Chasing Rope Lights Explained
Apr 27, 2007
Many people are interested in chasing rope lights because they offer a unique lighting effect. For those who don't understand what chasing means, I will attempt to explain it here.
What is Chasing?
The term chasing refers to the visual effect that is created by rope light bulbs alternating on and off in sequence. One bulb appears to chase the next, or move down the entire length of the rope light run, starting at one end and "moving" to the other end. What Makes Chasing Rope Light Work?
Standard chasing rope lights, also known as 3-wire rope lights, consist of 2 circuits. We'll call them circuit 1 and circuit 2. Each circuit usually consists of either 1 bulb or 3 bulbs. Using a controller, it will alternate circuit 1 and 2 on and off in different sequences to create different chasing effects. While circuit 1 is on circuit 2 is off. Repeating this pattern very quickly (many times per second) creates a visual illusion of chasing. Please click here to see an chaisng rope light in action. Most controllers also allow you to adjust the speed at which the circuits are alternating.
If you were to plug these lights in using a standard 3-wire power cord you will see no difference between it and a 2-wire steady burn rope light with only 1 circuit. This is because both circuits 1 and 2 are on all the time and must be toggled on and off in sequence to create the desired chasing effect.For more information on chasing rope lights or to purchase them online you can click the following link: Chasing Rope Lights
Please feel free to add to my explanation or to ask questions.
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What is Chasing?
The term chasing refers to the visual effect that is created by rope light bulbs alternating on and off in sequence. One bulb appears to chase the next, or move down the entire length of the rope light run, starting at one end and "moving" to the other end. What Makes Chasing Rope Light Work?
Standard chasing rope lights, also known as 3-wire rope lights, consist of 2 circuits. We'll call them circuit 1 and circuit 2. Each circuit usually consists of either 1 bulb or 3 bulbs. Using a controller, it will alternate circuit 1 and 2 on and off in different sequences to create different chasing effects. While circuit 1 is on circuit 2 is off. Repeating this pattern very quickly (many times per second) creates a visual illusion of chasing. Please click here to see an chaisng rope light in action. Most controllers also allow you to adjust the speed at which the circuits are alternating.
If you were to plug these lights in using a standard 3-wire power cord you will see no difference between it and a 2-wire steady burn rope light with only 1 circuit. This is because both circuits 1 and 2 are on all the time and must be toggled on and off in sequence to create the desired chasing effect.For more information on chasing rope lights or to purchase them online you can click the following link: Chasing Rope Lights
Please feel free to add to my explanation or to ask questions.
