What is this thingy?

[Snattlerake]

I bought a 70 light set of LED lights and it has two of these things inline. One of the things is at the male plug in end and the next one is halfway down the string.
One set of lights at the halfway point past this device the LEDs do not work. I'm not wanting to open the device in case I have to take the string back but if it's an inline fuse I'll just fix it and avoid the hassle. I have an idea they are either inline resistors to balance the load or a fuseable link type device.

Opinions?

 

[OHJEEZE]

Government spy listening device!

Just kidding!

 

[Snattlerake]

You just had to didn't you.

 

[MR.T.]

That might be a temperature sensor of some kind to shut the lights off if they get too warm.

 

[MacFromOK]

Looks like neons to me. They make a good break-over voltage device, as they won't light up and conduct until they hit 70V-110V (90V is common). They do require series resistance, or you'll have a flash bulb.

No idea why they'd be in a string of LEDs though.

 

[RickN]

Take them back.

 

[Hawgman]

My guess is a tiny rectifier so the LEDs can operate. I’m guessing yours in the pic are ac powered not powered by a dc battery pack.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

Resistor

 

[Mack45]

Maybe a flasher unit. Does the half that works flash?

 

[Snattlerake]

Maybe a flasher unit. Does the half that works flash?

No, the lights don't flash.

Resistor

My guess is a tiny rectifier so the LEDs can operate. I’m guessing yours in the pic are ac powered not powered by a dc battery pack.

Looks like neons to me. They make a good break-over voltage device, as they won't light up and conduct until they hit 70V-110V (90V is common). They do require series resistance, or you'll have a flash bulb.

No idea why they'd be in a string of LEDs though.

Like an SCR?

That might be a temperature sensor of some kind to shut the lights off if they get too warm.

Wow! And I thought all you guys were smarter than me! I guess I have to get into the hot attic and find my Christmas tree light fixer. On second thought, that thing only works on incandescent mini lights, not LEDs.

Hmmmm...

Looking further, I have found the plug has two small fuses. I'll check those when I get back from the doctor.