The annual Austin Trail of Lights in Zilker Park may indeed be proof that “everything is bigger in Texas”. This grand commercial holiday light installation requires a variety of light bulbs and fixtures, including C7 and C9 LED Christmas lights.
C7 and C9 LED Christmas lights have the same cone shape; however, they differ in size and socket design. C7 LED bulbs are popular in residential holiday décor while C9 bulbs are often used in commercial light displays.
Let us find out in more detail how C7 LED light bulbs differ from their C9 counterparts, which model is best suited to residential holiday installations, and whether they are interchangeable.
C7 Or C9 LED Christmas Lights to Decorate My House?
As a general rule, C7 LED Christmas lights are used to create smaller residential light displayswhile C9 LED Christmas lights are more suitable for larger commercial installations.
How Do C7 and C9 LED light bulbs differ?
C7 and C9 LED light bulbs differ in size, socket fitting, and the number of light-emitting diodes (LED) they contain.
C7 LED light bulbs are 1.5 inches long, fit into E12 sockets, and contain three LEDs in the base of the bulb while C9 LED light bulbs are 2.5 inches long, fit into E17 sockets, and contain five LEDs in the base of the bulb.
Are C7 And C9 LED Christmas Lights Interchangeable?
C7 and C9 LED Christmas lights are not interchangeable because their bulbs fit into different sized sockets. C7 LED light bulbs can fit into a regular nightlight socket while C9 LED bulbs are too big for E12 sockets.
Like most LED light bulbs, C7 and C9 bulbs are more popular than traditional incandescent bulbs because:
- they are energy-efficient and only consume a tenth of the power of an incandescent bulb
- they can be connected in longer strings without overloading residential electrical breakers
- they are cool to the touch and safer to manipulate without risk of injury or burns
- they last between 25 and 30 times longer than incandescent light bulbs of the same design before burning out
- they are available in waterproof, durable designs and a variety of colors.
Where To Use C7 and C9 LED Christmas Lights
C7 LED Christmas lights are ideal for a range of home applications, both indoor and outdoor. Try hanging strings of C7 LED bulbs on the walls, along the staircase railing, or around the windows. C9 LED Christmas lights are an excellent choice on your roof, along the gutters, pathways, or lawn.
If you install C9 LED Christmas light strings in your garden, remember to choose waterproof bulbs and use light stakes to keep the wiring off the ground and prevent water damage.
It is best not to hang either C7 or C9 light strings in trees and foliage. If a bulb burns out, the string will continue to function, but leaves and dirt may find their way inside the burned-out socket and cause a fire.
Remember to regularly inspect your LED Christmas lights for signs of water ingress, frayed wiring, and wear-and-tear. Replace and repair any damage as soon as possible to avoid any fire hazards.
Final Thoughts
The team of experts at Certified Lights says that if you make it to the next edition of the Austin Trail of Lights, be sure to take notes and bring home some inspiration for your own holiday season light display.
Your LED Christmas light show may not be quite as impressive as the Trail, though. Nevertheless,whatever you do, make sure it is installed safely and efficiently.
