Questions about rope lights

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Frequently asked questions

How many little lights are there in rope lighting?

Rope Light provides distributed light along the entire length of the run. Rope lights with incandescent bulbs are spaced every one-inch. With LED rope light, the LEDs are spaced at one to four inch intervals.

How much energy will rope lights use?
It depends on the type of rope lights that are installed.

Incandescent Rope Light
For 120-volt applications, if you run a 10-foot length of rope light, then you will use 55 Watts, a 20 foot length uses 110 Watts and a 60 foot run uses 330 watts of distributed lighting.
10 Feet of 12-volt rope Light provides 33 watts, 20 feet uses 67 watts, while 30 feet of roping uses 100 watts.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) Rope Light
The watts used by each different spacing is listed below:
¨ A 10-foot length of rope lighting with the LEDs spaced at one-inch intervals uses 4.8 Watts, a 20-foot section uses 9.6 Watts.
¨ A 10-foot length of rope lighting with the LEDs spaced at two-inch intervals uses 2.4 Watts, a 20-foot section uses 4.8 Watts.
¨ A 10-foot length of rope lighting with the LEDs spaced at three-inch intervals uses 1.6 Watts, a 20-foot section uses 3.2 Watts.
¨ A 10-foot length of rope lighting with the LEDs spaced at four-inch intervals uses 1.2 Watts, a 20-foot section uses 2.4 Watts.



Are the new LED rope lights the same brightness as the standard incandescent rope lights?
The LED rope light is manufactured with a clear PVC covering and it is the LED not the covering that provides the color. Overall, the LED is equal or brighter than the standard rope light. Certain colors, such as blue and green are significantly brighter on LED rope lights than on the colored incandescent rope lights.

What are the maximums for run lengths?
. This is due to current draw from a single circuit. If you need to run a greater length than the maximum, simply power the additional length from another outlet.

¨ The maximum run for 110-volt rope light is 150 feet.
¨ The maximum run for 12-volt incandescent rope light is 30 feet.
¨ The maximum run for 12-volt LED rope light is 500 feet.

What type of connectors do I need?
For the majority of connections, you will need a power cord, a power connector, and an end cap to protect the bare end at the end of the rope light run. These are typically supplied in the rope light kit. Other connectors are available to splice rope light pieces together or specialized connectors such as a Y connector to allow branching.

How easy is rope lighting to splice together?
Very easy - Once the rope light length is established, you simply press the power pin into the rope light to make contact with the two wires in the rope light. Attach the power cord to the power pin and screw the connector together. The connectors are made to work with rope light. Always have power turned off before cutting and be sure that you put an end cap at the end of the run.

How will I know where I can cut the rope light?
On every piece of rope light, there are tiny marks or scissor logos indicating where you are allowed to cut. For example, 110-volt, 1/2" diameter rope light, these marks are every 18 inches, and on the 12-volt, 3/8" diameter rope light, they are every 6 inches. For 120-volt, chasing 3 Wire, the cutting increments are 36 inches and every 12 inches on the 12-volt chasing rope lights.
NOTE: Cutting at other places than these marks will prevent that section of the rope light from operating.

Can I change colors in a run?
Absolutely - using a splice, you can join the two or more different colors of rope lighting together.

How much abuse can the flexible rope light take?
The rope light is rated to withstand 220 pounds per square inch (psi) of direct pressure.

Is rope light waterproof?
The rope light is waterproof. However, it is not recommended that it be submerged. In marine applications, and anywhere the lights are used where they may be exposed to water, it is important to seal the connectors to the tubing to prevent water or moisture from seeping into the lighting. Proper sealing must take place to insure that no water can enter the connector - use a quality silicone sealant or waterproof tape like the types found on this website.

Can I use a dimmer on the rope light?
Yes. For 120-volt, a standard light dimmer works great. Ensure that you use one with the wattage capability to support the rope light’s energy consumption. For 12-volt rope lighting, we sell a 12-volt dimmer.

What happens if one bulb burns out?
A burnt-out bulb in the 120-volt, 2 wire rope light will darken an 18" section - a burnt-out bulb in the 12-volt rope light will darken a 6" section. 120-volt, 3-wire rope light with a bad bulb will darken a 36" section. Splicing in a replacement section using invisible splices and heat shrink tubing can repair the faulty section.

Can I "hardwire" 110-Volt rope light?
Codes vary significantly - check with a licensed electrician that is familiar with the electrical codes for your area. The rope light has a UL-listed five-foot power cord with a standard plug on the end - the wire is SPT-2 wire.

Can I power 110-Volt rope light in a motor home or boat?
No. There is no way to set up a power source. Use rope lighting that is listed for use with 12-volt power supplies.

How long will the 12-Volt lights stay lit with a 10 Amp-Hour Battery?
There are many variables here – the quality of the battery -the age of the battery, as well as the manufacturer of the battery. A 12-volt battery (similar to a motorcycle battery) would power 20 ft of 12-volt rope light for approximately 1.5 hours. Deep cycle marine batteries rated at 80 amp-hours would power a 20-foot section for approximately 9 to 12 hours. Remember- turning lights on and off multiple times shortens the length of time they will operate, as the power surges when turning lights on, and draws more current than just leaving them lit.




 

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