This kink in the tree supply will probably result in retailers ordering fewer trees, increasing the price of these trees even more. People prefer giant artificial Christmas trees because they are less hassle but require storage space all year round because fresh trees smell lovely but can also be messy. Here's why you need one:

The Stability and Sustainability of Giant Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial trees have grown in popularity in recent years because of their ease of use and sustainability compared to real trees. Artificial Christmas trees, when put together correctly, can last several years instead of real Christmas trees, which need to be replaced yearly.

These expansive decorations have also grown in popularity because it is much simpler to transport an artificial tree than a live one. Engineers consider elements like wind speed and angle of attack when designing plans for the frame of an artificial tree to produce a stable structure that can withstand bad weather and curious children.

These giant LED light trees have been engineered for sustainability and stability. Numerous designs use LED lighting systems that are set up with the help of sophisticated software tools to reduce energy consumption while guaranteeing that your display shines brightly enough every night. In fact, compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, some of these displays use up to 80% less energy! This development has been good news for consumers and businesses as more businesses look for ways to make their holiday decorations greener and more effective.

Saves You Money

Plastic and other fibers are frequently used to create fake Christmas trees. According to Real Simple, you get tremendously more uses out of the fake tree, which can be reused repeatedly with very little wear and tear, even though your upfront cost is much higher for a fake tree than a real one in which hidden costs like installation cost, and equipment to install and remove a live tree come into factor. This is the main advantage of a fake giant artificial Christmas tree over a real one, but other factors could also make it the best choice for future holidays.

It's Safer

Be aware that artificial Christmas trees have several other benefits besides financial ones. To begin with, a plastic tree dramatically reduces the risk of fire from hot lights, light-up ornaments, or sparks from a nearby fireplace. No need to be concerned about the pine needles causing allergies or hurting a curious dog or cat that tries to climb it. The peril of a very heavy live-cut tree falling over and onto someone is very real. These trees can be very dangerous if they fall on someone.

Where to Buy These Giant Artificial Christmas Trees

A large outdoor Christmas tree's lights required 120 amps to run. Nowadays, almost all LED trees can be lit with a single 30-amp breaker or less, thanks to LED bulbs and strands. Nida Lighting's giant commercial holiday LED light trees come in various styles, including classic evergreen, one-of-a-kind designs, and custom designs. The community is drawn to your special event and photo ops because they can be configured to put on a light show to music. Let us help you in choosing the perfect enormous commercial Christmas tree for the occasion.

Our company provides rope lighting in custom cuts as well as full spools and its usages are many. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you could incorporate this product in your everyday lives.

Party Lighting

I use rope lighting at parties to highlight a food or drink table. Just weaving it in between the various food dishes or bar area for the party adds a festive look and add light to a temporary situation.

You can wrap posts and pillars to add a fun look while setting the mood for the event.

If you are incorporating a tent for the party there is nothing better to give temporary lighting than lining the frame with rope lighting.

Do you have guest walking through areas not normally lit at night. Using rope lighting to line the walk area adds a fun way to give direction and provide a safety factor for your guest. Temporarily lining outdoor stairways also provides direction safety as well.

Bathroom Lighting

Use rope lighting on the underside of the vanity to give you a soft light that gives enough lighting so your guest know where everything is placed. It also might keep you from turning on a brighter harsh light in the master suite and walking up your partner.

Kitchen Lighting

Under cabinet lighting is now a must have in updated kitchens. The LED rope lighting is easily hidden under the cabinetry and helps to bring out beauty of your granite counter tops while adding additional lighting to areas that normal lighting in a kitchen miss.

Create A Sweet First Impression With Nida Lighting

Nearly everyone passing by your restaurant is a potential customer. When you run a business, especially a restaurant, being seen is a priority. Outdoor lighting plays a huge role in attracting diners. Before they even step inside your establishment, the commercial grade patio string lights set the mood for them. You can light up the outdoors in accordance with the theme of your restaurant, so the customers know what to expect as they go in. Lighting can make or break the first impression for people, so it’s important to pay special attention to its beauty and functionality.

