Page not found | Mr Festoon Lights https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 01:30:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cropped-Mr-Festoon-Lights-Logo-Square-512-32x32.png Page not found | Mr Festoon Lights https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/ 32 32 Five Ideas for how to use Festoon Lighting in your Back Yard https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/five-ideas-for-how-to-use-festoon-lighting-in-your-back-yard/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 01:19:28 +0000 https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/?p=22875 The post <strong>Five Ideas for how to use Festoon Lighting in your Back Yard</strong> appeared first on Mr Festoon Lights.

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Backyard festoon lighting can add a magical ambiance to your outdoor space. They can be easy to install when compared to other forms of lighting and can give an instant boost to your backyard.

Here are some creative ideas to inspire you:

 

Classic String Lights:

Use traditional string lights to create a charming and cozy atmosphere. Hang them between trees, along fences, or across the patio. Use existing structures to support them with and away you go with a simple and easy way to light up your dark backyard

Globe Lights:

Opt for larger more decorative globe-shaped bulbs to give your backyard a festive and modern feel. Hang them in a zigzag pattern or crisscross them above your outdoor seating area. Look for Fancy Edison style festoon globes where you can see the filament patterns to take your festoon game up to the next level.

Coloured Bulbs:

Add a pop of colour to your festoon lighting by using bulbs in different hues. Mix and match colours or choose a single colour to create a specific mood. This can create a festive mood especially around Christmas time!

Canopy of Lights:

Create a magical canopy effect by draping string lights from one end of the yard to the other, forming an overhead canopy. This works especially well if you have tall trees or structures to anchor the lights. Work in a zig zag pattern across the top of your yard in effect creating a ceiling of lights.

Curtain Lights:

Hang curtain lights vertically from a pergola, trellis, or fence to create a beautiful cascading effect. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor space.

Remember to ensure safety when setting up your festoon lighting by using weatherproof or outdoor-rated bulbs and making sure all electrical connections are secure. Enjoy transforming your backyard into a charming and inviting space with these festoon lighting ideas!

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How to Install Fairy Lights in a Tree https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/how-to-install-fairy-lights-in-a-tree/ https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/how-to-install-fairy-lights-in-a-tree/#respond Thu, 08 Jun 2023 01:41:19 +0000 https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/?p=22650 The post How to Install Fairy Lights in a Tree appeared first on Mr Festoon Lights.

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Hanging fairy lights in a tree can create a beautiful and magical ambiance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it well and how to do it safely:

 

Choose the right fairy lights: Select fairy lights that are designed for outdoor use and are suitable for trees. Make sure they are waterproof or weather-resistant to withstand the elements. The Commercial Fairy Lights we sell here at Mr Festoon Lights are all designed for this exact purpose. They are a little more expensive than ones you might find in Bunnings but that is because they are simply much better quality. We only use UV resistant rubber cabling with higher output LEDs and top of the range Meanwell Drivers.

 

Plan the layout: Decide where you want to wrap the fairy lights and plan the pattern or design you want to create. Consider the height, branches, and shape of the tree to determine the best arrangement. Consider branch thickness and accessibility to the branches as well as how dense you want to wrap the tree with lighting.

 

Measure the length: Measure the distance between the power source and the tree to ensure the lights will reach. It’s important to have access to an outdoor electrical outlet or use an extension cord specifically designed for outdoor use. When running the power out to the tree it is best to do this at low voltage for safety reasons so the driver should be close to the power source and the cable running out to the tree should be low voltage. Fortunately we have made this task easy by providing extension cable to just click and connect to our system.

Test the lights: Before hanging them, plug in the fairy lights to make sure they are working properly and you are happy with colour temperature etc. to save time changing after they are installed. Replace any faulty or broken strands.

White 5M Fairy Light Extension Cord

Gather the necessary equipment: You will need the following items:

 

Ladder: Use a sturdy ladder tall enough to reach the branches where you want to hang the lights. Always have help to hold the ladder or if the branches are quite high it is best to call for qualified help with the installation.

