String Lights: Types, Features, and Installation Guide

What Materials Are String Lights Made Of?

String lights are made up of the following four materials: 

1. Wire Types: These types of string fixtures involve insulated and gauge-rated electrical wire to connect bulbs. SPT-1, SPT-2, and SJTW are commonly used for insulation, while 18 AWG and 16 AWG are used for gauge. SPT-1 is a lighter-duty insulation, while SPT-2 offers a thicker insulation, which makes it suitable for outdoor uses. SJTW is able to withstand harsh weather fluctuations, more preferred for outdoor areas. The wire gauge measures the thickness of the wire inside the insulation. The smaller gauge number indicates thicker wires. For example, 16AWG wire is thicker than 16AWG gauge wire. 
2. Bulbs: Shutter-proof string lights include plastic or protective layer-coated bulbs. Plastic bulbs are durable due to their impact and weather resistance properties, which make them ideal for outdoor use. These bulbs last for 4-6 years of continuous use. Traditional glass bulbs are not able to withstand pressure or temperature, but the protective layer coating (like kaolin clay) makes them shatter-resistant. Shatterproof string lights reduce the risk of potential injuries.
3. Sockets: Medium/E26, C7/E12, and C9/E17 socket types are widely used for string lights. The sockets made from stainless steel, brass, and aluminium offer resistance to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor use. The sockets with features like gaskets or rubber boots ensure a tight seal around the bulb, which prevents moisture from entering. Sealed light sockets are also preferred for an extra layer of protection. 
4. Cords & Clips: Hooks like Q-hooks or screw-in hooks, clips, and zip ties are used to hang the string lights. A combination of staples and hooks is used for overhead installations, as they provide extra stability. Eye bolts, snap hooks, and cable seals are preferred to properly secure the guide wire for longer distances. Gutter clips and shingle clips are designed specifically to securely clip onto gutters and to slide under shingles, respectively. 

What are the Types of String Lights?

There are five types of string lights:

1. LED String Lights: LED bulbs are highly energy efficient and last for more than 50,000 hours. These string lights are used both for indoor and outdoor areas, especially during holidays. LED string lights come in various colors and also give a free vein to program it to produce various effects like fading, twinkling, and chasing. Available in different shapes, including C7/C9 and miniature. These lights are more durable (due to their solid-state construction) than traditional bulbs like incandescent or CFL. The components, like semiconductors and epoxy lenses, make them resistant to physical vibrations and impact. 
2. Edison Bulb Strings: The Edison bulb strings are known for their distinctive, exposed filaments. It mimics the look of standard incandescent bulbs. They offer warm, soft, and inviting light due to the carbonized bamboo or cotton filaments present in them. Edison bulbs are used in patios, decks, gardens, and cafes to add a decorative touch. The durable and weatherproof bulbs contain shutterproof plastic bulbs or LED filament bulbs with a warm white color temperature around 2200K-2700K. Available in various shapes and sizes, including tubular and globe designs, and different wire colors. 
3. Globe String Lights: The main feature of these lights is the spherical shape of the bulb, which is larger than standard fairy lights. These string lights come in various shapes, like golf balls or ping pong balls. The globe lights made up of PVC are more durable(4-6 years) and resistant to tough conditions like rain, UV rays, etc. While the glass lights withstand 200-260oC °C temperature and need extra care for outdoor use, but work best for indoor areas. Globe string lights are mostly used to create a unique and inviting ambiance. 
4. Fairy Lights: The fairy lights are typically smaller and less bright than those used outdoors. The structure of these lights makes them an ideal choice for decoration. Fairy lights come in different shapes and colors. They are utilized for both outdoor and indoor areas, wrapped around objects or hung on the wall. The bulbs are mostly LED or incandescent styles, offering longevity and style.
5. Smart String Lights: The primary feature is to control the lights wirelessly with the help of a remote or a smart device. It also runs on voice commands with the help of a smart assistant like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.  These lights are dimmable and allow you to set the brightness and colors(up to 2700K). Modern smart string lights are resistant to weather and temperature, which makes them suitable for designing outdoor areas like gardens, patios, and decks.

What are the Power Source Options for String Lights?

