skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

LED rope lights - is it bright enough?

15 years ago

Hello. I am thinking about using LED rope lights from http://www.1000bulbs.com/LED-Rope-Light-B/33724/ in my basement in the soffit around the room for illumination that is not going to interfere when the projector is on. Has anyone used LED rope and if so any issues? Is it bright enough? How does the brightness compare to regular rope lights? Thanks!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

itsunclebill
15 years ago
1000 Bulbs is one of my first choices for specialty lighting items, and I rate their quality second to none.

This is my experience however and YMMV.

I've used several types of their rope lighting for various projects involving soffits and crown molding that's back lit and the customers have been quite pleased with the output of the products.

That said, brightness is a bit subjective. The commercial "ultra bright" is definitely a cut above most light rope for brightness but runs 7.5 watts per ft versus .5 watts for the LED and 3 watts for the standard. The commercial grade and LED are comparable in brightness, both what I would consider "standard off the shelf bright". About half the jobs I've done with the commercial grade the customers have requested dimmers. But, again, this is subjective. If brightness is a real issue you might think about using the ultra bright and dimming to your liking. The LED variety isn't dimable.

Your link doesn't bring up a specific product and neither does a search using the numbers.
gblentz
15 years ago
kandrade,

With a front projector, unless your room is painted very dark, a certain amount of any ambient light is going to find its way back to your screen and reduce your contrast ratio to some degree. How much you are willing to put up with is up to you, but I would recommend making sure you get a light set that can operate off of a dimmer so you can adjust it when and how you want to.

Also, if you're thinking of using white LEDs, be aware that they tend to be a bit on the cold side color-wise, even the "warm white" ones. If you want a warm incandescent glow for your theater, LEDs are probably not the way you want to go. My $.02
Related Discussions
12 volt, 3 watt LED pendant bright enough?
Q
Comments (6)
I have six 12Watt/800 lumen CREE can lights in the 9' ceiling over my 45x89 island. Maybe 55-60 % of those lumens hit the island surface. The lighting is appropriate. Like most of my lights, they are on a dimmer, but I turn them all the way up most of the time. chris.thomas, how high above the counter are your lights? Standard 25.5" deep counter?
...See More
Under cabinet lighting -- rope? puck? LED? Incandescent?
Q
Comments (9)
I still haven't found lighting that I'm satisfied with. I tried the rope lighting, but I hate the multiple (several sections of cabinet) heavy cords snaking down to the outlets. Originally, I had chosen rope lighting to avoid the pools of light from puck lights reflecting off the granite that Evilbunnie mentioned. But since the rope lighting didn't work out, I picked up a couple of battery-powered, LED puck lights and tried them, but the light is bluish and doesn't look very good. Then I got some of those cheap, battery-operated *moon* lights (pop lights, push lights, whatever varied names they go by) to try. They also don't give off much light. If they gave off more light, they would work fine for me. I guess I'm spoiled by the flourescent bars that my mom has in her kitchen -- but hers are installed behind a front piece that hides them from view (too late for me to do that, plus I have long, 42-inch cabs and wouldn't want to lose the counter clearance). The heat factor on the xenon lights does worry me a bit. It may not be a realistic worry, but it would make me nervous about it possibly causing a fire. Yes, my backsplash is already installed. In fact, at this point, I'm going to have to live with what I have for a while. But what I'd really LOVE to find is rope lighting that's battery-operated and gives off plenty of warm, yellow glowing light. Sigh. A fantasy, I know. Doesn't exist. Oh well, I can dream.... ;P But now that I'm fantasizing...one of the salesmen in Lowe's mentioned that he has xmas lights in his kitchen instead of rope lighting. Think that would work? It would probably be much easier to hide the cord. (The rope lighting has THICK white cords, xmas lights generally have thin, dark green wiring.) Would it be *safe*?
...See More
Has anyone tried LED rope grow lights?
Q
Comments (11)
I bought them and my husband kindly set them up for me! What is the best light pattern to use, so many options! Currently I placed about a third of my Hoyas on the shelf, mostly rooted cuttings and smaller ones. I am going to buy some clamp on lamps for the very top and if I see the results I'm hoping for, a few more strips for the Etagere. Thank you Richard!
...See More
Is this light bright enough?
Q
Comments (2)
In this example you are cutting your light in half with the lamp itself. You also need to consider the amount of that light that the shade will emit. There are many charts and ways to figure lighting requirements, however I 8' ceilings each 10 sq foot will require 150 watts. This is only a general calculation as the shade and / or glass opacity needs to be considers well. To answer your question, no it will probably be to dim and will require supplemental lighting.
...See More
kandrade
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you so much both posts. Good point about LED not being dimmable and color temp, seems that incadescent rope light with dimmer is my best option. I'm going with super bright, can always dim down. Thanks again!

Related Stories

LIGHTING The Lowdown on High-Efficiency LED Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Learn about LED tapes, ropes, pucks and more to create a flexible and energy-efficient lighting design that looks great

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Ways to Light Your Kitchen With LEDs

By Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC

See how to use new energy-saving lights to illuminate your kitchen, light a countertop and add style, too

BATHROOM DESIGN Shower Lights Bathe Bathrooms in Brightness

By By Any Design Ltd.

Lighting in colors as dazzling or soothing as you choose can bring a whole new dimension to your shower routine

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Going Elegant and Bright in a 1900s Home

By Vanessa Brunner

Dark and closed off no more, this Atlanta kitchen now has a classic look, increased natural light and a more open plan

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Cashmere Adorns a Bright, Cozy Amsterdam Loft

By Holly Marder

New flooring puts ever-changing textiles in the spotlight at this airy home and showroom in the Netherlands

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: From Dark Basement to Bright Master Suite

By Jeannie Matteucci

Turning an unsightly retaining wall into an asset, these San Francisco homeowners now have a bedroom that feels like a getaway

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Bright and Airy in Vancouver

By Heather Merenda

Gallery-white walls, an open living plan and bright orange accents help this Canadian family’s home look fresh

DECORATING GUIDES Take Cues From Van Gogh’s Art for Bright and Cheery Interiors

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Consider complementary color schemes, welcome unmatched furniture and embrace the stars for a more joyful home

LIGHTING Change Up Your Bedroom’s Look With Pendant Lamps

By Laura Gaskill

When table lamps seem snoozy or you want to save space, bedside pendant lights are a bright idea

Sponsored

More Discussions

How to place outlets within 24" of a sink (with dishwashers)

27

challenging lighting situation - under upper flight of stairs

13

Why would only one outlet be working and no others on the same breaker

4

Globe light fixtures in closets

3

I need a pop up outlet on my island, but they are HUGE!

6