Outdoor Rope Lights

Outdoor rope lights are the term given to lights that are made in long tubes. Many people use them to bring a feature of their garden, home or yard into focus. The lights themselves are subtle, so as not to over accentuate anything. The standard style consists of many half-watt bulbs or micro-bulbs spaced approximately one inch apart and contained in a clear or a colored flexible resin tube. You can find one hundred and ten volt and twelve-volt lights available. They rated for both indoor and outdoor usage.

Outdoor rope light bulbs are virtually maintenance free and thus are not replaceable. These particular little lights are rated for approximately twenty-five thousand hours of use before they will fail, which is an incredible length of time. The plastic tube will get only slightly warm thus does not pose a fire hazard. There is really no limit to what people do with these lights. Use your imagination and light up just about anything. They are great for barbeques after dark or birthday parties or just lighting up your back deck.

Another great use of outdoor rope lights is along a poorly lit pathway or walkway so that you and your guests do not stumble in the dark. They are available for purchase in a few different ways. You can buy them in a kit, which normally includes thirty to fifty feet of lights, a one hundred twenty volt power cord and clips for securing the rope. Also, available are splice fittings in case you want to connect several lengths together.

There are several different colors of outdoor rope lights available including clear, green, orange, red, purple, blue, yellow and pink. Most versions provide steady illumination while others can blink at different intervals or even appear to chase each other. They are easy to install for just about anyone. One end connects to a power connection at any standard household outlet. You can connect ropes together with splice connectors; however, you cannot connect a ten-volt version to a one hundred ten volt version.

Outdoor rope lights are held in place by several different methods. The rope snaps into small plastic clips that are held in place by nails or glue. To enhance the appearance of the lights, metal reflectors in either silver or gold are installed. You can purchase these lights at most lighting stores, home centers or electrical shops. Instructions are always included if needed. If you are unsure about the proper installation procedures or safety issues check with a licensed electrician or home center staff member.

Outdoor rope lights will enhance any backyard landscape scene. They can also be used as decorative lighting during the holiday seasons. Some nightclubs also use them as a way to provide casual lighting. Many landscaping companies are also starting to use them to light walkways for clients as well. It is possible that they are just a fad and could fade away like other fads before them. If you are concerned about trends then you can always remove them if they fall out of style.