The Functional Aspect

The major goal of outdoor lighting in a restaurant is to keep patrons safe. Safety means ensuring the safety of your customers and staff both within and outside of your business. They should be able to move about without stumbling or tripping over bumps and steps that are hidden. When they leave your establishment late at night, they must also feel safe. The walkways and parking lot should be properly lit. Well-lit spaces prevent criminals and vandals. Servers must also be able to navigate in tight spaces.

The challenge is that you don't want your customers to notice the fixtures - only the light. Fixtures and wiring must all be skillfully hidden. And you don't want this lighting to be merely functional. You want it to be subtle and attractive.

Commercial Patio Lighting For Mood

Dining outdoors, especially in the evening, makes for a wonderful romantic dinner. There's simply something about being outside that makes an evening more exciting and romantic. However, it’s not just the love birds that like to dine outside. Most of us are stuck indoors all day, and the warm tones in the night make everything better.

A Bright, Happy Christmas

You simply cannot skip lighting up your outdoors in this festive season. Your customers are looking to wind down after a busy day of shopping, and what better place than your restaurant! The outdoor lighting will attract customers, and a beautiful space enhances the mood almost immediately.

Like every other aspect of your business, outdoor lighting is an investment in its success. If you cut costs in this part of your business, it will be apparent. Customers may not realize it, but they will have a different experience. That is why you should work with outdoor lighting experts like the skilled professionals at Nida Lighting.

The best Christmas trees are adorned with many family memories and traditions, including ornaments passed on through generations as heirlooms. Nearly everyone knows the components of adorning a Christmas tree: lights, garland, tinsel, and ornaments. However, the possibilities are endless when designing a holiday tree that reflects your taste, personality, heritage, and environment.

At Nida Lighting, we’ve taken the liberty to show you easy ways to decorate your Christmas tree like a professional, filled with festive spirit:

Purchase A High-Quality Artificial Tree

Premium-quality Christmas trees offer dependable and solid support for ornaments. You’ll discover that high-quality artificial trees by Nida Lighting are more resilient and can withstand repeated use year after year while still maintaining their lovely appearance.

Choose a classic tree rather than one driven by trends to prevent it from becoming outdated after a few years. Additionally, a conventional style gives you the ideal foundation to add and decorate. Remember to fluff out those branches and leaves to give your tree an authentic and fuller look.

Purchasing a pre-lit 7ft tall giant artificial Christmas tree saves time from untangling all those lights, making them a perennial household favorite. The tall synthetic trees can be taken down in segments, making them convenient to store. If you feel like adding more layers, we offer 2ft segments that can be attached easily to your existing artificial tree!

Theme And Color Palette

A unified aesthetic ties the whole look together. Choose a theme to set the mood and get ideas for adorning your tree. Create a color palette to bring your theme to life after you’ve chosen it.

To keep the look minimal and not cluttered, stick to up to two colors. Classic color combinations include blue and silver for an icy chilly effect, layers of hues of white and soft neutrals for a classy look, or red and gold if you’d like to keep things traditional. Consider textures and materials as well. A luxurious tree looks excellent with velvet ornaments, while a simple one looks best with paper and wooden ornaments.

Balance Your Décor

With plenty of items to choose from, ensure your decorations are well-distributed. It’s best to start at the top and make your way down. Group three ornaments of various sizes together to create texture and flair. Either use similar pieces or pick ones that contrast with one another. To add depth, hang large ornaments closer to the center, and place smaller ones at the ends of the branches. Hang small glass ornaments from the top to avoid any breakages. To make sure they are seen, add the unique ones last.

Not only can we help you with your outside lighting through the year when it comes the Holiday Season, we also provide additional holiday lighting and decor or the bulbs to change to Holiday Colors such as red, green, white or multi colors to show your Holiday Spirit.

Outdoor Thanksgiving And Black Friday Themes: Party Lighting Ideas

Outdoor events allow your guests to enjoy the beautiful weather, pleasant sunlight, and fresh air. However, one issue that may develop is how to keep the area suitably illuminated as the sun sets. A few string lights used to accent decor objects both indoors and outside add to the festive ambiance. This is where smart lighting ideas for outdoor events might help.

