Lighting up a Flag - Ideas?

[HookWorse]

I'm working on a project to have a display piece at the base of my flagpole. I've never had a light out there (so I don't fly the flag as often as I like), but would like ideas as to illuminating both the flag at the top of the 15' pole, and the item at the bottom of the pole. I thought about a fixture that you could spike in the ground, have a spot aiming up and a flood aiming more horizontally. Or maybe 2 fixtures beside each other. I've seen a couple lights specifically for flags, but way out of my budget. I'm patriotic, not rich! I'm also not big on solar powered stuff. I have no problem burying a wire out to it.
You guys know your stuff...any help would be appreciated!

 

[JBR]

I used a low voltage spotlight (12 volt, 50 watt) and timer for mine. It has a stake you stick in the ground and the spot is adjustable for alleviation. Malibu is the brand name I believe. Bought it at the big box store.
Jon

 

[HookWorse]

I'm seeing several lights from spot to flood, anywhere from 20W to 50W, saying they work with existing low voltage landscape lighting systems. But...at the present...I have no low voltage lighting system.

The one thought that goes through my mind is a light aiming up...rain coming down...making sure the socket isn't going to fill up with water. I'd like a light, not a fireworks display.

 

[larry_g]

I have a lowvoltage light kit from Lowes that I added a spotlight to that I use to light a waterfall. It would also work to spot a flag.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Norcal]

A 100, or 150 watt pulse start metal halide micro flood would give a nice white light. I think Federal energy regs have eliminated the 175 watt MH as a option in new fixtures

 

[Aceman]

Another option is a well light if you want something more low profile, just some examples:

http://www.louielighting.com/landscape-lighting/line-voltage-well-lights

 

[bczygan]

Lighting just the flag will make it seem to be a disembodied thing floating in the sky. And lighting an item at the base will not connect the 2. You need 3 or more lights to light the base, flag and pole connecting them. Locate the lights at night when you can move them around to find ideal locations. You will need different light and bulb types for each part of the application. Think also of putting lights around the base to give 360 degrees of lighting and create depth in the objects. Also, realize the flag will rotate around the pole depending on wind direction.

 

[KnightFire]

Another option is a well light if you want something more low profile, just some examples:

http://www.louielighting.com/landscape-lighting/line-voltage-well-lights

This is how I answered the question of keeping my flag(s) properly lit at night. My only advice is to make sure it is water proof and built to be used in very wet conditions, not "water resistant" meant to be used in mostly dry conditions.

All said and done, it might be easier to use a standard above ground spot light with a photocell and perhaps hide it with a bit of shrubbery or the like. I had one of these at my old house, never gave me a single problem. Then when we moved, I thought "why not get a tad bit fancier", right? Well, my original well light was nothing but trouble until I spent some $$$ and purchased a "water proof" model. Since the upgraded light...no problems, that was a year ago.

Good luck!

 

[softailgarage]

Metal Spike-A-Lite, made by Sigma Electric. 'bout $5.00 at lowes or home depot.

 

[matt151617]

I picked up a standard flood light at Lowes, designed for outdoor use, $20. It spikes in the ground, and has a photocell so it doesn't run day/night.