights were a nice brightness. The instructions do say they are in series and if one burns out they stay lit but brighter. Tomorrow I am going to look at the longer strings and might use them to light my layout a bit. Want to light a passenger car, too. My volt meter is old and not sure how accurate it is.

IMHO you are wasting your money. I would stick to led strings and forget incandescent bulbs. Cause when one goes out, they all go out. LEDs last a lot longer and don't create a lot of heat.

The book says when one goes out the rest stay lit. At $2.00 for a 20 light string I can handle it.  I don't even know where to buy LEDs.  Home Depot ??

lowes has the sets of LED 100 stringfor like 12.00.  they will be brighter and yes last way longer.