NZ746915A - A lighting module and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a lighting module for use as temporary construction lighting, the lighting modules each including a base, a light source mounted on the base, a first power supply cable comprising one or more conducting wires housed in an insulating sheath, the conducting wires being electrically connected to the light source at an electrical connection, a cord block being over-molded to the first power supply cable and shaped to abut the light source and/or base, a housing configured to at least partially encase the cord-block, and the base and/or the light source, wherein the cord block, housing and base are configured to interface such that a force exerted on the first power supply cable is imparted to the cord block, and housing and/or base whilst substantially shielding the electrical connection from the exerted force. Also disclosed are lighting systems consisting of multiple lighting modules. ally connected to the light source at an electrical connection, a cord block being over-molded to the first power supply cable and shaped to abut the light source and/or base, a housing configured to at least partially encase the cord-block, and the base and/or the light source, wherein the cord block, housing and base are configured to interface such that a force exerted on the first power supply cable is imparted to the cord block, and housing and/or base whilst substantially shielding the electrical connection from the exerted force. Also disclosed are lighting systems consisting of multiple lighting modules.

Description

A Lighting Module and System Field of Invention This invention relates to an improved lighting module for use in a lighting system that provides a chain of lights, ideally for outdoor use.

Background to the Invention Construction and building sites require general lighting to be installed during the construction phase to allow safe movement around the site. Lighting is typically required over the whole place of work, including passages, stairs, ramps, ladders and gangways and significant lighting coverage needs to be readily and effectively supplied.

This type of lighting is generally achieved by continuous festoon or chain lighting systems which can be strung up through the construction site. A festoon chain is typically adapted for use in a construction setting by using bright coloured cables and adding a protective cage that surrounds the bulb, protecting it from impacts and/or water. The individual lights are connected to a single power supply cable, meaning the chain length is fixed, and if a single light or section of the cable is damaged, the cable must be either cut and re-joined, or the entire lighting system must be replaced. Cutting and re-joining sections of a continuous lighting system isn’t advisable, particularly in an outdoor environment, as the re-joined section creates a weakness in the supply cable, as well as providing an area where water-ingress may occur. For systems supplying lighting to a large space, the loss of an entire lighting chain can add significant time and cost to a construction process.

As these lights are electrical products and the environment used is a hazardous one, there are often a range of safety regulations and requirements associated with their design, installation and use. Individual lighting systems must be tested and tagged regularly to ensure electrical compliance, with the interval between tests being as low as three months on building and construction sites. For the continuous lighting systems described above, this typically only requires one test and tag for the continuous system containing multiple lights. However, these safety requirements discourage the use of multi-system lighting solutions where a plurality of individual lighting systems are connected together to create a chain of lights of varying lengths.

While this type of lighting has advantages in that damage to a single system can be addressed by simply disconnecting that system from the neighbouring system, there is a significant increase in the compliance costs associated with regularly maintaining a large number of independent lighting appliances. In addition, connections between individual lighting systems are weaker than those found in continuous lighting systems, increasing the risk of damage to the overall lighting chain when under stress.

It would be an advantage to develop a lighting system suitable for use as outdoor construction lighting that provides the advantages of strength, weather-tightness and reduced compliance time and cost associated with continuous lighting systems, without the disadvantages associated with such systems, such as the inability to effectively and safely address damages in the system and or the inability to alter the length of the lighting chain quickly and easily without compromising the systems robustness.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an improved lighting module for use in a lighting system.

Alternatively, it is an object to provide an improved lighting system for providing temporary lighting in an outdoor environment.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a lighting module including; - a base; -a light source mounted on the base; - a first power supply cable comprising one or more conducting wires housed in an insulating sheath, the conducting wires being electrically connected to the light source at an electrical connection; - a cord block, the cord block being over-molded to the first power supply cable and shaped to abut the light source and/or base; - a housing, the housing configured to at least partially encase the cord-block, and the base and/or the light source; wherein the cord block, housing and base are configured to interface such that a force exerted on the first power supply cable is imparted to the cord block, and housing and/or base whilst substantially shielding the electrical connection from the exerted force.

Preferably, the base is a substantially hollow casing comprising a casing wall having an external and internal face, the casing wall having a first end defining a first open face and an opposing second end defining a second open face, wherein the casing wall is adapted at the first end to receive a light source.

