Illumination Systems

Illumination Systems

Introduction of Types of light Fixture

Direct, Semi-direct, Indirect
Light fittings: Installation
Lighting or illumination is the deliberate use of light to achieve a practical or aesthetic effect.
Lighting includes the use of both artificial light sources like lamps and light fixtures, as well as
natural illumination by capturing daylight. Daylighting (using windows, skylights, or light shelves) is
sometimes used as the main source of light during daytime in buildings. This can save energy in
place of using artificial lighting, which represents a major component of energy consumption in
buildings. Proper lighting can enhance task performance, improve the appearance of an area, or
have positive psychological effects on occupants.
Proper lighting can have a significant impact on how you feel in a space, and each space may call
for a variety of different lighting requirements. A good lighting setup combines different kinds of
lighting to create a welcoming space where you can easily work or relax. There are three basic
types of lighting you should layer in a room in order to accomplish this:

Ambient or general lighting

Accent lighting
Task lighting
3 Basic Types of Lighting
Types of Lighting
Understand the functions of various types of lighting
From providing the illumination you need to complete daily
tasks, to setting the mood for a romantic dinner, lighting serves
multiple purposes and has a deep impact on the design of your
home. This means you will need several types of lighting in a
complete lighting layout.

Task Lighting
Task lighting is needed in the "working areas" of the home. The
kitchen and bathroom benefit the most when the proper light
is in place so there are no glare or shadows, and the light is
bright enough to see easily without strainig your eyes.

General or Ambient Lighting

General ilghting fills spaces with as oft level of overall light.
This level of illumination allows enough light to be able to use
the space. Ambient light levels will change with time of day and
season; the levels should let you enjoy the room without being
too dimly lit or with too much glare.

Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is a requirement when you want to feature any
design element in your space. Artwork and architectural details
stand out when accent lighting is focused to draw attention to
Types of Lighting
Planning an efficient layout, and following design
guidelines
Planning an efficient layout, and following recommended
design guidelines, can help ensure that you end up with a
stylish room that's safe, functional, and comfortable.
1. Ambient - Ambient light from pendants, such as those
hanging over the island in this photo, recessed lighting or
other sources can eliminate dark spots in a room and
serves as a design element.
2. Task - Task lighting under cabinets, as shown in this
photo, fills the shadows and provides a high level of light.
3. Accent - Accent lighting makes glass-fronted cabinets
come alive when lit from the inside, as shown here,
highlighting the decoration inside.
AMBIENT/GENERAL LIGHTING
Ambient or general lighting is a necessary part of any good lighting plan because it provides an overall
glow to a room. In addition to setting the tone for the space, ambient lighting creates enough light for
you to see and move around comfortably and safely. In some cases, it can also double as task lighting.
Ambient lighting is usually created using overhead fixtures like recessed pot lights, track lights,
chandeliers and other ceiling lamps, or stand alone fixtures like floor and table lamps.
ACCENT LIGHTING
By design, accent lighting creates a focal point. It builds upon the ambient lighting of a room by adding dimension, and can be used to draw attention to a feature, like a piece of
artwork or a plant, or to highlight a unique design element, like wall texture or decorative coving.
To add drama and effectively draw the eye, accent lighting should direct at least three times as much light towards the focal point compared to the rest of the room. When done well,
accent lighting draws your attention to the object or feature without drawing your attention to how it’s being lit. This is usually accomplished through track and recessed lighting or
wall-mounted fixtures, like picture lights and sconces, which can be angled and directed to create a spotlight.
When lighting artwork, it’s best to use LEDs. They don’t emit UV light and give off almost no heat, ensuring your painting or photography doesn’t get damaged over time. Browse
our selection of LEDs to find a bulb that will safely light your artwork.
TASK LIGHTING

Task lighting is intended to help you accomplish – you guessed it – a task! This type of lighting is localized and can be provided by a variety of different sources, allowing you the option to adjust the lighting for a work space or chosen area and
brighten or darken it in order to suit your needs. Effective task lighting needs to reduce glare and should be bright enough to prevent eye strain, making it ideal for activities like, reading, cooking, crafts and hobbies, studying and work.

