How Do Fiber Optics Work?

Read on to find out...

Fiber optic lighting systems are generally made up of three main components. Unlike most fiber optic lighting suppliers, we manufacture each of these component types ourselves, so you can be sure of high quality, British made equipment.

The Illuminator

• The illuminator is where we turn electricity into light which is then fed into the fiber optic harness.
• Illuminator power is expressed in Watts - the higher the wattage, the more powerful the illuminator is and the brighter the light output from it is.
• The illuminator also contains any effects wheels, such as a color or twinkle wheel.
• The illuminator is the only part of a fiber optic system which contains electricity, and therefore must be housed in a dry environment. Weatherproof enclosures are available which allow you to house the illuminator outdoors.

The Fiber Optic Harness

• The harness is the 'fiber' part of a fiber optic lighting kit. It is made up of many strands of optical fiber which are usually wrapped in a flexible black sheathing for protection.
• The harness is used to transport the light from the illuminator to the end fitting. One end of the harness has a 'common end' which is the connector used to plug it into the illuminator. The other end is normally terminated with a number of metal 'ferrules' which are used to connect the end fitting.
• No electricity runs through the harness making it safe to route it through wet or humid areas. It is also safe to touch.
• If the harness is to be routed underground or through concrete walls (for example a pool wall) we recommend that armored conduit be used to protect it.
• Universal Fiber Optic Lighting polish and properly terminate the harness which results in much greater light output. This is one of the reasons that UFO lighting systems are far superior to those from other suppliers.

End Fittings

• The end fitting is where the light that was generated in the illuminator is output after travelling along the harness.
• End fittings come in many shapes and sizes from tiny star ceiling fittings to large stainless steel pavers. Larger fittings, such as pavers and downlights, have screw threads on the back. These are used to connect them to the harness. Small fittings are generally push fitted on the bare fiber strands.
• As with our harnesses, there is no electricity or heat in the end fittings, making them safe to touch or walk on. They can also be installed in wet or humid areas without the normal dangers of mixing water and light.