Combine Various Lighting Styles

Ambient, task, and accent lighting are the three most frequent types of lighting. If feasible, you should strive to use all of them in your outdoor space, not only for safety reasons, but also to produce the most beautiful impact.

The overall light that covers an area is referred to as ambient light. You can do this by using commercial grade patio string lights on the external walls of the venue as well as post lights around the gathering. Task lighting is required to illuminate areas where certain tasks are carried out. In this case, you may place smaller lights around the cooking area. It's also a good idea to install modest lights along important walkways to help people find them in the dark. Accent lighting is used to attract attention to specific areas of the room. These lights may be smaller. LED Easter lights and spotlights that point toward an item or your brand display.

Make The Lighting Subtle

While you don't want your guest to be completely dark, you also don't want to blind them with too much light. Overly bright lights can be distracting or uncomfortable. Soften the lights to make everyone feel more at ease and relaxed without sacrificing the useful levels of clarity they provide. In practise, this could mean looking for ambient lighting with dimming characteristics that you can adjust to achieve the desired amount of intensity. If you use spotlights, be sure the beams do not overlap the pathways of persons walking past.

Install Lighting for Safety

It's easy to overlook the areas of your grounds where the party isn't directly taking place. You should, however, install lights around the entryways to your yard and along the sides of your property. People may go to these less congested areas of your property as they come and go or take a break from the fun to answer a phone call. Peripheral lighting improves guest safety while also illuminating these concealed locations.

If you're planning an outdoor event and need some lighting, contact us at Nida Lighting for a wide range ofcommercial patio lightingdesigned to work in an open-air atmosphere.

The Benefits of Path Lighting

Path lighting can help create a sense of security, safety and comfort for your garden or backyard. With path lighting, you'll never have to worry about tripping over the garden hose again! Lighting up your home exterior can also make it more welcoming, which is especially important during the winter months when you might not be able to enjoy being outside as much. What's more, path lighting can add an elegant touch to a well-groomed backyard without making it look too formal.

The Different Types of Path Lights

There are many different types of path lights, each with their own unique design and use. A few popular types of path lighting include lamp posts, bollards, and mushroom lights. Lamp posts are typically tall poles that have a light at the top and can be used to light up a large area. Bollards are short metal poles that have one or more lights attached on top of them and can be used to provide some extra light in an area where there is not much ambient light.

Why the Sollos Mushroom Path Light is the Best Choice

The Sollos Mushroom Path Light is the perfect way to jazz up your backyard this summer. With a low profile design and sleek, modern look, it can be placed in the ground or mounted on a wall. Plus, you don't have to worry about it being too bright because the light is soft and diffuse! These lights come with LED bulbs that last up to 50,000 hours longer than an incandescent bulb. You won't have to change bulbs for a long time!

How to Install the Sollos Mushroom Path Light

1. Remove the old light fixture and replace it with the new one.

2. Connect the wires, making sure to match up the colors of the wire nuts with their corresponding wires.

3. Place your Sollos Mushroom Path Lights in a straight line from where you want them to be spaced on your path or walkway, and place them about two feet apart from each other.

4. Place an extension cord in between each light; plug them into an outlet.

5. Turn off the breaker for your lights to avoid any electric shock hazards, then turn the breaker back on when installation is complete.

6. Enjoy your newly lit pathway!

Sollos Mushrooms come in both white and black to match any decor, and are made from resin that won’t rust or fade. That means it will look just as good 10 years from now as it does today. Order your path lights from Nida Lighting right away!

Communities worldwide have been lighting up ceremonies and traditions before electricity was invented. Bonfires, oil lamps, candles, and now electrical or battery-operated lights, the journey of illuminating a space to celebrate, can be traced back to the beginning of time.

In present times, curtain lights are great for creating custom backdrops, dressing up entire walls or buildings, or simply adorning your balcony and windows. Depending on the length, color, and type of bulb chosen, curtain lights can add a touch of glamor or merely brighten up any occasion.

