What Are Rope Lights?

Incandescent Rope Lights

• Incandescent rope lights use white light bulbs, with either a clear or colored outer covering, and are relatively inexpensive. They last approximately 25,000 hours, have a two-year life expectancy and use 3 watts of power per foot. The incandescent bulb produces heat, so should not be used in areas where heat build-up is an issue. Incandescent rope lights are available in more color options than LED rope lights.

LED Rope Lights

• LED rope lights use colored bulbs and a clear PVC jacket; they are brighter than the incandescent rope light due to the special filament they contain, but also twice as expensive. However, they are more durable, last approximately 100,000 hours and produce very little heat. They also use 1 watt of power per foot, making them more energy-efficient than incandescent rope lights.

Colors and Decorations

• Incandescent and LED rope lights are available in variations of white, red, green, blue, yellow, gold, amber, purple, pink and multi-colored. Styles include those that change colors, flash and move (chasing rope light). Rope light decorations are aluminum frames and come in various shapes, such as a Christmas tree, palm tree, flamingo or cactus. The rope light outlines the frame, providing added decoration both indoors and outdoors.

Indoor Use

• Rope lights can be used in a home or office where standard electrical plugs are used by placing them behind an object, producing a soft and appealing accent glow. They can also be used as perimeter lighting, where the rope outlines or wraps around an object to define and bring attention to it, such as in living rooms, home theaters or around desks, staircases and railings. The 120-volt rope light is recommended for indoor use.

Outdoor Use

• Rope lights can be used to bring light to the foreground, using a unique space as the main focal point. They can be twisted and bent into interesting forms, shapes or sculptures; used as architectural accents on building facades, stairs, stair rails, windows, stages, exhibits, displays, pools, spas, patio areas and landscapes. You can even use rope lights to decorate your boat or car. Use the 12-volt or 24-volt rope light when placing on a vehicle, since it will be powered by batteries.

Casing and Length

• Rope lights are available in 20-, 40- and 150-foot lengths, as well as various casing sizes. The larger-diameter casings are more durable but less flexible. Rope lighting can be purchased in precut lengths and short segments, allowing the units to be connected to achieve the desired length. They can also be purchased in bulk spools, cut and spliced together as needed, using the marks and scissor icons indicated on the rope. Inline splices and T-connectors are used to join the ropes together.

Safety Precautions

• Although rope lights are encased in a clear, epoxy resin, they should not be submerged in water. Rope lights are vulnerable to water seepage at their connections when continuously exposed to water and may pose a shock risk. Use caution in heavy-use situations, such as decorating outdoors or in humid, damp areas. The LED rope light should be used in areas where overheating is a concern or when placed in confined spaces.