The Ariette 2, designed by R. & Tobia Scarpa in 1973, is a distinctive lighting fixture from Flos, characterized by its soft, diffused illumination and unique fabric construction. This manual outlines the assembly, installation, and maintenance procedures for the Ariette 2, ensuring proper functioning and longevity of the product.

Function Description

The Ariette 2 serves as a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted diffused light source, designed to create a warm and inviting ambiance in various indoor settings. Its primary function is to provide soft, indirect lighting through its fabric diffusers, minimizing glare and harsh shadows. The fixture utilizes multiple lamp holders to distribute light evenly across its large surface area, enhancing the overall luminosity and aesthetic appeal of a space. The design, featuring a central lamp holder assembly and a frame of fiberglass rods, supports two fabric diffusers that enclose the light source, creating its signature sculptural form. The light emitted is gentle and widespread, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, or commercial spaces where a comfortable and diffused light is desired. The Ariette 2 is not intended for outdoor use or in environments with high humidity or extreme temperatures.

Usage Features

The Ariette 2 is designed for ease of assembly and installation, although it requires careful handling due to its delicate fabric components. The core structure involves a central lamp holder assembly (RF04635) that accommodates multiple light bulbs (Max 40W per bulb, as indicated on the lamp holders). This assembly is then connected to a wall attachment (RF05740) which secures the fixture to the mounting surface.

The unique aesthetic of the Ariette 2 is achieved through its fiberglass rods (RF05757) and fabric diffusers (RF06111). The fiberglass rods are inserted into "V" shaped connectors (RF0400100), forming a flexible frame that gives the fixture its distinctive shape. These connectors also serve as attachment points for the fabric diffusers. The assembly process involves carefully inserting the fiberglass rods into the connectors and then attaching the rear and front fabric diffusers. The rear fabric diffuser is attached to the "V" shaped connectors, while the front fabric diffuser is attached with its seams facing inside, ensuring a clean and finished appearance. This layered fabric design is crucial for the fixture's diffused light output.

The installation process begins with fixing the wall attachment to the wall or ceiling. This involves passing the power cables through the central hole of the wall attachment and securing it with appropriate screws and expansion plugs, chosen based on the type of installation surface. Once the wall attachment is securely in place, the lamp holder assembly is connected to the electrical wires, respecting the polarities (Phase = black, Neutral = white, Earth = green/yellow). The rod supports (RF05737) are then assembled to the lamp holder assembly using their respective screws. Finally, the fiberglass rods are connected to the extremities and fixed well inside the "V" shape connectors, utilizing their relative adjustable forks.

The Ariette 2 is designed for indoor use only and should be operated within its specified electrical parameters. It is important to ensure that the power supply is switched off during any installation or maintenance procedures to prevent electrical shock. The fixture's diffused light makes it ideal for general ambient lighting rather than task lighting, contributing to a soft and uniform illumination of the space.

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the Ariette 2 primarily involves keeping its fabric diffusers clean and ensuring the electrical connections remain secure. Regular cleaning of the fabric diffusers is recommended to preserve the fixture's aesthetic and light output. The fabric should be cleaned gently, preferably with a soft, dry cloth or a very lightly dampened cloth, to remove dust and light dirt. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the fabric or its fire-retardant treatment. In case of significant soiling or damage, the fabric diffusers (RF06111) can be replaced.

The lamp holder assembly (RF04635) is designed for durability, but in the event of a malfunction, it can be replaced. When replacing the lamp holder assembly, it is crucial to consult a qualified electrician to ensure proper disconnection and reconnection of electrical wires, adhering to the specified polarities. Similarly, if any of the fiberglass rods (RF05757) or "V" shaped connectors (RF0400100) become damaged, they can be individually replaced. The rod nylon supports (RF05737) and the wall attachment (RF05740) are also replaceable components, ensuring that the structural integrity of the fixture can be maintained over time.

For any spare part installation, it is explicitly stated that a qualified electrician should be consulted. This is not only for safety reasons, ensuring the power supply is switched off before any work, but also to guarantee correct assembly and electrical connections. Flos reserves the right to introduce changes to its models without prior notice, so it is always advisable to refer to the most current version of the manual or consult Flos directly for specific spare part compatibility and installation instructions. Regular checks of the screws and connections, particularly for the wall attachment and rod supports, can help prevent loosening over time and ensure the fixture remains securely mounted. The overall design of the Ariette 2 emphasizes modularity, allowing for the replacement of individual components rather than the entire fixture, contributing to its long-term usability and sustainability.

FLOS ARIETTE 2 - Page 11

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