There are a variety of factors that go into selecting the right task lighting, including what activity or work you need it for, and even your age. As a person gets older, they require more light and become more sensitive to glare, making good quality
task lighting even more important. Depending on these factors, a good task light should provide about 269 to 1076 lumens, or 40 to 100 watts, to a workspace.

Task lighting can be created using a variety of light sources, including overhead sources like recessed or track lighting, as well as desk or task lamps. Task lamps should be adjustable or angled down to keep the light on the task and out of your
eyes. They should also be placed to the side of your work to reduce glare and limit shadows.

Halogen bulbs work well for task lighting because they produce a white light similar to daylight and use less energy than incandescent bulbs. Find a halogen bulb.

LED bulbs are another good choice because they produce a direct, bright light that won’t get hot when you’re working for long periods of time. Shop our selection of LED and LED filament bulbs.
Types of Bulbs
There are three basic bulbs available for home lighting today
1. Halogen incandescent - Very similar to the traditional household incandescent bulb, except that it is somewhat more efficient.
2. CFL (Compact Fluorescent) - The CFL is more effcient still than the halogen incandescent, but its use is expected to decline due to the growing
popularity of LEDs.
3. LED - Today, the LED bulb is the most efficient, longest lasting, and often the most suitable for home lighting. The new models look very similar to
traditional bulbs. The slightly higher upfront cost of these bulbs is mitigated by their very long life.
Watts up with Lumens?
Light bulbs are now market with lumens rather than watts...why the change?
Watts only measure the amount of power a bulb draws. Bulbs with the same wattage may
put out very different amounts of light. Lumens tell you how much light a bulb emits.
What Should I Look for in a Light Bulb?
Check light bulb packaging for the following:
- Lumens: How bright is the bulb?
- Color: Is the light from the bulb a warm 2700K or a cool 4000K?
- CRI: Does the bulb render colors beautifully? 80+ is good, 90+ is great!
- Dimmable: Can I use teh bulb with a dimmer switch? What type of dimmer is compatible?
What color bulb is best?
Light bulbs come in a choice of colors now; which color is best?
Check the "Lighting Facts" label on the bulb carton. The label is required for all bulbs sold at retail for residential use
and provides operating information, as well as color information about the light from the bulb. Color information is
shown as "light appearance." A bulb that provides "warm" light with a rating of 2700 to 3000K (K stands for Kelvins)
will closely match the color of a standard incandescent bulb. Bulbs with higher Kelvin ratings, such as 4000 or
5000K, will appear blue-white or "cool." See the bulb lit before buying it if you can.
LEDs and Dimming
Finding Compatible Dimmers
Dimmers come in several types. If you have a dimmable LED bulb in a fixture with a dimmer switch
and it isn't working, you may have a dimmer taht is not compatible with that particular LED bulb. If
you know the type of dimmer that you have (manufacturer and model) check the dimmer
manufacturer's website for a list of compatible LED bulb types.
Oven Lights and LEDs
Can a CFL or LED replace an oven bulb?
If the bulb in your oven has burned out, a CFL or LED bulb cannot be used as a replacement. Both
CFL and LED bulbs contain electronic circuitry, which would fail at oven temperatures. Instead,
use a specifically market incandescent or halogen incandescent bulb.
Light Bulb Efficiency
How is the efficiency of a light bulb measured?
Efficiency (or efficacy) is the light output of the bulb (lumens) divided by its power input (watts), i.e.
lumens per watt. The standard household bulb of a few years ago rated for 60 watts generated 800
lumens and had an efficacy of about 13 lumens/watt. Today, and LED bulb rated for 800 lumens would
draw about 8 watts, for an efficacy of 100 lumens/watt, making it significantly more efficient!
LED Lifespan
How long do LEDs last?
The short answer is 10 - 20 years for home applications where the LED bulb is normally burned for the typical 1 - 3 hours/day. The
rated life of an LED bulb is based upon burning hours, and typically life ratings for LED household bulbs are 10,000 hours or more,
with some rating as long as 40,000 - 50,000 hours starting in 2017. However, LED bulbs are not likely to fail by simply burning out.
It is more likely that they will just gradually get dimmer over time. To claim a rated life of 15,000 hours, for example, Energy Star-
qualified bulbs must pass sample tests that require they produce no less than 93.1 percent of their initial light output after they have
been burning for 3,000 hours.
Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting serves many purposes

When choosing lighting for your entry, it is important not to go too small. Typically lanterns next to a front doorway will range between 25 and 35 percent of the door opening. Rear doors often have a smaller fixture. Take a picture of the front of
your home when shopping for outside lighting. Look for styles that have a full series. There will often be several sizes of lanterns and post heads to fit the space available.

