Christmas lights that can change colors have become very popular in recent years. Many people love how Christmas lights that can cycle through different colors or display patterns create a more dynamic and exciting display. Multi-color Christmas lights allow you to get creative with your decor and program dazzling light shows set to music. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of color-changing Christmas lights, how they work, features to consider when buying them, programming options, and more.
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Types of Color-Changing Christmas Lights
There are a few main types of Christmas lights that can change colors:
LED Christmas Lights
LED (light-emitting diode) Christmas lights that can change colors have become the most popular option. LEDs are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Multi-color LED Christmas light strands come with bulbs that contain red, green, and blue LEDs. By varying the brightness of each LED, these strands can produce a wide rainbow of colors.
Many LED Christmas light strands have bulbs with a small chip inside that controls the color and effects. So each bulb can individually change color and create animated effects.
C7 and C9 Christmas Lights
C7 and C9 refer to the bulb shape and base size. These old-fashioned large bulb Christmas lights now come in LED versions capable of color changing effects. So you can achieve the decorative look of classic C7 or C9 bulbs but with modern color-changing functions.
Rope Lights
LED rope lights contain small diodes encased in a plastic tube. Multi-color rope light versions allow changing all the diodes along the rope to different colors. Rope lights work well for outlining paths, railings, windows, and the roofline of a house.
Light Projectors
Outdoor Christmas light projectors can shine colorful patterns onto the exterior of your home. These projectors have red, blue, and green LEDs that combine to create colorful kaleidoscopes, Christmas patterns, or customizable designs.
How Do Christmas Lights Change Color?
Christmas light strands and projectors can change colors using RGB LED technology. RGB stands for red, green, and blue.
By combining different levels of brightness of the red, green, and blue LEDs inside each bulb or pixel, the lights can produce a full spectrum of colors. This allows them to cycle through various pre-programmed color changing modes.
For example, to produce purple, the red and blue LEDs are turned on at high brightness, while the green LED stays off. Yellow is made by turning on the red and green LEDs. Computer chips inside each bulb, the light strand, or projector control the RGB LEDs to create the colorful shows.
Features to Look for When Buying
Here are some key features to consider when shopping for color-changing Christmas lights:
Effects
Look for lights that offer a variety of pre-programmed lighting effects so you can find options you like. Effects may include:- Fading slowly between different solid colors- Multicolor morphing and chasing- Twinkling/flashing to music rhythms- Gradient color cycling- Animated patterns like snowflakes or stars- Customizable color selection
Number of Lighting Zones
More lighting zones allow you to control different sections of lights independently. So some areas can stay one color while others change.
App Control
Many LED Christmas light systems can connect to a smartphone app for wireless programming and control options. Apps make it easy to select colors and effects.
Remote Control
Remotes allow easy access to control modes and speed settings. Some remotes have buttons to directly select solid colors or trigger dynamic light shows.
Programmable Timers
Timers enable setting schedules to turn the lights on and off at certain times each day. Some timers can be programmed for custom effects at different times.
Power Options
Look for weather-resistant cords, outlets, and wiring. Make sure lights have sufficient wattage capacity for the coverage you need. Some systems operate at 12V or 24V for improved safety.
Water Resistance
Check the IP rating to ensure the lights can withstand outdoor exposure to rain and snow. LEDs are inherently resistant, but their wiring and connections need protection too.
Warranty
Multi-year warranties provide peace of mind. Since LED Christmas lights last a long time when properly made, reputable companies back their products with generous warranties.
Programming Color-Changing Christmas Lights
One of the joys of multi-color Christmas lights is programming customized shows. Here are some programming options to look into:
App Control
Apps provide an easy and intuitive way to select colors, effects, brightness, and more. Just tap on your phone screen to adjust settings. Apps allow programming multiple zones and shows.
Light Show Software
Specialized software like the Light-O-Rama Light Show Designer, Vixen Lights, or xLights allows advanced programming. Build intricate shows with musical accompaniment and detailed effects using your computer.
Light Controller Hardware
Light controller boards can be purchased to program complex shows. Combined with software, this creates professional quality animated lighting. Examples are Falcon Player and Pixel Controller boards.
Built-In Controls
Many light strands come with IR remotes, built-in controls, or simple apps to select colors and activate effects pre-programmed into the lights. This works well for basic control.
DJ Lighting Control
Some DJ mixing boards and music analysis software can output dynamic control signals to Christmas lights synced to the music. This takes professional programming to set up properly.
Home Automation Integration
With smart home technology, Christmas lights can integrate with home automation systems and voice commands. Control your lights alongside other devices for total home control.
Pre-Programmed Color Show Modes
Many color-changing Christmas light systems come pre-loaded with awesome lighting effects you can easily activate. Here are some common pre-programmed show modes:
Solid Color Choices
Pick from various solid color options like red, green, blue, and more. Set a steady glow or manually cycle through the palette.
Fade and Gradient Mode
Lights slowly transition between colors for pleasant, smooth changes. Gradient effects sweep through color blends.
Multi-Color Morphing
Adjacent colors mix and swirl together for dazzling rainbow brilliance. These organic morphing effects are mesmerizing.
Color Waves and Chasing
Watch colors race down the string or bounce around in sequence. These kinetic effects bring excitement.
Twinkle and Shimmer
Bulbs gently fluctuate in brightness, like the sparkling of stars. Works great with all white or multi-color strands.
Music and Sound Reactive
Lights react and dance in sync to sounds and music rhythms picked up by a microphone. Clapping, holiday songs, etc. activate the show.
Customizable Color Mixing
Select your own color combinations and save as a preset. Adjust speed and transition smoothness.
Safety Tips for Christmas Lights
When installing and using Christmas lights that change colors, keep these safety guidelines in mind:
– Carefully check for worn cords and damaged wires before putting up lights each year. Discard any lights in poor condition.
– To avoid overloading circuits, don’t string together too many light strands. Refer to manufacturer limits.
– Use plastic clips or hooks designed for securing Christmas lights to avoid damaging wires with nails or staples.
– Make sure outdoor outlets and extenders are rated for weather exposure to prevent shorts.
– Inspect lights for IP water resistance rating if using outdoors. Look for at least IP44.
– Don’t leave Christmas lights running overnight or unattended for long periods. Use timers.
– Keep plugs and connections off the ground and away from puddles which can cause electrical shorts.
– Position strands and cords carefully to avoid damage from foot traffic or furniture placement.
– Check that extension cords are properly rated for their electrical load and are tucked away neatly.
– When stringing lights on a roof or trees, use fiberglass ladders and rubber insulated gloves. Never decorate near power lines.
– Turn off all Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house to prevent fire risks.
Conclusion
Christmas lights that can change colors have revolutionized holiday decorating. With so many types of color-changing lights and programming methods available, you can create a stunning and unique Christmas lighting display. LED Christmas lights offer energy efficiency, brilliant colors, control options, and long life. Shop for lights that have plenty of built-in show modes and effects that you can customize to match your style. Programmable Christmas lights allow designing elaborate animated shows set to music. Just be sure to use high quality lights and follow electrical safety guidelines. With some creativity, color-changing Christmas lights will make your holiday sparkle with joy.