From In-Portal Developers Guide

We are all familiar with festoon lights - strings lights used around the holidays. These products light up outdoor venues, like circuses, and also cafe patios and gatherings inside tents. They are surely low cost, and practical.

strings lights came to mind as permanent lighting for the screened patio in the house we were building. They would be suitable with this relaxed, industrial style house. string lights are not really the same thing as low voltage cable light bulbs, which are not suitable for outdoors, and can cost more than ten times as much.

String lights are simple to install: During the electrical wiring phase, three outlets are actually installed at the top of the wall at intervals across room or space. The outlets were linked to a switch, so the light bulbs could be turned on easily. During the finishing level, regular wire was attached to eye screws in the wall structure. At one end, the eye screws were close to the outlets, in order that the light string can be plugged in. Three strands of normal gauge wire were linked to the eye screws and drew tight across the area.

We first tried a package of little mini lights on one of any leads, but did not like the wrapped green electric wire that came with lights. It was too obvious. So we took those back and got three containers of mid size bulb Xmas lights. These came with more simple electric wire and bigger bulbs. They were named C-7's. You can get C-9's if you want bigger bulbs. There are lots of bulb shapes and sizes to choose from, all the way up to common sized bulbs.

Each bulb bears a little clip in order that it can be hung on the wire. We spaced the lights out, and then pulled the strand tight. This brand of light strand can be cut off, so there was no excess towards the end. When the strand is cut, you will need some black electrician's tape in order to seal the end.

The moment the light strings are turned on we had a nice surprise. The illumination was beautifully diffused all through the room. It turned out to be so soft and diffused that it seemed like moonlight. Strings of tiny lights have unique ambiance - they remind us of parties and festive times. It was entertaining to re-interpret this type of familiar lighting design for regular use. Click here