Preferably, the casing wall includes an upper surface separating the first and second open faces of the base, the upper surface of the casing wall including an aperture extending through the casing wall.

More preferably, the upper surface of the base includes one or more integrally formed connection features such as channels, recesses, flanges or ridges surrounding or partially surrounding the aperture, the integrally formed, connection features shaped to receive complementary connection features formed on the bottom surface of the cord-block.

Preferably, the internal face of the casing wall includes one or more flanges, channels, ridges, ribs or apertures for receiving and/or retain one or more components of the lighting module.

In preferred embodiments, the light source comprises light source elements including a printed circuit board (PCB), light emitting diode (LED), heat sink and an LED driver, the light source elements together enclosed within a translucent light lens.

Preferably, the translucent light lens is an elongate hollow tube having a first open end a second closed end, the elongate hollow tube shaped to receive the light source elements.

More preferably, the first open end of the light lens is adapted to connect to the casing wall at the first end of the base.

Preferably, the cord-block comprises a bottom surface and a top surface, the top and bottom surfaces separated by side walls, wherein the bottom surface is shaped to correspond to a portion of the base at the external face of the casing wall, such that when the cord-block is mounted on the base, the bottom surface of the cord-block forms a complementary fit against the base.

More preferably, the one or more conducting wires extend from the bottom surface of the cord-block.

Even more preferably, the bottom surface of the cord-block includes one or more integrally formed connection features such as channels, recesses, flanges or ridges surrounding or partially surrounding the one or more conducting wires, the integrally formed connection features shaped to receive complementary connection features formed on the bottom surface of the cord-block.

More preferably, the power supply cable is over-molded to the cord-block at a side wall of the cord-block.

More preferably, the top face of the cord-block comprises a hook, clip, loop or other hanging means integrally formed within the cord-block.

In further preferred embodiments, the bottom surface of the cord-block is further shaped to correspond to a portion of the light lens of the light source, such that when the light lens is connected to the base, the cord-block forms a complementary fit against the base and the light lens.

In further preferred embodiments of the invention the housing comprises a waterproof sleeve formed from one or more wall panels, the waterproof sleeve adapted to be secured over at least a portion of the base, light source and cord-block, such that the housing encases the connection points between the base, light source and cord block to retain the base, light source and cord-block in a fixed position.

Preferably, the waterproof sleeve is formed from two connectable side panels.

More preferably, the side panels are curved.

In further preferred embodiments, the second end of the casing wall of the base is adapted to receive a front cover.

More preferably, the front cover includes a central aperture adapted to receive a second power supply cable. Even more preferably, the front cover is directly or indirectly securable to the second power supply cable by a cable gland.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting modules as described above, wherein each lighting module is electrically connected to an adjacent lighting module.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a lighting module together with a front cover in one embodiment of the present invention, connected to a power supply; Figure 2 shows the lighting module of Figure 1, with a power supply cable connected to the cord-block of the lighting module; Figure 3 shows the lighting module including a front cover and cable gland with a second power supply cable attached to the lighting module and held in position with a front cover and cable gland; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an over-molded cord-block in one embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the over-molded cord-block of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a base of the lighting module in one embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a light source including a light lens and lighting components in one embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows a housing for the lighting module in one embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows a front cover and cable gland in one embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows the a cross section of the lighting module of Figure 1 when connected to an adjacent power supply cable; and Figure 11 shows a lighting system comprising a number of linked lighting modules as shown in Figures 1 – 10.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Temporary site lighting is widely used in the construction industry and during engineering projects to provide safe working conditions across a wide range of both geographical and structural situations. Ensuring sites are well lit with robust, efficient and weather resistant lighting is essential, both to meet health and safety requirements and to keep costs to a minimum.

The current invention describes an LED lighting module constructed so as to enable a continuous string of lights to be connected together to create a lighting system of variable length, either on the construction site, or at a manufacturing facility. The construction of the individual lighting modules has been designed such that any force imparted on the lighting modules by the power supply cable (either by high winds, or by a person or construction materials falling on the lighting system for example), is absorbed by a specially designed housing and over-molded cord-block, preventing the electrical connections within the lighting system from being disrupted as a result of the force.

The construction of the lighting modules also allows the system to be considered a single electrical unit when a number of lighting modules are connected in a chain, significantly reducing the compliance costs associated with testing and tagging individual lighting apparatus, while still enabling servicing or replacement of lighting modules without loss of functionality of the entire lighting system.