Cable ties or hooks or velcro: While wrapping the branches will help to secure the lights for the most part themselves there may be circumstances where you need to secure them with another bit of hardware. These will be used to secure the lights to the branches. For the most part we advise to use garden velcro as this will not cut into the tree branch as it grows.

Secure the lights to the branches:

 

Start at the bottom of the tree and work your way up. Climb the ladder safely and have someone hold the ladder for added stability.

Attach the fairy lights to the branches by wrapping firmly but not too firmly to allow for growth of the tree over time. Wrap the velcro or tape around the lights and the branch near the end of the runs, pulling them tight to secure the lights in place. 

Be gentle while handling the lights to avoid damaging them or the branches and always account for tree growth over time and movement of the branches in the wind.

Distribute the lights evenly: Space the lights out evenly along the branches to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing display. You can follow the natural shape of the tree or create your desired pattern. We usually recommend a spacing of around 10-15cm between each wrap to give a good level of density of fairy lights.

To help navigate the branches we also recommend using our fairy light directional splitters. The can help to split the lights off into several directions to follow the branches of the tree.

5 Way Fairy Light Splitter

Test the lights again: Once all the lights are in place and the cords are secured, plug them in to ensure they are functioning properly. Make any adjustments as needed.

 

Safety precautions:

 

Ensure the lights and electrical connections are designed for outdoor use.

Only use an outdoor electrical outlet or a waterproof extension cord. Make sure that the transformer is also rated for outdoor use just like Mr Festoon Lights ones always are.

Do not overload the electrical circuit.

Be cautious of nearby power lines and avoid contact with them.

Keep the lights away from flammable materials and ensure they are not touching dry branches or leaves.

Remember, safety should be your top priority when working with electricity and ladders. If you’re unsure about any step, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional or seek assistance.

If you have any other questions drop us a line at hello@mrfestoonlights.com.au

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What are Commercial Fairy Lights https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/what-are-commercial-fairy-lights/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:57:44 +0000 https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/?p=22638 The post What are Commercial Fairy Lights appeared first on Mr Festoon Lights.

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Commercial fairy lights are specialized lighting products designed for commercial or professional use in various settings such as event venues, restaurants, hotels, retail spaces, outdoor installations, and more. They are also designed for permanent outdoor installations in a residential setting to ensure they last years without issue. These lights are typically more durable, longer-lasting, and capable of handling larger installations compared to standard consumer-grade fairy lights.

 

Here are some features and characteristics commonly associated with commercial fairy lights:

 

High-quality construction: Commercial fairy lights are built with sturdier materials to withstand frequent handling and installation. They are designed to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be constructed with rubber cabling to withstand UV from the sun rather than a cheaper plastic cable.

 

Black Cable Warm White LED Fairy Light Close Up

Longer lengths: Commercial fairy lights are often available in longer lengths, allowing for greater coverage of larger areas. They are designed to provide ample lighting for expansive spaces or to create eye-catching displays as well as to suit the installation into large trees. Often they are more flexible as well with how they can be installed by coming in connectable sections to work more easily with tree branches or architectural patterns.

 

Brightness and illumination: Commercial fairy lights are typically brighter than standard lights to ensure visibility in various settings. They can offer vibrant and impactful lighting for both indoor and outdoor applications. The LEDs are more efficient and powerful to ensure that your installation is not dull and less vibrant.

Mr Festoon Lights - Fairy Light Installation

Energy efficiency: Many commercial fairy lights, including ours at Mr Festoon Lights utilize LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology, which is highly energy-efficient. LED lights consume less electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, resulting in reduced energy costs and environmental impact.

 

Weather resistance: Since commercial fairy lights are often used in outdoor settings, they are designed to withstand different weather conditions. They are typically weatherproof or weather-resistant, capable of withstanding rain, snow, or UV exposure without damage. All of our commercial fairy lights at Mr Festoon Lights meet these standards along with the Meanwell Drivers that we use to power them.

 

Connectable strands: Commercial fairy lights are often designed with connectable strands, allowing multiple light strings to be linked together. This feature facilitates easy installation and customization for various spaces and designs. Mr Festoon Lights fairy lights come in 10M connectable lengths to make working with them easier as well as splitting off in various directions simpler.

