The main differences between C7 and C9 Christmas lights
Here’s a more detailed description of C7 and C9 Christmas lights to help with decision-making:
C7 Lights:
• Size: Smaller bulb, about 1.5 inches in length.
• Base: E12 candelabra base, the same as most nightlights.
• Brightness: C7 bulbs produce a warm and soft glow, making them perfect for indoor trees, window displays, or smaller outdoor decorations.
• Power Consumption: Incandescent C7 bulbs typically use 5 to 7 watts per bulb, while LED C7 versions use significantly less (less than 1 watt per bulb).
• Use: Ideal for creating a cozy, intimate ambiance in both indoor and outdoor settings. They are often used on Christmas trees, bushes, or smaller accent decorations.
• Durability: LED versions of C7 lights are shatterproof, last much longer than incandescent ones, and can be used for years without significant energy costs.
C9 Lights:
• Size: Larger bulb, around 2.25 inches in length.
• Base: E17 intermediate base, slightly bigger than a standard nightlight bulb.
• Brightness: C9 bulbs are much brighter and are visible from longer distances, which makes them the preferred choice for outlining rooftops, driveways, and larger outdoor displays.
• Power Consumption: Incandescent C9 bulbs use about 7 to 10 watts per bulb, while LED C9 versions use only around 0.5 to 1 watt per bulb, making them more energy-efficient for larger displays.
• Use: Perfect for creating eye-catching, bright displays outdoors, especially for outlining homes, large trees, or commercial spaces. The size and brightness make them ideal for outdoor use where visibility from a distance is key.
• Durability: Similar to C7, LED versions are much more durable and energy-efficient, with longer lifespans than incandescent ones.
Both C7 and C9 lights come in a variety of colors and styles, including twinkling or steady-on versions. For outdoor commercial-grade Christmas lighting, C9 is the more popular choice due to its size and brightness, while C7 is often preferred for more intimate, detailed settings.