Eight Step Guide to Lighting Counters with Fiber-Optics
- Step 1: Form the counter Set your forms in place and prep the counter as described previously.
- Step 2: Glue cables to glass chunks ...
- Step 3: Set cabled glass at finish height ...
- Step 4: Cast the concrete counter ...
- Step 5: Cure the concrete ...
- Step 6: Grind off excess glass ...
- Step 7: Finish up ...
- Step 8: Seal the counter ...
Full Answer
How do you light up a concrete countertop with fiber optics?
Scott Cohen describes how to add lighting with fiber optics in your countertops for an amazing glow in the evenings. Using a very dry, low slump concrete mixture (with acrylic fortifier), place the cabled chunks of glass on cones of concrete just slightly higher than the counter finish height.
How many fiber optic cables do I need for a countertop?
Use one to two cables for lighter colored or smaller chunks of glass; use two to four cables for darker or larger chunks of glass. Scott Cohen describes how to add lighting with fiber optics in your countertops for an amazing glow in the evenings.
How to run fiber-optic cables through glass?
Run fiber-optic cables up through the bottom of the forms and spread out the ends of the cables at random. Smash the ends of the cables with a hammer or other blunt object to fray and roughen them. This process helps the cables stick to the glass chunks and also diffuses the light at the end of the strand.
How do you put glass on concrete countertops?
Using a very dry, low slump concrete mixture (with acrylic fortifier), place the cabled chunks of glass on cones of concrete just slightly higher than the counter finish height. Repeat the process until all glass chunks are set securely in place. Take care to place the glass at random, unless a more structured, formal pattern is desired.
How do you add fiber optics to concrete?
Thin fiber optic lights create surprising concrete surfaces....Place the plywood mold atop sawhorses for support. ... Place the rebar so it will not distort the pattern. ... Gather individual fibers into bundles according to the illumination plan. ... Pour the concrete, making sure it flows around all fibers to set them in place.More items...
Can you pour concrete over fiber optic cable?
Yes, just over the fiber line in a small area on my property. I also called AT&T and they said it shouldn't be a problem.
How do fiber optic cables get installed?
Fiber optic cable may be installed indoors or outdoors using several different installation processes. Outdoor cable may be direct buried, pulled or blown into conduit or innerduct, or installed aerially between poles.
What are the safety precautions needed during fiber optics installation?
Always wear safety glasses with side shields, suitable safety Helmet, Safety belts and protective gloves. Handle the fiber optic splinters similar to glass splinters. Never look directly through the end of fiber cables till you ensure that there is no light source at the other end.
Does fiber optic cable have to be in conduit?
Fiber optic cable may be installed indoors or outdoors using several different installation processes. Outdoor cable may be direct buried, pulled or blown into conduit or innerduct, or installed aerially between poles.
Can you run electrical wire through concrete?
No, you are not allowed to run Romex across the face of concrete. This does not provide any additional protection for the cable, meaning that it is exposed to physical damage. This is a significant safety hazard.
Can I install my own fiber optic cable?
Since installing fiber most often requires laying a new cable and setting up specialized equipment, some fiber providers do not give the option for you to self-install fiber internet. You must have a technician come to your home to set it up for you, which can be very expensive.
What are two critical factors for a successful installation of fiber optic cable?
What are two critical factors for a successful installation of fiber-optic cable? Cable pulling tension and bend radius. What is required of mechanical splices used for acceptance testing? A mechanical splice used for acceptance testing should be simple to use and reusable.
How much does it cost to install fiber?
Fiber Optic Installation Costs In general, it will cost between $1 and $6 per linear foot of cable installed.
What are the risks of fibre optic?
Handling fibre optic cables can result in skin injury from glass shards, and the risk increases if these are ingested, which can lead to serious internal organ damage. Chemicals are commonly used to clean or process fibres, and this should only be undertaken in well-ventilated areas.
Do fiber optic cables emit radiation?