You might know of curtain lights as a string or fairy lights that can easily be placed anywhere indoors. But for larger venues or events, people prefer putting up large commercial curtain lights that are suitably waterproof for outdoor décor.

Why Purchase Commercial Curtain Lights

Long-lasting and ideal for outdoor use, commercial-grade lighting is designed to be durable and can withstand weathering. They're a reliable option for long-term outdoor installations on many occasions. Some of the main design features that set them apart include:

• Commercial grade cords have weatherproof sockets made from PVC that encase the bulb tightly to prevent damage from water and moisture. This feature is critical in lights that are hung out for longer, like open-air Christmas trees or festive décor outside malls.
• The wires are thick and heavy duty which provides for better gauge wiring. Thicker wire leaves room for safety, flexibility, and expandability, which is efficient for prolonged usage.
• They're also available with LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient than fluorescent filaments.

How To Creatively Use Commercial Curtain Lights

You don't have to wait for an outdoor event on a large scale to purchase these veiled lights. Intimate celebrations in your backyard could be one of the many small-scale occasions to put-up these giant lights. Here are some suggestions:

1. Patio

Convert your humble patio into a magical evening by installing a string of curtain lights under the roof. You can connect multiple lines or weave them around the primary one to create an illusion of a night full of stars. Ideal for any gathering or a romantic dinner date too!

2. Gazebo

Dress up a garden gazebo by draping a string, or two, around the structure. It'll instantly uplift the décor. It's a great focal point to create, so don't hesitate to switch it up and add color variations.

3. Canopy

If you have ample backyard space, spread out and hang an entire string of curtain lights like a canopy. It's a great way to utilize the whole area with minimal additions. The ideal solution would be to connect five 16 ft wide Nida Lighting Curtain Lights. It'll span the lawn for nearly 100 ft!

If you have a pool or an open patio deck, stretch the lights to the areas to connect the décor and create a glitzy night to remember. Be sure to pick the right light color that befits the theme.

4. Movie Night

An outdoor movie experience is a fun way to utilize these lights. Creating an inviting ambiance that imitates the bright lights of a matinee is a unique suggestion. But the beauty of the curtain light is that it can be spread apart and shaped into any pattern. Drape it around the screen or hang it around the perimeter, like little dew drops.

Our commercial Curtain Lights will make any place look spectacular. They're nearly 17 feet wide with over 9-foot-long drops that can easily drape a large perimeter. You can even connect multiple strings to cover larger areas. Get yours today!

Rope lighting has been around for a long time. I have been in the holiday and lighting industry for 34 years and rope lighting has been in use all these years. We still provide incandescent rope lighting but now rope lighting has moved to LED, like all lighting in the 21st century.

Our company provides rope lighting in custom cuts as well as full spools and its usages are many. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you could incorporate this product into your everyday lives.

• Party Lighting

I use rope lighting at parties to highlight a food or drink table. Just weaving it in between the various food dishes or bar area for the party adds a festive look while also lighting up a temporary situation.

You can wrap posts and pillars for a fun, festive look while setting the mood for the event.

If you are incorporating a tent for the party, there is nothing better to give temporary lighting than lining the frame with rope lighting.

Do you have guests walking through areas not normally lit at night? Use rope lighting to line the walk area. This is a fun way to give direction and also allow your guests to move around safely. Temporarily lining outdoor stairways provides direction and safety as well.

• Bathroom Lighting

Use rope lighting on the underside of the vanity to give your bathroom a soft glow so that your guests know where everything is placed. Also, when you wake up in the middle of the night, it will keep you from turning on a brighter and harsher light in the master suite and waking up your partner.

• Kitchen Lighting

Under cabinet lighting is now a must-have in updated kitchens. The LED rope lighting is easily hidden under the cabinetry and helps to bring out the beauty of your granite counter tops while adding additional lighting to areas that normal kitchen lighting might miss.

Shop for premium-quality rope lighting at affordable prices, only at Nida Lighting. Browse through our online store to choose from custom cut rope lights in a variety of colors and styles. Shop now.

