1. What is the difference between fibre optic lighting and conventional lighting?

Becuase one fibre optic lightsource (1 lamp) can feed up to 7 fittings in our kits, fibre optic lighting tends to be much more economical to run and involves lower maintenance costs than conventional lighting. Also, unlike conventional lighting, no heat is given off by the end fittings and changing colour options are an integral part of the system.

2. How much does a fibre optic system cost to run? Is it more expensive than conventional lighting?

Fibre optics are very economical to run as there is only 1 lamp feeding up to 7 fittings.

3. Are fibre optics like LEDs?

Not really, LEDs still contain electricity (although at a low voltage) and the units still produce heat. The colour changing effects tend to be quicker and more robotic than the slow, subtle colour changing effects of fibre optics. The LED technology is still in its infancy with regard to achieving ‘pure colours’.

4. Are fibre optics safe?

Yes, the fibre optic cable carries only light – no electricity, so the fittings themselves have no electricity or heat running through them, eliminating any danger of burning or electrocution.

5. What maintenance does the system require?

The only maintenance required is the changing of the lamp inside the lightsource should it blow. There are no components or lamps inside the fittings themselves so, once installed, they never need to be touched again.

6. How do I change a lamp?

You change the lamp by simply removing the four screws that hold the lid in place. The lamp can then be changed as easily as a normal light fitting. For more information, please refer to the instructions that are supplied with the kits.

7. Are the fibre optics safe outside?

Yes, the fibre optic cable and fittings can all be located underwater without a problem (due to the lack of electricity in the system). Optic Lighting’s kits come complete with a weather-proof shield to allow the lightsource to be mounted externally, but the lightsource, cannot be mounted underwater.

8. Can you touch the fittings when they are wet or when they have been rained on?

Yes, an absence of electricity in the fibre cable means the fittings are very safe to touch, even underwater.

9. Are the cable and fittings safe for children and pets?

Thanks to the aforementioned lack of electricity and heat in the cable and fittings, they are totally safe for both children and pets to touch or walkover.

10. Can I use fibre optic lighting to light my entire house?

No, fibre optic lighting is best used to complement existing lighting schemes in a house or to highlight certain areas as feature lighting.

11. What if I wish to move the system afterwards?

You can move the system to a different location, although once the black fibre cable has been cut, it cannot be put back together again so you will be limited to the lengths that were cut originally.