a.f.f. |
“Above
Finished Floor” - commonly used abbreviation when specifying the
mounting height of fixtures, ceilings, etc |
accent lighting |
directional lighting used to emphasize particular
object or area. It focuses the observer's attention |
acrylic |
clear,
translucent or white plastic material used to produce optical
elements for light fixtures, i.e. lenses, louvers and refractors |
acrylic lens |
flat
plastic panel installed in the fixture to visually cover the
lamps, and to lower glare by redirecting or diffusing lamp’s
light output |
acrylic refractor |
optical
system made from acrylic plastic, similar to reflector, but
designed to redirect small portion of lamp’s light output
upwards and around the fixture, to create some level of indirect
lighting or brighter perception of illuminated area
|
ambient lighting |
lighting
throughout an area which produces general illumination |
aperture |
opening
on the fixture that light is radiated through towards the work
plane |
baffle |
a matte
black or white element to shield light source from direct view
of an observer at certain angles |
ballast |
an
electric or electronic device wired between power supply line
and electric-discharge lamp. Ballast converts regular power to
specific electrical conditions required for starting and
operating discharge lamp.
More… |
ballast core & coil
|
magnetic
ballast system consisting of several individual parts, i.e. coil
and capacitor; that must be installed in a separate, approved
enclosure. Typically used with metal halide or
high pressure sodium lamps |
ballast cover |
removable part of light fixture designed to provide
easy access to ballast, i.e. for servicing |
ballast dimming |
specially designed ballast capable of dimming discharge
lamps, usually fluorescent or very lately metal halide.
More… |
ballast electronic |
high
efficiency ballast that uses electronic circuitry to provide
proper starting and operating electrical conditions for
discharge lamp, or multiple lamps.
More... |
ballast factor |
the
applicable output of lamp(s) operated on a ballast as compared
to the output of lamp(s) when operated on the reference ballast
used when the initial lamp lumen were determined by the lamp
manufacturer. Typical high ballast factor ballast will increase
the lamp’s lumens by 25%, i.e. 3650 vs. 2950 lumens from std. 4’
T8 lamp. Extremely feasible feature in high performance,
indirect lighting luminaries. More… |
ballast f-can
|
fully
encapsulated ballast ready to be installed in the building
without any additional enclosure |
ballast loss |
amount
of energy lost within the ballast, converted to internal heat.
In older systems ballast loss can amount to 20% of lamp’s
energy, i.e. 40W F40 lamp that uses 48W with ballast connected |
ballast magnetic |
older
ballast design uses coils, magnetic transformer and capacitors
to create proper starting and operating conditions for discharge
lamp. Hot operating and unreliable |
ballast remote |
a
ballast that is installed remotely from the fixture. Typical for
architectural pendant luminaries where ballast is hidden in the
ceiling system. Maximum allowed distance between ballast and
luminaire is usually 12 feet.
More… |
ballast temperature
|
operating ballast temperature is very critical to
ballasts life expectancy. Older magnetic ballast run hotter and
expect to last 5 – 10 years. Electronic ballasts run cooler due
to much lowe ballast loses, and are expected to last 10 – 25
years. More… |
ballast warranty |
provided
by the ballast manufacturer, it can range from one year to five
years. Some manufacturers offer on-site warranty service or
nominal labor allowance for failed ballasts covered by warranty.
More… |
barn doors |
mechanical / optical accessory to track lighting
fixture designed to provide “studio” look and/or functioning as
mechanical shutter to partially reduce the size and intensity of
lamp’s beam |
Biax lamp |
same as
PLL lamp, 12 – 21 inch long, high-lumen (4,800 lm. max),
single-ended T5 compact fluorescent lamp. Biax
is a GE Lighting brand |
black light |
typically fluorescent or metal halide lamp with special
coating designed to absorb all visible light but transmit
ultra-violet light at full. Used for special effects in bars,
theaters, in combination with specially formulated glowing
paints or plastic articles, etc. |
bollard |
column-shaped cylindrical exterior light fixture with
some sort of optical system, i.e. lens or radial louver, mounted
on the top. Typically used for path lighting
of sidewalks and driveways |
brightness |
the
subjective attribute of any light sensation giving rise to the
perception of light intensity |
brightness - ceiling |
ceiling
brightness is sometimes confused with glare. If ceiling is
bright from direct, poorly designed luminaries, it is glaring
bright. When ceiling is bright from softly diffused indirect
lighting, it creates a perception of bright, comfortably
illuminated space with zero glare.
