LynxLite Rope Light is a versatile lighting material that can be crafted into silhouettes and motifs, wrapped around columns and trees, and used to outline buildings, signs, decks and parade floats. Modern interior designers use rope light to create ambient lighting from behind walls, above shelves, and in cabinets. With such an amazing variety of uses it only makes sense that rope light can also be cut and clipped as needed to fit any space. Rope light comes in a multitude of types:

• Incandescent or LED lighting
• Options for twinkling or chasing when coupled with a controller
• Voltage of either 120 V or 12 V
• Kits ranging from 12' to 30' (not designed for cutting)

Rope light spools are recommended for cutting and are ideal for large or custom projects. The location of cut marks varies depending on the type of rope light purchased, and cut marks can be found anywhere from every 4" to every 72" depending on the spool. Regardless of previous experience, anyone can use rope light as manipulating rope light is easy. The most important part of working with this item is knowing how to cut rope light.

Cutting Rope Light

Cutting rope light is not a difficult undertaking, but must be done carefully. Directions must be followed to ensure safe installation and operation. Do not cut or modify rope light until it has been unplugged from a power source.

Figure 1 - Locate Cut Marks	Figure 2 - Cut Protruding Wire	Figure 3 - Line Up Wires and Connector
Figure 4 - Insert Splice Connector Between Rope Light	Figure 5 - Place Rope Light in Power Connector	Figure 6 - Place End Cap

Step 1: Find the Desired Cut Length

Measure out the length of rope light you need and then find a cut mark nearby. The rope light tube will have subtle cut marks indicated by dashes or scissor outlines where cuts can be made as shown in Figure 1. Rope light should never be cut anywhere but at a cut mark and can be cut using a sharp pair of kitchen shears, scissors, a knife, or a razor.

Step 2: Remove the Excess

Once the cut has been made, it is important to bend the material sharply to the left and right, and then cut off any extra copper wires as shown in Figure 2. This will prevent short circuiting in the light strand.

Step 3: Connecting Rope Light

When connecting cut pieces of rope light, keep in mind that only cut pieces of the same voltage and wire count can be connected. A 3-wire rope light should not be connected to a 2-wire, and a 120 volt rope light can't be connected to a low voltage 12 volt rope light. Note how in Figure 3, we are using a 2-wire rope light with a 2-wire connector.

The two most popular ways to connect rope light is with either a splice connector (as shown in Figure 3) or a housing clamp. In both cases, be sure the pins of connectors and copper wires match up and are deeply and tightly inserted together. Line up the pin connector and the rope light and insert, making sure that the copper wires touch the metal prongs of the connector as in Figures 3 and 4. Wires should be matched exactly. Connect the other side to rope light in the same manner as shown in Figure 4 or connect to a power connector as shown in Figure 5. Press the connector's prongs into the rope light until firm. For the power connector in Figure 5, screw on the additional cap to keep rope light in place. Remember, rope light has a maximum loading length, so be sure that connected rope light does not exceed it. It is often recommended that all connections are sealed with silicone adhesive to prevent moisture build up.

If you do not want to connect your string of rope light to another, skip to Step 4: Cap Off the Rope Light.

Step 4: Cap Off the Rope Light

Use an end cap to cover the open end and seal with a silicone adhesive or use a tie strap for insulation as shown in Figure 6. A power cord can be connected to the other end of the rope light to complete the circuit. Now your rope light is ready to be installed and used. All cutting and connecting of rope needs to be complete before plugging into a power source, and an end cap needs to be in place on the opposite end. Power supply should not be greater than the rated voltage of the rope light, and adequate ventilation should be available. Most rope lights can not be submerged in water, so do not place product in water that has not been specifically designed for such use.

Bending Rope Light

Shaping rope light can be an easy skill to learn, but bending is easier after the tubing has been warmed. Connect to a power source before shaping and unplug when heated. There are a number of methods for displaying, shaping, and using rope light, and with a few accessories any shape can be achieved.

Tie straps are an easy accessory for securing rope light, and can be easily used against a steel frame. Do not use conducting metal wire to tie rope light to any frames! Most mounting clips can be applied on concrete, wooden, and smooth metal surfaces and secured with nails, glue, or double sided tape. Lighted designs can also be shaped on steel nets and secured with ties straps, or use tie straps to secure rope light onto suction cups for window and glass applications.

Rope Light Designs

With creativity, rope light can be bent into unique shapes. Create custom designs with heated rope light and enjoy seeing Yard Art come to life

2000 Olympics in Rope Light
Wide Loyal Project

Read More About Rope Light

To learn more about rope light, read the Rope Lighting Guide to compare products. More detailed information is available in the Rope Light Specs PDF.