Commercial Fairy Light Connector Close Up

Safety compliance: Commercial fairy lights meet specific safety standards and regulations for commercial use. They undergo testing and certification processes to ensure they meet electrical safety requirements and are suitable for professional installations. They should be run at SELV levels preferably 24VDC to ensure safety. Mr Festoon Lights Fairy Lights all run at this safe ELV level.

 

Customization options: Commercial fairy lights are available in various colors, shapes, and configurations to suit different design preferences and themes. They can be found in different wire colours and light colour options (warm white, cool white, etc.).

 

Professional support: Manufacturers and suppliers of commercial fairy lights often provide support and assistance for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. They may offer technical advice, warranty coverage, and guidance for professional users. Mr Festoon Lights is always happy to help with advice and guidance around products and installations. We offer a 2 year warranty on all our Fairy Light products.

 

It’s important to note that the specific features and characteristics of commercial fairy lights can vary among manufacturers and models. When selecting commercial fairy lights, consider your specific requirements, the intended use, and consult with suppliers or lighting professionals for expert advice.

To contact us please reach out to hello@mrfestoonlights.com.au

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How to Hang Festoon Lights https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/how-to-hang-festoon-lights/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 06:22:57 +0000 https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/?p=22602 The post How to Hang Festoon Lights appeared first on Mr Festoon Lights.

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Hanging festoon lights can be a great way to add ambiance and a festive touch to your commercial or residential space. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hang festoon lights:

1. Plan your layout

Start by deciding where you want to hang the festoon lights and how you want them to be arranged. Consider the length of the lights, the available power source, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. To get more information on this take a look at our guide to how much length you might need and best patterns to hang festoon lights in.

 

2. Gather your materials

You’ll need the festoon lights, extension cords (if needed), a support wire (stainless steel), hooks, clips, or other hanging hardware, and possibly a ladder or step stool.

3. Locate a power source

Find a suitable power source near the area where you want to hang the festoon lights. Ensure the power source is easily accessible and has enough capacity to handle the often-higher wattages of the festoon lights.

 

3. Install a support wire or hooks / clips

Depending on the type of surface you’re working with, install hooks or clips to hang the lights. For outdoor use, you may need to use weather-resistant hooks or clips. Place them at regular intervals to support the length of the lights.

If using a support wire, it is best to fix this to a solid structure and using turnbuckles you can tension this wire up to the desired level and then fix the festoon to this using simple cable ties.

5. Hang the Festoon Lights

Begin at one end and secure the festoon lights to the wire, hooks or clips. Work your way along the designated path, making sure the lights are evenly spaced. Use the built-in hooks or attachment points on the lights if they have them or zip tie neatly on either side of the festoon sockets.

 

6. Secure any loose sections

If there are areas where the lights sag or hang too loosely, use additional hooks or clips to secure them in place. This will help maintain a consistent appearance and prevent the lights from swaying too much.

7. Test the lights

Once everything is hung, plug in the festoon lights to ensure they are working properly. Check for any loose connections or bulbs that need to be replaced.

 

8. Make adjustments

Step back and assess the overall appearance of the lights. If necessary, make any adjustments to the spacing or positioning to achieve the desired effect.

9. Ensure safety

Finally, make sure all electrical connections are secure, and any extension cords or wiring are safely tucked away to avoid tripping hazards or exposure to the elements.

 

Remember to always prioritize safety when working with electrical equipment and ensure that you follow any specific instructions provided with the festoon lights purchased.

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Which Festoon Light Globe is the best to use? https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/which-festoon-light-globe-is-the-best-to-use/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:19:37 +0000 https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/?p=19423 This common question we get here at Mr Festoon Lights is a very valid one and a question that is well worth asking as it can really affect how much you ultimately like your new festoon lights. Whenever we get asked this question the first thing I do to answer it is ask YOU a [...]

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This common question we get here at Mr Festoon Lights is a very valid one and a question that is well worth asking as it can really affect how much you ultimately like your new festoon lights.

Whenever we get asked this question the first thing I do to answer it is ask YOU a lot of questions and depending on your answers narrow down the best festoon globe option for you.

