Indoor Lighting
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1. How do I determine the size chandelier I need for over a dining room table?
The chandelier should be approximately 12" smaller than the narrowest width of the table. It should hang so that the bottom is 30" above the table surface.
2. How do I determine the proper size chandelier for the foyer?
Simply add the dimensions together. For example, if your foyer is 12 by 16, add 12 plus 16 to get 28. The proper size chandelier would then be 28 in diameter. This works for any room. Make sure the bottom of the fixture does not hang more than 7 from the floor. If windows are present, center the fixture in the window so it can be seen from the outside.
3. How do I determine the correct amount of wattage to properly illuminate a 12 by 16 room?
Multiply the room dimensions to get your total square footage (12 x 16 = 192). Then multiply the square footage by 1.5 for total illumination needed (192 x 1.5 = 288 watts). For specific task lighting within a space for instance, the light needed on an island in your kitchen multiply the square footage of the island (8 x 4 =32 square feet) times 2.5 = 80 watts. Two 40 watt pendants would do the job.
4. When do I use portable lamps in a room?
They should be used where additional task lighting is needed. The bottom of the lampshade for either a floor or table lamp should normally be 42 from the floor.
5. In what area should I use semi-flush fixtures? What is their purpose?
The ceiling height, the area, and the physical dimensions of a room will determine the fixtures that should be used. Semi-flush fixtures provide unique style in a low-ceiling application.
6. How can I get optimal lighting in my bathroom?
Avoid shadows on your face with fixtures that use incandescent bulbs behind diffusers. These radiate the most flattering light and color. Position scones on both sides of the mirror at least 28 apart and 60 above the floor. To fully surround your face with light, install a fixture that is at least 24 wide over the mirror as well. Add a ceiling fixture to balance the light throughout the room.
7. Is there a rule for lighting a desktop?
Light sources on desks should be approximately 16 above the work surface and approximately 13 from the desk front.
8. When should I use a dimmer switch?
A dimmer switch can be used with any decorative lighting fixture, such as chandeliers, pendants or even bath lights. Use brighter lighting for parties while dimming down for a quieter, more intimate setting. In addition to setting the right mood, dimming can significantly extend the life of incandescent bulbs
9. Can I dim a low voltage system?
Most low voltage systems can be dimmed. Remember to match your low voltage dimmer to the type of transformer (i.e. magnetic or electronic).
10. What is the proper height to install wall sconces?
They should be installed approximately 60" off the floor.
11. How do I light a cove evenly?
Using a 5-10 Watt frosted lamp xenon or halogen system with lamp spacing of 4" will create an even glow throughout the cove.
12. How much light do I need for task lighting?
20-50 footcandles
13. What spacing is recommended for wall washing with recessed fixtures?
Basic rule of thumb: the fixtures should be spaced equal to the distance they are spaced from the wall. See below for specifications.
SCOOP TRIMS - 20-30" from the wall and 20-30" apart.
LENSED PAR/MR16 TRIMS 12-18" from the wall and 2' apart.
A LAMP OR CF TRIMS 2-3' from the wall and 2-3' apart.
14. How do I achieve a grazing effect on textured surfaces?
Par lamps work best when spaced 6-12" from the wall.
15. Can I use recessed housing outdoors?
Most recessed housings are damp labeled for use in porch applications.
16. How many fixtures can be used on a track?
- FORMULA FOR CALCULATING: AMPS X VOLTAGE = WATTS
- Example: 20 amp capacity on track
- 20 amps X 120 volt = 2400 watt MAX
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Ceiling Fans
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1. How low should I hang my ceiling fan?
The fan should hang a minimum of 7' off the floor.
2. Can a ceiling fan help reduce energy costs?
Yes, using the fan in summer can reduce your energy bill by as much as 40%, and up to 10% in the winter using less energy than a 100W light bulb.
3. What size fan is the right size for my room?
Room Size
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Application
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Size
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Up to 50 Sq
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Bathroom, Hallway |
29" |
| Up to 75 Sq Ft |
Breakfast Nook |
36" |
| Up to 100 Sq Ft |
Small bedroom/Laundry |
42" |
| Up to 400 Sq Ft |
Bedroom,Family Room |
50-52" |
| Over 400 Sq Ft |
Great Room |
52-54" |
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Outdoor Lighting Tips
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1. What size wall bracket lantern should I use?