More…
|
brightness - floor |
bright
flooring material acts as a reflective material and can
contribute to providing higher light levels with less luminaries |
brightness- perception of |
subjective perception of light intensity as received by
human eye. It is affected by overall balance of different
elements: brightness of walls, floors and ceiling, light levels
throughout the space, and relative brightness of surrounding
environments. More…
|
C.U. coefficient of utilization |
Percentage of lamp's total light output, processed and
distributed by a luminaire, received on the work-plane |
candela |
the
International System (SI) unit of luminous intensity. One
candela is one lumen per steradian |
candelabra base |
miniature incandescent screw-in lamp base used in
decorative luminaries. Base code: E-14 Mini-Candelabra base
code: E-11 |
canopy |
approx.
4 inches round or square plastic or metal junction box cover
with strain relieve connector, that is used to hang and to power
pendant luminaries |
capsylite |
Sylvania
brand of halogen PAR20, PAR30 and PAR38 lamps |
ceiling - cathedral |
sloped
drywall or open ceiling. Requires special sloped-ceiling rated
recessed downlights and track lighting mounting hardware or
fixture adapters |
ceiling - drywall |
permanently enclosed, solid plaster ceiling. Plenum is
accessible only through fixture opening(s) or specially
installed access doors or panels |
ceiling - open concept |
ceiling-less interior design. Roof rafters
or support structure above and all wiring, piping, ducts and
other infrastructure are exposed. Usually much more expensive
than enclosed ceiling systems with all infrastructure hidden in
the plenum |
ceiling - t-bar |
enclosed
ceiling system consisting of permanently installed “inverted T”
frame with openings filled with light weight acoustical ceiling
panels. Most commonly used in commercial projects, T-bar ceiling
provides the easiest access for installation or servicing of
light fixtures. More… |
ceiling brightness |
ceiling
brightness is sometimes confused with glare. If ceiling is
bright from direct, poorly designed luminaries, it is glaring
bright. When ceiling is bright from softly diffused indirect
lighting, it creates a perception of bright, comfortably
illuminated space with zero glare. More… |
ceiling height |
distance
between floor and ceiling |
ceiling tiles |
lightweight acoustical ceiling panels usually in 2 ft.
x 4 ft. nominal size, designed to fit into T-bar ceiling
|
ceramic metal halide |
premium
color rendering, newly designed metal halide lamp using
one-piece ceramic discharge burner design.
More… |
circline lamp |
round-shaped T9 fluorescent lamp for residential and
special application luminaries. Low system efficacy. Three sizes
available: 8”/22W/1100 lm, 12”/32W/1900 lm, 16”/40W/2000 lumens |
clear reflector |
most
commonly specified trim / optical system for compact fluorescent
and other downlights where high efficiency lighting is required |
clips |
plastic
or metal elements to provide additional support to single-ended
long compact fluorescent lamps |
closed rated lamp |
H.I.D.
