Able to transform a gloomy dark attic into a well-lit room. The use of roof windows is an excellent solution to reduce the cost of electric lighting in the attic. However, there are rooms in the house where it is impossible to install any windows. In this case, the problem is solved by tubular light guides.

Tubular light guide system was invented in Australia in 1991. It consists of three parts: a transparent dome-concentrator of sunlight, an optical fiber, and a diffuser. Sunlight passes through a transparent, impact-resistant polycarbonate dome mounted on the roof of the building, and is directed into the room through a light guide tube. A ceiling-mounted diffuser illuminates the room with a surprisingly soft diffused natural light... Daylight has been proven to have a positive effect on human health and increase productivity.

The dome is a concentrator of light and allows you to collect light even in the case of a low position of the sun in the morning or evening hours. Light guides, the length of which is from 1.5 to 3 m, are installed in the gaps of roof structures and ceiling beams. Two types of optical fibers have been developed: a flexible optical fiber and a rigid tube with a reflectivity of up to 98%. Through a diffuse diffuser, natural light is directed to problem areas: entrance hall, bathroom, kitchen, cupboards. System Solatube traps up to 99% of UV radiation, which adversely affects human health.

The manufacturer recommends the use of flexible light guides up to 3 m long, and rigid light guides up to 6 m. However, you should be aware that with an increase in the length of the tube, the light transmittance decreases, regardless of the materials used.

Diffuser with a diameter of 25 cm, installed in a room of 14 m2, provides illumination equivalent to three 100-watt incandescent lamps, model with a diameter of 36 cm can provide sufficient lighting for a room twice the size. The diffuser looks like a regular ceiling light.

Models with a remote control allow you to change the lighting conditions, for example, in rooms such as a bedroom. There are systems that are additionally equipped with an electric lamp that turns on at night.

Some models are equipped with a fan installed in the branch of the light guide.

System efficiency Solatube depends on the time of year, time of day, diameter and length of the light guide, and the orientation of the location of the dome-concentrator on the roof.

The system can be easily installed in just 2 hours on any roof. The cost of installing one svodovod is about 15 thousand rubles.

10. The roofing element is carefully, without gaps, glued to the surrounding beams and rafters.

11. Before installing the first corner piece of the light pipe, remove the inner protective film

12. Then screw in the corner piece. Green sealing tape reinforces vapor barrier

13. The missing thermal insulation is carefully placed around the tube of the light tunnel.

14. Other parts of the pipe are made of sheet aluminum. They unfold it, fasten it and ...

15.… fasten with screws. This is how pipes with a slight conical expansion are formed ...

16. ... allowing them to be inserted into each other. The tightly glued corner piece sets the correct direction for the light tunnel.

17. The second part of the tube of the light tunnel is first connected to the first temporarily in order to adjust the length, and at the same time to accurately outline ...

18. ... hole in the ceiling lined with chipboard construction boards

19. Having accurately marked the hole in the floor, carefully cut it out with the help of

20. View from the bathroom through a hole in the wooden floor to the section of the pipe through which sunlight enters

21. The last piece of pipe with a ceiling plug fixed on it is introduced from the side of the bathroom ...

22. ... and fastened with screws to the wooden ceiling sheathing. The outer end of the pipe segment looks from the attic side ...

23.… in this way. In this case, the cable is intended for electric lighting

24. Frosted glass is used as the finishing part of the light tunnel.

25. To complete the structure, it remains to insert the last piece of pipe

26. Pipe joints are glued to prevent light leakage

27. Finally, shingles are laid around the frame again.

Read 28. From the outside, the finished structure of the light tunnel resembles a small

29. The pipe passing in the center of the pantry, if desired, can be decorated

To help the master:

Hole center
After a place has been found for a new roofing element and a cutout in the roof is made, a nail is hammered into the skating sheathing (here it is a profiled board) from the outside, which will protrude from the side of the room, denoting the center of the future hole.

Rainwater drainage
To drain rainwater, a rail is built in with a slight lateral slope over the structure of the light tunnel in such a way that it is cut across at this point and glued to the rail.

Two in one: combined lighting

In the space equipped with a light tunnel, artificial lighting will also have to be used at night. For this, a light tunnel and an electric lamp can be combined into one structure using a special lighting kit with a tripod and an E-27 socket, suitable for both conventional and energy-saving lamps.