The height of a lantern should be based on the height of the door. If a single side lantern is used it should be approximately one third (1/3) the height of the door. If two side lanterns are used they should each be approximately one fourth (1/4) the height of the door.
2. How far above the threshold of a door should I mount my wall bracket fixture?
The wall bracket fixture should be mounted so that the lantern is approximately 66 above the threshold of the door. |
Landscape Lighting Tips
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1. How far can I run my cable and what size should I use?
12 Gauge under 100'
10 Gauge under 160'
2. How do I calculate voltage drop?
Voltage Drop = Total Watts x Cable Length / Cable Consant
Wire Size
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Table Constant
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| #18 |
1380 |
| #16 |
2200 |
| #14 |
3500 |
| #12 |
7500 |
| #10 |
11920 |
| #8 |
18960 |
- Keep the voltage drop number <1.2
- Never use brass or copper fasteners in a tree.
- Dip lamps in corrosive preventive compound to help prevent oxidation.
- The recommended feed to each lamp is 10.8V - 11.5V
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Flourescent
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1. What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is a voluntary partnership among the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, product manufacturers, local utilities and retailers.
2. What is High Power Factor?
A ballast (or fixture) is considered High Power Factor if it is rated at greater than 90%. To be HPF, the ballast is accompanied by a capacitor, either internal or external to the ballast. It's purpose is to reduce the amperage during start up and regulate power quality to the lamp. Incidentally, electronic fluorescent are already HPF by nature.
3. Do I need HPF?
It depends on the application. For instance, in high pressure sodium, the reduction in start up amperage can be substantial. In many cases, HPF allows for a greater number of fixtures on one circuit. In compact fluorescent, HPF is often required in utility rebates. The reason for the requirement is not the energy savings and increased lamp life, as those are to small to justify the cost. The real purpose in compact fluorescent is that the capacitor acts as a surge protector & protects the ballast & lamp from irregular line spikes.
4. What does retrofit mean?
Retrofitting a fixture means converting it from one type of light source to another. Most commonly, this term is used when converting an incandescent fixture to a compact fluorescent fixture.
5. What is Class P? Do I need it?
Class P means "thermally protected". All indoor fluorescent fixtures must now be "class P". The thermal protector cuts off electrical supply to the ballast when it exceeds a safe operating temperature. In fluorescent, this is not a problem. However, in incandescent fixtures, heat build up can be dangerous especially if you are using a higher wattage lamp than the fixture is rated for. ALL Indoor fluorescents must use Class P.
6. Can I put fluorescents in a motion sensor?
You can, but it makes more sense to use a photocell instead. The reasoning for a motion sensor was originally designed to reduce electrical consumption. A 13 watt fluorescent on a photocell will cost less than 50 cents per month to operate. A motion sensor was used as a safety device to guarantee light if you arrived after dark or a security device. A photocell does the same thing - it provides light ALL NIGHT. Any security company or police officer will tell you that a well lit property is by far more secure than one that relys on motion to turn on the lights. (Plus a photocell is less expensive than a motion sensor because the motion sensor still has to have a photocell in addition to the sensor). The life expectancy of a fluorescent is based on the number of "starts" it experiences. On a motion sensor, the fluorescent is likely to start several times a night, which would lead to early failure. |
Click Here for Incandescent to Fluorescent lamp comparison
Misc. Section
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1. What is the difference between Acrylic and Polycarbonate?
Acrylic is breakable, but will not yellow. It is less expensive & can look like glass. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, but will turn yellow under UV radiation (sunlight & fluorescent lamps). Both are available in various colors including clear.
2. What is so special about Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a paint process that uses a dry powder that is either applied electrostatically & then heated, or is applied to a preheated metal surface. It is safer for the environment than wet paints, creates a harder and stronger coating, & lasts longer than wet paints. Most quality fixture companies utilize Powder Coating. |
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