A bit stumped on how to light this clock tower?

HappyHippyDad · Jun 6, 2016

I have been asked to 'gently' light the 2 faces of an outside clock that will look very similar to this picture:

[ElectriciansForums.net] A bit stumped on how to light this clock tower?

The 2 faces to the clock will be 180 degrees, i.e front and back.

They would like it to switch on at night by itself so it will need a photocell somewhere.

The most important thing is for it not to be too brightly illuminated, it just needs to 'gently' light up the clock face. I have already asked why not buy one that has a light built in and the answer is 'too expensive'.

My only thought at present is a 'stick on' IP65 striplight stuck just underneath on a slightly jutting out piece of wood below the clock faces?

Any other clever suggestions?

ImpededLoop · Jun 6, 2016

Luminous paint?

Or LED strip?

Sent from my HTC One M8s using Tapatalk

Adam W · Jun 6, 2016

Narrow angle GU10 LEDs in the corners.

Marvo · Jun 6, 2016

You get an IP65 flexible LED strip light that is directional, ie it shines out sideways instead of straight out like usual. Not sure of a UK supplier though....

The one in the photo is just a random image I pulled from google so you could see the LED's pointing sideways, it also comes in white.

stevethesparks · Jun 6, 2016

A light just under the top cowling may be less obtrusive.
Thought about the led strips?

davesparks · Jun 6, 2016

Either a backlit clock face or two small narrow beam spotlight fittings on the corners of the roof pointing up at the clock face with a decent bit of diffusion/frost to soften the beam

telectrix · Jun 7, 2016

and some strategically placed mirrors so they can see the time without getting up off their arses.

YoungBart · Jun 7, 2016

You could try some Warm white IP65 LED strip, Aurora and Collingwood have quite a good range of profiles that might be handy. We recently used a similar system to highlight a 'feature window' on a project. The architect despite our advice wanted super bright cool white strip, It looks awful. So go for the lower light outputs if you can.
Collingwood also do some adjustable surface spotlights suitable for oudoor use, That you may be able to mount on the underside of the roof above the clock face (although I cant enlarge the photo, so that might not be possible) You could also suggest highlighting the wooden pillars at the front of the building using adjustable spots or an up/downlighter...

hightower · Jun 7, 2016

Hope you update this thread with the finished article HHD, be very interested to see how it looks.

bigspark17 · Jun 7, 2016

Hi did a clocktower couple years back, but the one we did was a translucent clock face with 4 faces NESW, we illuminated it from behind with fluorescents on a purpose built frame, on a timer and photocell setup. As for your case maybe a uplighter from underneath would be the way to do it concerntrating the light on the face alone and keeping light polution down.

Lucien Nunes · Jun 7, 2016

The clock face is convex and has a rim around it, so if you want to light it from a flat angle it will have to be from all sides otherwise part of it will be in shadow. It will also be difficult to get even brightness. I favour Davesparks' suggestion of narrow beam spots from the corners, there are handy bargeboards to attach them to. Not sure how well this will cover the top of the face but the rest of it should be fairly even.

Edit: Just realised from the OP that the picture shown is not the actual clock in question, but the principles still apply.

bigspark17 · Jun 7, 2016

Cant see a selfadhesive strip being fit for purpose, not enough light or suitable for the enviroment imo.

Black LED Sign Light 240V 10W (=100W) 4000K Cool White | Mr Resistor Lighting

Bobster · Jun 7, 2016

Darkwood · Jun 7, 2016

Some buggers pinched the bat silhouette :shocked3:

Bobster · Jun 7, 2016

darkwood said:
Some buggers pinched the bat silhouette :shocked3:

It'd only make the clock face harder to read :rofl::rofl:

A bit stumped on how to light this clock tower?

HappyHippyDad

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ImpededLoop

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Adam W

Marvo

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stevethesparks

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davesparks

telectrix

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YoungBart

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hightower

bigspark17

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Lucien Nunes

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bigspark17

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Bobster

Darkwood

Bobster

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