3 Different Types of Rope Lighting Systems Explained

When most people think of rope lighting, it is natural for them to associate it with Christmas tree lights. These kinds of lights are the most common, and for some this may be the only type of rope lighting that they own. However, other forms of lighting systems use the rope method. While there are some advantages to using the cabled lights, for example in display cases and around windows, they typically provide much less light than a standard watt bulb placed in the middle of the ceiling. However, if you are interested in this type of lighting, and it does save energy and avoid glare, then you may be curious to know what kind of lighting is the best.

PVC Tube Lighting

This is probably the type of rope lighting which is the most familiar. This lighting is very flexible, and can be designed to fit a number of differently shaped areas and spaces. Of course, it is also used as holiday decorations, but it is also great for rooms which have odd or uneven shapes, as the tube lighting is flexible enough to travel around curves. It might be a great way of lighting a pathway, for example, or a hall, as it would not be bothered by sudden changes in direction. It is the cheapest type of rope lighting, and easily installed by home owners. The system may also be spliced, and actually has marks which can help you to achieve this, the only way it could be more helpful would be if it could divide itself as well. If you are interested in installing this type of lighting, you will need 10 feet of lights to equal the power of a 60 watt standard bulb.

LED Rope Lighting

This is another popular form of lighting, and as more people become interested in conserving the environment, so they are more likely to want to use this bulb in their building. LED rope lighting is estimated to save around 90% of the energy used by other lighting systems, and have an average life span of around 11 years. LED lights are also popular due to a range of features which take them beyond the average lighting system, for example color changes, filters, and even variations of color within the same strand of cable.

Linear or Clamp Lights

Linear lighting, sometimes known as clamp lights, are bulbs which fit into snap-in holders which are then attached along a length of cable. Most of these kinds of lights are unsuitable for home use, as they require a lower voltage than normal, and are often accompanied by a step-down transformer. These lights are often used as under-cabinet lighting for museums and other places where items need to be on consistent display. If you do have the necessary transformer, then you can use these lights to illuminate the bottom of rooms, or to light coves.