The lighting module in one embodiment of the present invention is shown in more detail in Figures 1 – 10, with Figure 11 showing a lighting system formed from a plurality of lighting modules. Aspects of the lighting modules are discussed below with reference to the Figures.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show an external perspective and side views of lighting module 100. Lighting module 100 comprises a cord-block 10 over-molded to a first power supply cable 110, a light source 30 and housing 40. Power supply cable 110 is electrically connected via base 20 (located behind housing, see Figures 6 and 10) to light source 30.

Lighting module 100 may also include front cover 60 and cable gland 70 (Figure 3), each having a central aperture for connection of the lighting module to an adjacent lighting module 100 via a second power supply cable 120, to create a chain of lights in a lighting system.

While designed to be connectable into a chain of lights when required, individual lighting modules 100 may be operable as independent lights, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, lighting module 100 is connected to a power supply 200, via a first power supply cord 110. An enclosed front cover 61 is attached to the housing 40 to provide a weather tight seal against housing 40, protecting the internal components of the lighting system.

Figures 4 and 5 show cord-block 10 over-molded to first supply cable 110. First power supply cable 110 comprises one or more conducting wires 115 housed in an insulating sheath, the insulating sheath over-molded through the side of cord-block 10. Conducting wires 115 extending from the power supply cable 110 exit cord-block 10 from the lower surface 15, for connection to the light source 30.

As seen more clearly in Figure 5, cord-block 10 is shaped to enable a fitted connection against base 20 (see Figure 6), ensuring the conducting wires remain unexposed to water or other external debris. The shape of the cord-block may change depending on the aesthetic look required, however the block must remain suitable shaped so as to enable the cord-block to tightly abut base 20, preferably with one or more overlapping flanges to enhance the weather- resistance on the connection.

As seen in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment cord-block 10 includes curved edges 13 and lower surface 15 includes raised ring 16 surrounding conducting wires 115, raised ring 15 corresponding to the complementary upper surface of base 20, such that cord-block 10 is able to be tight received onto base 20. These particular features are not intended to be limiting and the lower surface 15 of cord block 10 and upper surface of base 20 may include a range of ridges, recesses, flanges or apertures to ensure a tight connection between the two parts.

Cord-block 10 may also include a means for easily hanging the lighting module 100 onto an overhead chain, rope or wire to raise the level of the lighting. As seen in Figure 4, cord-block 10 includes a flexible hanging clip formed from flanges 11 and 12 extending from the upper surface 14 of cord-block 10. Flange 12 includes a curved end distal from surface 14 to enable a hooking connection to an overhead rope or similar, while flange 11 extends over and abuts against the curved distal end of flange 12, preventing the lighting module from becoming easily dislodged from where it has been hung. While flanges 11 and 12 are integrally formed with cord-block 10, other hanging means such as spring loaded clips or carabiners, or apertures designed to receive independent hanging means may be incorporated onto the cord-block as required depending on the particular use requirements. In alternative embodiments, the hanging means may be incorporated into other parts of lighting module 100, such as housing 40 or light lens 36, or multiple hanging means may be incorporated into a single lighting module.

Multiple hanging means may be suitable for larger lighting modules for example, where the distributing the load of the lighting module across a number of hangers results in safer and more secure lighting.

The over-molded cord- block is designed to be molded from a flexible polymer, or similar material such as rubber or silicon, forming a physical and chemical bond with the insulated sheath of the power supply cable, creating a strong, weather-resistant connection. The over- molded cord block is further molded to include any required hanging features and surfaces complementary to the base 20 of the lighting module, which create part of the water resistant seal for the electrical components contained within the light.

Base 20 is formed from a substantially hollow casing 21, as seen in Figure 6. Base 20 is preferably formed as a single piece construction using injection molded plastic and connects via a press fit to lower surface 15 of cord-block 10 at upper surface 22.

Casing 21 includes a first end 23 defining a first open face which is shaped to receive light source 30. Opposing second end 24 defines a second open face, which is connectable to either an enclosed front cover 61 for an independent lighting module, or a front cover 60 and cable gland 70 to support a second power supply cable 120 from an adjacent lighting module, via fasteners such as screws, which are receivable into screw holes 25.

Internal face 26 of casing 21 incorporates a number of recesses and flanges to enable secure connection of a number of internal lighting components as described in further detail below.

