Pro-Grade C9 Light Bulb vs. The Retail C9 Light Bulbs and How To Replace Them

Not all LED bulbs offer the same level of quality, and some are better investments than others. It’s helpful to understand the differences between a pro-grade C9 light bulb vs. the retail C9 light bulbs before shopping for replacements. In this guide, you’ll learn why commercial-grade C9 Christmas lights replacement bulbs are a better option, even if they tend to cost more than their retail counterparts.

The retail lights you can find in box stores are cheaper, but they’re not as durable as commercial-grade bulbs. As a result, consumers must consider short-term costs versus long-term savings when purchasing C9 Christmas light bulbs. You’ll also need to compare weatherproofing, energy efficiency, insulation and the durability of each lighting option.

Pro-Grade C9 Light Bulb vs. The Retail C9 Light Bulbs

When shopping for C9 LED replacement bulbs, shoppers should match the type of bulb with their intended purpose. For instance, if you’re planning to install the lights outdoors, you should consider using bulbs designed for outdoor use, which are brighter and weatherproofed. 

Here are some of the other factors to consider:

Durability

The commercial C9 bulbs you can buy from reliable suppliers have more diodes and superior build quality. This means that consumer-grade bulbs aren’t as bright as their commercial variants. Apart from that, C9 Christmas lights replacement bulbs have a longer light lifespan. These superior lighting products can last up to 50,000 to 75,000 hours. With better longevity, you don’t need to replace C9 LEDs frequently, saving you money.

Weatherproofing

Many modern commercial C9 lights have a rating above IP44, which means they are waterproof. It also means they’re designed for outdoor use, which isn’t always the case for retail Christmas lights. LED lights that have this rating can prevent fire hazards and electrical shocks.

Another way to check if your lighting equipment is certified for outdoor use is to look for the UL mark. For indoor lights, they will have a green holographic mark. On the other hand, certified outdoor lights and sockets will usually have a silver or red UL mark instead. The UL mark is usually a gold-colored label, which means the lights have been tested for either indoor or outdoor use.

Energy Efficiency

C9 LEDs have the same qualities and features as C7 bulbs. In addition, commercial C9 variants consume only 7 watts per bulb, which make them an favorable energy-efficient option.

Customization

Commercial-grade C9 bulbs offer more customization. They can be removed individually, allowing installers to replace them with other bulbs with different colors without getting replacement strands.

Customizations also allow you to cut them into different lengths as needed. Retail versions don’t allow length adjustments, so you will be limited to the length of the lights you initially purchased.

Brightness

As mentioned earlier, commercial-grade Christmas lights are brighter, making them a better option if you want to install lights outdoors. Residential C9 bulbs function only as mini lights, like those used to wrap around trees and shrubs.

They’re safe to use outdoors but don’t have the same brightness level. Commercial C9s have five diodes, which is why they’re brighter than retail versions, which only have 1. If you’re after more stunning displays on your porch or patio, then commercial C9 LED replacement bulbs are best for that purpose.

Switching to Commercial-Grade C9 Bulbs

After delving into the differences between a pro-grade C9 light bulb vs. the retail C9 light bulbs, the next step is to make the switch to commercial-grade LEDs. You can’t purchase commercial C9 Christmas light bulbs from big box stores like Walmart or Home Depot. They can only be purchased from high-end lighting suppliers. They will be sold along with better-quality wiring, offering you more sparkle for every dollar spent.

To make the switch and replace your old Christmas lights with commercial grade C9 bulbs, it’s best to choose a professional holiday light installer: 

• Hiring a professional to hang your holiday lights saves you time, money and stress so you can focus on more important matters.
• They can customize your lighting options. These professionals can also take your vision for your holiday decor, making them come to life.
• They can help you choose the most impactful colors for your lighting, such as pure white, blue, green and red.
• These professionals are trained to navigate different types of roofs for proper installation.
• They can help you take the lights down and provide proper storage for the following year.

The Best Deals for Commercial Grade Lighting

Professional lighting installers will only recommend the best commercial-grade lighting for holiday decorations from trusted suppliers. Certified Lights is a trusted brand for commercial installers providing durable pro-grade C9 light bulbs that last. If you’re in the market for commercial-grade C9 LEDs visit our online store, or call 972-512-0000 today and our consultants will be happy to assist you.