Lets run through these questions now so you can get a better idea of what globe will work best for you and your application.

How much are you planning on using them?

A pretty simple question this one but one that can quickly narrow down some of the better options for you. We have, as you have probably seen, quite a range of festoon light globes and these include both LED festoon globes and non LED or basic incandescent festoon globes.

LED Globes have the advantage of being much longer lasting with run times before failure up to 20,000 hours and they do this while being much more efficient and using less electricity. This means that in the long run they are much cheaper to run in terms of both bulb replacement costs and electricity consumption costs.

Incandescent Globes on the other hand do not last anywhere near as long as LED globes and range in lifespan anywhere between 250 – 2000 hours depending on the type. They also do this while consuming more power and are considered very inefficient. This means that bulb replacement will be more often, and electricity consumption will be higher.

So it sounds like a slam dunk really – You would choose LED Globes every time right?


Well as with all things in life it is not quite that simple…


LED Light globes are much more expensive than the old style incandescent globes due to their more complicated parts and manufacturing process. Also, in many peoples opinion, do not look quite as nice as the old style filament incandescent globes although that is becoming less of a problem with the much better colour temperature controlled and filament LED festoon globes that we sell.

So, budget plays a big part in the decision and that’s why this question is such a good one to ask yourself when deciding.

Many people purchase festoon lighting simply for a one off use such as a wedding, birthday party or similar event. They also purchase them for home use where they might pop them up and only use them on rare occasions such as when friends pop over for a BBQ once in a month.

So if this is the case do you really need a globe that will last 20,000 hours when you only plan on using them less than 10 or maybe only 100 hours per year? Well often the answer is no I don’t need this feature and therefore can save some money and get the more basic incandescent globes.

If however you are planning on using them regularly or even daily such as commercial use than you should always steer down the direction of an LED globe to save money in the long run on bulb replacement and electricity consumption costs.

How much light do you want them to throw?

Another great question that along with the first one really starts to narrow down exactly what globe suits you the best!

We have a range of festoon globe choices from lower light levels to higher light levels (lumen levels) to suit most peoples needs. So when thinking of which light globe is best for your festoon lights have a think about what light levels you are chasing.

If wanting lower light levels, something to just give a little boost or ambient light than you might opt for a globe with lower light output such as our 1W Clear LEDs , 1W White LEDs or 25W Fancy Edison Globes. These give off lower lumen levels and will just add some light and leaning more towards decorative. Perfect for places that maybe already have some other lighting sources and just require a small boost and decorative affect.

If wanting something to boost light levels a little more but still retain ambience you might opt for our 2W Filament LEDs for regular use or for occasional use our basic incandescent 15W globes. These options both punch out a good level of light similar to a bedside table lamp so will really give light to a space but not make it so bright that it is unbearable!

Our highest light level light globe is our 4W LED Edison Globes options in both Round and Teardrop shapes. These lights are more similar to a floor lamp level of light and provide higher light levels without being very very bright! They are perfect for really dark spaces or maybe spaces where you have the festoon lights hung quite high from the ground so need more light to be able to reach ground levels.

Style of Festoon Globes – Personal Preferences

Festoon Light Globes - Biggest Selection

Finally once we have worked out the answers to the first two questions it then also comes down to a little of your personal choice in style and what you really like the look of. We have several options of globes that include the smaller traditional size festoon globe (golf ball sized) and also options for larger bulbs and various shapes such as Round or Teardrop.


Of course if you are still unsure than give us a call on 1300 599 510 and we can talk through it with you to find the best solution.


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Festoon Light Length – How Much Do I need? https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/festoon-light-length-how-much-do-i-need/ Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:24:28 +0000 https://mrfestoonlights.com.au/?p=19372 How many metres of festoon lights should I get? This is one of the more common questions that we get here at Mr Festoon Lights and the way to answer it is to first determine a few pretty straight forward things. 1. The size of the installation area The first thing to work out is [...]

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How many metres of festoon lights should I get? This is one of the more common questions that we get here at Mr Festoon Lights and the way to answer it is to first determine a few pretty straight forward things.

