Rope Light Bulb Placement

Rope Lights are manufactured with either horizontal bulb placement or vertical bulb placement. The differences and advantages of each type are outlined below.

What is the Difference between Horizontal and Vertical Bulb Placement?

Horizontal Bulb Placement (Omnidirectional)
With horizontal bulb placement, the bulbs are run horizontally through the rope light, with each bulb facing the back of the bulb in front of it. Rope Lights with horizontal bulb placement may appear dimmer than rope lights featuring vertical bulb placement because the light is diffused with greater uniformity throughout the entire rope.

Important Notes:
 • Uniform, omnidirectional light
 • Can appear dimmer than vertically placed bulbs

Vertical Bulb Placement (Directional)
With vertical bulb placement, the bulbs are installed perpendicular to the length of the rope light. This bulb orientation provides the brightest possible light because bulbs can be aimed at the subject. The directional nature of this type of bulb placement creates a “bright” and a “dim” side of the rope light, so that the bulbs must be aimed in installation.

Important Notes:
 • Brighter than horizontal bulb placement
 • Rope Light will have a "bright" and a "dim" side, so the lights must be aimed