Light source 30 that is received by first end 23 of base 20 comprises a number of components as shown in Figure 7.

The light component of the light source is provided by one or more LED light strips 31, with an LED driver 32 allowing the lights to be supplied with electricity. The LED strips 31, PCB 33 and the electronic driver 32 are electrically connected 116 (see Figure 10) to conducting wires 115 extending from cord-block 10 (Figure 4) and supported on a central aluminium heatsink 34. The elongate heat sink shape is designed to angle the LED strips in a “V” formation to provide good light spread, as well as to provide a strong central spine for the light assembly. The heat sink 34 and electronic component mount is designed to be manufactured from extruded aluminium.

However it could also be cast or molded using another process or material, whilst ensuring the material properties draw the heat away from the electronic components and provide a strong central spine for the assembly.

Terminal block 35 is mounted and electrically connected to an end of the PCB proximate the base 20, providing a means for electrically connecting a second supply cable 120 from an adjacent lighting module to the first lighting module. A range of clamps, mounts and other connection means may be utilised to retain the components in an appropriate position as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

Components 31 – 34 are housed within light lens 36, a plastic enclosure designed to act as both a robust housing to protecting the components against physical impacts or water ingression and a lens to effectively diffuse light from the internal LEDs. Light lenses having a wide range of colours, opacities and shapes may be utilised for light lens 36, depending on the requirements of the end user.

Figure 8 shows housing 40 in one preferred embodiment of the invention. Housing 40 acts as an exterior sleeve, retaining cord-block 10, light source 30 and base 20 together with a weather- tight connection. Housing 40 is shown in Figure 8 as formed from two complementary side panels 41 and 42 that clamp around and cover the connecting surfaces of cord-block 10, light source 30 and base 20 and are held together by fastener or screw connections. In other embodiments the housing may be formed from a single part or multiple parts and may be connected using a range of known techniques, including screws, hinges, press fit connections or similar.

A series of internal ridges 43 may be incorporated into the internal walls of side panels 41 and 42, ridges 43 corresponding to complementary ridges on the external casing wall 21 of base 20 to further improve the connection between the different parts of lighting module 100.

Once lighting module 100 is connected (Figures 2 and 10), the molded connection between power supply cable 110 and cord-block 10 ensures that any force applied to power supply cable 110 is transferred from the insulating outer sheath of power supply cable 110 to cord-block 10.

For smaller forces imparted on supply cable 110, the cord-block 10 may absorb substantially all of the applied force. When larger forces are applied, such as strong winds, or objects falling onto the supply cable 110, excess force imparted on the cord-block 10 may be transferred to the rigidly connected housing 40 and in lesser amounts through the adjacent base 20 and light lens 36. The transfer of the force is enabled by the direct integrally formed connection between the supply cable 110 and cord-block 10, and subsequently through the connections between the rigid housing 40, base 20 and light lens 36 of the lighting module 100.

As seen in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 10, conducting wires 115 exit cord-block 10 through bottom surface 13 of cord-block 10 and enter base 20 through aperture 28 formed in upper surface 22 of base 20, where the conducting wires are soldered to the PCB 33 of the light source 30. As the force applied to supply cable 110 is transferred from the cable 110 to cord-block 10, then through housing 40 and base 20, conducting wires 115 are shielded from the applied force by having minimal or no contact with base 20. This is a result of the conducting wires 115 entering base 20 through aperture 28, and aperture 28 being wide enough so as to allow conducting wires 115 to pass freely through the aperture with little or no force being transferred from the aperture walls to the conducting wires, and therefore between the connection between wires 115 and PCB 33.

Aperture 28 may take any shape required to provide a path for conducting wires 115 to pass from the cord-block 10 through casing wall 21 to PCB 33 without a press-fit or any other rigid or semi-rigid connection being applied between the conducting wires 115 and walls of aperture 28, which would result in a transfer of force between base 20 and wires 115, thereby compromising the electrical connection with the PCB 33.

Preferably aperture 28 is formed as a circular aperture, designed to minimise any connection between conducting wires 115 and the edges of aperture 28. More preferably, a channel 29 formed around the circumference of aperture 28 is formed in upper surface 22 of base 20, channel 28 shaped to receive raised ring 16 on bottom surface 13 of cord- block 10. This interface between cord-block 10 and base 20 further ensures any force transferred between the two components is passed between the two rigid components and away from conducting wires 115.

