ErnieHorning: Created AC Lighting page

2026-07-25T16:51:21Z

Created AC Lighting page

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= AC Lighting =

'''AC Lighting''' refers to decorative lighting and electrical devices powered directly from alternating current (AC) mains, typically 120 volts in North America or 230 volts in many other parts of the world.

Before the introduction of smart pixels, most animated Christmas displays used AC lighting controlled by dimmers or relay boards. AC lighting remains popular because it is inexpensive, widely available, and well suited for many display elements.

== Common Types of AC Lighting ==

Traditional AC decorations include:

* Incandescent mini lights
* C7 and C9 light strings
* LED light strings
* Rope lights
* Flood lights
* Spot lights
* Inflatables
* Motorized decorations
* Window candles

Many of these decorations can be switched on and off, while some incandescent lighting can also be dimmed.

== AC Lighting Controllers ==

Several controller types are commonly used with AC lighting.

* [[Renard]] controllers
* [[Relay Boards]]
* [[Solid State Relay|Solid State Relays (SSRs)]]
* Commercial lighting controllers

These devices receive commands from sequencing software and switch or dim the connected electrical loads.

== Dimming ==

Incandescent lights can typically be dimmed using phase-angle control provided by compatible SSRs or dimmer controllers.

Most LED replacement light strings are designed only for on/off operation. Although some are dimmable, compatibility varies considerably by manufacturer.

Always verify that the lighting product is rated for dimming before attempting to dim it.

== Advantages ==

Advantages of AC lighting include:

* Widely available
* Relatively inexpensive
* Simple installation
* Supports many commercial decorations
* Excellent for flood lights and inflatables

== Limitations ==

Compared with smart pixels, AC lighting has several limitations.

* Individual bulbs cannot be controlled.
* Colors are fixed by the bulbs or lenses.
* Wiring is generally less flexible.
* Complex animations require many controller channels.

== Safety ==

AC mains voltage can cause serious injury or death.

Always:

* Follow local electrical codes.
* Use GFCI-protected outdoor circuits where required.
* Protect all outdoor connections from moisture.
* Do not exceed circuit or controller ratings.
* Use properly rated extension cords and connectors.

== AC Lighting vs. Smart Pixels ==

{| class="wikitable"
! AC Lighting
! Smart Pixels
|-
| Controls entire light string
| Controls every individual pixel
|-
| Fixed colors
| Millions of colors
|-
| Simple wiring
| Requires data and power wiring
|-
| Lower cost for simple displays
| Greater animation flexibility
|}

Many Christmas displays successfully combine both technologies, using AC lighting for traditional decorations while using smart pixels for animated props and effects.

== Related Articles ==

* [[Renard]]
* [[Solid State Relay]]
* [[Relay Boards]]
* [[DMX]]
* [[Pixel Controllers]]
* [[Smart Pixels]]

AC Lighting - Revision history

ErnieHorning: Created AC Lighting page