In summary, a fiber optic installation does not carry any risk in terms of electromagnetic radiation. Since such radiation does not occur in fiber optic transmission, there is also no evidence of its impact on human health through fiber optics.
What happens if you hit a fiber line?
Fiber optic cable damage hinders their ability to make good on that promise. Fiber cuts can disable internet or phone service, and rerouting service isn't always seamless. Service outages caused by fiber cuts to fiber hubs or VIP lines are especially problematic, as they affect a high volume of customers.
Does fiber strengthen concrete?
Fibre-reinforced concrete has more tensile strength when compared to non-reinforced concrete. It increases the concrete's durability. It reduces crack growth and increases impact strength. Fibre-reinforced concrete improves resistance against freezing and thawing.
Does concrete with fiber need rebar?
Sometimes you need steel fibers, and sometimes you need rebar, and only in a few limited situations can one effectively replace the other. To put it simply, steel fibers prevent cracks, while rebar limits the width of cracks. Let's consider two examples: a wide-slab floor and a continuously-reinforced concrete highway.
Can you see fiber mesh in concrete?
No When excessive fibers are apparent on the surface of the concrete, this usually indicates the concrete has been overworked or the finishing procedures started too soon. Overworking and early finishing have the adverse effect of bringing more paste to the surface, which would naturally include fibers.
Is fiber mesh good for driveway?
Fiber mesh reduces shrinkage and cracking of concrete. Similar to other reinforced concrete, it improves the tensile strength of concrete. Reduces the chance of spalling since the fiber inside melts and allows the water content in concrete to escape. It is easy to include fibers in the concrete mix design.
How to make fiber optic cables stick to glass?
Run fiber-optic cables up through the bottom of the forms and spread out the ends of the cables at random. Smash the ends of the cables with a hammer or other blunt object to fray and roughen them. This process helps the cables stick to the glass chunks and also diffuses the light at the end of the strand. Using a hot glue gun, attach strands of ...
How to make a glass counter?
Using a very dry, low slump concrete mixture (with acrylic fortifier), place the cabled chunks of glass on cones of concrete just slightly higher than the counter finish height. Repeat the process until all glass chunks are set securely in place. Take care to place the glass at random, unless a more structured, formal pattern is desired.
How long does concrete counter need to cure?
Allow the concrete counter to cure for 7-18 days.
What is fiber optics?
Fiber-optic lines are thin strands of optically pure glass or plastics that are capable of carrying light and/or digital information over long distances.
How does fiber optic cable travel?
Light in a fiber optic cable travels through the core by constantly bouncing back and forth. This allows the cables to bend and curve and still carry light from the main source of illumination.
Can fiber optic lighting be cast into concrete?
These cables can be cast directly into the concrete for fascinating effects limited only by your imagination. Use these examples and instructions as a guideline to help create your own party focal point.
Do you need artistic license to use fiber optics?
This is art and the old expression "it's not cast in stone" does not apply here. For this reason, whenever I cast counters with fiber-optic lights, I always require complete artistic license from my clients. I advise them in advance to expect some areas of the counter to be brighter and others to be more subtle. Some glass chunks will catch the light during the day, others will only show off their sparkle at night. Clients who appreciate original art will be thrilled with the distinctive nature of their finished piece. But if a homeowner is not comfortable with the concept of artistic license, don't attempt to create a one-of-kind counter like this for them.
Is it safe to use a separate illuminator on a counter?
When it comes to safety, he says, "A separate illuminator provides the light - there is no electricity in the counter itself, so it is safe for outdoor and damp environments.". Hand-Seeded Glass Beads Mimic Grapevines. On this very custom counter I personally hand-seeded glass beads to mimic grapevines.
Who is better for selling concrete countertops with fiber optics?from concretedecor.net
A contractor who is well versed in lighting techniques and presenting new ideas to a client has a better chance of being successful selling concrete countertops with fiber optics, Kudrick says. “You really have to have a knack for imagining how it will look before you’re done.”