lamp, metal halide or high pressure sodium, designed to be used
only in luminaries with protective lens, that protects people
and surrounding areas from flying pieces of hot glass in case of
destructive breakdown of the lamp |
closed rated luminaire
|
commercial light fixture that can be operated only with
protective lens in place, to protect people and surrounding
areas from flying pieces of hot glass in case of destructive
breakdown of the lamp |
coefficient of utilization (CU) |
percentage of lamp's total light output, distributed by
a luminaire, received on the work-plane |
color filters |
made
from colored glass, color filters are accessory to track
lighting or downlights used when special (theatrical) color
effects are required |
color gels |
made
from thin, color plastic sheets; gels can be formed into sleeves
and used with common fluorescent lamps to achieve special
effects, i.e. colored uplighting. More… |
color rendering index |
A
measure of a lamp’s ability to render colors accurately. The
scale ranges from 1(low pressure sodium) to 100(the sun). The
higher the CR (based upon a 0-100 scale), the better colors
appear. A CRI of 80 is considered to be very good. (CRI) is
a relative measure of the shift in surface color presentation of
an object when lit by a particular lamp, compared with how the
object would appear under a reference light source of similar
color temperature. The higher the CRI of the light source, the
"truer" it renders color |
color temperature |
The
concept of color temperature is based on the relationship
between the temperature and radiation emitted by a theoretical
standardized material, termed a black body radiator cooled down
to a state in which all molecular motion has ceased. how cool
or warm the light source appears: “Warm White” = 3000 Kelvin;
“Neutral White” = 3500 Kelvin; “Cool White” = 4100 Kelvin
and “Daylight White” = 5000 or more Kelvin |
compact fluorescent
|
single-ended fluorescent lamp miniaturized via one or
multiple bends, that provides high lumen package in compact
size. Mostly used in downlights.
More... |
comparison – T.C.O. |
total
Cost of Ownership comparison report produced to evaluate the
economical feasibility of two or more alternative lighting
systems |
connector - feed |
end-piece track lighting part designed to connect track
lighting system to external power |
connector - L |
track
connector designed to connect electrically and mechanically two
pieces of track installed under 90 degree angle |
connector - mini joiner |
shortest
available, miniature plastic connector designed to connect
together mechanically and electrically two pieces of track |
connector - straight |
track
connector designed to connect mechanically and electrically two
pieces of track. This connector is also suitable to be used as a
2-circuit feed point |
connector – T |
track
connector designed to connect electrically and mechanically
three pieces of track installed under 90 degree angle |
connector – X |
track
connector designed to connect electrically and mechanically four
pieces of track installed under 90 degree angle |
contactor |
electro-mechanical device designed to control multiple
lighting circuits with one conveniently located main switch.
More… |
contractor |
a
company or individual with a formal contract to do a specific
job, supplying labor and materials and providing and overseeing
staff if needed |
core-and-coil
ballast |
magnetic
ballast system consisting of several separate parts, i.e. coil
and capacitor, that must be installed in separate, approved
enclosure. Used with metal halide or high pressure
sodium lamps |
cove lighting |
lighting
system comprising lamps or other light sources shielded by a
ledge or horizontal recess. daylighting
Daylighting optimizes natural sunlight entry into a building to
minimize the need for artificial lighting. A method of filling a
room with well-diffused natural sunlight. |
DC lighting |
recently
introduced commercial lighting system designed to significantly
extend the useful life of halogen MR16 and PAR lamps by powering
them with regulated direct-current (DC) power, with no voltage
spikes, fluctuations or surges.
More...
|
decorative lighting fixture |
accent
lighting luminaire that makes a decorative statement not only
when it is turned on but also when it is turned off |
diffused lighting |
lighting
that arrives reflected from, or scattered by diffuser
|
diffuser |
a
surface or translucent material to redirect or scatter reflected
or transmitted light. A white wall is an example of
a surface diffuser |
dimmer |
an
electronic device designed to regulate light output of
incandescent and halogen lamps; and fluorescent lamps in
fixtures equipped with special dimming ballasts |
direct light |
the
portion of the light from a luminaire which arrives at the
work-plane without being reflected by room surfaces |
direct-indirect luminaire |
light
fixture specially designed to increase visual comfort by
producing a balanced combination of direct and indirect light |
discharge lamp |
a lamp
that uses electric discharge inside of gas chamber, to convert
electricity to lighting. Included are groups of
lamps known as fluorescent, metal halide, and high pressure
sodium |
double-ended lamp |
typically metal halide or halogen, linear-shaped lamp
with one contact on each end. Base code: RX7s.
Used in flood lights, wall washers and lighting effects |
double-parabolic louver |
optical
glare controlling element that uses parabolic reflective
surfaces in both directions, or two separately curved parabolic
reflectors in the same direction |
downlight |
recessed
or surface mounted luminaire with light output directed
downwards |
drywall ceiling |
permanently enclosed, solid plaster ceiling. Plenum is
accessible only through fixture opening(s) or specially
installed access doors or panels |
drywall kit |
special
hardware kit (frame) deigned to allow installation of T-bar
designed fluorescent fixtures, in the drywall ceilings
|
Duro-Trans |
large
size slide / transparency with graphic / visual expression,
installed on a back-lit surface for attention-grabbing effect.