Landscape Lighting
Adding landscape lighting to your home is a great way to boost curb appeal and increase safety by lighting walkways and entrance areas. Landscape lighting creates visual drama when various techniques are applied. Some of those techniques
are:
- Grazing: Positioning the light close to an exterior surface will bring out the texture of stone, brick or clapboard.
- Shadowing: Place the light in front of, or below a tree or object in order to project shadows on a vertical wall.
- Silhouetting: Place light behind and below objects, trees or bushes to provide an effect that resembles looking at the selected feature against the sky at dusk.
- Down Lighting or Moon Lighting: Place lights in trees pointing downward to put pools of light in a garden or on a driveway to give a nice effect of a moonlit evening - even when the moon is not out.
- Up Lighting: Lights aimed upwards create a theatre-like effect on the object they are accenting. Use this to light interesting bushes, grasses and trees.

Outdoor Lighting
Security matters
While the previous types of outdoor lighting provide
ambiance and some security, stand alone security lighting
is an additional and often necessary element for your
home. Security lighting is purely functional. This lighting is
needed when you want your exterior areas lit brightly to
be able to see any activity going on in the yard and to
eliminate shadows. This is the opposite effect we create
with landscape lighting.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting features a variety of materials
Outdoor lights are made from various materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. Each of these materials can have many types of finishes put on them to increase the life of the fixture.
Aluminum is the most economical of the metals and is not recommended in areas near the ocean. If the aluminum is powder-coated, the life of the fixture will be extended.
Stainless steel looks great and is very durable. Its attractiveness and longevity can be extended with regular cleaning.
Brass is made from a combination of copper and zinc and is considered the hallmark in light fixture material. Brass fixtures will last for many years, and will patina or turn darker over time as they are
exposed to the outside elements. Brass fixtures are wonderful in oceanside homes. Brass is more expensive than some of the other materials, and is the longest lasting.
Types of Lighting Fixtures

Architectural. The three most common forms of architectural lighting are cove, soffit and valance; all three are integrated into the room's structure. Cove
lighting is located in a ledge, shelf or recess high up on a wall, and the light is bounced toward the ceiling or upper wall. Soffit lighting is located in a
soffit or cornice near the ceiling, and the light radiates downward, washing the wall with light. Valance lighting is located in a wood, metal or glass
valance (horizontal shield) mounted above a window or high on the wall, and the light bounces both upward and downward. The technique of bouncing
light off walls and ceilings is known as indirect lighting, which is favored by many lighting professionals because indirect lighting minimizes shadows
and glare. Architectural lighting is most often used as ambient lighting.
Recessed. Installed above the ceiling, this type of lighting has an opening that is flush with the ceiling. A recessed light requires at least 6 inches of
clearance above the ceiling, and insulation is essential to ensure that condensation does not drip into the fixture. Recessed lighting sends a relatively
narrow band of light in one direction; it can be used to provide ambient, task or accent lighting.
Track. Mounted or suspended from the ceiling, track lighting consists of a linear housing containing several heads that can be positioned anywhere
along a track; the direction of the heads is adjustable also. Track lighting is often used for task or accent lighting.
Undercabinet. Mounted under kitchen cabinets, this type of lighting can be linear or a single puck-shaped fixture. Undercabinet lighting is extremely
popular as task lighting in a kitchen.
Pendants. Suspended from the ceiling, a pendant light directs its light down, typically over a table or kitchen island. A pendant can enhance the
decorative style of a room. Pendants can provide ambient or task lighting.