But to make sure that you achieve aesthetic and functional patio lighting, here are a few important tips to keep in mind:

• Plan before you buy

Before you buy your fixtures, make sure you have a proper plan in place. Start by measuring your patio so that you don’t end up buying lights that are too big or too small for the space. You should also determine the number of lights you want. Ideally, you should avoid overlighting as it can create outdoor light pollution and take away from the beauty of your home.

• Know your options

When it comes to outdoor lighting, there are a plethora of options for you to choose from. You can hang a chandelier to make a statement. Use wall lanterns for an elegant look. If your space allows, you can also get light stands. They are a great choice if overhead lighting is not an option.

• Consider the look and feel you want

Your lighting choices should also be informed by the look you want to create in your patio. Do you want it to be a warm, cozy space? Are you looking to add drama and excitement? Do you want the patio lighting to blend in with your indoor lighting? These are a few questions you should ask yourself before you buy the fixtures.

• Pick high-quality fixtures

Always use quality fittings and fixtures for your patio. It is recommended that you look for materials that are resistant to corrosion and can withstand changing weather conditions. Cheaper products will show signs of wear much faster and not last the distance.

• Keep it subtle

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is overdoing their patio lighting. Outdoor lighting shouldn’t be about creating a bright spotlight for you and your guests to enjoy your drinks. It should be about creating a restful mood, which can only be achieved by installing lights that give off a soft glow and a subtle effect.

If you want to make your patio feel safe and inviting, picking the right lighting is key. Nida Lighting offers an extensive selection of commercial patio lighting, including flood lights, chandeliers, wall lanterns, light stands, and more. All our products are of the highest quality and available at the best prices. Shop now.

Many suppliers are still waiting for their orders/containers to arrive. The cost of a 40 foot container, if you could find one, have increased 500% in some case. The container that cost $4,500.00 before is now costing over $20,000+.

There are ships sitting on harbors on the West cost waiting to get into port and the staffing to handle the influx of ships is reduced. The “word” is that the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have over 40+ ships waiting daily to be allowed to come in and unload. The big box stores who may own their own ships and containers are redirecting the ships to other ports.

Because of the increase in the container cost the cost of product in most cases has been increased an average of 10% and discounts normally on garland products have been eliminated by some suppliers because of the space they take up in a container. Standard items that importers would have in stock before now have not arrived. They are still waiting for their shipments and have no definite time of arrival of their orders.

What has caused this situation. Well, last season, because of Covid the shipping industry took a hit because of the reduction of the shipments. That loss is being recouped this season. Second, there is a shortage of staffing involved in not only unloading the ships but those working in customs and even the freight lines. This may be a one season issue, but it is real and has become a serious issue.

You may have heard of the “old urgency close”. But what I will say is that the sooner you determine your needs for the Holiday Season and get your request in, the better your chances of receiving your order and receiving it on a timely basis.

Best Regards,

Dean Nida

Dean Nida & Associates, LLC

Nida Lighting

So when should we consider changing to a frame tree? If it is going outside and the tree is 11.5 feet in height or higher, you should use a frame tree.

What are the advantages of the frame tree. First you can stabilize this tree much easier and can hide the process you used the stabilize the tree on the inside of the tree. The tree frame along with the branching will add additional weight to the base to help stabilize the tree. The branching can be replaced if it will not light or gets destroyed over the years. This is especially important when it comes to getting the exact lighting on each branch and the tree.

As the size of the tree grows the breakdown and storage of the tree becomes an issue. With the frame trees, the framing and be stored side by side and the branches go into boxes that can be sealed off until the next season.

Last, most frame trees can be grown from Season to season in 2 foot increments. You if you can’t initially afford a 30 foot tree. You could order a 20 foot and continue to add to the height of that tree from season to season as the budget allows. You will not be able to do this with a single trunk tree.

Dean Nida

Nida Lighting

What makes a good commercial grade patio light? First of all they are made to withstand the onslaught of UV rays. Over the years I have seen commercial buildings, especially in small towns with their roof tops lined with Christmas light strands that have been put up and left up. Bad idea! Christmas lights are actually biodegradable. They were never made for permanent installation and they lose their petroleum content in the sun and become brittle and a fire hazard.A good commercial grade light strand will usually have UV inhibitors in the strand to block the harmful rays of the sun.This issue includes the wiring as well as the sockets.