Here are five power source options for string lights:

1. Plug-In (AC Powered): The AC-powered string lights connect directly to the home’s AC power supply with a standard wall plug. This power source is ideal for uninterrupted and constant lighting(durable for more than 10 years). Multiple string lights with high wattage are easily runnable using this system. Since they need to be plugged into an outlet, a nearby power access, and weatherproof extension cords or outdoor-rated sockets (for outdoor use) are required. Plug-in string lights are perfect for permanent lighting along a pathway or around a patio.
2. Battery-Operated: These lights are portable and come at a low price. They provide flexibility in placement, as they don’t require nearby power access. They rely on AA or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for 8-30 hours of work. The timer or auto off feature increases their lifespan, but these are not ideal for consistent lighting. 
3. Solar Powered: The solar-powered lights rely on photovoltaic panels to charge during the daytime, and use this charging for illumination at night. 6-8 hours of continuous sunlight exposure is required to get them fully charged. They offer a cheap and environmentally friendly option, but not recommended for dark areas. Mostly useful in remote areas where there is no access to electricity. Modern models of solar-powered string lights use 3.7V lithium batteries, offering 6-10 hours of lighting even after sunset. 
4. USB-Powered: A powerbank, laptop or PC, USB wall charger, or car USB port is used to run these fixtures. They are transportable and simple to install. These lights typically run on 5V, making them highly energy efficient. USB-powered lights are mostly used for camping and small spaces. A 10,000 mAh power bank makes the lights run for 20-40 hours(for 5V/1W LED lights) 
5. Smart/Integrated Power Systems: These are advanced string lights that combine smart controls and built-in power systems. They offer smart control systems like wi-fi or Bluetooth connectivity, apps or voice control(Alexa, Google Assistant, etc), and color-changing modes. They also offer timers, dimmers, scheduling, and built-in rechargeable lithium batteries or solar panels. They save energy and add security features (motion detection in some cases), ideal for modern smart houses. 

How to Choose the Right String Light?

Follow these six steps to choose the right string lights:

1. Usage Location: Select the string light according to your location of installation location. Plastic shatterproof lights work best for outdoor areas due to their longevity and weather resistance. Glass lights are unable to withstand high temperatures, which makes them a suitable choice for indoor areas. For camping or some other outdoor activities, opt for portable and ambient lights. 
2. Light Style & Mood: Choose warm, dim lights around 2700K color temperature for a cozy and intimate look. The string lights with 4000K color temperature provide a bright and cool look, used for parties or kids’ areas. Edison bulbs or filament-style LEDs are useful for a vintage look. 
3. Power Source Needs: Select the light power source according to the installation location. AC-powered works best for consistent lighting, while USB-powered string lights are portable. In case of remote areas, solar-powered lights work best for 6-10 hours of continuous illumination. Increase the lifespan of the string lights using the dimmable and timer features. 
4. Length and Spacing: String lights come in various sizes, typically ranging from 10 feet to over 100 feet. Small balconies or patios require 10–25 feet. Spacing defines how far the bulbs are along the string; 6–12 inches spacing is recommended for a brighter and denser look. 18–36 inches spacing is used for a more relaxed and decorative look.
5. Weather Rating: Prefer using weather-resistant models for outdoor use. Plastic lights with sealed sockets are preferred for outdoor use. 
6. Safety Certifications: Check for trusted marks like CE (Conformité Européenne) or UL (Underwriters Laboratories)  on the fixture’s packaging box. These indicate the product is tested and verified for fire resistance, electrical safety, and overall durability.

What is the Installation Process of String Lights?

The installation process of string lights involves the following steps:

1. Plan the Layout: Before the installation of string lights, measure the area to buy enough lighting and decide the route.  Mark anchor points like walls, poles, fences, trees, etc.
2. Choose the Mounting Method: Select from hooks, clips, nails, or poles depending on surface type. For example, a combination of hook and staple is used for overhead installations.
3. Install Support Lines: Prefer using tension cables or guide wires for heavy or long light runs. Try to prevent sagging or strain on the string to avoid damage.
4. Hang the Lights: Follow the planned route and secure the lights neatly. Also, make sure that the bulbs are facing the right direction, either upward or downward. 
5. Connect Power: Plug the lights into the power source, either with AC, USB, battery, or solar panels. Keep connectors away from water to avoid short circuits ( prefer using waterproof boxes for outdoors).
6. Test and Adjust: Turn on lights before finalizing to check spacing and alignment, and replace the faulty bulbs if needed.

How to Maintain String Lights

Regularly clean the fixtures to remove any dirt or moisture buildup.  Always replace broken or dim bulbs to ensure consistent and clear brightness. When not in use, remove and coil the string and store it in a dry, cool place. Also, make sure all plugs, adapters, and battery compartments stay dry and intact. Prefer using salient waterproof covers for outdoor fixtures.