Best results are achieved when transparencies are illuminated
with “daylight” lamps with color temperature of 5000 Kelvin or
more |
efficacy |
the
ratio of lumens produced by a lamp to the watts consumed,
expressed as lumens per watt (LPW). The higher the lumens per
watt, the more efficient the lamp |
efficiency |
the
ratio of total light output measured in lumens emitted by a
luminaire to that emitted by the lamp or all lamps used therein |
efficient lighting |
energy
efficient lighting is the use of artificial light to provide the
optimal level of light for the lowest energy investment.
However, energy efficient lighting is not simply finding the
most light for the least wattage or the longest lasting light
bulb. Proper sizing of the light to the needs of the location
and the tasks that will be performed, called task lighting, is
also very important part of energy efficient lighting |
egg-crate louver |
an
inexpensive white plastic or metalized plastic panel with square
cell openings, frequently used to reduce glare of recessed
troffer fluorescent fixtures |
electronic ballast |
high
efficiency ballast that uses electronic circuitry to provide
proper starting and operating electrical conditions for
discharge lamp, or multiple lamps |
emergency lighting |
lighting
system designed to provide minimum illumination required for
safety, during power failures. Draws energy from
batteries or generator, or combination of both |
energy audit |
detailed
analysis and report outlining lighting system’s energy
consumption and operating costs |
energy consumption |
value
registered and metered by the utility company, to charge
customers for energy usage. Electrical energy
consumption is in kilowatt-hours |
energy efficient |
energy
efficient lighting is the use of artificial light to provide the
optimal level of light for the lowest energy investment.
However, energy efficient lighting is not simply finding the
most light for the least wattage or the longest lasting light
bulb. Proper sizing of the light to the needs of the
location and the tasks that will be performed, called task
lighting, is also very important part of energy efficient
lighting |
extension wand |
track
lighting accessory consisting of thin hollow pipe and track
adapters on each end, wired together.
Installed between track and track fixtures, extension wands are
used to suspend track fixtures to lover position
|
F-can ballast |
fully
encapsulated ballast ready to be installed in the building
without a need of any additional enclosure |
feed connector |
end-piece track lighting part designed to connect
external power to track lighting system |
fiber optic lighting |
lighting
system consisting of one or multiple, remotely installed light
source(s); and light distribution “pipes” or fibber optic cables
that carry light to locations of it’s final use. Fiber optic
cables can be side glowing for linear special effects or
end-glowing for task lighting or spotlighting effects.
More... |
filament |
a piece
of wolfram wire inside of incandescent or halogen lamp. When
heated by electricity, filament glows white and produces light
|
filters |
made
from colored or UV-blocking glass, filters are accessory to
track lighting or downlights used when special (theatrical)
color effects or complete elimination of UV radiation are
required |
fixture spacing |
distance
between luminaries, or area covered by each luminaire, needed to
achieve desired light levels |
flexible gooseneck |
specialty light fixture designed to be easily
field-adjustable, allowing full flexibility of aiming.
Flexible gooseneck is typically 24 – 36 inch long and for weight
reasons, fixture is usually miniature head with MR16 or MR11
halogen lamp |
flood light |
lighting
fixture or lamp with wide beam distribution, typ. 38 - 45
degrees |
fluorescent lamp |
a
low-pressure electric-discharge lamp in which a fluorescent
coating transforms some of the ultraviolet energy generated by
electric discharge, into light.
More… |
fluorescent phosphors |
the
color of fluorescent lamps is created by mineral phosphors in
powder form which coat the inside of the lamp tube. The chemical
make-up of these phosphors determines the lamps CRI, its Color
Temperature, and how much light the lamp produces |
foot-candle |
it is
the illuminance on one square foot area on which there is a
uniformly distributed flux of one lumen
|
gimbal ring |
track
fixture or downlight designed to hold halogen PAR or MR16 lamp
in round open ring, adjustable both vertically and horizontally |
glare |
glare is
the action of light exiting the lamp (light bulb) and directly
entering the observer's eye. Glare can be useful or
a hindrance |
glare control |
optical
fixture elements designed to reduce or eliminate glare.
