Rope light

A length of illuminated rope light

Arope lightis primarily used as a decorative lighting fixture, featuring small lights linked together and encased in aPVCjacket to create a string of lights. Rope lights can be used in many applications both indoors and outdoors.Used in place ofneon signs,it is sometimes calledsoft neon.

Design

Warm white LED rope light on the spool

The design of a rope light generally depends on the end use of the product.

• Wiring: The basic design involves stringing together bulbs on a wire and then encasing the wire in a clearplasticjacket. The number of wires depends on the functionality required of the rope light. A basic rope light has two wires, which generally allows users to make bulbs dim or flash. However, a rope light with three wires allows greater functionality includingchasing,dimmingandflashing.
• Tube: The outer plastic tube is also an important feature that greatly affects the end use of any rope light. A rope light with relatively wider plastic tubing is more durable to external elements but less flexible. Thinner plastic tubing, on the other hand, is far more flexible but less robust. Generally, rope lights for heavyuse outdoorsfeature thicker plastic casings while those used for more decorative purposes indoors have relatively thin plastic casings.
• Voltage:Rope lights in theUnited Statesare generally sold in three different voltages:12 volts,24 volts and120 volts.Generally, the 12 volts and 24 volts variants are better suited for situations where abatteryis used to power the lights. Hence, this is the best option for cars, boats, etc. The 120-volt version is more appropriate for household or industrial lighting requirements.

LED and incandescent rope lights compared

• Bulbs:LEDrope lights have bulbs that are available in different colors and the bulbs themselves generate the colors. In contrast, incandescent rope lights typically have bulbs with a colored filter that is applied around the bulb. Therefore, when an LED rope light is switched off, it appears colorless, while incandescent bulbs still appear colored.
• Power consumptionand performance: LED rope lights require far less energy than incandescent rope lights and generate comparatively less heat. LED bulbs use about 1wattper foot in power while a traditional rope light uses close to 3 watts of light per foot. In general, LED rope lights are rated for 100,000 hours while a comparative incandescent rope light is rated for 25,000 hours.

Applications

Rope lightChristmas decoration

Many brands of rope lights are rated for either or both indoor and outdoor use. Due to the versatility of this lighting technology, it can be used in a variety of different environments without compromising the quality of the lighting.

• Indoorlighting: Rope lights are used for both decorative and practical lighting purposes. Common indoor uses include outlining the edge of a kitchen counter or bar, comprehensive ceiling lighting and under-lighting the baseboards in a movie theater. Rope lights also suit a room with no permanent layout like a garage,atticor children's rooms, where it can provide comprehensive lighting throughout the entire room regardless of how things are arranged.Ambient lightingin rooms also may be achieved using rope lights.
• Outdoor lighting: Outdoor uses for rope lights include staircase lighting, outdoor patio or deck lighting and outdoor artisticdisplays.Rope lights are durable and suitable for use around the garden, pool, driveway, shed, etc. Duringholiday seasons,lights can be used to create messages or designs with different colors and patterns.