light suggestions

[Charlie Bob]

I know it's hard without a picture,(i'll bring one this week).
A customer wants me to install a light on a brick column, or pillar, outdoors.
At this moment they have a gas light fixture.
Any ideas as to where to look for one?

Sorry about the few info, but i haven't looked at it yet.

 

[e57]

You mean Gas Light as in it burns "GAS"?

If so - don't ditch it - keep it is anything for the antique market, as there are still places that convert these into "electric" light fixtures as they did way back... (I know a place here that can do it for you, and cover it in listing if required.)

And locally I have seen a few operational gas lights, and a huge number of electrical lights either converted, or set up for both as they were manufautured that way... And yes - many electric lights supported by live gas lines....

Back to your column... you want to wire it, or find a light for it? Both you should know how to do - so what is it you're asking for? A source for lighting of that 'gas light' type?

 

[Charlie Bob]

Well maybe i should have wait to see and study the light to post the thread but as far as i know the light uses natural gas to light.
Owner wants to replace for an electric light fixture with a switch, maybe use a dimmer for it.
So i assumed that a total new fixture will ba needed.
But like i said thats all the info i got at the time.
Well the pillar is hollow with gas line running inside of it.

 

[LarryFine]

CB, a few years ago, I had a similar request. They wanted an antique-looking brass-and-glass fixture atop a brick pillar at the end of a wall converted to electricity. It didn't have to be real bright, as it was decorative.

There was a 12v transformer with spare capacity for other lights around the bushes, so I went to an RV dealer and bought a couple of 50w 12v bulbs (one plus a spare) that fit standard Edison-base lampholders.

After they had a plumber disconnect the gas feed, I dismantled the interior of the lamp, pulled one conductor of LV cable into the copper gas tube, and mounted a typical brass lamp socket in the lamp housing.

I connected the screw-shell terminal to the lamp end of the tube with a short wire, and used a direct-bury clamp for the other end of the tube, and connected the shortened second conductor of the LV cable there.

Worked like a charm, and was just the right brightness for the look they wanted to maintain.

 

[Charlie Bob]

That's quite genius.
Thanks Larry, i'll keep in mind and suggest it.