Electrical Question: How do I get these electric lights to work again?

A Multi-Meter could tell you a lot about where and why electrical current will stop.

The bulb with the white tip is the fuse bulb. Light strings can be wired a number of ways, but usually if one bulb burns out, the rest of the lights will continue to function – unless it’s the white tipped fuse bulb (then they will all fail). Think of the fuse bulb as the weakest link that breaks if there’s a problem elsewhere. It sounds like there may be a short elsewhere in the string (i.e. positive making contact with negative) that caused the fuse bulb to trip. If you replaced it with a regular bulb, it’s likely any one of the other bulbs would have failed since there was no longer a fuse bulb. Visually inspect the entire string, wires and sockets, and look for any damage. If this turns up clear, I’d say unless you have some electrical knowledge and a multimeter as mentioned above, you may be better off replacing the string.

Dear Reinvestor…If you read my description…I mentioned all that you suggested. I replaced the white fuse bulb with another white fuse bulb. I checked the string for other burned out bulbs…nothing was burned. I don’t know what a Multi-Meter is (but I will look for one). I don’t want to replace this and probably can’t as it’s a special decorative string that is no longer made which is why I want to try to fix it. There doesn’t seem to be damage on the socket or string. I am thinking the fuse on the plug is gone because that’s what has happened to some of the lamps in this house. The electricals in this house are a bit ridiculous at times and things go pffft. I am thinking it is the fuse. I am guess this Multi-Meter would tell me…?

Thanks for your assistance….it’s appreciated!

There could be a small fuse embedded in the wall plug that has blown. Look for a cover you can pry off. Strings of lights usually come with a couple of extra fuses taped to the cord.

Thanks so much for your answer @IchtheosaurusRex . I did use the little fuse lights…is that what you mean? Or? They didn’t help, by the way. I was thinking it was something in the actual plug..that might be replaced? (Haven’t a clue.)

Yes, the plug itself may have embedded fuses. That’s how most Christmas lights come. Picture here.