{"title":"Black LED string lights","description":"\u003cp\u003eLook at the cable first, not the light: on a black LED string light, it is the wire and the holders that are black, while the LEDs keep their colour. This detail changes everything on a dark facade, a railing or a Christmas tree, where the light point stays the only thing visible and the cable fades into the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"rendu\"\u003eWhat does a black LED string light look like when switched on?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack is the colour of the wire, not of the light. Switched on, the string light shows its LEDs on a dark cable that disappears against a facade, a railing or a Christmas tree; the final effect comes from the LED colour, warm white for a cosy mood, multicolour for a festive display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe black wire fades away, the light points remain\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a black metal handrail, anthracite cladding or fir branches, a white cable draws a visible line in broad daylight. A black wire, by contrast, blends into the support and lets the light do its work in the evening. That is what sets a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003edecorative string light\u003c\/a\u003e apart from a plain electrical cord laid on a facade. The opposite is also true: on a cream wall or light render, black stands out and becomes a graphic feature to embrace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarm white or multicolour: the final effect comes from the LEDs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm white, around 2700 to 3000 K as a general guide, gives a light close to a filament bulb and suits a terrace where you dine. Multicolour and flashing effects serve the party, the Christmas tree, the shop window. One simple rule: do not mix two families of white on the same run, the difference is immediately visible. The models gathered in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led\"\u003eour selection of string lights\u003c\/a\u003e are divided between these effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ou\"\u003eWhere should you install a black LED string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black wire is first and foremost for outdoors: balcony railing, pergola, facade, fence, tree. It disappears on dark supports and lets the light do its work. Indoors, it suits the Christmas tree, shelves, headboards and shop windows, where a white cable would show.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich black LED string light for which spot\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLocation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMain constraint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProtection rating to aim for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended power supply\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFacade or balcony exposed to rain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect rain and sun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65 or higher\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e220V if outdoor socket, otherwise solar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePergola, awning, sheltered veranda\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSplashes only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e220V or 24V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChristmas tree and indoor decor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo humidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDry indoor use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e220V, batteries or rechargeable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarden or fence without a socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-sufficiency\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65 for outdoors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolar or rechargeable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery long length on a single point\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSignal stability over the length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDepending on use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e220V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA black metal balcony railing, a pergola post, a tree trunk: the dark cable attaches to them without creating a white line. On a tree or a light fence, expect to see the wire, and count it as part of the decor. A garden without a socket is handled with a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003esolar string light\u003c\/a\u003e, without running an extension lead across the lawn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ip\"\u003eWhich black LED string light for outdoors: IP44, IP65 or IP67?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe protection rating describes resistance to water and dust. IP44 suits an outdoor spot sheltered under an awning, IP65 withstands water jets on a facade or an exposed terrace, IP67 goes further for a heavily watered area. In dry interiors, no particular protection is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eUnderstanding protection ratings\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it protects against\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTypical use\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater splashes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSheltered outdoors, damp room\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater jets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFacade, exposed terrace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP67\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemporary immersion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeavily watered area\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeither dust nor humidity covered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDry indoors only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first digit concerns solids, the second liquids: the higher the second, the more water the string light withstands. Under an awning, an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip44\"\u003eIP44 string light\u003c\/a\u003e is enough and stays easier to install. On a facade battered by rain, go for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003estring lights designed for exposed outdoor use\u003c\/a\u003e. A model with no rating stays indoors, no exceptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"alimentation\"\u003e220V, 24V, solar or rechargeable: which power supply should you choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e220V plugs directly into a socket and suits long installations; 24V runs at low voltage and needs a transformer; solar and rechargeable models do without a socket but depend on sunlight or charge. Choose according to whether a socket is available and the exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMains 220V or low voltage 24V\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA socket within reach and a length to cover: 220V is the simplest, with no intermediate box. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-220v\"\u003e220V string lights that plug into the mains\u003c\/a\u003e handle long lengths from a single point. 24V requires a transformer, to be placed near the socket and away from water; it remains the choice for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-24v\"\u003elow-voltage installations\u003c\/a\u003e where you want to avoid running mains power along the whole length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar and rechargeable: doing without a socket\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGarden fence, tree at the back of the plot, balcony without an outdoor socket: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003esolar string lights\u003c\/a\u003e go where no cable can reach, provided the panel gets daylight. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-rechargeables\"\u003eRechargeable string lights\u003c\/a\u003e are better suited to a terrace table or a Christmas tree moved every year, since you recharge them before putting them up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"accord\"\u003eHow do you match a black string light with the rest of the lighting?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA black wire pairs well with light fittings with a dark structure, an industrial chandelier, a wall light or a ceiling light in blackened metal; the whole stays discreet when the light is off. On the temperature side, keep the same family of white to avoid mixing cool and warm in the same room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlack wall light on a living room wall, blackened metal pendant above the table, black wire string light on the shelf: consistency comes from the supports, not the sources. Browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eall our light fittings\u003c\/a\u003e keeping this thread in mind, and complete the festive decor with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003estring lights for the Christmas tree and festive decor\u003c\/a\u003e. One rule holds: same family of white everywhere, or a deliberate, local contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"longueur\"\u003eWhat length of black LED string light should you plan for?