A good commercial grade light strand, whether it is used to line a rooftop or in an open patio, will have a commercial grade socket. These sockets are similar to the Edison socket yet they are produced to withstand the elements and most of the sockets will possess a built-in rubber lip to make the socket waterproof.The sockets will be molded onto the strand in a quality commercial grade strand. They aren’t coming off unless you cut them off.

The wiring on a quality commercial grade light strand is going to be thicker than a Christmas light strand or a cheaper light strand. Normally they will be 16-2 gauge. There are commercial grade stands being made with 18-2 wire (thinner). I think with the use of LED bulbs manufacturers do not feel the need for the heavy gauge wire. It is also less expensive for the manufacturer to produce because it contains less copper and less coating.Amperage, watts and length of runs all are factors in what size strand you might need. That is another discussion that should be covered in a discussion about installation.

I hope you find this information on commercial grade patio, permanent light strands helpful.

Dean Nida

Globe Lights---We do carry globe lighting and theses strands are commercially made to be used outside. UP rated and IP65 rated for wet locations, the strand can be custom made with a straight wire in black or white. They also come in an expandable accordion style which allows you to customize your spacing on the lights. The stock strands are either 6 globes or 10 globes with a variety of style of globes in various colors. You can check out these strands on our website, www.nidalighting.com.

Why chose this strand?

• You can change the globe on the strand to create various looks or atmospheres.
• The globe protects the porcelain sockets on the inside and thus extending the life of the strand and the bulb on the inside.
• The globes are replaceable if needed to be replaced.
• The cord is 16-2 in size.
• You can use up to a 60 watt bulb in the strand sockets which other strands would not be rated for that much wattage.
• They are fun!
• The globes are 6 inches wide.
• If you have bird issues, the globes protect the bulbs from insects and birds.
• Globes covering the sockets make them safer in a public place.

Commercial Grade Light Strands—This strand is often referred to as globe light strands. They’re not! They are a heavy duty commercial grand strand with various socket sizes and socket spacing. The sockets are molded on to the strand. The strands come in white , green and black. The two most popular strands in the commercial grade light strands are the intermediate based and the medium based strands. They also come in the candelabra base as well. The spacing and wattage maximum are:

• Candelabra base--12 inch spacing and sockets rated for maximum of 10 watts.
• Intermediate base--15 inch spacing and sockets rated for a maximum of 10 watts.
• Medium base—24 inch spacing and the sockets rated for a maximum of 25 watts.

The medium base strand also comes in a strand with the sockets suspended about 3 inches. This style is very popular which I really don’t understand. They are not made for shades and the only reason I would buy them is if I were going to attach Chinese paper lanterns on them for a party or event.

The commercial grade light strand is not a Christmas light strand. This strand has a socket that better than an Edison socket and the lip of the socket has a built-in rubber lip to keep moisture out. The black strands have UV inhibitors in the strand to increase the longevity of the strands outdoor.

This intermediate and the candelabra strands can use the standard C-7 and C-9 bulbs in them. (LED or Incandescent) As well as G globe bulbs. Using a G30 to G50 style bulb gives you the “globe light” look.

As I mentioned before “these are not Christmas light strands. They are meant to be installed outside and left up. I suggest that you use an “airplane cable” as a guide wire to pull the strands straighter and to take the stress off of the electrical connections. The strands can be heavy and pull downward because of the weight.

Summary: Each style of Light strand is unique and whether you prefer the globe light strand or commercial grade light strand both are made to last. Check out both styles of lighting on our website, www.nidalighting.com, or call us at 800-761-6432 to discuss the project you are considering using light strands for.

Dean Nida

Nida lighting

Kids like color! That is unquestioned. So if you are buying the lights with you kids in mind. More than likely they would prefer multi-color.

Adults like white lights! If you did a survey of adults the majority, by a wide margin, would choose a clear, white, warm white bulb.