Chandeliers. Suspended from the ceiling, chandeliers direct their light upward, typically over a table. They can enhance the decorative style of a room.
Chandeliers provide ambient lighting.
Ceiling. This type of fixture is mounted directly to the ceiling and has a glass or plastic shade concealing the light bulb. Ceiling fixtures have been
common in homes for nearly a hundred years, often providing all the ambient light in a room.
Wall Sconces. Surface-mounted to the wall, sconces can direct light upwards or downwards, and their covers or shades can add a stylistic touch to a
room. Wall sconces provide ambient or task lighting.
Desk, Floor & Table Lamps. Made in a wide range of sizes and styles, lamps are extremely versatile and portable sources of light in a room. Most
lamps direct light downward, with the exception of a torchiere, which is a floor lamp that directs its light upward. Lamps are often used as task lights,
particularly for reading, but can also provide ambient light.
Learn to Speak Lighting Lingo

Forget the days of referring to light bulbs as "40 watt," "60 watt" or "100 watt." The new nomenclature will focus on light output in lumens, and new labeling will help. Starting in summer 2011, light bulb manufacturers are required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to label light bulb packages in two new ways.

Front of light bulb package must state:

light output measured in lumens

energy used in watts

life hours

Back of light bulb package must have a "Lighting Facts Per Bulb" label similar to the "Nutrition Facts" label on food packages. The "Lighting Facts" label must include:

light output in lumens

estimated yearly energy cost

life expectancy

light appearance (warm or cool light, expressed as the Correlated Color Temperature)

energy used in watts

whether the light bulb contains mercury

According to the FTC, the light bulb's brightness in lumens, and a mercury disclosure must also be printed directly on each light bulb.

Light Output/Lumens: Technically, a lumen is a unit of luminous flux derived by measuring the time rate of flow of light. For the average consumer, the lumens associated with each light bulb will begin to become more familiar with the new light bulb packaging. As a point of reference, a traditional 40-watt incandescent light bulb
produces a light output of 500 lumens.

Energy Used in Watts: Different types of light bulbs use vastly different amounts of energy to produce the same lumens, so an important bit of information is the energy used in watts, i.e. how many units of active electric power are used by a particular light bulb.

Lighting Terms

For example, a traditional 40-watt incandescent light bulb uses 40 watts of energy to produce a light output of 500 lumens, whereas an LED light bulb with a similar light output of 450 lumens uses just 8 watts of energy, and a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb with a similar light output of 450 lumens uses 9 watts of energy.

Life Hours: Feel like you're always replacing light bulbs? You'll have more information now that the life hours must be labeled on the front of every light bulb package. The life hours are the rated average life of a light bulb as determined by engineering testing and probability analysis.

For example, a traditional 40-watt incandescent, 500-lumens light bulb typically provides 1,000 life hours, whereas a 450-lumens LED typically provides 25,000 life hours, and a 450-lumens CFL typically provides 8,000 life hours.

Color Accuracy/Color Rendering Index: Known as CRI, the color rendering index is a description of the effect of a light source on the color appearance of objects being illuminated. CRI is expressed on a scale of 1-100, with a CRI of 100 being the maximum possible. On a good-better-best scale, a good CRI is 60-79, better CRI
is 80-89, and best CRI is 90-100.

For example, incandescent light bulbs typically are 100 CRI (no matter what the light output or lumens rating), while CFL light bulbs typically are 82-88 CRI, and LED light bulbs typically are 65-85 CRI.

Lumens Per Watt/Efficacy: This measurement expresses the total light output of a light source divided by the total power input. The higher the efficacy rating of a light bulb, the less it will cost you to use it. Calculating a light bulb's efficacy is a simple mathematical process using the information now required on the front of a light
bulb package-- lumens divided by energy used in watts equals lumens per watt, or efficacy.

For example, the traditional 40-watt incandescent light bulb that produces 500 lumens has an efficacy of 12.5 (500 lumens ? 40 watts = 12.5 lumens per watt). The 450-lumens LED light bulb has an efficacy of 56.25 (450 lumens ? 8 watts = 56.25 lumens per watt); and the 450-lumens CFL light bulb has an efficacy of 50 (450
lumens ? 9 watts = 50 lumens per watt.

Light Color/Correlated Color Temperature: Known as CCT, the correlated color temperature describes the light's appearance in terms of its perceived warmth or coolness. CCT is expressed as a temperature measured on the Kelvin temperature scale, where a low CCT (4,000 Kelvin and lower) indicates a warm light, while a
higher CCT (4,000 Kelvin and higher) indicates a cool light. Although it seems counter-intuitive for a higher temperature to correlate with cooler light, it is more understandable when picturing a piece of iron that glows red hot at a lower temperature than when it becomes blue hot; the human eye perceives red as warm and blue
as cool.

