Introduction
Big Star Lights are built for homeowners who want custom, professional-looking roofline displays. With the right products, tools, and techniques, you can create stunning lighting effects that enhance your home for any occasion. This comprehensive guide outlines exactly how to select, install, and store your roofline lights.
Choosing the Right Products for Your Roofline
Socket Wire
Type selection: E17 (C9) socket wire is the best choice for most rooflines.
Colors & lengths: Socket wire is available in colors matching most rooflines and in various lengths/spacings to fit your home.
Customization: Our SPT-2 insulated wire is flat for easy handling. You can cut it to the exact lengths you need and attach plugs for a tailored fit. This design helps keep bulbs aligned in a straight, neat line.
Bulbs
Styles: C9 bulbs are a classic for the traditional holiday look, while G30 globe bulbs offer a modern look.
Color options: Mix and match to create your unique look, or stick with a single hue for elegance.
Compatibility: Double-check bulb base compatibility with the chosen socket wire. You can read more about this in our article: Understanding Christmas Light Bulb Types and Sizes.
Clips
Types: Multi Clips fit gutters, shingles, awnings, and even fences, and provide a subtle wire attachment. Cradle-style and TuffClip options are also available for enhanced security. Use Gutter Guard clips for rooflines with gutter & leaf guard.
Appearance: Multi Clips keep the wire flush to the roofline for a less visible setup, while some clips elevate bulbs for more visual impact.
Zip Plugs
Purpose: Zip plugs allow you to customize wire lengths safely and easily, connecting sections and making custom extension cords.
Installation: Designed for straightforward installation—cut wire, press the plug together, and you’re set!
Power Cord
Customization: Use our power cord sections with zip plugs to build both short and long extension cords, eliminating messy, dangling wires between roof sections or features like dormer windows.
Other Essential Tools
Wire cutters (crucial for modifying wire lengths and attaching plugs)
A sturdy ladder (or two, for handling higher or tricky roof sections)
Safety gear (gloves and protective eyewear for safe handling)
Step-By-Step Installation
Safety First: Never cut or modify a live wire. Always unplug your cords before making any amendments.
1. Pre-bulb Your Lights
Why pre-bulb? Attaching bulbs before installation saves time up on the ladder and lets you test everything for faults in advance.
How: Screw your bulbs into the socket wire while on the ground. If using bulk wire, attach a zip plug to temporarily power one end and test all sockets and bulbs.
Testing: Once bulbs are installed, plug the string in to ensure all bulbs work before proceeding.
2. Identify Power Sources
Outlet location: Begin your layout from the outlet(s) where you’ll draw power.
Capacity: If your design exceeds 250 ft of lights, split your run into two or more sections, due to power draw limitations. Consider using a heavy-duty extension cable over SPT-2 extension cable. Learn more about power limitations in our article: Understanding Electrical Load Limits for Holiday Light Installations
Convenience: If outlets aren’t in the ideal spot, use timers or smart switches for easy control.
3. Make and Route Extension Cords
Measure runs: Decide how much extension cord you need from your outlet to your roofline’s starting point.
Building cords: Cut SPT-2 wire sections to your measured lengths. Attach a male zip plug at one end and a female plug at the other.
Drip loop: Allow extra wire to create a U-shaped ‘drip loop’ at the connection—prevents water from finding its way into the plug.
You can read more about custom making extension cords in our article: How to Make Custom Extension Cable Using SPT-2 Wire and Zip Plugs.
4. Begin Attaching Roofline Lights
Connect to power: If your socket wire has no pre-installed plug, add one (male) to start.
Hang securely: Using your preferred clip, secure each light—typically, one clip per socket for the best alignment and stability.
Trimming and plugging: At a roofline section’s end, measure the cut, then unplug the string, trim the wire, and install a female plug.
Bulb orientation: Ensure bulbs are aligned for a tidy, professional lo
5. Continue to New Sections
Building connections: To span between separate rooflines, build another extension cord or use a ready-made one.
Repeat: Repeat the process (hang, measure, cut, plug) for each new section.
Plug Safety: Every run should start with a male plug and end with a female. Never use two male plugs at opposite ends—this creates a dangerous live connection.
6. Making “T” or In-Line Connections
Branching power: Use an in-line (dual female) zip plug to branch power off a main cord to a secondary line, such as a dormer, sideline, or window.
How: Clip off the removable tab on the zip plug and place it anywhere along your extension wire or socket wire. Connect your bulb or extension run directly to this new junction.
Application: Great for connecting separate architectural features without running bulky multiple extension cords from your outlet.
7. Final Checks and Testing
Double-check: Look for exposed wires or loose plugs in moisture-prone areas.
Test: Plug in your system when all is secure. Watch for any flickering or outages and troubleshoot as needed.
Taking Down & Storing Your Lights
1. Photograph Your Display
Take clear photos of your full setup—this makes reinstallation much easier next season.
2. Label Each String
As you remove each string, tag it based on its location on your house. Consider using a coding system and updating your photo with “roofline maps.”
3. Dry & Store Correctly
Dry thoroughly if removed in wet conditions.
For short strings: coil starting at the female end for easy uncoiling next year.
For long strands: loop like an extension cord or wrap around a spool.
Use a breathable tote in a temperature-controlled spot—avoid sealed bags that can trap moisture.
Need Assistance?
If you’re stuck, curious, or need troubleshooting support, reach out to us via our chat or contact form. We’re always happy to help your home shine!