Astros – Natural Copper Spotlights (240v)
From: £67.00
The Astros Copper spotlights are versatile and elegant garden spike lights 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 these Copper spotlights. The Brass serrated clamp joint enables the spot light to adjust to various heights over 180° (vertically).
Astros – 240v Copper Spotlights (Natural Copper & Polished Brass)
The Astros Copper spotlights are versatile and elegant garden spike lights 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 these Copper spotlights. The Brass serrated clamp joint enables the spot light to adjust to various heights over 180° (vertically).
The integrated glare shield of the 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 240v garden lights, the Astros requires an GU10 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 wattage LED GU10 to save energy and money.
| Materials | Brass, Glass, Natural Copper |
|---|---|
| Finish | Brass, Copper |
| Voltage | 220 – 240v |
| Bulb Holder | GU10 |
| Max Wattage | 50w |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Dimensions | (L) 135mm x (D) 54mm – Excluding Ground Spike |
| Cable Length approx. (m) | 5.0m |
| Plug Type | NONE |
| Guarantee | 2 Years, Reduced 1 year warranty period for cable |
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.