1. The tripod on four legs is neatly mounted to the ceiling element.
2. The electric cable is pulled through holes pre-drilled in the pipe wall.
3. The base of the tripod is glued with reflective tape, masking the joints.
4. In the daytime, a lamp is screwed into the cartridge so that it is light in the bathroom at night.

Photo by Tom Filippi.

Deluxe Erase World Travel Map Scratch Off World Map Travel ...

What made by hand costs about $ 200 and looks much better! In addition, the chandelier is controlled by a remote control and can be successfully used for informational notification.

Note : Sometimes the photos do not exactly match what is described in the step.

Step 1: Equipment and tools

• Black plexiglass sheets with dimensions 50 * 50cm and thick 4-6 mm.
• 200 glass beads diameter 1.7cm;

• 3 watts RGB LEDs with remote control;
• Plastic container;

• Heat shrink tubing;
• IR receiver;
• Epoxy adhesive;

• Chain;
• Transition pipe;
• 120 m fiber optic cable;

• Wires;
• Adhesive tape;
• Black paint;

• Screws;
• Three-pin electrical plug / socket;
• Lamp base.

Instruments:

• Grinding disc;
• Drill and drill;
• Hot glue gun;
• Engraver with attachment;
• Saw;
• Jigsaw;
• Varnish and paint brushes;
• Hacksaw;
• Plane;
• Compass;
• Vice;
• Plasticine;

Step 2: Wood Base Top - Part 1

Using a compass, draw a circle with a radius 225 mm... Then, using a hacksaw, cut it out.

Grind the edges of the circle with a disc grinder.

To complete the decoration, paint the top side black (three coats).

Electronics :

Cut a hole large enough to accommodate the 3-pin socket.

Then we will fix it with self-tapping screws.

Place the plastic box on the wooden circle. We drill holes for four short 7 mm screws.

We connect the wires from the power supply to the lamp base.

The photo does not take into account the fact that the lamp of the luminaire is in a plastic box. Since these photos were taken after the project was finished.

Step 3: Wood Base Top - Part 2

Take a chain and cut it into three sections, each of which is 25 cm.

In the wooden base, we will drill three holes in 20 cm from the center. These holes, if properly drilled, will form an equilateral triangle.

Insert the eyelet pin (with a washer on the top and bottom) into the drilled hole and tighten with a nut.

Place the ends of the chains in each loop.

Install the opposite ends into carabiners.

The suspension mechanism is ready.

The pillars will support the plexiglass plates.

Use a plane and sandpaper to smooth the surface of the block.

We apply varnish to the supporting parts to further protect them from moisture.

Let's make marks on the bar every 7 cm(a total of 42 cm), and then cut the workpiece into 6 parts.

Now we will place six hexagon-shaped blocks along the lines on the plexiglass plates between the 3rd and 4th rings.

The last photo is the only picture that shows exactly how all the supports should look at the end of all the operations performed.

Step 4: Plexiglass plate - part 1

Draw a circle with a compass with a radius 225 mm.

Use a jigsaw to cut the wheel and a sander to clean the edges.

Now you need to divide the workpiece into five rings. They will split the chandelier, creating tiered transitions.

Workpiece marking:

• Draw the first circle with a diameter 205 mm, slightly scratching the circle, then draw the outline with a pencil;
• Second circle - radius 160 mm;
• Third circle - radius 115 mm;
• Fourth circle - radius 70 mm;
• Fifth circle - diameter 50 mm.

The width between the markings on the circles is 20 mm.

Step 5: Plexiglass plate - part 2

The circumference of the fifth ring = diameter (5 cm) x π = 15.7 cm. (Round the number to avoid any mistake when working with tools).

Diameter of each glass bead 1.7 cm... Therefore: 15.0 / 1.7 = 8 pcs... The ring used 7 balls to create a small gap between each element.

Repeat this procedure for each ring, making sure to leave the required gap between the balls.

Now is the time to make marks on the rings where the balls will be located.

To do this (the fifth ring is considered as an example), take 7 glass balls, plasticine and attach the balls to the workpiece. After that we outline their outline with a pencil.

Make sure the pencil is perpendicular to the base. After that, mark the centers of the future holes.

