Fibre Optic Lighting

Fibre Optic Lighting

Fibre optic lighting operates through a remotely located light source wherein light is focussed into a harness of fibre optic cable to produce an end or side lighting effect. The system typically consists of a light source, common end, fibre optic harness and end fixture.

There are 2 types of fibre optic lighting applications, end lighting and side lighting.

End Lighting

With an end lighting project, the light travels down a single multi strand cable or through a fibre optic harness made up of multiple single strands and is emitted from the end of the fibre to produce the desired effect, which may be the illumination of water in a pool or pond, the illumination of the water around the hull of a superyacht, the lighting of museum pieces, or the twinkle of light upon a ceiling or wall imitating a starry night. This application should not involve the fibre optic harness being any longer than 11m max, as cable lengths longer than this will result in light depreciation.

Side Lighting

With a side lighting project, the light emmited through the side wall of a single multi strand cable to produce a perimeter high light glow, or a glow effect if concealed within a cove. This technique is a much better option to neon lighting when used commercially as there are no high voltages creating magnetic fiends which can play havoc with LV electrical systems, longer continuous runs can be achieved, the option of colour change and programming is available and the maintenance costs are considerably lower in comparison.

Depending on the project, there are 3 ways of lighting using side lighting cable. A typical swimming pool would involve a signle light source with the cable leaving the unit, travelling around the perimeter of the pool and returning to enter the light source so as to form a loop. This method may be used for lengths up to 40m. For a pool larger than this, a light source at either end is required with the fibre leaving one light source, travelling down the perimeter of one side of the pool and entering the second light source. A second fibre is required to leave the second light source and travel down the opposite side of the pool to enter the first light source so as to complete the daisy chain loop. Using this method the light sources can be spaced up to 40m apart. For a single run of no more than 11m, a reflective end cap is used to seal the end of the fibre which also bounces the light back up the end section of cable.

If the project involves the perimeter lighting of the building to highlight architectural features or the like, multiple light sources may be used up to 40m apart in a daisy chain configuration. If colour change is required, a sheathed signal cable is also required to run from a show controller to the first master light source and then daisy chained to the slave units further down the circuit so that the colour wheel in each unit can synchronise to create seamless colour change along the run of fibre.

Designing a System

Creative Lighting Concepts specialises in fibre optic lighting systems, from concept and design to supply and installation, so call us today to discuss your project requirements.