Astros – Natural Copper Spotlight with Ground Spike (12v Plug & Play)
From: £68.00
The Astros is a versatile and elegant 12v plug & play garden spotlight crafted from durable natural copper and solid brass. Use with a sturdy, 4 fin anchored polycarbonate ground spike for fantastic stability when fixing into the ground. Or select another mounting option. Solid brass details such as the base, fastener and clamp joint, add to the charm of this 12v copper spotlight. The brass serrated clamp joint enables the spot light to adjust to various heights over 180° (vertically).
Astros – 12v Copper Spotlight (Natural Copper & Polished Brass)
The Astros is a versatile and elegant 12v plug & play garden spotlight crafted from durable natural copper and solid brass. Use with a sturdy, 4 fin anchored polycarbonate ground spike for fantastic stability when fixing into the ground. Or select another mounting option. Solid brass details such as the base, fastener and clamp joint, add to the charm of this 12v copper spotlight. The brass serrated clamp joint enables the spot light to adjust to various heights over 180° (vertically).
The integrated glare shield of the 12v Astros spikelight emits light in a focused spot beam rather than a wider flood beam. This makes it ideal for uplighting plants and trees, as well as highlighting specific statues or ornaments. Like many 12v garden lights, the Astros requires an MR16 lamp, which is easily installed and replaced via the small brass fastener on the bottom of the light.
Fostering recommend the use of a low voltage LED MR16 to save energy and money.
| Materials | Brass, Glass, Natural Copper |
|---|---|
| Finish | Brass, Copper |
| Voltage | 12v |
| Bulb Holder | MR16 |
| Max Wattage | 50w |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Dimensions | (L) 135mm x (D) 54mm – Excluding Ground Spike |
| Cable Length approx. (m) | 5.0m |
| Plug Type | VERSA – Plug & Play (2 pin) – male |
| Guarantee | 2 Years, Reduced 1 year warranty period for cable |
| Waste Disposal / Recycling | Electrical: WEE/KC3440XY |
IP Ratings
An IP (Ingress Protection) Rating indicates how well an outdoor light fitting is protected against specific conditions. It consists of two numbers: the first indicates protection against solid objects like hands or dust, while the second shows protection against water. The numbers range from 0 to 6 for solids and 0 to 8 for liquids, with 0 being no protection. The highest rating is IP68, meaning the fitting is fully protected from both solids and liquids and can be submerged in water. For outdoor lights, a minimum IP rating of IP43 is recommended for adequate protection.
Materials
Durability and reliability are essential for outdoor lighting. Luminaires must be built to endure the elements and provide long-lasting performance. They should also effectively dissipate heat to avoid overheating of the fittings. Fostering provides a minimum two-year guarantee as standard on the majority of its garden lighting designs.
Colour
When it comes to the finish of the light, users either want the product to blend in to the surroundings or stand out. At night the light source should seamlessly blend with its surroundings, allowing the effect to take centre stage. During the day, if the light fittings are visible, they should also complement the environment, often acting as a feature in their own right. Fostering has achieved the ideal balance with stylish finishes that either blend in or stand out, depending on the desired effect.
Light Pollution & Colour Temperature
Reducing light pollution is crucial for protecting wildlife, preserving natural ecosystems, and maintaining our ability to stargaze. Always try to use the minimal light output required for your application, rather than unnecessarily excessive outputs. Excessive artificial light disrupts the behavior of nocturnal animals, including bats, which rely on darkness for feeding and navigation. Our “bat-friendly” lights are specifically designed to minimise light spill and reduce disturbances to bat habitats. By using these lights, we can provide safer environments for wildlife while ensuring outdoor spaces remain well-lit and functional.
Warmer colour temperatures have a less disruptive impact on wildlife and help reduce star-warping. For instance, bats are less affected by red-toned lights, which produce orange or yellow hues, compared to cooler, daylight white or blue lights higher in the spectrum. Blue light, being the most harmful for light pollution, should be minimised. The best solution is to use colour temperatures of 3000K or lower, with 2700K often referred to as “bat-friendly” lighting.
Automation – Light & Motion Sensors
Light sensors are devices that detect and respond to changes in light levels in their environment. These sensors are useful in automating various systems, helping to optimise energy use and improve safety. Dusk-to-dawn sensors, for example, automatically turn lights on at sunset and off at sunrise, ensuring lights are only used when necessary. Motion sensors detect movement, triggering lights to turn on when activity is detected, providing convenience and enhancing security. Both types of sensors are commonly used in outdoor lighting systems to save energy and increase efficiency.
STANDARD – Not using a sensor on lights can be beneficial in situations where constant, reliable illumination is needed, such as in areas with high traffic or in locations requiring consistent security lighting. Without a sensor, the lights are always on, ensuring visibility at all times, which can be important for safety or accessibility. This approach eliminates the risk of sensors failing or being triggered unnecessarily, providing a more straightforward, hassle-free lighting solution.
