3. Connect the Luminaries and Install the Bulbs — With the Power OFF
Connect the luminaries to your first light string by installing the bulbs through the luminaries and into the light-string sockets.
Make absolutely sure there is NO POWER to the light string while you are installing the bulbs. The string should be unplugged while you are assembling the luminaries. This helps protect you from electrical shock and also helps prevent accidentally blowing a fuse in the light string while bulbs are being installed or adjusted.
When you're finished, your first group of luminaries should be connected to the light string with the bulbs installed. The luminaries can still be lying on the ground at this point.
4. Turn the Power On Only to Test the Lights
Once the first string is completely assembled, plug it in and make sure every luminary is illuminated.
If any bulb doesn't light, unplug the light string before touching, removing, reinstalling or adjusting the bulb. Then reconnect the power and test the string again.
Once all of the bulbs are working properly, disconnect the power again before continuing with the installation.
5. Stake and Position the Luminaries with the Power OFF
With the light string unplugged, begin at the power end and position and stake each luminary.
Work from one luminary to the next and avoid pulling the light string too tight. Leave enough slack between luminaries so the string and sockets aren't under unnecessary tension.
Keep the power OFF while positioning and staking the luminaries.
6. Repeat the Process for Each Additional Light String
After the first set of luminaries is installed, continue with the next light string using the same procedure.
Don't shortcut these steps: keep the power OFF while installing bulbs, connecting luminaries, positioning them and staking them. Turn the power on only after a section is assembled and you are ready to test it.
If something needs to be adjusted, unplug the string first, make the adjustment, and then reconnect the power to test it again.
