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Fiber Optic Light

Fiber Optics Explained

A quick recap of all the components in a fiber optic lighting system

• The light source is where electricity is turned into light.
• The harness is the fiber optic cable which transports the light.
• The end fitting is where the light is output.

An Example Installation

• The light source is located in a convenient area in the ceiling/attic space. After installation, access is only required periodically to change the lamp.
• The fiber optic harness runs from the lightsource to the area where the end fittings are to be installed.
• The end fittings are installed in the ceiling of the room to be illuminated.
• Light is output into the room below

The Light Source Explained

What is it and what does it do?

• The light source is where we turn electricity into light which is then fed into the fiber optic harness.
• Light source power is expressed in Watts - the higher the wattage, the more powerful the light source is and the brighter the light output from it is.
• The light source also contains any effects wheels, such as a colour or twinkle wheel which is supplied with the chosen kit. Effects wheels can also be purchased separately so you can add a different effect, or enhance the colour changing effect by using one of our unique Varicolour colour wheels.
• The light source is the only part of a fiber optic system which contains electricity, and therefore must be housed in a dry environment. Some kit ranges, such as the star deck kits, and the garden kits are supplied with a weatherproof enclosure, allowing you to house the light source outdoors.
• For other kit ranges, weatherproof enclosures are available as optional extras.

The Fiber Optic Harness Explained

What is it and what does it do?

• The harness is the 'fiber' part of a fiber optic lighting kit. It is made up of many strands of optical fiber which are usually wrapped in a flexible black sheathing for protection.
• The harness is used to transport the light from the light source to the end fitting. One end of the harness has a 'common end' which is the connector used to plug it into the light source. The other end is either terminated with a number of metal 'ferrules' which are used to connect the end fitting, or the fibers are left bare for use in products such as the star ceiling kit.
• No electricity runs through the harness making it safe to route it through wet or humid areas. It is also safe to touch - sensory kits actively encourage touching and playing with the fiber.
• If the harness is to be routed underground where it may come into contact with garden tools or other hazards it is recommend that armoured conduit be used to protect it.

Example Fiber Optic Harness A

This type of harness is used in most of kit ranges - ferrules are fitted to the end of the individual tails. These are used to screw the end fittings which are supplied with kits onto the harness. The ferrule ends are hightly polished to allow for maximum light output. At the other end of the harness is the connector which plugs into the light source - this is called a common end. The black sheathing material on these tails is not removable - it conceals tightly bound bundles of individual fibers which provide the light to each fitting.

Example Fiber Optic Harness B

This type of harness is supplied in star ceiling kits. In this case the fiber tails are much thinner - in fact they are individual strands of fiber. The black sheathing material can be cut back to expose the tails and allow them to be spread out over a wide distance. When fitting the star ceiling kit you have the choice of either leaving the bare ends of the fiber or using small push-fit star lens end fittings.

 

The End Fitting Explained

What is it and what does it do?

The end fitting is where the light which was generated in the light source and travelled along the harness is output. End fittings come in many shapes and sizes from tiny star ceiling fittings to large stainless steel pavers. Larger fittings, such as pavers and downlights, have screw threads on the back. These are used to connect them to the harness. Small fittings, such as those on our star ceiling or star decking kits' are push fitted on the bare fiber strands. As with our harnesses, there is no electricity or heat in the end fittings, making them safe to touch or walk on. They can also be installed in wet or humid areas without the normal dangers of mixing water and light.

 

About the Author

Cheries Dutton

on behalf of Fiber Optic Lighting Kits

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