We get a lot of requests on how to incorporate fiber optic lighting for book shelf or display shelf lighting. Traditionally incandescent light bulbs have been used, but we are already starting to sell led light bulbs for shelves and different types of Philips led lighting fixtures. We do find cases of where fiber optic lighting is perfect and cost effective though. If heat is a concern, fiber optic lighting is perfect to use because the fiber optic cable does not emit any heat what so ever. Also, if you would like to have color changing lights, most of the time fiber optic lighting can still be cost effective.

Here is a simple how to do guide for planning and installing fiber optic cabinet lighting. First, you will need to find a fiber optic lighting fixture that will meet your needs. You can find a wide variety of fixtures listed in our fiber optic end glow cable category. Once you determine which fixture you will need, read through the description of the fixture to determine the end glow cable size. Most fixtures use between 75-150 strands of fiber optic cable. Take the total amount of fixtures and multiply that by the number of strands the fixture holds.

Example, if would like to use 5 each of the FD700SC Brass down light fixtures here is how you would calculate how many illuminators you would need. The FD700SC holds 150 strands of fiber optic cable. (5 fixtures times 150 strands = 750 strands of cable) You will need to know this number for choosing a fiber optic illuminator. In most cases, a 75 watt halogen illuminator works out perfect and gives more than enough light. For brighter lights, you might want to consider a 150 watt metal halide illuminator. So in this example, let us say we are fine with a 75 watt illuminator. There is a SV750 fiber optic illuminator that will hold up to 2500 strands of fiber total. Since we only have 750 strands, we will only need one illuminator. Now, let us say we want a brighter light, so when we look at the fiber optic illuminators, the SV1500 illuminator seems to be a good fit. Well the SV1500 only holds 512 strands of fiber and we have a total of 750 strands. In this example we would need to have two fiber optic illuminators.

Next, you will need to determine where you will place the fiber optic illuminator and take some basic measurements for footage of fiber optic cable. We have a basic example listed below.

Measure the distance between the illuminator and each fiber optic lighting fixture to calculate how many linear feet of fiber optic end glow cable you will need.

Now, your complete materials lists should show the following:

1. Number and type of fiber optic lighting fixtures

2. Number and model of the fiber optic illuminator

3. Linear footage and size of fiber optic end glow cable

4. Do not forget a hot knife; you will need this for cutting the fiber optic cable.

You can find all the products in our fiber optic end glow category.

Note: For color changing lights, you will need to choose the appropriate color wheel for your fiber optic illuminator when you go through the check out process.