|
For decorating, adding a certain feel to a room, or for just plain fun, LED rope light has become very popular. These lights are available in a dizzying variety of color, from pure white to multi-colors. You can even select single, constantly-lit colors, alternating colors or even have the lights “chase” across the rope.
One of the most frequently asked questions about rope lights is this - what would they be used for? The possibilities seem almost endless. LED rope light can be used to highlight the edges of the home – outside. This type of light is excellent for a window display, to outline the back bar in your home, or to light the way up a stairway, inside the home or outside. Do you have a gazebo or deck? LED rope light can be just right for outlining the railings of a deck or gazebo, or draped on the gazebo roof. Now, keep in mind that this is only the beginning. This type of light consumes very little energy when compared to many standard lights. In addition, LED rope lights give off very little heat. The rope comes in a variety of lengths to fit your needs and most can be linked to create 200 feet or more of color and highlighting. What will it cost to put LED rope light in and around your home? One example would be the standard one-half-inch diameter, 120-volt rope in white, blue, red, or green for about $2.95 per foot. The bulbs are spaced one-inch apart and use only .47 watts per foot. Another example might be the 24-foot rope in fluorescent pink (not to be cut) for $22.95. One company supplies 150-foot reels of amber or red LED rope light for just over $300. An LED rope light can be cut. Additionally, most come with connector kits so you can customize your display. How do you install LED rope lights? There are several options. Most companies also supply rope light clips in kits of about 10 pieces, with small screws for mounting. In addition, there are connector kits that usually have a 6’ power cord, connector, and end cap. LED rope light “Y” splitters allow you to take your lights in different directions. These flexible units are excellent for starting different ropes of light for a special display. As for safety concerns, Underwriters Laboratories has established standards for LED rope lights. Any LED rope light made after 2003 must now meet the new UL2388 standard. As you can see, the possibilities for an LED rope light are quite extensive, making this an excellent way to add character inside or outside the home. |
Lighting Types and Bulbs