Technical Terms
There are some terms that will appear in product descriptions or on our website, that you might wonder what they mean, so we thought we would explain some of the technical terms we use.
LED
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. LEDs are far more energy-efficient, and the life span of an LED lighting is much longer than traditional lighting. We currently sell a vast range of LED lighting colours.
Static
This term refers to different lighting functions. “static” means that when the lights are turned on, all the lights come on and stay on. There is no flashing, twinkling or chasing effects. We sell an extensive range of static lighting. Use our lighting locator tool on our ChristmasTimeUK website to find the style that suits you.
Flashing
Flashing lights means all the lights turn on and off together. Different flashing speeds can be set from the control box.
Multi-Function
The lights have a control box that offers multiple settings. For example, the lights could twinkle, flash or all be on at once. A couple of our favourite multi-function lights include White Multi-Action Outdoor Premier Supabrights as well as Warm White Multi-Action Outdoor Premier Supabrights.
Low Voltage/Mains Voltage
Christmas lights are available in both mains voltage and low voltage. Mains voltage lights run at 230v, and low voltage has a transformer, reducing the voltage down to 24v from 230v. Mains Voltage lights require a rectifier to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
IP Rating
The IP Code or ‘International Protection’ Rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. This code classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures. To learn more about the IP rating, read our technical talk blog on our commercial lighting website ‘Connectable Lights’
PVC/PE
Until recently, most artificial Christmas trees were made with PVC needles. Needles were cut from coloured sheets of compressed PVC. The needles make a great looking artificial tree but can have a flat appearance from close up. Needles can now be made in a different plastic, polyethene (PE). PE needles are moulded rather than flat so give a thicker, denser, and realistic appearance.
Shatterproof Baubles
Shatterproof baubles are becoming wildly more popular as they are available in a range of shapes and sizes and can look as lovely as glass baubles. Shatterproof baubles are often made from plastic and are therefore suitable for all ages to help decorate the tree, fantastic for getting the kids involved. Use our bauble search filter on our ChristmasTimeUK website to find the colour, size, and style that suits you.