We repeat this procedure for the other four rings.

After all the places have been marked with a drill 0.5 mm drill a hole.

Step 6: light box

The light source and receiver are inside the box.

Let's mark the center at the end of the plastic box. Let's drill a hole of the same cross-section as the base diameter. Place the pipe adapter on the opposite end of the box.

Now we will install the IR sensor on the pre-existing terminal. (Sorry no photo).

Let's cut three wires with a length of 20 cm each.

Let's strip the ends of the wires.

Connect one wire to the lead to the existing IR sensor

Cover the connection with a heat shrink tube and then wire it with wire (no soldering required).

Attach the appropriate wires to the IR sensor and apply heat shrink tubing.

Place the lamp in the light box and close it. Now we can screw the light box onto the wood base using the screws and pilot holes we made earlier.

Step 7: mount the balls

In this step, we will use a ball engraver.

Let's make a jig that will hold the balls (two clamps are attached to the wood). The whole structure is very stable and also allows you to work freely with the tools.

We will repeat the procedure 180 times !!! Yes, I know this will take the longest, but be patient even when some of them break ...

Step 8: cut the fiber

Exists 5 levels fiber optic.

Using a centimeter and scissors, cut the fiber according to the table:

• 7x - 75 cm of thread + 10 cm = 85cm each;
• 21x - 60cm thread + 15cm = 75cm;
• 35x - 45cm thread + 20cm = 65cm;
• 50x - 30cm threads + 25cm = 55cm;
• 64x - 15cm threads + 30cm = 45cm.

WARNING !: This is the length of each fiber including the ball. In order for each layer to connect to the light box, you must add extra length to the fiber to mount its system.

Step 9: install the threads

Let's collect the bundles. For example, 7x 85cm or 50x 55cm we will use heat shrink tubing to keep them together. Let's repeat these steps for all other groups.

Take 7x 85cm strands and thread each strand through the hole in the inner ring of the bottom plate.

You must pull all the threads through one hole! This will allow for much better light transmission and mounting of the threads in a closed case.

To make a uniform end cut, heat the trowel with a blowtorch until it is hot enough to melt the fibers.

Step 10: install the balls

For fixing, you need to use epoxy, not super glue.

Place the fibers in the hole and press down with tape to make a small cradle for the ball. The cradle should "hug" the ball and take on the weight of the glass, thus allowing the glue to dry. I recommend wrapping with a second layer of tape to avoid the chance of losing stiffness.

The final effect is that you cannot see the glue, the fiber magically touches the glass when viewed from the bottom and from the side.

Step 11: basic decorations

Plexiglass pieces long 303 mm, divide into 3 parts and cut with a band saw, their width is 30 mm.

Divide the squares into 3 equal parts

Use a saw to cut these rectangles

Remove the plexiglass paper

We attach the plates with super glue to a wooden base, use a square for accurate alignment.

Let's repeat this procedure for all 47 pieces.

Step 12: end result

This is how unusual it turned out craft —

It is very difficult to design and arrange lighting in a steam room. After all, high humidity, an abundance of steam and high temperatures are not entirely favorable for the use of electricity. Despite this, fiber-optic illumination has become more and more popular. Its use is relevant not only for a bath, an optical harness is used even in an apartment and a house. This is due to the fact that such light is much more economical and safer than standard light sources, moreover, it allows you to make decorative illumination of a room. In this article, we will tell you how to make fiber optic lighting with your own hands, providing a system connection diagram, as well as installation instructions.

What does the system consist of?

As a rule, such systems are sold in a set, which already includes everything you need. But in addition to the main components, you can add additional elements that will help create an individual interior. This is, for example, special illumination using LED strip or special lenses or crystals.

Fiber optic lighting includes the following components:

• Projector. From the entire system, only he is connected to electricity. The amount of light emitted depends on what power the device is.
• Fibers. Thanks to these elements, you can also regulate the amount of light that is emitted and distribute it around the entire perimeter of the bath at your discretion. When choosing a harness, it is better to give preference to a glass model, since it can withstand temperature changes more. There are two types of harnesses: side glow (creating light patterns using weaves of fibers) and end glow (creating a starry sky).
• Lenses and lamps. Fiber-optic lighting with the help of such elements acquires a directional glow. After all, it is precisely such lenses and crystals that regulate the diffusion and direction of the light flux.

