AC vs DC end of circuit question

[chrismenke]

So I have a string of AC bistro lights:

The set of bistro lights is about 10 ft too long for my installation and I'd like to trim the 10 ft of extra lights and line. I know with DC I would have to snip and connect the positive to the negative to complete the circuit and let the electrons flow back.

What do I with AC? Do I terminate the neutral and the hot separately after the last bulb? The bulbs are set up so that one outage doesn't foul the whole string, which suggests to me that each Edison socket has some sort of return to neutral. The end of the string is also an outlet for an additional string.

Thoughts? Lemme know if I need to provide more info.

 

[Falcon67]

That would create a short IMHO. On the 12V outdoor light runs I do NOT tie the end of the run together. Bulbs are in parallel, not series. I'd be willing to bet your Bistro lights are same. If there is a plug on the end, for sure. DO NOT short the wires, terminate them separately.

 

[ishiboo]

That would create a short IMHO. On the 12V outdoor light runs I do NOT tie the end of the run together. Bulbs are in parallel, not series. I'd be willing to bet your Bistro lights are same. If there is a plug on the end, for sure. DO NOT short the wires, terminate them separately.

Absolutely this.

AC or DC does not matter. I think you're thinking of Christmas lights which have a positive and negative runner, and the string itself is in series on a 3rd wire which goes from positive on one end (+120v) to 0v on the other. Christmas lights are still AC.

 

[Travv]

Those lamp holders are wired in parallel. Cap off the ends. No need to connect anything.

 

[snyder]

Plug it into a gfci outlet or an extension cord with a gfci built in to test your work. That way nothing bad will happen.

 

[dogdog]

Those lamp holders are wired in parallel. Cap off the ends. No need to connect anything.

^^^^^
Most likely this...

 

[The Cobbler]

the only time you would join the wires at the end is in lights that had low voltage bulbs (like Christmas lights) that are wired in series . if you shortened those (took bulbs off) you increase the voltage to each bulb.
that string you have is 120volt bulbs wired in parallel . cut to desired lenght & terminate each wire separately. in fact I would install a female receptacle to it