External power source for rope lights

AI Thread Summary
To power a 10-foot strand of rope lights for 3.5 to 4 hours without access to an electrical outlet, users are exploring alternatives to car batteries. The voltage requirement is likely 120V, but the current specifications are uncertain. A suggestion was made to consider low-voltage LED rope lights as a simpler option. Additionally, using a couple of 6V lantern batteries could provide sufficient power for the lights. Implementing a switch is also recommended to control the operation of the lights.
scotty2024
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I am pretty new to this so I hope that someone can help me. I am trying to power a 10' strand of rope lights (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G6MNF2/?tag=pfamazon01-20) for 3.5 to 4 hours. The lights are mounted on a box that is not near an electrical outlet. Is it possible to do without using something like a car battery? Also, I could put a switch on it so that the lights don't run continually. I'm not sure how to do this so I thought I would ask here for some help.

Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
Do you know what voltage and current they need?
 
Hi vk6kro, I think the voltage is 120V. I don't know about the current. I might be able to find out but I'm not sure.
 
Maybe something like this would be simpler:
http://www.noveltylights.com/low_voltage_LED_rope_light.htm

Edit: A couple of 6v lantern batteries should run 10ft of led rope lights for quite a while.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Thread 'Why does the amperage go real high if there is a low voltage short?'

I used to be an HVAC technician. One time I had a service call in which there was no power to the thermostat. The thermostat did not have power because the fuse in the air handler was blown. The fuse in the air handler was blown because there was a low voltage short. The rubber coating on one of the thermostat wires was chewed off by a rodent. The exposed metal in the thermostat wire was touching the metal cabinet of the air handler. This was a low voltage short. This low voltage...
View full post »

Thread 'How might electronics be different if AC voltage was 72V at 45 Hz?'

Hey guys. I have a question related to electricity and alternating current. Say an alien fictional society developed electricity, and settled on a standard like 73V AC current at 46 Hz. How would appliances be designed, and what impact would the lower frequency and voltage have on transformers, wiring, TVs, computers, LEDs, motors, and heating, assuming the laws of physics and technology are the same as on Earth?
View full post »
Thread 'How Does Jaguar's 1980s V12 Dual Coil Ignition System Enhance Spark Strength?'

Thread 'How Does Jaguar's 1980s V12 Dual Coil Ignition System Enhance Spark Strength?'

I have come across a dual coil ignition system as used by Jaguar on their V12 in the 1980's. It uses two ignition coils with their primary windings wired in parallel. The primary coil has its secondary winding wired to the distributor and then to the spark plugs as is standard practice. However, the auxiliary coil has it secondary winding output sealed off. The purpose of the system was to provide a stronger spark to the plugs, always a difficult task with the very short dwell time of a...
View full post »

Similar threads

Could you use Solar to power a DC to AC Inverter? (Description below)
Replies
6
Views
3K
Can I improve the run time for a friend's child's ride-on toy?
Replies
6
Views
5K
Strange problem: Replacing a battery w/ a DC power supply
Replies
17
Views
5K
Some house lights start blinking when another section is turned off
Replies
24
Views
2K
How do I properly connect a bench power supply to a pulse generator for testing?
Replies
19
Views
2K
High-pitched, shrill sound from MCB as the current increases. Is the MCB the culprit?
Replies
18
Views
2K
Powering an LED strip with a 12v battery
Replies
7
Views
18K
Outlet adapter to mimic a car battery to power 12V devices
Replies
6
Views
3K
Buck Converter with USB-C output
Replies
2
Views
2K
Question about Powering a lighting unit: 14 VDC @ 3.2A / 28VDC@ 1.6A
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top