Rope lights offer many exciting decorating options for holidays and year round. They are versatile and economical. You can use an outdoor rope light to light a path, accent a patio or wrap around a tree. Indoors, they can accent kitchen cabinets or provide night-time light in a child's room. Commercial rope lights draw attention to window displays or even light up dance floors.

Rope lighting comes in different voltages. Twelve volt uses less energy and is therefore safer to work with, but it requires a transformer to convert high-volt energy to low-volt energy. Rope lights that use120 volts do not require a transformer, but these are not as energy efficient as 12 volt ropes. While the term "rope light" can refer to any type of small accent light manufactured in a tube, here are a few rope light basics:

1. Steady-burn rope lights provide continuous accent lighting.

2. Chasing rope lights put light in motion with controlled chasing or flashing effects.

3. Light emitting diode (LED) rope lights last longer than non-LED lights, and some can also provide effects.

4. Solar rope lights are LED rope lights that use power from the sun.

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Save energy with a long-lasting LED rope light

LED rope lighting uses less energy and emits almost no heat. Depending on the voltage, you can cut the tubing at varying lengths (usually already marked by the manufacturer) with kitchen shears or scissors and secure the tube with an end cap.

I recommend: Check out Birddog Distributing for a large variety of LED rope lights cut to length or in bulk spools. LED Rope Lights and More.com has LED rope light kits as well as a great calculator tool to help you determine how much rope light you need for your project. IT takes into account cutting intervals.

Choose environmentally friendly solar rope lights

Solar rope lights not only save energy, but they also offer flexibility; you don't need to plug them in or hard-wire them to your electrical system. You can also use them inside with the solar panel installed outside.

I recommend: My Solar Shop carries solar LED rope lights in four colors. Find out more about the uses and advantages of solar rope lights at Outdoor-Solar-Lights.com.

Look for wholesale rope lights

If you need large quantities, consider the best way to buy rope lights. Wholesale vendors offer lower prices than retail vendors and may have a better selection.

I recommend: Christmas Lights, Etc. offers spools of LED rope lights for large projects. Also, check out Novelty Lights’ online catalogue of wholesale rope lights, mini rope lights and accessories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When putting rope lights around corners, stick with a gentle 'U' curve rather than a sharp 'V' curve. Otherwise, you may inadvertently break the lights.
• •  Using a splice or t-connector, it's possible to put more than one color in a single run of rope lights for added decorating possibilities.

Rope lights are fast becoming THE choice for both commercial and residential accent lighting. Whether you want to accent windows, outline a driveway, showcase a ceiling or simply decorate for the holidays, rope lights are a creative and contemporary way to create a soft, attractive glow both inside and out.

LED rope lights are a popular choice these days because:

1. They're easy to install

2. They're cost effective and energy efficient

3. Indoor/outdoor rope light can be used almost anywhere

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Decide where the rope light will be used

The uses for LED rope light are limited only by your imagination. Exterior rope lighting is the perfect choice for patios, docks, decks and deck railings, pathways and stairways. Indoor uses include under-cabinet lighting in kitchens and entertainment centers.

I recommend: Do you want to try rope lights but aren't sure exactly where? This list of usage ideas is a great place to get your rope lighting wheels in motion. You can find additional ideas and pictures from Birddog Distributing.

Choose your length, type and color for LED rope lights

Measure the area where your rope lights will be installed, and decide on both the diameter you want and the color that will look best. Whether buying your rope lights wholesale or retail, most suppliers offer options to fit every need.

I recommend: Commercial rope lights are typically sold in 150- to 200-foot spools and can be cut to length based on need. Rope lights come in 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch and 3/8 inch diameters and are available for 120 volt, 12 volt and 24 volt applications. Many colors are available in addition to the standard clear/white. For the truly energy conscious, solar rope lights also are an option.

Consider rope light accessories

Rope lights can be flashing, chasing, dimmed and even synchronized with music. They can be mounted with clips, put inside of tracks or attached to windows with suction cups. They can be connected with 'T' and 'X' connectors and even have 'jumps' of no light between them. They are, by far, the most versatile accent lighting option on the market today.

I recommend: Explore your options! There are many ways to splice, connect and mount commercial rope lights. Dimmers, flashers and faders can be purchased separately, or you might want to consider one product that does it all. Many companies that sell rope lights wholesale on the Internet also sell to the public.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Rope lights don't have to be permanent. They're also widely used for special events and holiday displays.
• •  Solar rope lights can be used both indoors and out. With indoor applications, the solar panel is simply installed outside.
• •  Once your mounting clips or tracks are in place, it's relatively simple to change your rope lights out for different styles and effects, as long as you stay with the same diameter.
• •  Put your rope lights on a standard timer so they turn on and off at the same time each day.

