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I’m building a fence and want to place small low-voltage lights in the caps above the posts. The idea is to shine light down on the posts (painted white) and cast some light on the ground/sidewalk for safety and looks. A smaller light (in the film business it’d be called a “nook” light) is better, so I can give the caps a smaller profile. Any links, suggestions or comments would be welcome.
Thanks,
Michael
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Michael, FHB had a cover article on the subject several years ago. No clue as to the date,but I think the kind of thing you're looking for was covered. Maybe someone else can point you towards the back issue you want. Joe H
*Michael,I have lots of sources for exterior lighting, but the fixtures are unreasonably expensive ($40 and up)for what you get. It's so simple to get a rated transformer and string UF wire and low voltage bulbs. Add up the bulb wattage, add 10%. Add in your voltage loss from the wire gauge and length. You could even fuse the system once you know your demand and capacity.All of this really depends on how much time you have as opposed to money. I've made reflectors/shades out of tuna fish cans, plastic goat cheese containers, driftwood, milk boxes, paper bags...then again, this is just for me, not rich clients. I'm just lighting my way. The products available commercially really don't show a whole lot of imagination, but do offer consistency and predictability...like McDonalds.Figure out how much light you want. (Peripheral auto lamps are 1/2 watt to 3 watts each, (plenty for your application). Boat and trailer sockets are good since they have a ground wire. Auto sockets rely on a ground though the body of the socket. Buy a tranformer/timer with a photo sensor with the system capacity you need. Then play.David
*What does "Plastic Goat Cheese" taste like? And, is the "Goat" plastic, or the "Cheese" . Thanks in advance, I really learn alot from you guys. Jeff
*Jeff, its guys like you that keep me from leaving this place and getting some real work done.when I bust, I'm hittin' you up for work
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I'm building a fence and want to place small low-voltage lights in the caps above the posts. The idea is to shine light down on the posts (painted white) and cast some light on the ground/sidewalk for safety and looks. A smaller light (in the film business it'd be called a "nook" light) is better, so I can give the caps a smaller profile. Any links, suggestions or comments would be welcome.
Thanks,
Michael