Rope Light Instructions

Rope Light Decorates Chilin Nunnery

Rope Light

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. Anyone can use rope light, regardless of previous experience. The most important part of working with rope light is knowing how to cut rope light.

Rope light spools offer up to 200' of rope light for large projects, and the location of cut marks varies depending on the type of rope light purchased. Cut marks can be anywhere from every 4" to every 72". While rope light kits are available, Christmas Lights Etc does not recommend cutting rope light kits, and suggest kits be purchased in the desired length. Kits are available in lengths ranging from 12' to 30'.

Cutting rope light is not a difficult undertaking, but must be done carefully and 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. The rope light tubes will have subtle cut marks indicated by dashes or scissor outlines where cuts can be made. Rope light should never be cut anywhere but at a cut mark. Rope light can be cut using a sharp pair of kitchen shears.

LED Rope Light Spools

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. This will prevent short circuiting the light. Use an end cap to cover the open end and seal with a silicone adhesive or use a tie strap for insulation. A power cord can be connected to the other end of the 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. Two of the more popular ways to connect rope light are with a splice connector or housing clamp. Be sure the pins of connectors and copper wires, and male and female connectors, are deeply and tightly inserted together. Wires should be matched exactly, and connectors tightened until firm. Rope light has a maximum loading length, so be sure that connected rope light does not exceed maximum load length. It is often recommended that all connections are sealed with silicone adhesive to prevent moisture build up.

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.

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 anything becomes possible. 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 at 2000 Olympics

Get detailed information and compare products in the Rope Lighting Guide.

Informative PDF regarding Rope Light Specs