3D printed ropelight power connector

Almost nobody likes and probably fewer DIY'er even use the stock connectors that come pre-attached to A/C ropelight. While they do work, they're big, clunky, and the power cables are generally a bit short, stiff, thick and hard to use and conceal. Here's a way you can make one that's more streamlined for SPT-1 cord, which can easily carry the current that typical, 1/2" AC ropelight needs. This process uses a 3-D printed bullet cover -- another use for your 3-D printer! We used some black PETG filament for ours as it matched the wire we wanted to use.

1 - Pull the end of the SPT-1 wire a few inches through the 3-D printed cover. If the hole is really tight, use a knife or drill to enlarge it very slightly so the SPT-1 wire fits easily through the hole.

2 - Prepare the SPT-1 power cord end: strip about 5/8" of insulation from the SPT-1 wire, twist the ends snugly making sure they're straight, and tin the entire stripped end with solder. This will result in stiff wire ends.

3 - Prepare the ropelight: drive a couple small brads about 5/8" into the end of the ropelight where the power wires are. Try to center the brads in the wires to spread them and make room for inserting the power cord. Leave the brads in for a few minutes to expand the ropelight.

4 - After a few minutes and without delay, remove the brads and insert the tinned ends of the power cord wires into the holes left by the brads. A needlenosed pliers really helps with this step.

5 - Test the connection by putting a plug on the other end of the SPT-1 power code and powering the ropelight. It should light, showing you have a good connection. THEN UNPLUG IT FROM A/C POWER!

6 - Inject silicone glue into the open end of the bullet cover and fill it about half way. Wipe a small amount of silicone glue on the end of the ropelight. This will help lubricate the ropelight for the next step.

7 - Insert the ropelight end into the bullet cover, keep inserting until silicone glue comes out of both ends of the bullet cover. Wipe off the excess glue.

8 - Plug the cord into A/C power to test it again, just to make sure the connection is good.

9 - Let the silicone glue set overnight or, if you're extremely careful so you don't pull on the connector, you can start mounting the rope light right away.

A ZIP file containing the above photos and the STL file you need for your 3-D printer is included below:

File:Ropelight bullet cover.zip