Drive Lights

[fattony]

I'm having a new drive in a couple of weeks and I'm half thinking maybe I should put some lights into the drive but can't decide what and looking for suggestions, I could fit some walk over lights around the edge but I'm not sure how far apart these should be, I dont want to illuminate the sky just a nice soft light over the drive.

The drive itself will be tarmac which will be sloped towards the house with drainage between house and drive, do you have any suggestions?

 

[ajelec10]

Would be interested to know how other sparks would wire these type of lights into a drive/block paving I done it a few times but am looking for fresh ideas the best way to do it?

 

[fattony]

galv tube under the drive / path as its rewirable, other then that swa buried with a conduit box where you want the lights?

I havent actually done drive lights before and think it will be a nice touch but want it to be right

 

[ajelec10]

Galv conduit would corrode after time as when you cut/thread it this exposes the steel and cold galv paint just isn't up to it? Still issue with SWA and corrosion buried in ground? And very hard to terminate at all points

How big is the drive? Is it just a couple of parking spaces or a mini road?

What type of lights are you planning? 240v led?

 

[fattony]

I believe its 45 square m, yes 240v LED, maybe running down 1 side nearest the house, just not sure on spacings etc

 

[ajelec10]

The spacing will really depend on the type of lights, there are lots on market. You can get directional ones that it fitted flush will shine accross the drive, most LEDs are elv, 12v dc wired in parallel, you would need to check volt drop but with LEDs they don't draw much current, what I've done before is locate the 240/12v driver internally use high impact PVC conduit with tee boxes a stub out of tee with compression glad, wire 2.5mm flex through conduit, connect flex of led light in tee box solder and heat shrink conductors then bung up conduit with silicone then pour in magic gel to incapsulate connections. This would be installed the the grit of the block paving.

 

[fattony]

I was just thinking PVC conduit what about copex, either metal with plastic coating or plastic?

Flush directional lights I like the sound of, any particular make so I can see online?

 

[ajelec10]

I think steer clear of any metal really as it will corrode unless its 316 stainless but you won't want to buy anything made of that! Lol, I think colinwood do some great products they are how ever a little pricy. Good luck!