Any number of channels, ridges, recess or flanges may be incorporated onto the upper surface 22 of base 20, with complementary features formed on the bottom surface 13 of cord-block 10.

Such features are positioned to surround or partially surround aperture 28, ensuring any transferable force is directing away from conducting wires 115.

In use, a single lighting module may be used as an independent light source by direct connection of the power supply cable to a power supply. In this embodiment, the base of the lighting module would include a weatherproof front cover 61 attached to the second end of base 20, rather than connecting to a second power supply cable.

For use in a lighting system, two or more lighting modules are connected together to create a string of lights having a desired or particular length. The first lighting module in the system is connected to a power supply (for example 230-240V a.c.). The second lighting module is electrically connected via a second power supply cable 120 to terminal block 35, supplying power to an adjacent lighting module 100. For the purposes of the second lighting module in a chain of lighting modules, the second power supply cable 120 of the first lighting module becomes the first power supply cable 110 for the second lighting module in the chain. Lighting modules may continue to be added in this manner until a lighting chain of a desired length is achieved.

Figure 9 shows front cover 60 designed for use in connecting a second lighting module via a second power supply cable 120 to a first lighting module. Cover 60 is shaped as a hollow casing with central aperture 63 capable of receiving a second power supply cable 120. Front cover 60 is formed at a first end 64 to connect to second end 24 of base 20 and held tightly in place using fasteners such as screws 72. Front cover 60 protects the electrical connection between second power supply cable 120 and terminal block 35, where insulated wires connect directly to the terminal block 35 using standard connection mechanisms. A flexible rubber seal 62 may be used between the base 20 and front cover 60 to provide further weather tightness to the overall lighting module.

Second end 65 of cover 60 receives threaded connection means 71 within aperture 63, connection means 71 having a central aperture to receive second power supply cable 120.

Connection means 71 is in turn connectable to a flexible cable gland such as a spiral or “pigtail” cable gland 70. Tightening of the threaded connection between connection means 71 and cable gland 70 retains power supply cable 120 tightly within apertures 63 and 73, providing resistance against a pull-force exerted on supply cable 120. Cable gland 70 and connection means 71 also provide additional weather tightness to the module, further protecting the internal electrical connections.

The shape of front cover 60 may take a range of different visual forms, shapes or styles, provided it provides adequate protection from the elements for the interior components. In preferred embodiments it is formed from injection molded plastic as with the housing 40 and base 20 of the lighting module 100.

To disconnect a lighting module from the chain, cable gland 70 is loosened to allow the supply cable 120 to slide within apertures 63 and 73. Front cover 60 is then removed and front cover 60, connection means 71 and cable gland 70 can be slid along the supply cable 120 away from the base 20. Rubber seal 62 will come away when the front cover 60 is removed.

With the front cover 60 removed this will give access to and terminal block 35 which may be held in position by an internal cable clamp 76 (see Figure 10). Terminal block 35 is preferably secured with screws which must be loosened or removed to allow supply cable 120 to be disconnected from terminal block 35.

To connect a replacement or additional lighting module 100 to another lighting module in the chain this process is reversed.

An overall cross section of lighting module 100 connected to a second power supply 120 via a terminal block 35 can be seen in Figure 10 indicating the components discussed in further detail above. Housing 40 is absent from this figure to clearly show the internal configuration of the lighting module 100 in one preferred form of the invention. It should be appreciated that the shape and size of the components within lighting module 100 may change to offer lighting modules having different looks and light outputs, while still retaining the necessary interactions between the individual components to ensure that any force applied to the power supply cable 110 is substantially absorbed by the cord-block 10, housing 40, base 20 and/or light source 30, rather than being applied to the electrical connections within the lighting module.

Figure 11 demonstrates a lighting system 300 consisting of ten lighting modules 100 connected together via supply cables 110 and 120. System 300 is powered from a power supply 200 attached via first power supply cable 110 to the first lighting module 100A in the chain of lighting modules 300. First power supply cable 110 is over-molded to the cord block 10 of lighting module 100A and is electrically connected to the light source 30 inside housing 40 of the lighting module 100A. A second lighting module in the chain 100B connects second power supply cable 120 to lighting module 100A through an electrically connected terminal block 35 (Fig 10), second power supply cable 120 housed and held in position against lighting module 100A via front cover 60, connection means 71 and cable gland 70. Second power supply cable 120 of lighting module 100A becomes first power supply cable 110 for lighting module 100B and is over-molded at the end distal from lighting module 100A to cord-block 10 of lighting module 100B. Multiple lighting modules may be connected together in this fashion, creating a single lighting system 300. Lighting system 300 may terminate with a lighting module 100n, which may be either connected to an AC power out means, or may be capped with an enclosed front cover 61 (Fig 1) to provide a weather tight seal on the end of lighting system 300.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims (22)

Claims 1.