What light strand to use on our tree? If you are like me and have a tremendous amount of decoration you might choose a warm white because the decorations are already adding the color. If you have a theme for your tree or you are using a certain colored bulb on the tree than you might look to match it. An example might be red ornaments with red light strands. If you have young children or like the tradition of colored lights on your tree than multi-colored will be a great fit.

Lighting outside: Some ideas to consider would be to use solid colors on various trees and bushes. Do one in a solid green, another in red, another in a solid yellow, etc., Can I mix color with clear or white lights? Absolutely, doing your roof lines or windows in a white light and then using the colors in the landscape will look great. EVEN using a flood light on your house and outlining the roof line is quite OK. The flood lights will not hurt the affect you’re looking to create by lining the roofline.

I want to use the lights with a garland decoration? I prefer white, warm white or solid colors to create the look you are trying to create with the garland. If you are adding addition décor to the garland such as pinecone picks or ornaments the accent colors might dedicate what color you use. Remember, white goes with everything as well as in this situation.

RGB lighting or App driven strands! For the person who wants to take the colors of their holiday lighting to another level they might consider using light strands that can be changed from color to color and from function to function. The use of a downloadable application to your cell phone can also control the colors and functions the light will do or create. Your children might love this, you can impress others with the various colors and actions the strands can do if this is something that you like. The more techier the better! Just keep in mind, purchase these from a holiday lighting and display company that can help you with your questions and probably have a better lighting system then a BIG box store. You will also need additional equipment to run these lights. Having someone like Nida Lighting walk you through the process or be there when you need assistance is invaluable.

Hope some of the ideas we presented are helpful

Dean Nida

Nida Lighting.

One might think that with LED, (light emitting diode) the correct light strand for your lighting needs is now complicated. The truth is that there have been issues with what  mini-lights to buy going as far back as I know and that started in 1988 when I got into the Holiday Lighting and display business in Columbus, Ohio.

I am going to touch on a few of the issues from the start that still holds true and then discuss LED strands.

In 1988 UL was not as involved in monitoring the mini-lights coming into the US and there were wide variances in quality. In simple terms, the brightness by company varied, the color coating for some mini-lights didn’t stay on the lamps. The spacing between the bulbs varied and my company used 8 inch spacing which was a better use for doing lighting in the tree canopies and hedge lines. As the cost of copper and petroleum became more and more expensive the spacing became 6, 5.5 and 4 inch spacing. How much tight the wiring was spun had an effect on the amount of wiring used to make that strand (still does) and some manufacturers would have a very loose spin on the wires. Fused and non-fused strands existed. You have the original chasing style of mini-lights in 150 strands with a cheap controller. These were never meant to be used outside and they were not reliable. For one thing this was not a 150 strand but 3 fifty light strands using the same power and an alternating control devise to make them appear to chase. The mini-light also can in both a 50 light set and a 100 light set and the incandescent still does if you can find them. In reality, you have 2 fifty light sets using the same power source. That is why ½ of them would go out and the other ½ stayed lit. We never used the 100 light set for service issues. It was a whole lot easier taking down a 25 foot section and put the replacement up in a similar fashion that to remove a 50 foot section and have it match out on with the strand you just took down to be replaced.

UL eventually started to put restrictions on the  mini-light standards and they have become more of a commodity item.

When LED lights first started being used most of you remember the white LED strand looked more like a North Carolina blue. The colors of red, orange and yellow were the first diode colors. The rest of the other colors took a little longer to master. There is over 200 variances on what is called a warm white LED bulb. What is called “cool white” was the light strand that initially had the light blue tint. The quality cool white bulbs today are much better and are a true “white—white”. Both colors now have variances off of their colors. There is a “sun-warm white’ and a “winter white” which gives you another option from the cool white.

The two main styles of mini-lights are a M-5 which looks like the old mini-lights but has dimples on the bulb. (faceted) The other 5MM looks like someone cut off the end of the tip of the bulb. So which do I use. Application can play a part in your decision. The 5M throws light out more direction and uses the facets on bulb to disperse the light. The 5MM is actually concaved at the tip end and it throws light out in a 360 degrees x 180 degrees and give you a better spread and brighter look. I would use the 5MM in most application.