How does fiber optic cable travel?from concretenetwork.com
Light in a fiber optic cable travels through the core by constantly bouncing back and forth. This allows the cables to bend and curve and still carry light from the main source of illumination.
Is it safe to use a separate illuminator on a counter?from concretenetwork.com
When it comes to safety, he says, "A separate illuminator provides the light - there is no electricity in the counter itself, so it is safe for outdoor and damp environments.". Hand-Seeded Glass Beads Mimic Grapevines. On this very custom counter I personally hand-seeded glass beads to mimic grapevines.
Who owns liquid stone concrete?from concretedecor.net
And it definitely attracts attention. Elizabeth Maurer, who owns Liquid Stone Concrete Designs with her husband, Gerry, brought a countertop embedded with fiber optics to a bath and kitchen trade show in Valley Forge, Penn., recently. Twenty people at a time crowded into the booth, crouching under the countertop looking for drill holes, and asking how the bulbs are changed.
Do you need artistic license to use fiber optics?from concretenetwork.com
This is art and the old expression "it's not cast in stone" does not apply here. For this reason, whenever I cast counters with fiber-optic lights, I always require complete artistic license from my clients. I advise them in advance to expect some areas of the counter to be brighter and others to be more subtle. Some glass chunks will catch the light during the day, others will only show off their sparkle at night. Clients who appreciate original art will be thrilled with the distinctive nature of their finished piece. But if a homeowner is not comfortable with the concept of artistic license, don't attempt to create a one-of-kind counter like this for them.
Is it safe to use a concrete countertop outside?from concretedecor.net
Maurer says outdoor kitchens are hot now, and concrete countertops with fiber-optic designs would be a great addition. Since a separate illuminator provides the light, it’s safe for outdoor use. Kitchen and bath designers are starting to become interested in the technique, and requests for residential applications — in home bars, powder rooms or children’s bathrooms — are starting to increase.
Who is better for selling concrete countertops with fiber optics?from concretedecor.net
A contractor who is well versed in lighting techniques and presenting new ideas to a client has a better chance of being successful selling concrete countertops with fiber optics, Kudrick says. “You really have to have a knack for imagining how it will look before you’re done.”
What is fiber optics?from concretenetwork.com
Fiber-optic lines are thin strands of optically pure glass or plastics that are capable of carrying light and/or digital information over long distances.
How does fiber optic cable travel?from concretenetwork.com
Light in a fiber optic cable travels through the core by constantly bouncing back and forth. This allows the cables to bend and curve and still carry light from the main source of illumination.
Is concrete countertop safe for outdoor use?from concretedecor.net
Maurer says outdoor kitchens are hot now, and concrete countertops with fiber-optic designs would be a great addition. Since a separate illuminator provides the light, it’s safe for outdoor use.
Is it safe to use a separate illuminator on a counter?from concretenetwork.com
When it comes to safety, he says, "A separate illuminator provides the light - there is no electricity in the counter itself, so it is safe for outdoor and damp environments.". Hand-Seeded Glass Beads Mimic Grapevines. On this very custom counter I personally hand-seeded glass beads to mimic grapevines.
Who owns liquid stone concrete?from concretedecor.net
And it definitely attracts attention. Elizabeth Maurer, who owns Liquid Stone Concrete Designs with her husband, Gerry, brought a countertop embedded with fiber optics to a bath and kitchen trade show in Valley Forge, Penn., recently. Twenty people at a time crowded into the booth, crouching under the countertop looking for drill holes, and asking how the bulbs are changed.
Do you need artistic license to use fiber optics?from concretenetwork.com
This is art and the old expression "it's not cast in stone" does not apply here. For this reason, whenever I cast counters with fiber-optic lights, I always require complete artistic license from my clients. I advise them in advance to expect some areas of the counter to be brighter and others to be more subtle. Some glass chunks will catch the light during the day, others will only show off their sparkle at night. Clients who appreciate original art will be thrilled with the distinctive nature of their finished piece. But if a homeowner is not comfortable with the concept of artistic license, don't attempt to create a one-of-kind counter like this for them.