When choosing a complete set of an optical fiber system, you should pay attention not only to the length and number of fibers, but also to which lamp is used. Halogen and discharge lamps require cooling, and since some cooling systems have noisy fans, this can ruin your holiday.

Side Glow Method

Such lighting can be made by hand, since it does not require complex electronic circuitry. Installation is simple: just place the projector outside the sauna. This is done as follows:

1. A projector is installed in the room in front of the bathhouse. The place where it is mounted must be next to the steam room (have a common wall). If the projector is installed in the same room, it should be away from the heat source.
2. If you wish, you can install additional accessories on the device, for example, color wheels.
3. According to the diagram, mark the places where the fiber will be placed.
4. Installing fiber optic lighting.
5. If you wish, you can install color attachments (lenses or crystals). This effect can be connected either automatically or manually.

Important! When installing the fiber, it is necessary to take into account the permissible bending of each fiber. It depends on the diameter. Therefore, the focal length of the products should be more than 85%. All of this is thought through when the system diagram is drawn up.

End Glow Method

It is better to install such light before interior decoration. Beforehand, you should draw up an accurate diagram of the location of point elements.

Installation of fiber optic lighting should be done in the following order:

1. Cut the harnesses to the required length. And in order to find out the length, you should measure the distance from the projector to all points of light.
2. Lay the fibers in place, first secure them with tape.
3. In order to preserve the pattern and fix the bundles vertically, it is necessary to install dowels in certain places to which the fibers are attached with the assistance of the wire. To attach it was convenient, the dowels should protrude three centimeters outward.
4. The surface is sheathed and all unnecessary tape and dowels are removed.
5. Then you need to cut the fiber optic bundle. This is done according to the sheathing level. Next, sand the ends of the bundle with fine-grained sanding paper.
6. The other ends of the fiber are connected to a connector and connected to the projector.

During installation, it is necessary to carefully monitor the bends of the light conductors. Upon completion of installation, optional lenses and crystals can be added to the system.

This fiber optic lighting connection scheme is also suitable for the washing department. Especially if there is a pool there, then such illumination will look very good at its bottom. In a lounge, living room or bedroom, fiber optic luminaires can be combined with standard luminaires. The atmosphere created in this way will help you to relax.

The lack of light in the premises is compensated for in different ways - additional windows, devices, lamps, and the like. Light guides for lighting have become one of the innovative solutions of recent times. Small devices are installed on roofs or walls, accumulating and delivering rays inside.

The history of light guide lighting

The first attempts to create a light guide for indoor lighting were carried out as early as 1874. Russian electrical engineer Vladimir Chikolev made a pipe with a mirror surface inside, with the help of which he conducted lighting into the dangerous production rooms of the gunpowder factory.

The modern method appeared on the market relatively recently. The first daylight transmitting devices appeared in 2005. The devices have gone through several stages of improvement. The final version was presented to consumers in 2011.

The light guide is an enclosed mechanism for the directional transmission of daylight. Another name is optical waveguide. The devices are designed in such a way that they can have any directional curves, while still delivering maximum illumination. Save money on electricity and standard light bulbs.

How the light tunnel works

The principle of operation of the fiber

The devices are mounted through the roof, with a spherical glass on top (the shape is close to the type of a dormer window). The inner surface is mirrored. Thanks to the reflective elements, the light passes through the tube. The length may vary. The main thing is to pass through the ceilings into the room.

Below (from the side of the room) glass with a diffusing effect is installed. Externally, the light tunnel resembles an ordinary lamp. Some models have a built-in light bulb for night-time operation. Installation time and cost remains within reasonable limits. At the same time, the device allows you to save on electricity and appliances.

Side Glow Method

The system is a light-receiving dome with lenses that capture and redirect beams into the light guide

This method does not require complex technical schemes, the installation takes a little time, you can do it yourself without the involvement of professional installers. The difference is the installation of the projector outdoors, the presence of LED fibers.

Heat sources must not be located near the unit. The diffuser is installed from the side walls. This arrangement allows you to illuminate the room so that no additional sources are required during the day. This is true for rooms without windows (dressing rooms, baths, closets, basement). Light guides for LEDs can be made by hand.

