21.
How easy are the Optic Lighting fibre optic kits
to fit? Do I need a builder or electrician to
install the kits for me?
Optic Lighting Ltd designed the
kits with the DIY enthusiast in mind and ease
of installation was of paramount importance. In
addition, as there is no electricity in the cables,
there is no need for any electrical skills. A
simple household socket allows you to plug the
system in and away you go!
22. What do I need to install
a kit?
Household tools such as a screwdriver,
drill, snips and a Stanley knife.
23. Our house is already built
and decorated, can we still install a fibre optic
lighting kit?
For most installations, no major
building work is required, even Starceilings can
be installed into finished ceilings, provided
there is access above. Infloor, however, may require
under-floor access to route the cables.
24. Do I have to use all the fibres?
What do I do with any fibres I don’t use?
No, you don’t have to use
all the fibres or fittings. The system is designed
to be as flexible as possible for the end user
and thus allows you to use just 1 fibre cable
if you wish. It is always a good idea to keep
the spare fibre cable in case you wish to add
more at a later date.
25. Where do the light sources
go? Can I install them anywhere?
The lightsource can be located anywhere
provided it has sufficient ventilation (see Question
26 below) and is protected by its weather-proof
shield in all external applications. Remember,
clever positioning of the lightsource may reduce
the lengths of fibre optic cable you may require.
26. How much ventilation do they
need?
The lightsource needs to have a
clear flow of air around it to allow it to cool
sufficiently. A 5-10 cm gap should be kept around
the lightsource at all times.
27. How close can roof insulation
be put?
It’s never a good idea to
mount any electrical equipment on loft insulation.
The lightsource can be mounted on flammable materials
such as wood etc so in the case of a loft, a wooden
base could be used as a base or, mount the lightsource
onto a vertical wall.
28. Is it possible to change the
beam angle of the fitting?
Yes, the beam angle of the light
can be changed easily by pushing or pulling the
fibre in or out of the fitting. This focuses the
light from a broad to a pencil beam (not applicable
to Infloor). Please refer to the ‘More Info’
sections on our Product pages for more information.
29. How long will it take to fit
a Starceiling?
The Starceiling kit will take approximately
4 hours to install, providing all 225 points of
light are used.
30. Do I paint the ceiling before
or after I install Starceiling?
The fibres can be installed into
a finished ceiling although, if you would prefer
to drill the holes in the ceiling and then paint
it, this is fine. The fibres need to be pushed
through the drilled holes, leaving about 5cm hanging
down whilst the ceiling is painted. Once this
has been completed and the paint is dry, the fibres
may be trimmed back to about 2.5cm and the caps
refixed before the fibre is pushed back into the
ceiling to sit flush.
31. Can the lightsource and colour
wheel be switched to light switches?
Yes, of course, but we recommend
that any electrical wiring that is required, be
carried out by a qualified electrician.
