Rope light consists of very small light bulbs in a long plastic tube, making a rope. A typical rope light contains numerous ½ watt micro-bulbs, spaced about one inch apart inside a clear or colored flexible PVC resin tube. The tiny bulbs are maintenance free, and are not intended for replacement. At ½ watt each and spaced 1 inch apart, a typical rope light will generate approximately 6 watts per foot (it would take about 10 feet of rope light to equal the energy usage of one 60-watt light bulb). Rope lights gets only slightly warm to the touch.

Rope Lighting is very versatile can be installed just about anywhere. Indoors, you can use it to light your mantle, above below or inside cabinets, behind crown molding, mark stairs or underneath handrails to light the way. Outside you can use rope lights to outline your deck or railings, light your paths or steps for safety, or to highlight your homes architecture or landscape.

How long does rope light last?

Most people who use their rope lights daily will get 3-5 years use out of them before they fail. We have had customers though who have called us 10 years later to get them replaced.

Is it hard to cut, splice, or work with rope light?

Rope light is very easy to cut, splice and work with if you follow basic instructions. Few tools are required and it can be used by almost anyone.

What is the difference between 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch rope light?

The 3/8 and ½" diameter rope lights are identical except for the thickness of the tubing - the 3/8" is easier to conceal, the ½" is a thicker, more durable tubing often referred to as commercial grade. They contain the exact same bulbs, so the brightness and power consumption are usually the same depending on where you purchase the rope light and the spacing of the bulbs.

What is the difference between 3.36 watts per foot and 5.5. watts per foot?

The brightness of the rope is determined by the watts. A 5.5 watts/per foot rope light is brighter than a.3.6 watts/foot rope light. The maximum run for 3.36 watt is 240 feet while the maximum for 5.5 watts is 150 feet.

What is the difference between 12, 110, and 120 Volts?

110 Volt and 120 Volt are essentially the same and can be plugged into a standard household outlet. Its maximum run is 150 or 240 feet depending on the wattage. On the other hand 12 Volt utilizes low voltage bulbs and is suitable to use around water with a 12 volt battery, alternator or transformer. While 12 volt lights are lower voltage they do draw higher amperage, so there is no cost savings in running 12 volt rope lights. Its maximum run is 30 feet. Usually you will find 12v power in landscape lighting or on boats, 110/120 volt power inside homes and businesses. You cannot splice 110/120 volt and 12 volt together.

Should I purchase UL rated rope light?

Not necessarily. The UL (Underwriter Laboratories) rating on rope light effects the ability to field cut rope light (cutting done at the sight of installation). Underwriters Laboratories published a new set rules known as UL 2388-Flexible Lighting Products which eliminates field cutting and states: "The cutting and splicing of rope light at the site of installation is NO longer permitted. All rope light must be pre-cut at the factory and have molded ends that can be easily connected. Installers will now only be able to connect and disconnect molded ends of pre-cut lengths."

At Christmas Lights and More, we recognize the need for our customers to be able to field cut their own rope light. Therefore, we have purchased premium commercial grade non UL rated rope light in 150' spools. It is the same quality and price as UL rope light but our rope light can be cut at the place of installation.

What is the temperature tolerance?

-5ºF to 140ºF or -20ºC to 60ºC