Capitol Christmas Tree 2015
The Question: What Christmas lights are used on the Capitol Tree? Answer: C9 LED Bulbs in multiple colors installed in 14 AWG wire stringer wire
The Long Answer:
Always happy to see our lights in action, we look forward each year to seeing the Capitol Tree lit up at the annual lighting ceremony. Back in 2005 we helped the Office of the Architect convert about 10% of the lights on the tree to LED as a sort of trial run and then in 2006 the tree went fully LED.
This year’s tree was lit December 2nd, 2015 by the new Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan. Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The Capitol uses in-house-made large AWG solid core wire with sockets and installs faceted C9 LED lights these colors:
- Red
- Blue
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Warm White
(If you’ve ever asked yourself the question, “What kind of lights are used on the Capitol Tree”, you have the answer!)
Making the transition to LED bulbs has saved about 90% of the electricity used by traditional incandescent bulbs and has dramatically decreased the cost of replacing glass bulbs every year.
This year’s tree is the first to hail from Alaska – part of the trip was actually made by ship. That’s a first. You can read more about this 4-ton tree’s 4000 mile journey at these websites:
https://www.capitolchristmastree.com/
https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/260393-alaskas-first-capitol-christmas-tree-nears-dc
I also love that the approximately 4000 ornaments are made by school children and community groups from across Alaska that reflect the states heritage and culture.
https://www.capitolchristmastree.com/ornaments/
If you’re in the area, be sure to take the time to see this year’s tree – we’d love to see your photos and selfies taken in front of the Capitol Grounds.
0 Comments