Point of view

[threemonkeys]

The path up to my front door is not very well lit at night nor is it very even. It has a couple of small steps and other discontinuities which potentially make it a bit unsafe. So I have been experimenting with solar powered lights to cast a bit of illumination on the path in question. The standard type of self contained cell and light units don't suit the layout very well but I now have a unit where the solar cell is separate from the lights. The cells are in a fake rock type thing and a cable with a dozen lights on it stretches about 10 metres. I have trialled it with a temporary fitting and the little lights along the cable give enough light and just nicely reach along the troublesome stretch of path.

Now that the trial is successful the time has come to fix the little lights more securely. This gives me a dilemma. You see the lights can be fitted horizontally pointing across the path or vertically pointing up in the air. Horizontal give much better illumination of the path but vertical just looks so much cooler. Common sense says mount them horizontally for safety but I have this strong urge to go with the pretty and mount them pointing upwards. A really strong urge. I like to think of myself as a fairly practical common sense person. This screws with my self image just a little bit.

Comments

[capnoblivious.livejournal.com]

Will the vertical lights be less safe than it is now? If not, then you may as well go with it. If you were going for 100% safety you'd use floodlights and replace the steps with a ramp.

[threemonkeys.livejournal.com]

Vertical lights will make it more safe - just not as much so as horizontal.

The area in question is a ramp really - just not a very smooth one (damn tree roots). There are proper steps too, but that area does have a floodlight. I would like to rip the ramp up up and re-lay it properly but it is beyond my DIY expertise which means professionals and therefore more serious expense.

Actually, since posting this I have been out playing with the lights some more and decided to go for vertical for practical reasons. I can mount them more securely that way and they are less likely to be hit by stray feet. A practical reason helps with the self image issue.

[capnoblivious.livejournal.com]

Stylish and practical! ;)

[gillpolack.livejournal.com]

Can't you get more lights and do both? My only excuse for this suggestion is that I like lights :)

[threemonkeys.livejournal.com]

I did think of that but was concerned about the total light volume. As they are, they are not bright enough to ruin my night vision when I go outside to look at the stars - something I do quite often. The option remains open should they prove insufficient.