Climbing Wall Lighting Solution.

Wstanton · Mar 7, 2012

I have been asked to install some fluorescent lights in the following custom built enclosures. The 2 images on the left show the potential enclosures, the image on the right shows the cave they will be installed in.

The enclosures are to be made from 18mm ply. with a 6mm acrylic cover over the lamp.
The reason for the odd shape...
These are being installed in a climbing wall, specifically inside an artificial cave, they are to be floor mounted with the idea being that this will create suitable lighting within the cave without interfering with climbing activities.

My only concern is the potential heat build up inside a wooden box, they will be on for 12 hours a day, every day.

Thanks for any advice / comments.
Will.

jase · Mar 7, 2012

look into LED lighting, no
heat

Minaly · Mar 8, 2012

I agree with Jase. Led light is with high efficient luminous and lower heat. and long lifespan. you can search its advantages on the internet

Richard Burns · Mar 8, 2012

Look at the manufacturers instructions for the separation required from adjacent materials as you may find you are too close to the woodwork.
Are you able to put ventilation holes in the boxes?

ian.settle1 · Mar 8, 2012

Tell them to either wear head torches or have low background lighting to simulate the real thing as this is what they would be using in the real cave, it's no good having bright lights to practice by when it will be dark when doing the real thing.

Wstanton · Mar 8, 2012

Yea, I'll check out the manufacturers guidelines with respect to proximity of combustibles.

Hey Ian. I didn't make it totally clear, it's not for caving, it's a horizontal roof / cave for climbing... from what I understand.

J&M Electrical · Mar 8, 2012

I would go with LED's aswell. As the other guys have said there will be minimum heat and probably last 5 times longer than fluorescent lamps.

Richard Burns · Mar 9, 2012

Alternatively use enclosed waterproof fittings with polycarbonate diffusers, and don't use the boxes, they should stand up to reasonable abuse, though not a climber falling on to them!