How to Make an LED Rope

10M Mini LED lights provide efficient, cool, long-life illumination

Rope lighting can shed a festive light on any holiday or occasion. LED lighting technology takes that festive mood even further with several benefits over traditional rope lights that use mini incandescent bulbs. LED's are environmentally friendly, using less electricity and lasting many times longer than incandescents. While the cost effectiveness of this project might be questionable, it presents some intriguing options for lighting color and light effects, as well as the personal satisfaction gained from completing a "green" project.

Things You'll Need

• 2 polypropylene test plugs, 3/8"
• Clear vinyl tubing, 1/2" OD x 3/8" ID x 10 feet
• Vise
• LED string light, 10M, 100-count
• Utility hand saw, 10" blade

Instructions

Prepare the Test Plugs

1. Insert one 3/8" test plug into one end of the vinyl tubing. A test plug is a cap that fits inside the end of the tubing. Look for test plugs at your local hardware store or home repair megastore, usually in the plumbing or underground irrigation sections.

2. Secure the second 3/8" test plug lengthwise in a benchtop vise.

3. Using the hand saw, saw a groove lengthwise along the second test plug. Ensure that the groove runs at least 1/16" deep at the smallest diameter of the plug.

Install the Light Strand

1. Feed the last light on the LED string into the open end of the vinyl tubing.

2. Bend a loop in the LED string, between the last inserted light and the next light to be inserted. Offset the loop so the next light to be inserted lies approximately 1-1/2" behind the last inserted light.

3. Insert the next light into the vinyl tube.

4. Repeat steps 2 through 3 until all 100 lights have been inserted in the vinyl tube.

5. Insert the second test plug in the open end of the vinyl tubing, guiding the protruding end of the light strand wire through the 1/16" gap.

Tips & Warnings

• LED light strands come in various colors, allowing you to experiment with different colors for your homemade rope lights. Also you may use a multifunction LED strand. These strands have a control box, usually located near the electrical plug, that lets you select various light effects such as blink, fade, and chase. Some hardware and DIY stores sell tubing by the foot. You can use tubing lengths up to 30 feet (the length of the LED light strand) by adjusting the amount of offset you put into each loop that you bend in between each light, as described in Step 2 of "Install the light strand."

• Do not work with the light strand plugged into a power outlet. Work slowly and with great care when sawing the wiring groove into the second test plug. Wear eye protection while working with the saw.

References

• eSsortment: Tools safety: how to use a hand saw
• Centsible Holiday Lighting: Rope Light FAQs

Resources

• Holiday LEDS: Decorating with Flexible and Energy Efficient LED Rope Light