How to Electrify a Dollhouse or Roombox for lighting

Give your dollhouse or roombox project a realistic look by adding lighting. This article will help you run tape wire and install a transformer in a few easy steps. See resources below for links to all the supplies and lighting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dollhouse tape wire
• eyelets
• pencil
• small awl
• transformer
• lead in wire
• scissors
• junction
• a tester or light for testing

1. I'll leave the decorating to you. Pick out all your lighting and all the necessary supplies to get started. There are hundreds of lamps to choose from, whether it be wall, table or ceiling. The following steps assume you have all your lighting, tools and supplies on hand.

2. 
    
   Lamps located and installed in a beautiful dollhouse

   Decide where you want your lamps and mark the areas in the location where they will be installed. Stage all your components; furniture, wall hangings etc. to confirm that everything fits and doesn't interfere with the lighting.

3. 
    
   Typical wiring kit from CIR-KIT Concepts

   Ready to go kits from CIR-KIT Concepts are available with everything you need. It's sometimes easier to use a kit especially if it's you first wiring job.

4. Remove any dust from the areas you are going to tape. Make sure your work area is well lit. A task light or swing arm lamp is a great way to light up the interior area you are working on.

5. 
    
   Plenty of tape wire run on all sides

   If you want to be able to change lamp locations or move lighting around, plan on installing the tape wire on all walls ceilings and floors. Draw lines with a pencil or marker to use a guide when applying the tape wire.

6. 
    
   Different size wire rolls to fit the job

   It's easier to do a dry run along the areas in the room and cut the tape to size rather than working off the roll. Peel back a few inches of the backing to expose the adhesive and run the tape wire along your guidelines pulling the backing away as you go along. Work slowly while gently pressing the tape wire down along the guides you created.

7. 
    
   Junction screwed in, lead in wire with switch and transformer

   You will need to create a slot usually at the back or bottom of the roombox or dollhouse for the tape wire to exit and connect to the transformer. Run the exit strip through the slot and attach the transformer as shown. The arrangement pictured allows the transformer to be removed by un-plugging it from the junction. The lead in wire incorporates an on/off switch.

8. 
    
   Detail of eyelets

   Where the tape wire runs cross each other or make a turn, eyelets must be installed to make an electrical connection. The tape wire conductors are color coded and a eyelets must be placed through the same color of each of the two conductors to make the connection.

9. 
    

   Use a small pointed tool like an awl to make a small starter indent in each like conductor pair. This prepares and makes drilling more accurate.

10. 
     
    Drill bits from Cir-Kit Concept

    Using the manufacturer recommended drill size (VERY IMPORTANT), drill a hole through each indent. Be sure to stay perpendicular to the surface while drilling. Drill in carefully and stop before you drill through the surface. If you do drill through, simply apply a tiny bit of wood filler on the exterior wall, let dry, and lightly sand the hole smooth.

11. 
     
    CIR-KIT tool

    Use an awl or CIR-KIT tool to gently push the eyelets into place.

12. Go over all the tape wire runs with your finger to ensure good bonding to all the surfaces. Check all the eyelets to confirm they are all seated.

13. 
     
    Tester from Cir-Kit

    Test thoroughly or cry later! Using one of your lamps or a tester, check each and every wire run by pushing the prongs into the conductors on the tape wire. Also probe each pair of eyelets. Once the wallpaper or wall panels go up you won't have access to the connection eyelets or tape wire so take your time testing.

14. The rest is up to you. Enjoy decorating your project!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't run your drill and out when drilling the eyelet holes, once will do it!
• Seat eyelets firmly
• Use only the drill bit recommended by the manufacturer. it is very critical.
• When the tape wire wraps around a corner don't push the tape wire into corners too hard. Use a ruler and gently ease it into the corner
• Always wear safety glasses when working
• Keep sharp objects away from children
• Always follow manufacturers instructions

Resources

• Additional photos and supplies-Roomboxes
• Tape wire, and lighting supplies

[jdds08]

on 6/12/2009 Many, and I mean many, years ago my father built a dollhouse for me and it had working lights! It was the most fantastic dollhouse in the neighborhood. It's one of my fondest memories. Thanks for nudging it back to mind.