Cable management supplier, HellermannTyton, has worked with garden lighting experts to develop a new way to ensure safe and secure wiring using its heat shrink tubing.
Approached by Surrey-based DLighting, HellermannTyton was asked if it could provide a solution to the issue of extensive cabling within domestic garden installations. The result was a three-way joint, or boot, developed from the global manufacturer’s existing heat shrink tubing range that ensured all cabling was protected and that lighting could be connected without compromising on quality.
Barry Phelps, UK product manager at HellermannTyton, explained how this new product for outdoor lighting began: “DLighting contacted us to discuss the possibility of developing a bespoke solution that would provide a way to join a number of LED lights along one cable line, while also protecting the cabling from the environment once buried within the landscape. Therefore, our priority was to provide a high quality product that would complement the company’s use of premium lighting design and products.
“Using our state-of-the-art facilities and tailored approach, we started working on samples that would achieve connectivity. A number of factors needed to be addressed including the need for the application to be simple as well as durable for outdoor conditions. The samples we sent were tested by DLighting and through feedback and practical application we were able to produce a three-way heat shrink boot that moulded around the cabling and resulted in improved application times.”
Using HIS-A tubing – the risk of moisture is significantly reduced and thanks to the adhesive lining of the tubing forming a seal, all components are protected. Application was also improved thanks to the use of HellermannTyton introducing DLighting to its cordless hot air gun, which is specifically designed for heat shrink tubing and moulded shapes. Such a tool provided a lightweight alternative to the traditional blow torch and allows precise working even in confined or difficult spaces such as garden installations.
After the initial concept and development stage, in which DLighting successfully applied the new three-way boot, the company proceeded to introduce HellermannTyton’s creation into other projects. This resulted in the design experts winning a contract to install a lighting project led by one of Britain’s leading garden designers involving more than 230 light fittings.
Darren Bethell-Hobbs of DLighting explained: “LED lighting can prove tricky due to the amount of cabling that needs to be connected to various light fixings. We also needed to ensure that the cabling was not exposed to moisture. Therefore, we use a daisy chain method, running one wire to the farthest light fixture and any other lighting fixtures are connected along the line. This meant that the three-way heat shrink shape from HellermannTyton proved ideal as it connected all lighting while continuing to run one wire between a series of fixtures.
“Using the new tubing has meant that we have been able to reduce cable length and speed up the process of installation. We also feel confident using the adhesive-lined crimps with the adhesive lined boots as a risk of water is always most common at the join, yet with the tubing moulding perfectly around the cabling we can ensure the highest security.”
Darren concluded: “The design concepts that were put forward by HellermannTyton have changed the way we work and we cannot fault the bespoke service we have received. By working closely with the manufacturer we have not only begun to use the tubing as a standard installation application, but it has also led to securing a multi-light installation with a leading garden designer which will include the use of the new three-way boots.”
DLighting and HellermannTyton continue to work closely together on new projects and cost-effective solutions in domestic outdoor lighting installations, with a new four-way connection now in development that is set to be tested on forthcoming projects.