As a point of reference, according to lighting designer Markus Earley, a candle flame has a CCT of 1,800 Kelvin, and natural daylight on a sunny June day has a CCT of 20,000 Kelvin. Light bulbs labeled as "warm white" all have CCTs of approximately 2,700 Kelvin. Specifically, a 40-watt 500-lumens incandescent light bulb
has a CCT of 2,700-2,900 Kelvin; an 8-watt 450-lumens LED light bulb has a CCT of 2,700 Kelvin; and a 9-watt 450-lumens CFL light bulb has a CCT of 2,700 Kelvin.
Incandescent

Technically defined as a light bulb producing visible radiant energy by electrical resistance heating of a filament, this is the quintessential light bulb—the one Thomas Edison perfected in the 1880s and which has become the most pervasive light bulb in use. Factoid: The familiar light bulb is an A19, with the A referring to the
overall shape and the 19 referring to the bulb being 19/8ths of an inch, or 2 3/8th inches, at its widest point.

Incandescents are prized for their warm color or CCT (typically 2,700-2,900 Kelvin), their color rendering or CRI (typically 90-100), and their familiarity—it is estimated that 75 percent of all light fixtures in American households use incandescent A19 light bulbs. Drawbacks of the incandescent include low efficacy (they are very
inefficient), high heat generation and fragility.

The U.S. has set minimum efficiency standards that will take effect between 2012 and 2014, with the result that traditional incandescent light bulbs will begin to be phased out unless energy efficient versions are produced.

Halogen

Also known as tungsten halogen, this light bulb is an incandescent light bulb that contains a tungsten filament and a small amount of a halogen gas such as iodine or bromine. The halogen gas and tungsten filament produce a chemical reaction that aids in the longevity of the light bulb.

Halogen light bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional incandescents, have similar color rendering or CRI (typically 90-100), and a warm color or CCT (typically 3,000-3,200 Kelvin). A PAR 38 halogen is commonly used in recessed fixtures. PAR stands for parabolic aluminized reflector, meaning the light bulb has a hard
glass bulb, an interior reflecting surface, a precisely placed filament, and a lens to control beam spread. 38 means the light bulb is 38/8ths of an inch, or 4 3/4th inches, in diameter at its widest point.

Small pin-pronged halogen bulbs used for reading lamps or undercabinet lighting are also familiar to consumers, but are less popular as they require delicate handling; the oil on human hands can shorten the light bulb's lifespan.

Fluorescent

Manufactured in both linear (tubes) or compact (A19, spiral or bent) shapes, a fluorescent light bulb contains mercury that is ionized by an electric arc, producing ultraviolet energy that causes phosphors coating the inside of the lamp to fluoresce or illuminate. Fluorescent light bulbs are prized for their energy efficiency, but are
sometimes criticized for their poor color rendering or CRI (typically 60-80) and cool light color or CCT (typically 3,500-6,000 Kelvin).

However, new fluorescents are being produced with CRIs of 88, approaching incandescent, and warmer CCTs of 2,700 Kelvin. New electronic ballasts (versus older magnetic ballasts) have eliminated the flickering and buzzing that often occurred with linear fluorescent light bulbs; the ballast regulates current through the light
bulb. Also, the size of the tubes has decreased, with slim T5 tubes, which measure 5/8ths of an inch, becoming a favorite for undercabinet lighting.

LED

An acronym for light-emitting diode, an LED light bulb has a semiconductor diode that radiates in the visible region of the spectrum. Many people associate LED lighting with the bright red or white display panels of digital clocks or appliances, but advancements in LED technology point to it becoming the light bulb of choice in
the home. It is extremely energy efficient, and models may soon appear with color characteristics similar to incandescent; currently available LED light bulbs have color rendering or CRI ratings of 65-80 and warm CCT ratings of 2,700 Kelvin.

Xenon

Often used for undercabinet lighting, xenon light bulbs contain ionized xenon gas to produce light. Prized for their energy efficiency, xenon light bulbs may be used in place of small halogen light bulbs in undercabinet lighting and may be touched by hand without shortening its lifespan.

