Installation of Rope Lighting by the Foot

Rope lights use tiny LED bulbs for low-power lighting.

Rope lighting consists of small LED lights that are wired together inside a plastic tube. It is s available at most hardware stores and many department stores. You can easily cut rope lighting to length and connect it together for custom installation. You can mount rope lighting under cabinets to follow their contours and provide low power accent lighting. You can purchase rope lighting in a variety of voltages that can be powered by batteries or plugged into a 120V receptacle.

Things You'll Need

• LED rope lighting
• Rope lighting connectors
• Rope lighting plug connector
• Mounting clips
• Hammer
• Nails
• Utility scissors
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure the length of each segment of lighting needed. Subtract the length of the plug connector and other connectors.

2. Find the cut points marked on the tube lighting. Cut the rope only at these points.

3. Connect the tubing light with in-line or "T" connectors and connect the plug to one end. Follow the instructions provided with the connectors. Cap the open end of the tubing.

4. Nail mounting clips in place every 6-8 inches along the path of the rope lighting. Press the rope lighting into the clips and plug the power cord into the nearest receptacle.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a switched receptacle to control the lighting. Install the receptacle inside the cabinet and the switch in a more accessible location (e.g., under the cabinet).

• Do not exceed the maximum length of rope recommended by the manufacturer for your power source.

References

• Bird Dog Distributing: Rope Light Installation Instructions
• Bird Dog Distributing: Mounting Rope Lights
• HGTV: Light Up Your Cabinets With Rope Lighting
• Installation, cutting & splicing 2 Wire Rope Light, Chasing 3 Wire & LED

Resources

• Wiring Help: How to Wire a Half Switched Receptacle