Fiber Optics in concrete countertops - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

6stringmason · 11-29-2006, 10:32 PM

Im trying to run fiber optics end light cables in concrete countertops. Anyone ever see this done or seen the product? I know I have seen pics, but never in person.

Im wondering if a sleeved cable is the way to go, or should I use exposed cable? Also, how what would your ideas be to get the cable exposed in the surface?

Im thinking (and just thinking here) that I will push the wires through once I have the concrete poured and vibrated. I would have a layer of plastic on the concrete and push them through that as well so they aren't laying on the drying concrete, possible sticking to the concrete after it dried, and maybe ruining the cable.

That, or I would silicone the ends and place them in various places throughout, and suspend the cables from overhead while I pour and vibrate.

Orr..... I would drill tiny holes the thickness of the cable, and place them in with a tiny spot of silicone to hold them in place.

Any thoughts?

747 · 11-30-2006, 07:52 AM

yep i seen that at a home improvement show at the mccormick place sorry i didn't take a good look to see how they did it. They had a kitchen counter top done and a big vanity top for a bathroom done. The bathroom one look awesome. I thought it would be a great night light for a bathroom. They were specializing in the bathroom. The kitchen was more of a optional look. Try search for bathroom vanity tops done in fiber optics.

tgeb · 11-30-2006, 06:24 PM

Check out this link.

http://www.concretenetwork.com/concr...luminating.htm

or this one is real neat.

http://optics.org/articles/news/10/3/10

I think you have a great idea. Maybe you could hang the fibers and vibrate them into the concrete, or vibrate the concrete around the fibers, let it cure then cut them off and finish em down when you polish the surface.

Let us know how you end up doing it.

POOLMANinCT · 11-30-2006, 09:49 PM

hi..

I use a good deal of fiber optics since it is no voltage lighting. What are you trying to do w/ the fibers? Are you using a color wheel? Using an extrusion/track to keep them dead level?
(our application dictates if you are to use a clear mylar cable or black sleeved cable as intensity is desired.

first fiber install? word of advice always cut long at illuminator box. as lamp will dull fibers over time & they need a trimback at illuminator, to restore intensity. 8ant splice them either. avoid ninety & acute angles if possible on exposed applications.

hope it helped. clarify your application, maybe I can offer more advice.
ps pardon run on sentences/punctuation. posting from pda.

ray

6stringmason · 11-30-2006, 10:20 PM

Thx guys.
CSPool, I only plan on having them showing through the surface of the countertop. The plan is a starry night effect. I pour the countertops upside down, let cure for awhile, then flip over and reveal the top. The hope is that I can put the fiber through the concrete pre-cure, and have them show through after I grind and polish.

I have a 6 color illuminator and about 20 feet of jacketed fiber just for testing right now.

POOLMANinCT · 12-01-2006, 03:06 PM

its easy stuff. Fiber is a "pipe" for light.
ive done "starry" pool bottoms.

Im just guessing that it would help if you embedded some type of conduit at light points, pre cure. as fibers can crack and are unslicable.
This way you can easily repull a point. maybe drink stirrers?

i wouldnt want the fibers embedded in my pour.

dab of silicone to hold and keep dirt out.

any specific ?s.

btw i havent hot knifed a fiber in years, ive been BRISKLY snapping w/ pair of dikes.

im going to guess your application uses a "dinky" illuminator/tower compared to the 100 ft + runs i do.

my towers throw alot of heat and eventually dull fiber ends resulteing in diminshed brilliance. always leave enough for cut/trim at at illuminator. my towers get really hot so the need to "breathe", so ventilation is a must.

doing remote control? the older units that use house wiring to control color wheel, wont work w/ a halogen or flouresent on the same circuit. i forget which, its been a while since i have used that style rc.

whos fiber kit are you using?

anyways anymore concerns speak up..
btw
i always wondered what you were squaring w/ 6 strings, then i realized its you Geeetar.

ray in connecticut

**Teetorbilt** · 12-01-2006, 08:37 PM

I assume that your molds are one-offs.

I would drill holes in the base large enough to pass the fibers through and lead the sending ends to a designated spot. Cast as usual. If they float to the top of the mold, a coat of polyester resin should hold them in place prior to 'popping' the mold.

I'd try a little 2X2 as an experiment. It should come out looking like a little, hairy countertop. Clip, grind and polish.

I'm always intrigued with new processes.

POOLMANinCT · 12-01-2006, 11:06 PM

did manufacturer give you a template for the "starry points"?

Dustball · 12-02-2006, 12:21 AM

I wonder if you can use clay as the mold base? If so, pour concrete as you usually do then stick the fiber optic strands in far enough so they embed into the clay bottom. Once cured, remove the top from the mold and cut the strands flush with the surface. Just a thought, no idea if it'll work.

POOLMANinCT · 12-02-2006, 12:23 AM

i wouldnt risk scratching the fibers, scratched fibers are dull fibers

POOLMANinCT · 01-02-2007, 08:45 PM

well whats up? did you sell it, installed? im curious

ray

strongfloors · 02-18-2007, 01:45 PM

I am curious as well. This has started my wheels turning and I would really like to know how it has turned out.

Mr. D · 02-18-2007, 08:57 PM

bitchin counter link