Rope Light Warning

[JoanFrances]

You all may remember what an advocate I have been for using rope lights for shadow boxes.

I have also used them in my built in display area in my dining room to high light the items and family photos.  While preparing for the painter to paint the dining room area, I decided to remove the lights from the built in for him.   

Last spring while doing the spring cleaning I noticed that the plug area of the wiring, I noticed that it was discolored and thought it was strange, but never gave it another thought.

Well, while removing the entire full length of the rope light, I was horrified to find that it had begun to burn in such a way that the rubber that encases the lights and wires was beginning to melt and ooze some kind of icky thick liquid. 

It was a fire waiting to happen according to my electrician.

So, my friends, if you have used these lights, please be sure to check on them several times a year.     

[Kev]

Good advice Joan. I'm glad you caught it before something terrible happened. I have used it once in a shadowbox frame, but rarely light it. I'm not real keen on it anyway...too dim, and the cord is so thick. I prefer the under cabinet fluorescent lights that you can link in a series.

[Anne]

Thanks Joan.  We have them in our tray celiling, obviously we'll be checking them!

[ct4mom]

Thanks for the heads up Joan we were thinking of using them above the kitchen cabinets....we will reconsider!!

[Graham]

We had them around our display windows at the shop in Jordan. They started out as a Christmas thing, but................. They were on from dusk to midnight, 365 days a year. After a a few years, I painted the window frames, and took notice of the lights for the first time, and there was definite but not serious discolouration  at the fittings and in another couple of years the discolouration increased (definite brownish, burned hue). Like you, I got concerned, and replaced them. I now have about a mile of the damned lights in the cellar. I bought some new ones for the new house when we moved, and they're only on for the Yuletide.

[JoanFrances]

when I found these lights I thought wow these are the best thing since sliced bread LOL.  I am now wondering if there is any warning postings regarding these lights.

The year I built my large fountain, I had purchased a strip light to install above the inside top of the fountain.  I got the thing home, opened it only to find a warning that said "fire hazard" right on the directions.  Imagine, this light was manufactured and distributed by "GE" and it did have the UL tag on it, which used to mean it was safe.  When I returned it to the store and explained why I was returning it, the stupid manager asked if I wanted another one!!!!!  My reply was as fresh as his question was stupid!!!!!  I said "sure give me another one, this one only burned down half my house LOL

"GE" used to manufacture good products, I guess now anything that someone will buy is good enough.  Sad

[Audrey]

Thanks. I keep a strand along my mantle on a timer that doesn't work right, so instead of them coming on in the evening, they often turn on in the morning. I will keep an eye on them.

[Malinda]

good to know Joan....

[Graham]

"GE" used to manufacture good products, I guess now anything that someone will buy is good enough.  Sad

Ya. I remember Ronald Reagan speaking for them "Progress is our most important product"

[Judy K]

You can not count on any thing anymore because our products are being made out of country with different standards. then there is a growing problem of products being counterfit and being made with no standards.

I recieved a new blue sweater for Christmas. It says it is 100% cottom, BS, It is making me breakout in a rash on my wrists. That is where they get wet from dish water and stuff. I am SURE their is some kind of wool or some other filler in that fabric. It is irritating. Trust nothing any more! Be careful! Our safty codes are a joke now because WE DO NOT make our stuff.

Glad you are ok Joan!

[Graham]

That is where they get wet from dish water and stuff.

Is this your way of asking for a dish-washer??
Too late for Secret Santa.

[Judy K]

Ha, ha, ha, long story on the dishwasher. And then they grew up and moved out.

The sweater has me sad. I really like it. And it is definitely NOT 100% cotton

[Wayne]

I think this problem with the rope lights is not about where the product was made but more of a problem with the design.  Assuming they are given ample air to cool, they will eventually discolor and the supporting plastic material will harden.  They are cheap, disposable lights.  When used in a closed environment, they may deteriorate faster since there would be more heat build up on the components.

I have been making shadow boxes longer than most everyone on the board and have never, ever had success with rope lights inside and, therefore, never had a problem with them like that.  Last year I tried several types of LED string lights which would be safer since they burn cool and they were not producing sufficient output to illuminate the glass or to meet my expectations.

BTW, the normal sockets used everywhere in lamps uses a cardboard insulator which insulates the center electrode from the outside shell.  Over time, the insulator becomes brittle from age and heat and, therefore, dangerous.  The problem is escalated more when used in a vertical position where the bulb is directly below the socket.  Porcelain sockets do not have the problem though.

You can see the insulator in the photo:
 

[Glassic]

I use a rope light in a sliding robe. It's out of sight, strung along the top as the robe is now filled with wall units and a bar in the den it is not always on. It was fine just recently, I have heard of concerns before and have checked it from time to time as the discoloration was noted early in it's life. Hubby checked it then, [about 10yrs ago] it was good.  One thing though, I don't think it was made in China.
I will do a double check when I get back to Kansas, thanks Joan.

Yes Wayne, that cardboard thing in light fittings has always scared the bejeebers out of me, but then American electricals always have!

Judy, the ribbing on sweaters often have Lycra or some sort of elastic yarn knitted in, that could be your problem.

[Rebecca]

I recieved a new blue sweater for Christmas. It says it is 100% cottom, BS, It is making me breakout in a rash on my wrists. That is where they get wet from dish water and stuff. I am SURE their is some kind of wool or some other filler in that fabric. It is irritating. Trust nothing any more! Be careful! Our safty codes are a joke now because WE DO NOT make our stuff.

Glad you are ok Joan!

Wear long johns under the sweater.  Be sure the cuffs of the long johns are longer than the sleeves.  Or wear a nice blouse under it.  I used to have a wool sweater that I loved, but I couldn't wear it.  I saved it for really cold days and wore a cotton T-shirt AND a shirt with a button-down collar under the sweater.  That was the only way I could wear the sweater, but it kept me nice and warm on cold days.

Rebecca

[Graham]

Ah yes..........................the sweater girls of the 50's

[Judy K]

Ah yes..........................the sweater girls of the 50's

Oh yea! I look just like that for the first 4 inches below my neck , then It all goes south fast! 

The sweater does not have a differet cuff. I had set it aside to get rid of, but when my wrists totally heal I may try it one more time with a blouse. Good idea.

[Wayne]

Oh, now I see those girls of the 50's are wearing sweaters!

Yep.

[JoanFrances]

Ah yes..........................the sweater girls of the 50's

I have been called a sweater girl, but I only look like that in my dreams LOL

[Graham]

Better to be referred to as "sweater girl" than "sweaty girl".
She'd be the wet blanket that dampened our enthusiasm.