1. A lighting module including; - a base; - a light source mounted on the base; - a first power supply cable comprising one or more conducting wires housed in an insulating sheath, the conducting wires being electrically connected to the light source at an electrical connection; - a cord block, the cord block being over-molded to the first power supply cable and shaped to abut the light source and/or base; - a housing, the housing configured to at least partially encase the cord-block, and the base and/or the light source; wherein the cord block, housing and base are configured to interface such that a force exerted on the first power supply cable is imparted to the cord block, and housing and/or base whilst substantially shielding the electrical connection from the exerted force.

2. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the base is a substantially hollow casing comprising a casing wall having an external face and internal face, the casing wall having a first end defining a first open face and an opposing second end defining a second open face, wherein the casing wall is adapted at the first end to receive a light source.

3. The lighting module of claim 2, wherein the casing wall includes an upper surface separating the first and second open faces of the base, the upper surface of the casing wall including an aperture extending through the casing wall.

4. The lighting module of claim 3, wherein the upper surface of the base includes one or more integrally formed connection features such as channels, recesses, flanges or ridges surrounding or partially surrounding the aperture.

5. The lighting module of any one of claims 2 - 4, wherein the internal face of the casing wall includes one or more flanges, channels, ridges, ribs or apertures for receiving and/or retain one or more components of the lighting module.

6. The lighting module of any one of claims 2 - 5, wherein the light source comprises light source elements including a printed circuit board (PCB), at least one light emitting diode (LED), a heat sink and an LED driver, the light source elements being enclosed within a translucent light lens.

7. The lighting module of claim 6, wherein the translucent light lens is an elongate hollow tube having a first open end a second closed end, the elongate hollow tube shaped to receive the light source elements.

8. The lighting module of claim 7, wherein the first open end of the light lens is adapted to connect to the casing wall at the first end of the base.

9. The lighting module of any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the cord-block comprises a bottom surface and a top surface, the top and bottom surfaces separated by side walls, wherein the bottom surface is shaped to correspond to a portion of the base at the external face of the casing wall, such that when the cord-block is mounted on the base, the bottom face of the cord-block forms a complementary fit against the base.

10. The lighting module of claim 9, wherein the one or more conducting wires extend from the bottom surface of the cord-block.

11. The lighting module of claim 10, wherein the bottom surface of the cord-block includes one or more integrally formed connection features such as channels, recesses, flanges or ridges surrounding or partially surrounding the one or more conducting wires.

12. The lighting module of any one of claims 9 - 11, wherein the first power supply cable is over-molded to the cord-block at a side wall of the cord-block.

13. The lighting module of claim 12, wherein the top surface of the cord-block comprises a hook, clip, loop or other hanging means integrally formed within the cord-block.

14. The lighting module of claim 9 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the cord-block is shaped to correspond to a portion of the light lens of the light source, such that when the light lens is connected to the base, the cord-block forms a complementary fit against the base and the light lens.

15. The lighting module of any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the housing comprises a waterproof sleeve formed from one or more wall panels, the waterproof sleeve adapted to be secured over at least a portion of the base, light source and cord-block, such that the housing encases the connection points between the base, light source and cord block to retain the base, light source and cord-block in a fixed position.

16. The lighting module of claim 15, wherein the waterproof sleeve is formed from two connectable side panels.

17. The lighting module of any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the one or more wall panels and/or the two connectable side panels of the waterproof sleeve are curved.

18. The lighting module of claim 2, wherein the second end of the casing wall of the base is adapted to receive a front cover.

19. The lighting module of claim 18, wherein the front cover includes a central aperture adapted to receive a second power supply cable.

20. The lighting module of claim 19, wherein the front cover is directly or indirectly securable to the second power supply cable by a cable gland.

21. A lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting modules as claimed in claim 1-20, wherein each lighting module is electrically connected to an adjacent lighting module.

22. A lighting module substantially as described herein and with reference to