Changes to Efficiency Requirements

The U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act's (EISA) energy efficiency standards for incandescent light bulbs are slated to go into effect Jan. 1, 2012 (they are already in effect in California). Under these standards, traditional 100-watt incandescent light bulbs, which produce lumens in the 1,490-2,600 range, must use
fewer than 72 watts to produce the same lumens. In 2013, the traditional 75-watt light bulb, with lumen range of 1,050-1,489, must use fewer than 53 watts. In 2014, the traditional 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent light bulbs, which produce 750-1,049 lumens and 310-749 lumens respectively, will be required to use fewer than
43 watts and 29 watts, respectively.
Indoor Lighting Design

When designing indoor lighting for energy efficiency, consider some basic design principles and methods.

Energy-efficient lighting design principles include the following:

More light is not necessarily better: light quality is as important as quantity

Match the amount and quality of light to the performed function

Install task lights where needed and reduce ambient light elsewhere

Use energy-efficient lighting components, controls, and systems

Maximize the use of daylighting.

Here are some basic methods for achieving energy-efficient indoor lighting:

Install fluorescent or LED light fixtures for all ceiling- and wall-mounted fixtures that will be on for more than 2 hours each day, such as kitchen and living room, bathroom, hallway, and other higher-demand locations.

Consider installing fluorescent or LED fixtures, rather than using fluorescent or LED replacement lamps in incandescent fixtures.

Use CFLs or LEDs in portable lighting fixtures that are operated for more than 2 hours a day.

Use ENERGY STAR® labeled lighting fixtures.

Use occupancy sensors for automatically turning on and off your lights as needed.

Consider light wall colors to minimize the need for artificial lighting.

If you are using recessed lights in a ceiling with an unconditioned space above it, use only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) app roved fixtures that are airtight, are IC (insulation contact) rated, and meet ASTM E283 requirements.
Outdoor Lighting Design

When designing outdoor lighting, consider the purpose of the lighting along with basic methods for achieving energy efficiency.

Outdoor lighting for homes generally serves one or more of three purposes:

Aesthetics: Illuminate the exterior of the house and landscape

Security: Illuminate the grounds near the house or driveway

Utility: Illuminate the porch and driveway to help people navigate safely to and from the house.

Here are some basic methods for achieving energy-efficient outdoor lighting:

Security and utility lighting does not need to be bright to be effective.

Use LED or fluorescent lights unless incandescent lights are automatically controlled to be on for just a few minutes each day.

Consider flood lights with combined photosensors and motion sensors in the place of other security lighting options.

Make sure outdoor light fixtures have reflectors, deflectors, or covers to make more efficient use of the light source and help reduce light pollution.

Use timers and other controls to turn decorative lighting on and off.

Use outdoor solar lighting where applicable.

BUY LUMENS, NOT WATTS

In the past, we bought lightbulbs based on how much energy, or watts, they use. Wouldn't it make more sense to buy lights based on how much light they provide?

When you're shopping for lightbulbs, you can choose your next lightbulb for the brightness you want by comparing lumens instead of watts. A lumen is a measure of the amount of brightness of a lightbulb -- the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the lightbulb.

WHAT'S A LUMEN?

Lumens measure how much light you are getting from a bulb. More lumens means it's a brighter light; fewer lumens means it's a dimmer light.

Lumens are to light what

Pounds are to bananas

Gallons are to milk

Lumens let you buy the amount of light you want. So when buying your new bulbs, think lumens, not watts.

The brightness, or lumen levels, of the lights in your home may vary widely, so here's a rule of thumb:

To replace a 100 watt (W) incandescent bulb, look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. If you want something dimmer, go for less lumens; if you prefer brighter light, look for more lumens.

Replace a 75W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 1100 lumens

Replace a 60W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 800 lumens

Replace a 40W bulb with an energy-saving bulb that gives you about 450 lumens.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR ON THE PACKAGE? THE LIGHTING FACTS LABEL

To help consumers better understand the switch from watts to lumens, the Federal Trade Commission requires a new product label for lightbulbs. It helps people buy the lightbulbs that are right for them.

Like the helpful nutrition label on food products, the Lighting Facts label helps consumers understand what they are really purchasing. The label includes the following information:

Brightness, measured in lumens

Estimated yearly energy cost (similar to the EnergyGuide label)

Lifespan

Light appearance, measured by correlated color temperature (CCT) on the Kelvin (K) scale, from warm to cool.

