Driveway Lighting

[richo106]

Hi All

 

As you can probably tell from my previous post I am now in full planning mode for my new driveway

 

I have attached a picture of driveway we (the mrs) would love, I am electrician by trade so something i can be hands on with. We are having block paving very similar to the ones pictured (Plaspave sorrento 60mm thick)

 

However I could really do with some advice/input on how to actually achieve this, in terms of block paving edging layout?

 

Would you lay the LED strip on the underside or horizontally under the lip and what would be the best to fix it? As access looks like it could be tricky!

 

I don't want the edging to be too high due to my levels and also so cars don't hit it if they pull over it etc..

 

Anything to help me on this would be amazing, many thanks

[Alan Ambrose]

I think you're mostly on your own here. Suggest these are the options:

 

+ find someone who's done it before and ask them to do it for you.

+ find an off-the-shelf product / solution.

+ design it yourself - well you can sort out the electrics, which leaves the matter of the physical design of the edging.

 

Here's some leads:

 

Google Search

 

Looks like your example is from a Kenyan company - maybe you can ask them to design it for you?

 

Outdoor & Landscape Design in Kenya | Affordable & Professional Outdoor & Landscape Design Services - Prestige Bluestar | Luxury Interior Design & Renovation Experts in Nairobi, Kenya

 

My guess is that it's not hugely maintainable, but LED strips are fairly reliable, no? 

[Mike]

Try searching for drive-over LED lighting channel?

[SBMS]

Build up kerb… angle grind channel in… slimline IP led cob in the channel? 24v feed from backside every 10m?

[-rick-]

Just now, SBMS said:

Build up kerb… angle grind channel in… slimline IP led cob in the channel? 24v feed from backside every 10m?

 

I'd guess, though put the cob in a led channel and put a cover on it - thoroughly water proof all the connections). Easier would be to build up the kerb from mutliple layers to avoid the angle grinding. Either way has difficulties (especially for something that needs to last/be maintainable/look neat and professional). In theory it sounds fairly doable but in practice I suspect tricky.

 

Upward facing channels are more common and I'd guess you'd be able to find easier solutions.

[SBMS]

Just now, -rick- said:

 

I'd guess, though put the cob in a led channel and put a cover on it - thoroughly water proof all the connections). Easier would be to build up the kerb from mutliple layers to avoid the angle grinding. Either way has difficulties (especially for something that needs to last/be maintainable/look neat and professional). In theory it sounds fairly doable but in practice I suspect tricky.

 

Upward facing channels are more common and I'd guess you'd be able to find easier solutions.

Yes - a waterproof channel is a given. Think it’d be tricky to build up layers as the OP looks like they only want a kerb one set high. If  it was two you could slightly cantilever the top one over by say 10mm and run the strip under that to protect it? If you just wanted one channel in side of the kerb with a 10mm rebate for a 10mm aluminium channel you could run a wall chaser through each kerb set before installing?

[gaz_moose]

^{could you use an ACO slot drain and run the lights in that?}

[-rick-]

3 minutes ago, SBMS said:

Yes - a waterproof channel is a given. Think it’d be tricky to build up layers as the OP looks like they only want a kerb one set high. If  it was two you could slightly cantilever the top one over by say 10mm and run the strip under that to protect it? If you just wanted one channel in side of the kerb with a 10mm rebate for a 10mm aluminium channel you could run a wall chaser through each kerb set before installing?

 

It all depends on the depth of the kerb which is easier. I suspect using a wall chaser would cause a decent amount of chip out and wouldn't necessarily look great as a finished product. Agree that stacking layers has it's own challenges. Either way need the kerb to stand up to being driven over by something heavy. I also think that to get the look as shown in the photos you prob need to rebate more than 10mm. (If you want a glow but not to see the source)

 

Hmm, stepping back, the I think we are both thinking of traditional LED (or COB) strips, but maybe one alternative idea to avoid what I expect would be a maintenance nightmare (water will find a way to ruin your day) is to build it in such a way as you can easily shove a rope light in a slot and easily replace it when required. All you need to do is make the slot then. Might not look quite as good than properly done COB strips in channel but a lot less fiddling.

 

https://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/product/15090