Explore Our Collection of LightEFX Fiber Optic Illuminators

Illuminators are the light sources that generate the light needed to illuminate fiber optic cables. In addition to producing light, they also generate lighting dynamics of color changes, twinkling, dimming, and other animations, such as the shooting star.

The LED illuminator is the preferred fiber optic light source as it requires less maintenance, lasts longer, and has more functionality. Each illuminator LightEFX produces is for a particular lighting application. For example, a low 5-watt illuminator is often used for starlight effects, while the 150-watt illuminator is for side-emitting fiber cables or wall fixtures in pools.

Technology

A fiber optic illuminator consists of a light source, typically LED, instead of the old metal halide and halogen lamps. The LED light source offers a much longer life span of 30,000 hours compared to 6,000 hours for its predecessors. LightEFX provides LED illuminators to replace old and non-working units that you may have existing in your home, pool, or commercial lighting feature, like a chandelier. If you require a replacement or upgrade, please contact us here.

The most effective performance of an illuminator occurs when the light source's focal point entering the fiber cable is at maximum, and the light source's power is at its most efficient. The specific design and careful calibration between LEDs and lenses will provide optimal light output and efficiency. Therefore, increasing the LED wattage is not the best approach to increasing light when the light's focal point is not optimal.

LightEFX has developed a DMX to RS232 converter for its illuminators as lighting control apps have become increasingly popular. This converter allows communication between home automation systems and LightEFX illuminators. Some of these brands include Control4, Savant, and Push Controls, among others that use the RS232 protocol. In addition, the configuration of dedicated home and commercial automation systems, such as Cbus or Dynalite, is integrated via a DMX gateway.

Applications

The LightEFX illuminators are available for both indoor and outdoor use. They both have the same characteristics, such as changing colors, dimming, etc. However, the IP43 version comes with a stainless steel case. The illuminator is typically stored in the pool pump room when adding a perimeter strip light for a swimming pool. If this is not possible, the IP43 illuminator can be installed outdoors.

Accessibility to lamps for replacements is another matter where illuminators can help with ongoing maintenance issues associated with conventional forms of lighting. For example, using illuminators placed in a convenient location and fiber cables to carry the light to the desired location resolves issues associated with lamp replacements in high ceilings and other areas where access is limited or restricted.

For this purpose, it simplifies maintenance as there will be no need for platform ladders and cherry pickers to replace individual bulbs on ceilings, chandeliers, or LED strips in cove lighting. This optic lighting system also applies to path lighting, where the individual fittings do not contain any lamps or globes, the illuminator supplies all the lighting.