Download our placard Lumens: the new way to shop for light to see how to use the Lighting Facts label to buy the right lightbulb for your needs.
A chandelier (/ˌʃændəˈlɪər/; also known as girandole, candelabra lamp, or least commonly suspended lights) is a branched
ornamental light fixture designed to be mounted on ceilings or walls.[1] Chandeliers are often ornate, and normally use incandescent
light bulbs, though some modern designs also use fluorescent lamps and recently LEDs.
Classic chandeliers have arrays of hanging crystal prismsto illuminate a room with refracted light, while contemporary
chandeliers assume a more minimalist design that does not contain prisms and illuminate a room with direct light from the lamps,
sometimes also equipped with translucent glass covering each lamp. Modern chandeliers have a more modernized design that
uses LEDs, and combines the elements of both classic and contemporary designs; some also equipped with refractive crystal
prisms or small mirrors.
Methods[edit]

Downlighting is most common, with fixtures on or recessed in the ceiling casting light downward. This tends to be the most used method, used in both offices and homes. Although it is easy to design it has dramatic problems with glare and
excess energy consumption due to large number of fittings. [9] The introduction of LED lighting has greatly improved this by approx. 90% when compared to a halogen downlight or spotlight. LED lamps or bulbs are now available to retro fit in place
of high energy consumption lamps.

Uplighting is less common, often used to bounce indirect light off the ceiling and back down. It is commonly used in lighting applications that require minimal glare and uniform general illuminance levels. Uplighting (indirect) uses a diffuse surface
to reflect light in a space and can minimize disabling glare on computer displays and other dark glossy surfaces. It gives a more uniform presentation of the light output in operation. However indirect lighting is completely reliant upon the
reflectance value of the surface. While indirect lighting can create a diffused and shadow free light effect it can be regarded as an uneconomical lighting principle. [10][11]

Front lighting is also quite common, but tends to make the subject look flat as its casts almost no visible shadows. Lighting from the side is the less common, as it tends to produce glare near eye level. Backlightingeither around or through an
object is mainly for accent.

Backlighting either around or through an object is mainly for accent. Backlighting is used to illuminate a background or backdrop. This adds depth to an image or scene. Others use it to achieve a more dramatic effect.
Measurement[edit]

Main article: Photometry (optics)

Measurement of light or photometry is generally concerned with the amount of useful light falling on a surface and the amount of light emerging from a lamp or other source, along with the colors that can be rendered by this light. The human eye responds differently to light from different parts of the visible spectrum, therefore
photometric measurements must take the luminosity function into account when measuring the amount of useful light. The basic SI unit of measurement is the candela (cd), which describes the luminous intensity, all other photometric units are derived from the candela. Luminance for instance is a measure of the density of
luminous intensity in a given direction. It describes the amount of light that passes through or is emitted from a particular area, and falls within a given solid angle. The SI unit for luminance is candela per square metre (cd/m2). The CGS unit of luminance is the stilb, which is equal to one candela per square centimetre or
10 kcd/m2. The amount of useful light emitted from a source or the luminous flux is measured in lumen (lm).

The SI unit of illuminance and luminous emittance, being the luminous power per area, is measured in Lux. It is used in photometry as a measure of the intensity, as perceived by the human eye, of light that hits or passes through a surface. It is analogous to the radiometric unit watts per square metre, but with the power at
each wavelength weighted according to the luminosity function, a standardized model of human visual brightness perception. In English, "lux" is used in both singular and plural. [28]

Several measurement methods have been developed to control glare resulting from indoor lighting design. The Unified Glare Rating (UGR), the Visual Comfort Probability, and the Daylight Glare Index are some of the most well-known methods of measurement. In addition to these new methods, four main factors influence the
degree of discomfort glare; the luminance of the glare source, the solid angle of the glare source, the background luminance, and the position of the glare source in the field of view must all be taken into account. [10][29]

Color properties[edit]

To define light source color properties, the lighting industry predominantly relies on two metrics, correlated color temperature (CCT), commonly used as an indication of the apparent "warmth" or "coolness" of the light emitted by a source, and color rendering index (CRI), an indication of the light source’s ability to make objects
appear natural.

