Replies

1. 
   Stray | Jan 30, 2003 08:10pm | #1

   Not sure, just asking if this would pose a safety concern.  I know you said "protected alcove" but what about a person, maybe even a toddler, steping on the bulb?  In bare feet?  getting cut?  getting electricuted?

   Also leaves housing exposed to catch lint/dustbunnies as a fire hazard?

   Dunno...

   You could pick a fixture and then ask the mfr. for their take on it to (Could possibly void their UL listing (Mounted upside down and in a walking space).

   Maybe a wall sconce, mounted close to the floor would provide the same effect?

1. 
   JcDavis2 | Jan 30, 2003 08:20pm | #2

   Stray, thanks for your comments. I agree with all of your assessments. But let me also counterpoint that what I'm using today is a bunch of "up-lights" that plug in and simply rest on the floor - so as far as dust bunnies, tripping hazard, etc I would think all of that still applies.

   Let me explain my ulterior motive here though: I have automated my home so all of my lighting is on computer-controlled circuits. Currently, each of these plug-in "up-lights" requires it's own module (where it plugs in). So it's more difficult to control this way and also a bit more cluttered. My thought was to run a circuit just like I would for recessed lighting - all lights on one circuit, controlled by a wall switch, so control is easier, plus I don't have a dozen or more cords being plugged in (and the associated control modules).

   I'm having new carpeting installed in a couple weeks, so if I'm gonna do it, it seems now is the best time where I'll have subfloor access, etc.

   Crazy?

   Thanks!

   Jcd

2. 
   JohnSprung | Jan 30, 2003 10:13pm | #3

   Heat and protecting the bulb from falling objects would be the big concerns.  About 30 years ago I had a fixture that would be perfect for what you want, I think it was some sort of aircraft or airport runway thing.  It had a nice flat surface with thick glass over the bulb.  Google around for aircraft, marine, and underwater fixtures.  And ask your inspector first.

   A less expensive and more conventional approach would be to put new receptacles in the corners where you want the up lights, and wire them into your control system as you would the floor fixtures.  Having the bulbs just a few inches above the floor as you do now greatly reduces the problem of them getting covered over by dust bunnies. 

   If you sell the house, the oddball uplight thing could be a negative factor, but the extra plugs will look normal to buyers.

   -- J.S.

1. 
   JcDavis2 | Jan 30, 2003 10:46pm | #4

   Yup - good points all around. Thanks guys!

   Jcd

3. 
   Bruce | Jan 30, 2003 10:54pm | #5

   I don't have a source for you, but fixtures made to mount in the floor exist.  They have a glass lens thick enough to be walked on.  Probably have to check with someone familiar with commercial lighting to source them.  

1. 
   gdcarpenter | Jan 30, 2003 11:50pm | #6

   Could be you could use lights designed for exterior use.  I have seen lights designed for being placed into walkpaths and driveways and decks, designed to be trodden upon, course can't remember where I saw them.

1. 
   archyII | Jan 31, 2003 04:00am | #7

   Those are landscape lights, they are very expensive and they get very hot. The real concern is the the heat from the lamps.  The face of the fixture gets hot and you would not want to walk on it with bare feet.  If there are kids in the house they will get burned by the lights. 

1. 
   UncleDunc | Jan 31, 2003 07:02am | #8

   >> If there are kids in the house they will get burned by the lights.

   Once.