All good LED light strands have a built-in rectifier which keeps the strand from having a flickering appearance. The one aspect you should look for in buying a strand of LEDmini-light is the socket. Is that socket sealed closed so water cannot get inside? (Look at the back side where the wiring goes into the socket.) This is very important. Diodes and water don’t go together well.

How long will these lights last? The answer sometimes depends on which person you are talking to or the marketing department. Here is what I know. The component of the LED strand are pretty much the same as the standard incandescent mini-lights. You have a power plug with a fuse, the wiring is the same, very little difference on the socket except the LED socket should be sealed off and the female plug is the same. If you put them up, take them down after the season and store them out of the sun and dirt they should last many seasons. AND they should use about 1/7 the energy cost of the incandescent strand. You will see on packaging that you can connect an ungodly number of strands together without stopping. Don’t believe that. Voltage drop occurs with or without resistance and the most resistance (in this case the number of lights pulling from the wire) gradually reduces the amount of voltage the farther you move away from the power source. These are not heavy wire on these strands and they will lose voltage on longer runs. Don’t run 40 strands on a single run. Even though you are not pulling that much wattage on an LED bulb, that bulb is made to run efficiently at a voltage of 110-120. Long runs reduce the brightness toward the end and will reduce the life of the strands.

I hope you find this information of help. A Lot of this is in general terms but this information should help you in choosing you Led mini-lights.

Dean Nida, President

Nida Lighting,

www.nidalighting.com

The use of the Christmas tree dates back before Christ, and the love for lighting the Christmas tree started to upward trend in the middle of the 17^th Century. So what is it that makes the Christmas tree bring that holiday cheer that everyone looks for? Cities all over the world have been putting up giant trees in festivals, malls, and town centers for years, but there is always the decision between buying a real giant tree or an artificial giant tree. With Rockefeller Center setting the bar high, giant tree owners are trying to find the latest and greatest in giant tree technology and décor. But what most giant tree shoppers don’t know, is that purchasing an artificial giant tree after the holidays and in the first half of the year is the best time; here are some reasons why:

• Much lower price: Giant trees can be expensive. The closer you get to holiday season, the discounts either reduce considerably or are eliminated.
• By ordering in the 1^st quarter of the year, you are receiving discounts because of the importers volume which you are adding to, this is called piggybacking.
• The supplier does not have to warehouse your tree. It arrives and is immediately, shipped to the purchaser.
• Order early and receive the tree with plenty of time to schedule installation.
• If you have been using a “cut” live tree, you do not have the cost of transporting the tree, using a crane to erect it and most of all, no more phone calls from citizens who want to donate their ugly tree to the city. 

      The use of lighting is forever changing. They evolved into products that ten years ago wouldn’t have even been fathomable. The typical lighting used in homes, gardens, event lighting, and holiday lighting is now considered generic and varies minimally. Now, LED lighting is being implemented into modern day consumer products that use to never be the eye grabbing décor in the room. Personalizing every aspect of our lives has become normal. Lighting companies are getting creative with new products used in every day society. Products can have a personal light aspect added to it.

     LED lighting has started to become essential in particular consumer products. Stereo companies are starting to make speakers that change color and pulse to music. Outlets can have built in LED lights at the bottoms of outlets to eliminate the need for night lights or to help their users find their outlets in dark rooms. Even products that incorporate water aspects that you would never think to involve lighting are starting to have LED lights built in. The development of LED flower vases, LED ice buckets, and pool lighting that can change colors is here to stay. Most restaurants and bars have been putting rope lighting underneath the bar overhang to give the bar a colored glowing appearance and to add soft ambiance. Now, bars can have built in LED lighting that can change colors from the simple push of a button or an app on someone’s phone.

    Sight is one of the most powerful senses in the human body. With lighting becoming so compact and integrating into products and landscapes, consumers can create ever changing atmosphere through changing color schemes of their lights. Wall color of a room can easily be changed without the use of a paint brush. The color of your atmosphere is controlled by you, not by the color of your surroundings. The lighting market is only going to grow as time goes on because of innovation in technology. Let’s embrace the colorful world we create with the products we call