What are the main differences between commercial Christmas C7 bulbs and C9 bulbs?
The main differences between C7 bulbs and C9 bulbs are size and wattage.
C7 Bulbs
~1.5” Long (Smaller)
.75” Wide
E12 Candelabra Base
5 Watts
C9 Bulbs
>2” Long (Larger)
1.25” Wide
E17 Intermediate Base
7 or 10 Watts
Are C7 and C9 light bulbs available in LED?
Yes, they are and use 90% less energy than their incandescent counterparts. Even better is that you can plug them into incandescent light strings.
The smaller C7 LED bulb has 3 LEDs per base, while the larger C9 has 5
Pro tip: Since LED C7 and C9s burn brighter, they give off more light using fewer lightbulbs.
Can you plug LED C7 and C9 bulbs into an incandescent light string?
The short answer is yes. But if you place C7 and C9 LED replacements bulbs next to incandescent bulbs, the light string’s colors will glow differently and will appear “off.”
You cannot substitute LED mini lights on an incandescent light string because LEDs require a much lower wattage than incandescent mini lights.
Do C7 and C9 bulbs get hot with use?
The older, incandescent bulbs do get hot, which makes them a fire hazard when used on or near flammable or delicate holiday decorations. However, the LED C7 and C9 lightbulbs do not get hot to the touch, expanding the creative horizons of where they can be used—anywhere… which leads us to…
Where should C7 and C9 light bulbs be used?
Most commonly, C7 and C9 light strings are used for exterior applications, such as lining drives and buildings, as well as stringing across structures. In other words, any place where you want to make a bright statement.
Pro tip: Order dimmable bulbs if you’re using them in an animated light show.
Do you have any tips for using C7 bulbs for decorating?
The smaller C7 is often associated with luxury residential exterior décor. These bulbs not only work well for holiday applications, but also for year-round decoration of exterior features, such as structure outlines, strung on walkways, decks, patios and gazebos, and stringing across or wrapping trees. For all year use, white is the most used color. Due to their smaller size, C7 lightbulbs work well in residential projects and historic buildings.
What about decorating tips using C9 bulbs?
Going commercial? Experts at Creative Displays suggest going big. C9 bulbs are a go-to for those responsible for larger commercial displays and décor. LED C9 bulbs can be used on indoor trees, so they are good choice for big trees that are over 15’ high, such as those in town squares or corporate campuses.
Ready to get started on your project with C7 or C9 bulbs?
You’ll find commercial-grade Christmas LED C7 and C9 lightbulbs in faceted or smooth finishes and a wide range of colors, plus experienced support if you have more questions at Creative Displays.
I need a string of incandescent lights (c9) for heating a small enclosed area to protect plants from frost. I would prefer clear glass bulbs. What’s your recommendation and what’s available?
When you remove the bulb on this strand there is just a tiny light inside. The bulb just covers that tiny light. How do you remove that tiny light!?
Is there any problem with leaving
half the bulbs off a c7. Or c9.
Can you plug a c7 together with a c9? The Glass bulbs not the led light.
How do you connect a c9 strand of lights into another c9 strand? One side has a connector but the other doesn’t.
Can I put LED C9 lights on my 6′ artificial Christmas tree
What is the purpose of the little clip at the base of the c9 bulb?
My incandescent bulbs were all working, but I wanted to use less power. When I went out to swap 1:1, the first three I tried didn’t light up. I thought I had a bad box. Went inside with another string that wasn’t hung yet and tried several other sockets but got 6 of 25 to work. I compared my existing incandescent bulbs that worked in the socket with the known good LED C9 replacement, and noticed that the nub on the end of the LED bulbs was not as pointy/not as long. So with the string unplugged, I got some needle nose pliers, grabbed the copper tab and pulled up gently making them rounded again. All my bulbs work now, had to re-bend 18 sockets, but they all are lit now.