Premises Innovations FAQ’s
Q: How much vertical adjustment is available with the Vertigo base?
A: The Vertigo base provides a combination of approximately 20 degrees adjustment and recoil or tilting action. As the available vertical adjustment is used, the available tilt is also reduced to the same degree. It is important to install the pipe segment that Vertigo mounts on as straight as possible. This minimizes the need for adjustment in order to compensate for the pipe angle.
Q: What happens when if the available tilt range of Vertigo is exceeded?
A: Vertigo is designed to absorb forces from incidental contact with people and objects so as to avoid light fixture damage but also to reduce the continual hassles with vertical adjustment.
Q: What type of light fixture is Vertigo suitable for?
A: The Vertigo base is highly beneficial for path lights that stand up to 24” tall and weigh approximately five pounds or less. It can certainly be used on other fixtures as well where there is a desire for vertical adjustment or the tilting action to overcome incidental contact with people or objects.
Q: What light fixture connection is required to use Vertigo?
A: The light fixture used in conjunction with Vertigo must have a male ½” pipe thread at the end. This is a standard thread type for mid to higher end light fixtures. Even though this is an industry standard, often times inexpensive lighting will utilize other types of metallic or plastic end connections that are not compatible with Vertigo.
Q: How does Vertigo get installed in the ground?
A: Vertigo works in conjunction with a short segment of 3” PVC pipe that is typically 12” long in most applications. The pipe is buried in the ground and serves as the solid foundation for the fixture assembly. Vertigo slips over the exposed end to form a sturdy base and pipe assembly. The PVC pipe is available in big box stores such as Home Depot or Lowes and they typically stock short segments that are two or three feet long. This pipe can be easily cut to length in seconds with a hacksaw. A detailed installation document with photos can be viewed under Resources.
Q: What are the internal dimensions of Vertigo?
A: The internal dimension of Vertigo is nominally 3.5”. It is sized to fit over any 3” Schedule 40 or SDR piping. The outer diameter is nominally 4” and the depth is 2”.
Q: How long does it take to install Vertigo?
A: Digging the hole for the pipe segment and backfilling typically requires 10-15 minutes per fixture. Attaching the fixture to the Vertigo base, terminating the wires and then installing on the pipe are simple steps that require only a couple of minutes.
Q: What tools are needed to adjust the Vertigo base?
A: A standard 5/32” allen wrench is required to adjust the bolts on top of the Vertigo base. In some cases, a customer may choose to also use a level on the fixture riser, but visual leveling is adequate in most cases.
Q: Will the bolts on Vertigo corrode?
A: There should be no visual evidence of rust or corrosion over time. All of the metal hardware used in the Vertigo base is stainless steel and is intended to withstand moist environments.
Q: How do I remove Vertigo once it is installed?
A: Vertigo is designed to be snug fit over the end of the PVC pipe. There are no intentional mechanical retainers that hold it in place. It relies on the weight of the fixture and the friction of the cap on the pipe wall. To remove Vertigo, simply grab the cap assembly and wiggle it side to side gently in multiple directions to break it loose while pulling away from the pipe.
Q: Can Vertigo be completely buried?
A: Burying the Vertigo base will not cause harm to the device. However, the adjustment bolts are found on the top surface of the base. Burying the top will result in more difficult access to the bolts should an adjustment be necessary in the future. In situations where the base is located in a mulched area, burying Vertigo under the mulch is a common practice since the mulch can be easily removed if needed.
Q: What elevation should Vertigo be buried to?
A: The most common practice is to have the Vertigo top surface flush with the ground surface. In mulched areas this is less critical. If the fixture is in a grass that requires mowing, it is best to have the Vertigo top flush or even slightly lower in order to avoid damage from mower blades or direct contact with the mower itself.
Q: What does Vertigo look like installed?
A: Vertigo is designed to be obscure and non-detracting from the installation. Because the top of the Vertigo base is typically set at flush with the ground level, it is not readily noticeable. Even when so, it has a very clean look. Additionally, Vertigo is often buried under mulch in garden areas so it is not even visible in these cases.
Q: Will it damage Vertigo if the PVC pipe segment fills with water during a large rainfall?
A: The short answer is no. The Vertigo base in conjunction with the pipe is intended to be a sealed system for the most part. However, as water tables rise, it is not uncommon for the inside of the pipe to temporarily fill completely with water. This temporary condition will not impact Vertigo’s operation.