End Glow Method

This method allows you to create the effect of the "starry sky". Small devices are installed under the ceiling, like spotlights. Solar fiber optic lighting is natural and smooth. An additional plus is an unusual design.

Tunnels with LED cables pass through the coatings and can be either single or "creeping". The latter require accurate calculations, the cost is higher than standard.

What are light lanterns made of?

The structure of the skylight

Light guides work according to the following principle: light is accumulated in the upper spherical part, then it is fed inward along reflective surfaces. Losses range from 10 to 40% per meter of pipe, up to 40% at bends. The classic version of the light tunnel consists of the following parts:

• dome (round glass, installed from the roof side);
• roofing part;
• reflective tube (directly the light guide);
• diffuser;
• additional parts - corner adapters, lamps for night illumination, etc.

The outer parts of the lanterns are made of durable materials - polycarbonate, plexiglass. No cleaning required - just enough rain. The collection of light waves is most common in cloudy weather, in the evening and in the morning.

Advantages

When used correctly, these lights have a long service life.

Devices are used more and more every year. Additional natural lighting is installed in industrial premises and private houses. You can install the light guide with your own hands at home. Installation takes little time and effort.

Tunnels allow you to save energy - according to the average data, optical fibers allow you to spend up to 60% less. If installed correctly, the light guide lantern will serve for 10 years or more - the manufacturer's warranty is not less than 5 years. The devices are thermally insulated - they do not let heat through in summer, cold in winter (important for living quarters, floriculture and others).

Light tunnels are easy to maintain. There is a possibility of lighting regulation. Additional functions include airing, a classic lamp (depending on the model).

disadvantages

When the fiber is covered with snow, its performance may drop to zero.

With all the obvious advantages, such mechanisms have several disadvantages, which you should familiarize yourself with before installing. A light guide is a device that accumulates natural light. Therefore, a sufficient amount of time is required for normal operation - tunnels are not suitable for use in places with short daylight hours.

Difficulties can also arise in winter. If the dome is covered with snow, performance and light transmission will decrease, sometimes to zero. Therefore, you need to either install another source, or clean the glass in a timely manner.

The initial installation comes at a high cost. Although this disadvantage is temporary - the usual payback period is 2-3 years, and the operating time is more than 10 years.

The use of light guides when lighting a private house

Using a skylight to illuminate a corridor

Country houses are often equipped with independent power supplies and lighting. Light tunnels are suitable for use in different rooms and premises, they save money, so they become more popular every year.

Kitchen lighting

The kitchen is the place where the family gets together and cooks. Some people spend most of their time here. Typically, a ceiling lamp or chandelier becomes the central light source. Such a source cannot be called ideal - there is no uniformity of illumination, flickering artificial light harms the eyes.

Light guides create diffused natural light that is not irritating to the eyes and is more familiar to the eye. You can install one tunnel or several small ones along the ceiling.

Bathroom lighting

Light guide in the bathroom

The main difference between lamps in the bathroom is the safety requirements. High humidity creates conditions in which not every source can be used. The light guides do not use electricity, there are no heating or other elements. Therefore, tunnels are considered the most suitable lighting devices.

The best option is to hold several skylights. Bright lighting is required at the mirror, where many procedures are carried out: applying makeup, shaving, and others.

Room lighting

If there is no window in the room, it is almost impossible to correctly select the lamps. No lamp replaces natural daylight. Light tunnels are the solution. Several lanterns will allow you to sufficiently illuminate the room without overloading your eyes.

Living room lighting

Living room lighting with light guide

This room is considered the most versatile in the house. Good lighting is essential. Shared sources are just as important as local ones. If it is not possible to cut through large windows, you can use light guides. The right wavelength range for eye-catching lighting will help create a cozy atmosphere and save money.

Cost-effectiveness of the implementation of light guides

The main advantage of light tunnels is financial savings due to immediate cost savings and return on investment. This is noticeable in industrial premises. For example, in buildings over 100 sq.m. the average consumption per 1 sq. m is 1500 rubles. After installing the light guides, the amount is reduced to 600-700 rubles. Warehouses, production facilities pay for the installation of the system in 2-3 years (average).

The choice of light sources depends on the type of room, the capabilities and preferences of the owners. Light conductors are an alternative lighting method that suits any room.