Rope Light

Bright ideas for adding a special touch with LED rope light
By Brenda Lee, Writer/Editor, Beeline Editing Services 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

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.