Purchase rope lights wholesale and use them for any wide variety of business uses. Florists can use them light up floral arrangements, plants and displays. Decorators can use them to light up gazebos and arches. Outdoor signs can be lit up for businesses and bars. LED rope lights or solar rope lights can be used to wrap around trees, outline a stage, line a pathway or light up a tradeshow or exhibit.

Rope light education and training can help you save time, energy and money to make the project as simple as possible for you and your business.

To make the most of rope light education and training:

1. Begin with basic rope light information.

2. Find out what step by step instructions are available for residential and commercial rope lights.

3. Use posted videos to help teach you about interior or exterior rope lighting installation and instruction.

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Get a basic rope light education

Learn the difference between solar rope lights and the LED rope light. Find out how to cut the lights and more about their installation.

I recommend: Find out from Take Three about how rope lights are put together, how to cut rope lights, attaching them to power sources, mounting and additional information. Christmas Light Source also offers a look at the basics of rope lights as well as their installation.

Find instructions on residential and commercial rope lights installation

Look for step by step instructions on both residential and commercial rope lights selection and installation.

I recommend: Use the step by step instructions and image files from BirddogDistributing to help you with rope light installation instructions. Find out where to cut the lights, how to install cords and connectors, apply end caps, splice, add T connectors and more. Find out how to install rope lights from Arrows Light Ropes.

Watch videos or television content overviews to install indoor and outdoor rope light systems

Take advantage of posted online videos or television content overviews to show you how to walk through the steps of installing your indoor or outdoor rope light. Home improvement channels offer wonderful step by step instructions with accompanying images to help you along.

I recommend: Learn from HGTV how to light up underneath kitchen cabinets with rope lights. Use this as an idea guide for your clients or for possible showcase homes. DIY network also offers a comprehensive look at rope light installation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Never install your rope light while it is still plugged in.
• •  Make sure that you are cutting your rope light at the correct intervals because failing to do so will cause damage to the rope lights and/or cause a short in the line.

Rope lights can be used in a variety of ways. Businesses with areas that aren't well lit can use these to showcase walkways or hazards. Rope lights can be used as part of exterior landscaping. The impact rope lights will have on your budget depends upon the type of rope lights and the exact specifications you need.

When you are planning your budget to absorb the cost of incorporating rope lights into your company's decor, keep the following rope light pricing and costs in mind:

1. Minimize cost by ordering basic rope lights.

2. Invest in specialty rope lights to make an impact on clients.

3. Plan for costs associated with replacing rope light accessories.

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Factor in the cost of basic rope lights

Basic rope lights, which are steady burning and feature only one color. Generally, rope light kits are more expensive than spools of rope lights. Sometimes, the price of the rope lights depends upon the color of the lights you need.

I recommend: 1000Bulbs.com sells basic rope lights. Wholesale pricing from this company starts at under $60 for a 150 foot spool or around $120 for LED rope light kits. For commercial rope lights, check out Affordable Quality Lighting. Prices start at under $200 per kit. The price varies according to the color desired.

Upgrade to specialty rope lights

Specialty rope lights can feature multiple rows of lights, special effects like chasing, or multiple colors. The price you pay for these rope lights depends upon the features you select for your lights. Adding specialty controllers will increase the price of your rope lights.

I recommend: NoveltyLights.com sells specialty interior and exterior rope lighting. You can expect to pay at least $105 per spool of chasing rope lights or at least $10 for lighting kits. Check out EnvironmentalLights.com for LED rope lights. Prices start at just over $2 per foot for rope lights. This company also sells inline controllers for rope lights for under $60.

Remember to include the cost of rope light accessories

Rope light accessories such as brackets, mounting clips and power supply kits are necessary to safely install your rope lights and keep them fully functional. Some of these items may be included in the kit your purchase; however, it is a good idea to plan your budget to include funds to replace these items periodically.

I recommend: Holiday LEDs sells rope light accessories. Prices range from $5 to $10 depending on the accessory you need. Brackets are priced at the lower end of that scale and power supply kits are priced at the higher end. Take Three sells indoor and outdoor rope light accessories that can be used with any type of rope lights, including solar rope lights. Prices start at around $10 for many accessories; however, mountings start out at under $5.