PHOTOCELL / DUSK TO DAWN – A PC (Photo Control) or Dusk-to-Dawn sensor automatically turns lights on at dusk and off at dawn, using natural light levels to detect the time of day. This sensor is ideal for outdoor lighting, as it ensures lights are only activated when needed, improving energy efficiency and convenience. Dusk-to-Dawn solar light often incorporate dimming sequences to help prolong battery life and reduce light output at times of reduced footfall.
PHOTO-RECEPTOR – A photo-receptor in lighting is a more general term for any light-sensitive element that detects light levels and converts them into an electrical signal. It can be used in various lighting control systems, particularly in solar lighting.
PIR MOTION SENSOR – A PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects motion by sensing changes in infrared radiation, typically emitted by human bodies or animals. It is a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to automatically activate lighting when motion is detected, ensuring lights are only on when needed. PIR sensors help save energy, reduce unnecessary lighting, and improve security by providing illumination when movement is sensed in a given area.
MICROWAVE MOTION SENSOR – A microwave sensor uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to detect motion, even through walls or obstructions, by measuring changes in the reflected waves caused by movement. It is highly sensitive and can detect smaller movements, making it ideal for areas where precise motion detection is needed. Microwave sensors are great for enhancing security and energy efficiency, as they activate lights or alarms only when movement is detected, reducing energy waste.
Garden Lighting Made Easy!
Fostering offer a large range of high end 12v Plug and Play lighting and accessories making it very simple and easy for quick DIY installation. Low voltage lighting is particularly suited to outdoor environments because it tolerates the damp conditions without performance being affected. Anything required underwater should also be low voltage as it is much safer.
When it comes to connections, there are multiple cables and adaptors which are suitable for various 12v plug and play lighting systems. Fostering’s Versa plug & play system is compatible with a number of brands such as Techmar. Cables are available in various length in various combinations of plug & play and open end. In addition, 3 way and 6 way connectors make it very simple for connecting components and fittings to just one transformer.
12v lightings requires a transformer in order for these to be powered. A transformer converts 240v mains down to 12v low voltage. We stock various wattage transformers (10w, 20w, 50w and 100w). Calculate which size transformer is required for a circuit following this simple formula:
Lamp Wattage x Lamp Quantity = Total Wattage Required (minimum)
Example: 5W MR16 x 3 fittings = 15W (20W transformer required)
You must never exceed the wattage of a transformer, and avoid underloading. The ideal capacity is 75-90% load.
12v Lighting Set-up Example
12v lighting circuits can use a combination of plug and play and hard wired components. Versa Plug & play is simple with various compatible adaptors, cables and transformers available. Easily convert plug and play to hard wired with our plug & play to open ended cable. Standard junction boxes and in-line connectors can then be used to connect the two systems together.
What is voltage drop?
The term ‘Voltage Drop’ relates to the amount of voltage loss that occurs through all or part of a circuit. This is a result of increased resistance which is a measure of the opposition to current flow in a circuit, measured in ohms (Ω). Electrical cables of any size and length carrying current always present resistance. Although it can affect the entire circuit, it is first apparent at the end of a cable run. A simple comparison would be a garden hose, where the pressure of water running through it reduces the further away it is from its source.
What causes voltage drop?
The 4 main factors which contribute to voltage drop are cable length, wire temperature, wire material and the cross sectional area. Generally, 12V lighting systems can withstand a maximum voltage drop of up to 8% (1V) with no noticeable effects, on the basis that the correct cable / power source is used and it is within range of the LED lamp voltage. If significant voltage drop does occur, it can cause dim lighting, strobing or no power at all.
How to reduce voltage drop
To reduce the risk of voltage drop, consider the following:
- Reduce cable runs – keep length to a minimum with no more than 12 fittings per circuit
- Highly conductive wire, e.g. copper. A tinned end can improve performance and longevity
- Use high quality, heat resistant rubber cable. Minimum H05RN-F
- Use thicker cable where possible (1.5mm² / 2.5mm²) with a secure, watertight connection
For a larger garden where this is not possible, consider laying a mains power feed to various points / areas where additional 12V transformers can be installed to create separate, smaller circuits. 240V fittings can also be connected to the mains feed if required.
Voltage drop cable run guides
Suggested maximum cable run includes cable supplied with each fitting, adaptors and connector cables. Where longer cable runs are required, use thicker cable such as 1.5mm² / 2.5mm² which have a lower resistance and reduce voltage drop. Cable runs can be increased by up to 50% (approx.) when thicker cable is used.
For longer cable runs, thicker cable is recommended. The below table is for 1.5mm and 2.5mm 2 core cable.
The above tables are a guide only. We strongly recommend that the voltage is checked with a volt meter at each fitting prior to final placement. Some external factors can affect performance, such as placement of cable etc.
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