Suggestion for flag pole lighting

[rfuerst911sc]

Today I installed a 22 ' tall flag pole . Always wanted one so now finally have one . Need suggestions on solar lights as I really don't want to run an electric line. I want lights on the ground aiming upwards. So I assume spotlights . Are two enough ? Any particular brands or type ? I also see there are solar lights that mount to the pole , any advantage to use those ?

[crustychief]

As long as the flag is illuminated by the lights it is ok. I used 12v lighting with halogen bulbs from the ground. it worked great.

[red-beard]

If you are going solar, use 12V LED lighting with a light controlling charge controller.

[Baz]

FYI: I installed one of these (solar) at the top of both mine and my Mom's. This is the one at my Mom's. Find them on Amazon.

[RNajarian]

I’ve got two of the solar light toppers, they are GREAT! They stay illuminated all night.

[KC911]

I sure hope that light is grounded....else...that flagpole is a goner fer sure !

[rfuerst911sc]

The flag pole I purchased used off CL does not have a threaded topper cap to mount a top mount light . It has a cap that has a right angle " ear " on it and that ear is where the pulley mounts . I suppose I could pull the cap off , drill it and then mount a top mount light onto it . But I would like to not have to go through that if possible . That's why I was thinking ground mounted spot lights aiming upwards .

Now that I have thought a little more about this I may be able to mount a 110 volt spotlight on the house aiming at the flag , I'll have to root around in the attic to see how easy/difficult that might be . I also have two 110 outlets on the front of the house , might be able to do a low voltage setup with spot lights .

Thanks guys

[KC911]

Make sure yer house is grounded!

Yer welcome....

[rfuerst911sc]

Yep the house is grounded . The flag pole I purchased I think started life as a galvanized water pipe , it measures about 1 7/8 OD with about 1/4 " wall thickness . It is one solid piece with no seams and is 22 ' long . Someone in the past made a " base " for it using a piece of galvanized pipe about 18 " long that is large enough in ID for the pole to slip into . That 18 " piece of pipe is welded to a metal plate that is bolted to a pointed base similar to what is used for a mail box . It's about 3 ' long and driven into this GA. clay isn't budging The nice thing about this setup is I can easily lift the pipe off the base if I have to replace the pulley or rope . Here's a pic I snapped late yesterday .

[KC911]

I don't do green....I figured all houses were grounded ...

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

The flag pole I purchased used off CL does not have a threaded topper cap to mount a top mount light . It has a cap that has a right angle " ear " on it and that ear is where the pulley mounts . I suppose I could pull the cap off , drill it and then mount a top mount light onto it . But I would like to not have to go through that if possible . That's why I was thinking ground mounted spot lights aiming upwards .

Now that I have thought a little more about this I may be able to mount a 110 volt spotlight on the house aiming at the flag , I'll have to root around in the attic to see how easy/difficult that might be . I also have two 110 outlets on the front of the house , might be able to do a low voltage setup with spot lights .

Thanks guys

Both poles I retrofitted had screw on caps that were frozen so I had to cut those off anyway.

I bought new trucks and also the golden eagle topper you see in the pic along with fresh line.

All purchased on Amazon.

I did also buy a 1/2" x 3" SS bolt and coupler to accommodate the eagle which didn't come with a stud long enough to pass through the solar light and far enough into the truck for fastening.

[Baz]

[rfuerst911sc]

Those top lights look like a UFO ! Red neck knuckle draggers around here would probably shoot it with a shotgun !

[Zeke]

Just get landscaping lighting designed for up lighting a tree. No offense to Baz but I wouldn't want to look up and see the light. In fact, I work hard to obscure the source of lighting everywhere, inside and out.

There is nothing worse than a centered ceiling light fixture that casts shadows on every wall and makes it dark in front of you when facing the wall. Much better to have lights in all four corners of a room.

A couple of spot lights a few feet from the base of that flag pole would make it look great at night showing the folds in the breeze.

[KC911]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Those top lights look like a UFO ! Red neck knuckle draggers around here would probably shoot it with a shotgun !

They'll be drunk and aiming for the bird !

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by Baz

FYI: I installed one of these (solar) at the top of both mine and my Mom's. This is the one at my Mom's. Find them on Amazon.

We too want to put up a proper flag pole. Our Honda Service Advisor handed me this from his flag pole. It’s just the box so I knew what to look for. It’s nice to see this in action Baz.

Thanks for posting




Currently have a 3’ by 5’ mounted on our power pole between the main road and the house that has a bright LED street lamp that illuminates it from dusk to dawn. I think we are the only ones that have a street light so not only do we have a residential account, but a commercial one as well. Lol only took 2.5 years for them to initially install it and another 2 to update the vapor light to LED.

Found out some interesting things while doing research on poles and flags made in the U.S.A., I guess there is a U.S.A. In China and Korea. Guess we need to read the fine fine print those sneaky buggers.


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[Baz]

Originally Posted by Zeke

-snip-No offense to Baz but I wouldn't want to look up and see the light. In fact, I work hard to obscure the source of lighting everywhere, inside and out. -snip-[/IMG]

No offense taken. I feel the same way you do. The light cast from this is more like that from the moon - very soft. I really like having that type of illumination where my flag pole is located. Kind of like "mood lighting".

Originally Posted by bugstrider

-snip-I guess there is a U.S.A. In China and Korea. -snip-

Back in the 60's when I was very young I remember my Dad telling my brothers and I that there was a city in Japan called USA and it's purpose was to fool buyers who thought they were buying American. I never researched it - but your post reminded me of that story.

America strong, Bugs!

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by Baz

Back in the 60's when I was very young I remember my Dad telling my brothers and I that there was a city in Japan called USA and it's purpose was to fool buyers who thought they were buying American. I never researched it - but your post reminded me of that story.



America strong, Bugs!

Now that I opened my yap, I can’t find my sources on that nugget on intel.

Hope I am not talking out of my arse.




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[Pazuzu]

I run a Hubbell weatherproof spotlight with a different LED bulb inside, powered by a solar triggered outlet. I don't trust solar powered stuff here, the "gaslamp" at the end of the driveway has a solar assembly and it only last half the night.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FN6PCPE
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0166MAMGM

The lamp is in the ground about 6 feet from the pole, I carefully positioned it so it's shielded from the street and doesn't shine on the house at all. 20 foot pole, 4x6 flag.


Oh, for those who want good handmade American flags, there's a shop 2 blocks from me:
https://www.kronbergsflagsandflagpoles.com/

[bugstrider]

Our local EAA chapter on field has this..