Using common sense, you will find that working with glass fibre optics is satisfying to your innate ability. 

• Do not succumb to blandishments of salesmen who offer you equipment at half price. 
You will get half of what is needed to do the job and that may be of poor quality.  Then, only the lawyers, not your client, will be pleased.

•Do not make holes before first checking the size of the opening needed.
Then make the smallest holes possible.  Consult with adjoining trades on the best way to fasten the light guides in place without damaging their materials.
 
• Do not work with fittings one at a time. 
Instead, assemble all necessary components ahead of time so the repetitive process can go smoothly, once started.

• If the tails have to be pulled through a conduit (flexible or rigid), make sure the opening is large enough. 
Ensure that any draw wire is fastened to the sheathing, and NOT to the ferrule.  If multiple tails are to be drawn through one conduit, stagger them over 12” and then tape that bundle together before inserting.

• When pulling tails through a conduit or any other channel, do not exert excessive force.
Rough twisting will damage the individual glass fibres, and reduce light output.  If the tail cannot be pulled without undue effort, then reroute or enlarge the access.

• When the tail is in position, do not screw the ferrule at the end of a tail into the lens accessory.
Instead, hold the tail steady and screw the fitting onto the tail.

• For personal safety, NEVER remove the end ferrules. 
Otherwise, invisible stray glass fibres can enter the flesh and be very uncomfortable.

• Never bend the tails beyond 90 degrees.

• Do not allow the glass ends of the tails, or the common end to be scratched or abrased while being stored before installation.
Prior to installation, do not leave harnesses unprotected where pedestrian or vehicular traffic can run over them. This will cause severe loss of light output.  Use painters’ tape to protect the ends (this does not leave a sticky residue).  Alternatively, attach wirenuts to the tail ends, being careful not to let the metal touch the glass, or use other types of protective wrapping.

• Do not allow adjacent trades to accidentally crush, twist or otherwise deform the tails. 
Keep all new employees informed of their presence on the job.

• When inserting the common end into the projector boss, take care that the tails are not crushed or compressed in the immediate area of the projector. 
The common end should enter the boss easily.  Do not force it.  Remember to tighten the set screw to keep it in place.

 The common end may need a small amount of adjustment when being fitted into the boss.

• Ensure that the common end does not touch any special effect
(color/motion/dimming) wheels that may be attached to the light source. 
Normal white light illuminators do not have such accessory wheels.

• Do not attempt to alter tail lengths in the field by cutting or extending. 
This is a factory-fitted item and on-site changes are rarely possible because special tools and very clean environmental conditions are needed for this work.

• A single tail in a harness cannot be replaced in the field. 
If a tail is severely damaged, the entire harness should be sent back to the factory for replacement.

• Do not hang any weight or fittings onto unsupported tails.

• Do not fail to use watertight connectors and any other means of sealing off the entrance opening of the tails, where there is a possibility of condensation or water entering a non-watertight type of light source.

• Where there will be condensation or water entering the system, do not omit using watertight connectors or marine grade stainless steel accessories, including screws.

• Do not install projectors without sufficient surrounding area to breathe.

• Never remove or change color, motion or dimming wheels and motors without checking with the provider.

• Do not stuff projectors into spaces where they can’t breathe.
When heat from the lamp is excessive, the micro switch will automatically turn off the lamp. If necessary, use some flexible clothes-dryer exhaust hose to connect up to the fan vents, sending the heat upwards, away from adjacent light sources.  Another tip is to place the projectors at right angles to each other, so the lamp heat from each is sent in a different direction.

• In wet environments, do not cover operating non-waterproof projectors with plastic or other materials to cause heat to accumulate.

• Do not place light sources behind locked doors, other mechanical/electrical equipment (like plumbing), or permanent displays that can’t be moved easily.  Locate light sources only where they will always be easily accessible.

• DO NOT CHANGE LAMPS WITH BARE HANDS. Use gloves or clean fabric.                                

    OTHER POINTS TO CONSIDER

• Before actual tail installation, get a sample of the ceiling/wall/floor material to select a production method of making openings. 

• Until ready for installation, keep stored projectors free of dust and dirt.  Don’t leave them unprotected on a dirty floor that may be covered with nails, sawdust and other debris.  Store them, labeled. in the crate they came in.

• For submersible projectors, allow an additional 9” to accommodate the incoming harness.  Allow 4” all around the depth and height of the box.  This type unit is fan free.  It will NOT require any ventilation system.

• If a normal light source is used in a waterproof access pit, then a 4” vent would be required.

• Allow a 4” space around normal dry-type projectors to help dissipate heat.

• Never add or substitute filters originally provided within the light source without ensuring that the new ones agree with required criteria.  All changes and/or additions to lamps or filters must be dichroic and must not impede heat dissipation.  Check with supplier before adding to, or altering any equipment.

• If the tails have to be brought through walls, joists, floors, etc., ensure that their path is clear.  Consult with the person in charge of the project about acceptable penetration of the structure.  Do not make any openings that will decrease the structural soundness of the drilled beams or joists.  Fill up spaces in the access holes with fire stop or foam.

• The glass fibres remain supple and can be reused for other applications. The light source is conveniently placed for minimal maintenance of relamping and dusting the boss. The tiny fittings can be unscrewed and replaced for changing purposes.

Please see progress shots of actual installations.