What is A Rope Light?

When looking for a unique way to light up your porch or deck, Rope Lights may well be the answer. They are also great for lighting up stairs, ceilings and windows and are a great alternative when it comes to under-cabinet lighting. With no heavy fixtures or long extension cords running the length of the stairs or room rope lights are ideal. These lights are made in long tubes of either clear or colored flexible tube, made of PVC and contains many half watt bulbs which are spaced long the tube about an inch apart. There are different versions available both for indoor and outdoor use and come in either 12 or 120 volt. Most rope lights last for between 25,000 to 35,000 hours use, which means many years of lighting before they fail. The bulbs need no special care and do need get replaced. As the tube only gets slightly warm, but never hot there is no likelihood of anyone getting burnt. The easiest way to buy rope lights is to purchase a kit that come complete with everything you need including 30-50 ft of lights, a power cord connector, clips for keeping the rope in place as well as splice fittings for connecting ropes together. For the handy man all pieces can be purchased separately, with longer lengths available so you can style your light exactly how you want it. Rope lights come in a variety of colors as well as clear but by far one of the most common is a rope that blinks at different rates and in different sequences. There are also styles that blink and follow each other. Installation is far from difficult and for the 120 volt type, simply position the ropes where you want them, clip them into place, use your power connector to connect rope to normal household power supply and switch on. For the 12 volt version, lower voltage bulbs are used, position ropes in place and clip as you would the 120 volt style and instead of power outlet connect to 12 volt transformer. As well as the clips to hold either in place plastic channels can be obtained. Some of these channels have metal reflecting which will enhance the lights from the rope. There are many applications for rope lights and they are often used to light garden steps, pathways decking and deck rails. Inside the home rope lights can be used around doors and windows, inside cupboards, along mantles and edging around shelves and bookcases. They can also be used as lighting for a display case or around a photo or painting. You can purchase rope lights from major lighting stores, home centers and electrical retailers. Always check that they pass the particulars standards test applicable in your area and make sure the instructions are in the box. If you have any worries or questions it is a good idea to speak to an electrician or phone the manufacturer.