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure the run to cover, railing, facade or branches, then add the route to the socket. The spacing of the light points changes everything: tight for a carpet of light, wide for a bistro effect. Better to have extra length than a string light that stops before the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMeasure the run and the route to the socket\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake the measurement along the support, following the curves you want to create, then add the distance to the socket. On a balcony railing, count both sides if the string light goes all the way round. This route also decides the power supply: far from a socket, a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-rechargeables\"\u003erechargeable string light\u003c\/a\u003e avoids extension leads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe spacing of the light points decides the effect\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClosely spaced points give a continuous carpet of light; widely spaced points give the bistro effect of terraces. On a Christmas tree, wide spacing lets the branches show and is enough; on a pergola, tight spacing draws the structure. Look at this criterion before the total length, it changes the look more than the number of metres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnsure about the length?\u003c\/strong\u003e Measure, add the route to the socket, then choose the model that covers it all in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led\"\u003ethe LED string light range\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"pose\"\u003eHow do you install and maintain a black wire LED string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost string lights are fixed with hooks, clips or cable ties, without drilling; weighted models stand on their own on a table. For maintenance, dust with a dry cloth and bring non-waterproof models inside at the first frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFixing without drilling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHooks that clip onto a gutter, adhesive clips on a lintel, cable ties around a railing: the fixing follows the support. Avoid pulling the cable tight like a rope, leave it slack to absorb the wind. A weighted model, placed on a table or a ledge, needs no accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDusting and winter storage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dry cloth is enough, never water on a connector. Before the frosts, bring non-waterproof models inside and store them in a loose loop so as not to break the wire. Check the condition of the cable and connections once a season. To go further on outdoor models, see the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003efull lighting catalogue\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"erreurs\"\u003eWhat mistakes should you avoid with a black LED string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two most common mistakes: installing an indoor model outdoors and piling up extension leads between string lights. Check the protection rating before taking the string light outside, and keep the connection as close to the socket as possible, with a single transformer per circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTaking an indoor model outside.\u003c\/strong\u003e With no protection rating, it withstands neither rain nor humidity. Rule of thumb: read the IP rating before climbing the ladder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStacking extension leads and transformers.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every connection is a weak point. Rule of thumb: a single transformer, as close as possible to the socket.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCutting a strip away from the marks.\u003c\/strong\u003e A cuttable LED strip may only be cut at the designated marks, never between two LEDs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMixing whites.\u003c\/strong\u003e A warm white and a cool white side by side cancel each other out. Rule of thumb: one family of white per zone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasuring too short.\u003c\/strong\u003e Without a margin, the string light stops before the end. Rule of thumb: measure the route to the socket, not just the support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecure payment, tracked delivery, returns available and Designix customer service\u003c\/strong\u003e: you choose the model, we follow the order through to installation. To compare sheltered models and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003estring lights for exposed outdoor use\u003c\/a\u003e, both families can be read with the same grid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow does a cuttable LED strip work?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strip has regular cut marks: you only cut at these marks, never between two LEDs, otherwise the section no longer lights up. The cut piece is reconnected with a suitable connector or a joint on the designated end, then the power supply is checked before fixing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan a black LED string light be left outside all year round?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt depends solely on its protection rating. An IP44 model withstands a sheltered outdoor spot, an IP65 resists water jets on a facade or a terrace, an IP67 goes further. A model with no rating is made for dry indoors and must not stay outside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhich black LED string light should you choose for a Christmas tree?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA black wire is barely visible in dark branches, which leaves the light alone visible. Favour an indoor model, flexible enough to follow the branches, with the LED colour that matches the mood you want. Avoid outdoor models, which are stiffer and unnecessarily protected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDo you need a transformer for a 24V LED string light?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, a 24V string light runs at low voltage and needs a transformer to be plugged into a socket. The transformer is placed as close as possible to the socket and must stay away from water. 220V models do not need one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow many metres of string light do you need for a balcony?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure the railing or facade to cover, then add the route to the socket and a margin for the curves. The spacing of the light points decides the effect: tight for a carpet of light, wide for a bistro effect. Always plan a little longer than strictly necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"Black LED string lights: the guide to choosing and installing\",\"description\":\"Black LED string lights: which wire, which IP rating and which power supply for a balcony, a pergola or a Christmas tree. 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The cut piece is reconnected with a suitable connector or a joint on the designated end, then the power supply is checked before fixing.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can a black LED string light be left outside all year round?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It depends solely on its protection rating. An IP44 model withstands a sheltered outdoor spot, an IP65 resists water jets on a facade or a terrace, an IP67 goes further. A model with no rating is made for dry indoors and must not stay outside.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which black LED string light should you choose for a Christmas tree?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A black wire is barely visible in dark branches, which leaves the light alone visible. Favour an indoor model, flexible enough to follow the branches, with the LED colour that matches the mood you want. Avoid outdoor models, which are stiffer and unnecessarily protected.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do you need a transformer for a 24V LED string light?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, a 24V string light runs at low voltage and needs a transformer to be plugged into a socket. The transformer is placed as close as possible to the socket and must stay away from water. 220V models do not need one.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can several LED string lights be connected together?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It depends on the connectors provided on each model: some string lights connect end to end, others do not. 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Always plan a little longer than strictly necessary.\"}}]}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/8598\/2228\/collections\/designix-entete-guirlandes-led-coloris-noir-v1.jpg?v=1793226653","url":"https:\/\/designix-lighting.com\/collections\/black-led-string-lights.oembed","provider":"Designix","version":"1.0","type":"link"}