Posted by bob spong on December 22, 1998 at 01:46:07:
In Reply to: Re: Christmas Tree Lights posted by Chewwy on December 10, 1998 at 21:53:09:
: : i wanted to ask if anyone out there likes FAT Christmas tree lights over skinny ones. This seems like a very important question to me. I really like FAT ones. also, who does better on I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In? --Julie Andrews or Cyndi Lauper?
: I would answer the Fat Christmas lights is fatter than thoughs stinky thin ones, I actualy can see them from the road and the formation of the Christ in the manger scene andas for the second question i have to say Cyndi lauper cause i love the hairdo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This has been a longstanding battle over what is known as the Jumbo Christmas lights and the miniature Italian Christmas lights. This is what is known in the outdoor display circles as "Light Wars" There are two theries that are in constant fux withone another scince the introduction of the Italian lights, back in the sixties.
For the "Enlightenment" of those interested, The Jumbo lights not only eat up your electric bill, but they get very hot. Not only the Jumbo lights, but the smaller cousin, the C-7, which require the small, candelabra base. The C-7s are cmmonly known as your basic, nightlight bulb, and it can come in two wattages, a four wat, and your 7 1/2 watt styles. The jumbo bulbs require a larger base to opperate, and both of these styles come in a transperent, colored coating, or a frosted or ceramic envelpe. (Envelope is a term used for the glass that surrounds the filament) which by the way heats p the envelope to such a degree that the bulbs can cause fires and holiday greif.
Italian bulbs on the other hand, remain cool to the touch. There are strings on the market that can do some pretty amazing things. Flashing in a "chase" mode that maks them look as though the lights are moving in a marquee effect. There are light strings that use this effect with a dimming or "fade" effect. some programs even make the lights look like the action has reversed then jumps forward again.
Italian lights are now being integrated into wire displays. these are configured to look like snowmen (like we need THAT in Florida,) candles, Santa, the nativity, angels and what have you.
My best argument against the Jumbos,or the c-7s is that they pose a fire hazard due to the heat that is produced durring the operatin of these bulbs. they can cost up to a dollar a bulb when bought in strings, and for the cost of operation, you can light twelve strings of 35 Italian lights, for the price of operating one string of twenty five Jumbos or C-7s.
So, sure they look nicer than the small Italian lights, but you run the risk of fires, and definatly pay through the nose on your electric bill come January.
On the other hand there is that small matter that when one bulb goes out, they all go out. If you happen t have a string of these lights, take a close look inside the bulb, if you can. You'll see inside a small wire that is wrapped around the leads of the filament. This wire is made to a specific resistance, one that is higher than the filament itself. Because electricity takes the path of least resistance, the filament glows, and the wire is pretty much ignored by the electicity.
Once however the filiment burns, or is broken, the electicity will pass through the wire as it is now the only path to take. Considering that the electricity has to pass through each bulb, if a break in the line anywhere, the string will not light. This usually happens when a string has seen a fair number of seasons and the small leads that the bulb has to make contact are either moved away from the contact within the base, or the lead may have corroded and broken off, thusly causing "String Failure". To correct this, its simply a matter of inserting a good bulb at the begining of the line, and trading bulbs all the way down the affected circuit until the string lights.
Even when you consider the inconvenience of maintaining these lights, it is far outweighd by the possibility of a fire, or higher electric bills.
The Italian lights are by far cheaper to buy, cheaper to operate and cheaper on insurance claims.
Merry Christmas, and keep those lights burning bright!