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16' Yellow 3528 LED Strip Light Spool
16' Yellow 3528 LED Strip Light Spool

$139.99 $89.99
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Rope Light Forum

Rope Light Installation Instructions

The following guide is intended to offer some basic installation instructions for the do-it-yourselfer.  The following procedures are recommended installation procedures only. Birddog Distributing, Inc. assumes no liability for problems that may occur from improper installation. This guide does not constitute professional installation and may not necessarily meet all electrical requirements in your state.  If you are uncomfortable with any of these procedures please contact a professional.  If you have additional questions please feel free to call us at 1-800-514-8435.


Cutting Your Rope Light
Cut your rope light to your desired length for any application.

Rope lights are cuttable in specific intervals only. These vary depending on the number of wires your rope light contains. The most common is the 2-wire rope light which is cuttable in 18 inch intervals. A careful examination of the exterior of the rope light casing will reveal tiny scissor icons. These icons mark the increment where it is safe to cut your rope light. First, calculate the interval that will work for your application.  For our 2-wire example with a cutting interval of 18" this can be done by taking the number of feet you need, multiplying by 12 and then dividing by 18. If you have an even number you have a even interval of 18 inches and you can simply count the intervals or measure the desired number of feet and cut at the scissor icon. If you do not have an even number you will need to choose the next closest interval and cut appropriately. To cut, use our rope light cutter tool or a pair of scissors to snip the rope lighting at the specified mark.  Be sure to make a clean vertical cut to avoid a short. Now bend the rope light to the left and to the right and trim off any excess wire that might protrude. You are now ready to attach a power cord.
 

Important: Failure to cut at the marked interval will result in damage to your rope lights.

 

Power Cords & Connectors
Power cords connect your rope lights to a standard wall outlet.

Caution:
Never attempt to install accessories while your rope lights are plugged in.
 
First connect the power connector to the power cord and tighten the threaded fastener. This makes for easier handling on the next step.
Slide the threaded fastener onto the piece of rope light to be connected. Now firmly push the sharp prongs of the power connector into the wires on the exposed end of rope light until it stops.

Tighten the threaded fastener securely.


Optional: Seal with PVC vinyl adhesive for extremely wet areas.

 

Applying End Caps
End caps are required to terminate a run of rope lights.
 
Cover the termination end of the rope light run with an end cap.
Simply press the end cap on the exposed end of rope light until it stops.

Optional: Seal with PVC vinyl adhesive for extremely wet areas.

 

Using Inline Splice Connectors
Splice connectors are used to connect or lengthen two pieces of rope lighting or for repairing a burned out section.
 
First slide the threaded fasteners on both sections of the rope light to be connected.
Firmly press the sharp pins into the wires of one section of the rope light and tighten the threaded fastener.
Repeat this process for the other section.


Optional: Seal with PVC vinyl adhesive for extremely wet areas.


 

Using Invisible Splice Connectors
Invisible splice connectors are similar to in line splice connectors with a much less noticeable joint.
 
Slide the shrink tubing over one section of the rope lights you are about to join.  Now push the pins of the connector into both ends of rope light and slide the shrink tubing so that it covers the connection evenly.
Use a hairdryer or heat gun to apply heat to the shrink tubing and allow it to tighten over your splice and create a seal.
 

 

The finished joint is nearly invisible.


 

Installing T Connectors
T connectors are used to add a 2 separate sections of rope lighting perpendicular to another piece of rope light.
 
To apply a T Connector you first need to slide your threaded fastener over the exposed end of rope light. Then press the sharp pins of the T connector into the wires of the rope light until it stops. Tighten the threaded fastener securely.
Repeat the same steps for the other two sides of the T connector.


Optional: Seal with PVC vinyl adhesive for extremely wet areas.



Mounting Your Rope Lights

For mounting instructions please click here