Light for the flag

[czechsonofagun]

The light outside by the Old Glory died again. I have there 120V and light detector to turn it on when it is dark, but the aluminum box was probably never ment to be used this way. The GFCI breaker kicks the circuit out now.

Long story short, I need to find different solution, suggestions, experience anybody?

 

[kthompson]

Ground faults can go bad. Water (moisture even) can be there causing the tripping. There are weather proof lights for such use with weather proof box and lens. Those are only as good as the installation and seal can get pinched or fail over time. Has there been any work around the light or along the path of the wire to the light that might have damaged the wire (assuming it is underground)?

 

[czechsonofagun]

There is water in the box the light and the sensor is mounted on. I tried to seal it with silicon, but it didn't work for long. I think I want a sealed light for outdoors, what I am using is more to be used in a barn or such.

I am sure somebody will pitch in, many TBNrs have a flag pole.

 

[GGB]

I had the same problem with the GFI for our septic lift pump. Our electrician said it was a challenge to keep dry in an outside environment, and recommended putting the GFI for the pump at the breaker box in the house.

 

[jinman]

Prokop, I think something like this outdoor fluorescent flood light would be ideal and low cost.

 

[JB4310]

Get rid of the gfi, if it's only a light and no outlets out doors on that circuit.

If you are using a screw in flood light type fixture, aimed up at the flag then the angle will allow water into the fixture and eventually cause it to short.

Like you mentioned, a sealed outdoor light fixtures is what you need. They come in every wattage and size and shape. From low voltage led to to all the exotic commercial type lamps in 120 volt.

JB.

 

[turnkey4099]

Get rid of the gfi, if it's only a light and no outlets out doors on that circuit.

If you are using a screw in flood light type fixture, aimed up at the flag then the angle will allow water into the fixture and eventually cause it to short.

Like you mentioned, a sealed outdoor light fixtures is what you need. They come in every wattage and size and shape. From low voltage led to to all the exotic commercial type lamps in 120 volt.

JB.

"If you are using a screw in flood light type fixture, aimed up at the flag then the angle will allow water into the fixture and eventually cause it to short."

For certain. That ws the problem I had. I finally gave up on flying the flag. Ishould have installed a sealed fixture mounted on a nearby post.

Harry K

 

[Dale_Alan]

The flag no longer has to be lighted at night.
Dale

 

[ronjhall]

My flag light is a low voltage garden light. Kichler 15384 Mini Accent Low Voltage Lighting Light has been in place for 9 years. Had to replace bulb one time. Need to find a narrow beam spotlight. 30 degrees seems to work well. Need a garden light transformer to power it. Going to replace the incandescent Halogen bulbs with LED's next summer.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Thank you, guys.

Alan - could you provide something to back up your statement? I believe you - just want to know why and when?

 

[ducks13]

I belive I checked about 6 months ago, US flag lighting was still required. I'd bet it still is. Regardless, taking it down or lighting is the respectfull thing to do.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I was thinking about using a solar set up but wasn't sure if that was a viable option...

 

[High Compression]

The light outside by the Old Glory died again. I have there 120V and light detector to turn it on when it is dark, but the aluminum box was probably never ment to be used this way. The GFCI breaker kicks the circuit out now.

Long story short, I need to find different solution, suggestions, experience anybody?

I have a couple solar charged LED spot lights at the base of my flag and they have worked flawless for the past couple years. They are cheap and I fully expected to replace them once a year, but they're still going.:thumbsup:

 

[JB4310]

I have a couple solar charged LED spot lights at the base of my flag and they have worked flawless for the past couple years. They are cheap and I fully expected to replace them once a year, but they're still going.:thumbsup:

Do they stay on all night? every solar light I've had only lasted a few hours after dark, but I haven't had a new generation one in awhile.

I do have low voltage (off transformer) led spots they would do the trick too.

JB

 

[jinman]

I don't think there has ever been a "legal requirement" to light the flag, though there are guidelines published for federal buildings. Flag etiquette says that if a flag is displayed where the primary purpose of the display is to show the flag, that it should be raised at dawn and lowered at dusk. However, if preferred to fly 24 hours a day, lighting so that the flag is distinguishable as a US flag is preferred. That's for a display meant primarily to display the flag. However, many stick mounted flags are used in cemeteries as decorations to honor those buried there for their service as in Arlington Nat'l Cemetery. The primary purpose of those flags is to honor the person's grave and many/most are not lighted. Fields of flags are also displayed for various reasons to honor someone. In all those instances, it is not the primary function of being a flag display as is a flagpole. The purpose of lighting is to hold the flag in honor, and most people who care enough to fly their flags want to do it with respect. Respect and honor is the key.

 

[turnkey4099]

Thank you, guys.

Alan - could you provide something to back up your statement? I believe you - just want to know why and when?

Same here. I suspect the reason was allthe people who ignored the rule.

Harry K

 

[brokenknee]

Thank you, guys.

Alan - could you provide something to back up your statement? I believe you - just want to know why and when?

I thought I had heard the same thing. I thought George Bush said it after 911. The reason given was so more people could show their patriotism. I did an Internet search for it but could not find it. But I am pretty sure I heard it but can't remember where.

I just asked my wife and she also remembers hearing it.

 

[Pixguy]

Like Ron, I use a low voltage spot on my 30' pole with 5X8 flag.

Change the bulb every couple of years and it's cheap to run. Just have to remember to change the timer.

I agree that regardless of the "rule" it's disrespectful to fly ol' glory without keeping it lit.

.

 

[ronjhall]

Here is a lengthy report on displaying a flag. The United States Flag:
Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions
Maybe someone can decipher it better than I can.

 

[Pixguy]

Here is a lengthy report on displaying a flag. The United States Flag:
Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions
Maybe someone can decipher it better than I can.

From page 12:

It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on
buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic
effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness.