INSTALLATION

The installation of glass fibre-optics architectural lighting is just another lighting job.

Use the same common sense with it as in dealing with traditional equipment.  Power and control wiring is the same as with conventional systems.

Controls can be done before, during, or after installation of the light guides (tails).  The thin glass tails are as flexible as copper wire and can be fished through interstitial spaces, conduit, or even furniture.

Unless ornamental lighting fixtures are used, the most discreet and sophisticated results are obtained when the lighting hardware itself is concealed, leaving only the resultant light visible.

ONLY THREE COMPONENTS

1.     A light source, called an illuminator or projector
conveniently located in a readily accessible place for relamping.  It is the size of a large metal shoebox. The dichroic lamp can be 1000-hour tungsten halogen or  6000- hour metal halide (preferable because it is more efficient).  Most units include a silent fan to dissipate heat from the lamp.  One lamp powers at least 32 points of equal-level light.

2.    A harness  
 An octopus-like bundle of assorted lengths and sizes of very flexible glass light guides (tails) attached to a light source. 

 Using glass, no drying out, turning yellow, stiffening or ceasing to carry light rays occurs,
 nor is a “hot knife”  needed to regularly trim the plastic version.

    •    End-emitting tails are used for functional long-term architectural applications
         (task,display, architectural contours, and even ambient illumination);
         Side-emitting tails are only for decorative purposes and are a low-maintenance
         substitute for neon.

    •    Glass harnesses are shipped fully assembled and need only to be inserted into the
          light source.

    •    Sheathing is MegolonTM, a proprietary halogen-free material that is self-extinguishing
         and does not emit poisonous fumes if burning, like plastic does.

    •    No electricity flows through the very flexible tails – only light rays.

    •    A tail is composed of multiples of about 400 glass strands, each around 50
         microns, the size of a human hair. The wide selection of these thin light guides,
         offers wide choices of light levels.

     •    Linear distances of at least 90' can be served with tails emerging in opposite
          directions are brighter and light rays can travel longer.  A throw distance of 100’
          can be achieved with the proper combination of tails.

3.    Fittings:
Optional, but if required, there is a large variety of miniaturized optical glass lenses  
and metal holders (½ - 2" diameter) for collimating, diffusing, wall-washer, zoom,
framing projector, and downlight uses.  Combinations of lenses can be customized.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

Automated scenes of color, motion and dimming are usual.  Note:  Always start with the simplest operation, and move up to more complicated effects only when the client will really use them. A combination of both architectural and theatrical techniques are used for exceptional results.

MAINTENANCE

Besides relamping, the only other maintenance needed is cleaning the projector boss at regular intervals (depending on site conditions) to ensure that dirt does not accumulate to an extent that will impair the thermal safety of the projector or gearbox.  If the environment is unusually dusty, specify projectors designed for that condition.