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LED Rope Lights vs. Strip Lighting

bluwtr49
Explorer II
Explorer II
I'm looking for information on the pros and cons on rope lighting vs. strip lighting.

My objective is to use one of these products as illumination below the kitchen cabinets in lie of the existing 12 VDC puck lights. My puck lights are very difficult to access...especially the one behind the microwave...when it comes time to change the bulbs. Increasing the light level of the counter surface would be a big plus. As far as color temp is concerned I'm thinking more towards a natural white as opposed to a warm white..

Since this is for a specific purpose, I'm not very interested in comments regarding outdoor lighting.

Thanks in advance for any comments.
Dick

2002 43' DP Beaver Marquis Emerald Cat C-12 505 HP, 1600 Tq
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland ---toad
18 REPLIES 18

Ivylog
Explorer III
Explorer III
I've been using 5050 led strips under the bathroom cabinets for 5+ years with poor results... many of the led stop working. They get left on for aprox 10 hours 180 nights/year so 1800 hours/year. Within two years so many have stopped working I have to change them out. I'm having much the same results with the 5M strip under my awning although not even close to 200 hours of use and they were waterproof.

I cannot find any strips rated 8-24V... unlike the G4's I use in the ceiling. I'm not saying to not try it, but use a .......snap connector for the power so you can replace easily. Need to change mine out before we leave this month.

Nine months ago I bought expensive 120V led rope lights for above the house kitchen cabinets... having very poor results with 80 percent of the leds no longer working.... less than 1800 hours on them.:M

I've tried to find the old style non led rope lights that seem to last for ever without success.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
Sold 04 Dynasty to our son after 14 great years.
Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45โ€™...

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Explorer III
I changed the puck lights to LEDs and never looked back. If I wanted more light I'd add more pucks. To me LED strips under the cabinet are unsightly since they are visible.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland

Bob

Effy
Explorer II
Explorer II
Is your purpose functional lighting or aesthetic lighting? Rope lights are usually more decorative and less functional. Led's and puck lights are more utilitarian. But LED's also come is an array of spectrums from very clinical white to softer spectrum more like incandescent. LED's will last a very long time and use much less electricity. And of course there are soft light, dimmable LED's that could serve as functional and decorative. There are also hard wire and plug in. The point is, what type of light do you want and need? It exists whatever your fancy.

Based on what you posted, it sounds like you want functional light. Plenty of LED strip lights, battery and plug in available at Lowes or Home depot for a few bucks. A pre-packaged LED strip light will be easier to mount, offer a better "useful" light and much easier to maintenance than rope lights.
2013 ACE 29.2

lakebum
Explorer
Explorer
I am sure I will get some argument about this product, they are high, or I should say higher. You can get a lot cheaper, but don't think you would find a better product or support.

I like these LED strip lights with the bluetooth or standard remote because you can dim them or change the color if you would like.

I use them outdoors, but you can apply anywhere. You can also cut and place in multiple locations and control with one controller and remote.

Boogey Lights
Ken & Janice
South Hill, Virginia