Installing rope lighting

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All about installing rope lighting

Getting Started
Rope light installation is a relatively simple project for the typical do-it-yourself homeowner. First, you need to decide where you want to have the lights positioned, and measure the amount of rope light that you will need to purchase.

Locate the power supply
Decide beforehand which electrical outlet will supply the power to the lights. It is desirable to connect the rope lights into a discreet outlet, so that the power cord is not plugged into an outlet that receives frequent use. Attaching the power cord to an outlet that is turned on and off with a switch and/or a dimmer is also very convenient.

Get Some Tools
Rope lights are installed with the minimum amount of tools required for the job. Nothing more than a measuring tape, drill and screwdriver, will complete this installation. Another item that might be required may be an adhesive if installing the rope lights in channels.

Prepare the Light Rope for Installation
Uncoil the rope lighting and lay it out flat where you have determined it should be installed. Make sure that the power cord end is positioned closest to the electrical outlet where it will be attached.

Do not plug in the rope lights until they have been fully installed.
                                                                                                                                 120-Volt rope lighting is available in lengths up to 30 feet. If more than 30 ft of roping is required purchase connectors for the specific make and model of your product. If two or more sections of rope light need to be joined, you will need to use connectors.
 

Typically, lengths of rope light will have a power cord attached to one end, while the other end has an end cap or on some models, a connector already installed. The mating connector must be attached to the additional length of roping. Either way, these connectors slide over each end of roping, and attached, allowing power to be supplied to both sections of rope light. Each manufacturer supplies their own style of connectors, and as always be sure to follow their instructions when joining sections of rope lights together.
 

Installing with Mounting Clips
If installing rope light with mounting clips, the equipment needed is simply a drill and screwdriver. Please read the instruction manual thoroughly before beginning to install your new rope lights.
For rope light kits that are mounted with brackets or clips, attach them to the surface with the screws provided with the kit. Individual brackets and clips should be spaced 3 to 4 inches apart along the length of the roping, to prevent the light rope from sagging.
Gently press the roping into the mounting clips, distributing it evenly through the clips.
 

Mounting with Staples
Some rope lighting has a special plastic strip, or even tabs, which allows mounting with staples. A staple gun is the only tool required. Staple the strip type every 3 to 4 inches, and for the tab type, staple each tab so that the rope lighting is in the desired position. Please read the instruction manual thoroughly before beginning to install your new rope lights.

Mounting with a Channel
A channel installation is rigid and will prevent the light rope from bending. If installing rope lights in a channel, it is typically mounted with an adhesive, or screws. There are different ways to install channel-mounted rope lights. The channel may be nailed or screwed to a surface. Double-sided adhesive tape is used for mounting to smooth surfaces such as glass and marble. Choose the proper method for your application.
To install the rope lighting into the channel, press the roping gently into the channel where it will fit snugly. For the best fit into a channel, it is helpful to preheat the rope light by turning it on and allowing it warm up for a short period of time. Make sure that the rope light is out flat and not coiled before supplying it with power. Please read the instruction manual thoroughly before beginning to install your new rope lights.

Supply Power to the Light Rope
For a 120-volt light rope, just simply install the power cord jack into any household outlet. Once the lights have been secured, simply plug them in to the electrical outlet and you are finished! For light ropes that are rated 12-volt, supply them with power from the battery. To install 12-volt rope lights to household current, you must use a current transformer.




 

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