However, these two metrics, developed in the last century, are facing increased challenges and criticisms as new types of light sources, particularly light emitting diodes (LEDs), become more prevalent in the market.

For example, in order to meet the expectations for good color rendering in retail applications, research [30] suggests using the well-established CRI along with another metric called gamut area index (GAI). GAI represents the relative separation of object colors illuminated by a light source; the greater the GAI, the greater the
apparent saturation or vividness of the object colors. As a result, light sources which balance both CRI and GAI are generally preferred over ones that have only high CRI or only high GAI.[31]

Light exposure[edit]

Typical measurements of light have used a Dosimeter. Dosimeters measure an individual's or an object's exposure to something in the environment, such as light dosimeters and ultraviolet dosimeters.

In order to specifically measure the amount of light entering the eye, personal circadian light meter called the Daysimeter has been developed.[32] This is the first device created to accurately measure and characterize light (intensity, spectrum, timing, and duration) entering the eye that affects the human body's clock.

The small, head-mounted device measures an individual's daily rest and activity patterns, as well as exposure to short-wavelength light that stimulates the circadian system. The device measures activity and light together at regular time intervals and electronically stores and logs its operating temperature. The Daysimeter can
gather data for up to 30 days for analysis.[33]
Environmental issues[edit]

Compact fluorescent lamps[edit]

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use less power than an incandescent lamp to supply the same amount of light, however they contain mercury which is a disposal hazard. Due to the ability to reduce electricity consumption, many organizations encourage the adoption of CFLs. Some electric utilities and local governments
have subsidized CFLs or provided them free to customers as a means of reducing electricity demand. For a given light output, CFLs use between one fifth and one quarter the power of an equivalent incandescent lamp. Unlike incandescent lamps CFLs need a little time to warm up and reach full brightness. Not all CFLs are
suitable for dimming.

LED lamps[edit]

LED lamps have been advocated as the newest and best environmental lighting method. [55] According to the Energy Saving Trust, LED lamps use only 10% power compared to a standard incandescent bulb, where compact fluorescent lamps use 20% and energy saving halogen lamps 70%. The lifetime is also much longer —
up to 50,000 hours. A downside is still the initial cost, which is higher than that of compact fluorescent lamps. Recent findings about the increased use of blue-white LEDs may be a policy mistake. The wide-scale adoption of LEDs will reap energy savings but the energy savings may be compromising human health and
ecosystems.[56] The American Medical Association[57] warned on the use of high blue content white LEDs in street lighting, due to their higher impact on human health and environment, compared to low blue content light sources (e.g. High Pressure Sodium, PC amber LEDs, and low CCT LEDs).

Light pollution[edit]

Main article: Light pollution

Light pollution is a growing problem in reaction to excess light being given off by numerous signs, houses, and buildings. Polluting light is often wasted light involving unnecessary energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Light pollution is described as artificial light that is excessive or intrudes where it is not wanted. Well-
designed lighting sends light only where it is needed without scattering it elsewhere. Poorly designed lighting can also compromise safety. For example, glare creates safety issues around buildings by causing very sharp shadows, temporarily blinding passersby making them vulnerable to would-be assailants.[58][59] The
ecologic effects of artificial light have been documented. The World Health Organization in 2007 [60] issued a report that noted the effects of bright light on flora and fauna, sea turtle hatchlings, frogs during mating season and the migratory patterns of birds. The American Medical Association in 2012 [61] issued a warning that
extended exposure to light at night increases the risk of some cancers. [56] Two studies in Israel from 2008 have yielded some additional findings about a possible correlation between artificial light at night and certain cancers.[62]
Three-point lighting is a standard method used in visual media such as theatre,
video, film, still photography and computer-generated imagery.[1] By using three
separate positions, the photographer can illuminate the shot's subject (such as a
person) however desired, while also controlling (or eliminating entirely) the
shading and shadows produced by direct lighting.
The addition of a fourth light, the background light, makes for a four-point lighting setup.
The background light is placed behind the subject(s), on a high grid, or low to the ground. Unlike the
other three lights, which illuminate foreground elements like actors and props, it illuminates background
elements, such as walls or outdoor scenery. This technique can be used to eliminate shadows cast by
foreground elements onto the background, or to draw more attention to the background. It also helps to
off-set the single eye nature of the camera, this means that it helps the camera give depth to the
subject.