1. The size of the installation area

The first thing to work out is exactly where you are wanting the festoon lights to be placed and therefore the size of this space. The overall dimensions of the installation area will be one of the major factors determining how many meters of lights that you require.

Most spaces are fairly simple to measure and just a matter of getting out a measuring tape and finding out the length and width of the space. If it’s a really large space and a measuring tape just won’t work you can always simply pace out the lengths to get a pretty good estimate of the length and width that way.

For more complicated areas you may need to break up the area into smaller parts to work it out accurately.

We also advise that if in doubt to not only give us a call on 1300 599 510 to talk it through but also to err on the side of over ordering. As our festoon sets are connectable if you end up with an extra set you can always simply return it for a refund. This avoids being short on the day of installation and possibly missing a deadline for the event or having to call out a professional for a second day costing more money!

2. Determine the pattern of festoon light installation

There are many patterns in which you can install your festoon lights and this will also have an affect on how much you ultimately end up using. The more common designs that we tend to advise and see with installations are:

  • Zig Zag Pattern
    • Pros to this design is that it gives a good even coverage of light to the space below. It also only requires one power location at the start of the festoon run and therefore simplifies the installation and can be run long lengths from this one location.
  • V Shape
    • A simple out and back design over a space – perfect when your area does not have a big width so does not need to many back and forth runs.
  • Perimeter Pattern
    • A design that follows the external perimeter of a space such as a rectangle, square or triangle. Can make it easy to fix the festoon lights if following architectural features such as beams and support posts. However it can mean the central area to a space does not receive as much light so can get darker towards the middle of the area itself.
  • Central fan out pattern
    • Often people would like the festoons to fan our from a central location like fingers on a hand or from a central pole in the middle of a space out in all directions. This is a great looking design and one of our favourites however it does come with some more complexity in the installation as you essentially end up with several runs that each require a power source so there may be cutting and joining required by a qualified electrician.
  • Complex Patterns
    • Some patterns can become quite complex and this is all possible however just bare in mind that generally the more complex the more cost will be involved.

There really is a lot of options when designing the layout of the festoon lights but its always worth considering and factoring in a few things:

Budget – Simple designs are more cost effective and tricky ones will generally require the help of a professional with installation.

Power source locations – Think of how you will get power to the start of your festoon run.

Structural support locations – Where will you fix the festoon lights too? Do you have some already existing features such as trees, walls or poles etc..

3. How dense should I hang the Festoon Lights

The last factor we will consider is how densely you want to hang the festoon lights. Personally we feel there is a happy medium to the question “how dense should they be”?

You want to have enough lights so that firstly you get the desired amount of light levels for the space and secondly so that the beautiful decorative feature of the festoon lights stands out.

If you go with too little you run the risk of not having enough light to fill the space and also end up with a lacklustre decorative affect.

Conversely if you go too much you could end up having very high light levels that spoil the ambience and end up looking like a jumbled mess of electrical cables everywhere.

For these reasons its best to go somewhere in the middle to get a decent level of lighting and effect without going overboard or underwhelming.

To help out I will use an example of one of the more common designs we might get such as the zigzag. Lets say you had a space that was 5M x 12M and you wanted to zigzag over the top of this space. We would generally recommend using a spacing of about 4M between each zig and zag to give good coverage and effect but not being too dense to cause high light levels and messy cabling.

So in this example below we then see we get 6 runs of festoon lights which when we account for the slight angle across the 5M span gives approx. 6M for each run to give a total of 36M of festoon lights (6 x 6M = 36M).

4. If in Doubt Sketch it out

If you are still in doubt it always helps to sketch it out roughly with a sheet of paper and pencil, much like in the example above. This can certainly help with designing the layout of the festoon lights and gives a good idea of ultimately how much length you will need.

Just pop in dimensions and what you are planning and you can quickly and inexpensively get an idea of how the layout will look and make changes if something doesn’t look right before wasting time and money on the actual installation.

On this note we love to see sketches of your layout as well so if you are trying to figure out layout and lengths it really makes our job easier if we see a layout and can then advise on any changes to consider or just give you some added comfort knowing that you are on the right track.

Just send them to us with any questions at hello@mrfestoonlights.com.au

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