How To Install Rope Lights On Concrete

Rope lights are long strings of lights covered by a plastic shield. The plastic shield makes it lights possible to use them indoors or outdoors and even in wet conditions. Rope lights can be installed against wood, metal, concrete and even glass with the right mounting brackets. The best mounting brackets to use with concrete are screw-on clamps. Rope lights are easy to attach to concrete with the right tools. As with nearly any project, the key to a successful installation is proper preparation.

Step 1

Lay the rope lights against the concrete where you want to install them. Cut the rope lights only on the areas of the light where there are cutting line marks. These marks will have solid or dotted lines. If you cut the lights anywhere else, it can damage the wiring permanently. Cut the rope and wires with sharp scissors. Cover the cut ends with an end cap.

Step 2

Attach the cable clamps to the rope lights between light bulbs. Place a clamp every 12 to 24 inches along the rope. Mark where the clamps hit the concrete with a marker. This makes it easier to install the lights.

Step 3

Drill a small hole into the concrete on each marked spot. Make the holes as deep as your screws.

Step 4

Hold the cable clamp against the drilled hole and drive the screws into the concrete. Start with one end of the rope lights and continue on down the rope until you have screwed all of the cable clamps to the concrete.

Step 5

You may want to use concrete anchors to help hold the screws in place. If you do, screw them into place after drilling the holes and before screwing the cable clamps to the concrete.