Choosing a LED Light Curtain: Width, Drop Length and Place of Use
A light curtain is a decorative lighting product made of LED strands hanging down from a horizontal supporting cable. The same product family gives two different looks: a curtain light, with long and dense strands, covers a surface from top to bottom, while an icicle light, with short strands of different lengths, creates an icicle look hanging along an edge.
How to measure the width
The first criterion is the length of the line the product will be applied to. Measure the window, balcony railing or eaves edge and choose the product width accordingly. If the line is longer than the product, choose a connectable model: in a connectable system the sets are joined end to end and can be powered from a single socket. The number of connected sets should not exceed the limit given by the manufacturer.
Curtain light or icicle light?
- Curtain light: used to fill a wide surface with light, such as a window, glass façade, wall or stage backdrop.
- Icicle light: used along a line such as a balcony railing, roof eaves, terrace edge or the top edge of a shop window; strands of different lengths give a natural hanging look.
Light colour and effect
Daylight and warm white tones create a warm atmosphere in homes and businesses. Animated models offer effects such as flashing, chasing and waves; where steady light is wanted, models whose effect can be switched off should be preferred.
Energy and timing
A LED light curtain draws little power, but for decorations that stay on for hours every evening, setting switch-on and switch-off times with a timer socket saves energy and extends the life of the product. Using sets of the same model on one line, rather than different models, keeps the light colour and strand spacing looking even.
Outdoor use
For balconies, terraces and façades the protection rating of the product should be at least IP44. Plugs and intermediate connections are positioned where rainwater cannot collect, preferably under the eaves. Cables should not be routed over sharp edges or left under tension.
Installation
The supporting cable is hung on hooks or clips at intervals that spread the weight evenly. To keep the strands from tangling, the product should be unwound slowly along the supporting cable when it is taken out of the packaging. For long-term use the product should not be in direct contact with surfaces that could pose a fire risk, such as curtain fabric.