Included are baffles on downlights and louvers on fluorescent
fixtures |
glass lens |
protective glass piece installed in the fixture’s
aperture, to protect people and surroundings from flying pieces
of hot glass in case of destructive breakdown of the lamp.
Commonly used with “enclosed fixture” rated metal halide and
halogen lamps |
glass refractor |
bell-shaped optical system made from glass, similar to
reflector, but designed to redirect small portion of lamp’s
light output upwards and around the fixture, to create some
level of indirect lighting or brighter perception of illuminated
area |
gooseneck fixture |
specialty light fixture designed to be easily
field-adjustable, allowing full flexibility of aiming.
Flexible or rigid gooseneck is typically 24 – 36 inch long and
for weight reasons, fixture is usually miniature head with MR16
or MR11 halogen lamp |
group relamping |
replacement of all lamps at about 60 – 80% of expected
lamp life. All fixtures are cleaned at the same
time. Most cost effective maintenance method.
Opposite to spot relamping, replacement of one lamp at the time
as the old lamps burn out. More… |
H.I.D. lamp |
"High
Intensity Discharge" -- a lamp that uses electric discharge
inside of pressurized gas chamber, to convert electricity to
lighting. Included are groups of lamps known as mercury, metal
halide, and high pressure sodium |
H.Q.I. lamp |
special
metal halide lamp available in 70 Watts and 150 Watts,
single-ended or double-ended, mostly used in European-originated
commercial luminaries |
high bay fixture |
reflector-shaped industrial luminaire, typically with
metal halide lamp, designed to illuminate from installation
heights of 12 feet and up |
high performance lighting |
a
lighting system or luminaire that uses high efficacy (80 or
better), high color rendering (80 or better) light sources in
combination with efficient optical systems (i.e. reflectors)
that provide high (75 or more) Coefficient of Utilization (CU) |
housing |
frame
and in-ceiling electrical part of recessed fixture |
housing insulated |
frame
and in-ceiling electrical part of recessed fixture, used in
insulation-covered ceiling systems |
housing new construction |
frame
and in-ceiling electrical part of recessed fixture, designed to
be installed before final ceiling panels are installed |
housing remodel |
frame
and in-ceiling electrical part of recessed fixture, designed to
be installed after ceiling panels are installed, i.e. in
existing ceilings |
Incandescent lamp |
A light source which
generates light using a thin filament wire (usually tungsten)
heated to white heat by an electric current passing through it. |
Illuminance, E |
Unit: Lux, 1x
The ratio of luminous flux and emitted area.1 LUX’s illuminamce
is the luminous flux indicate on a unit area symmetrically. |
indirect light |
the
portion of the luminary’s light output arriving at the
work-plane after being reflected by room surfaces, or specially
designed luminaire surfaces (white reflectors or diffusers) |
instant start |
fluorescent lamp / ballasts system where no lamp
preheat circuits are required. Lamp is started by application of
high voltage pulse. Only two wires are used to connect lamp to
ballast |
Integrating sphere |
A hollow sphere coated
internally with a white diffusing material and provided with
openings for incident beam, specimen and detector used for
measuring the diffuse reflectance or transmittance of objects. |
K12 lens |
most
commonly used flat plastic panel with specific standardized
“K12” pattern, installed in the fixture to visually cover the
lamps, and to lower glare by redirecting or diffusing lamp’s
light output |
kilowatt |
one
thousand watts. Watt: the international unit of
power equal to the power produced by a current of one ampere
acting across a potential difference of one volt |
kilowatt-hour |
the
amount of electric energy consumed by power load of one
kilowatt, in one hour |
L.L.F. |
"Light
Loss Factor" -- a factor used in calculating light levels
maintained after a given period of time and under specified
conditions. It takes into account the dirt accumulation on
luminaries and room surfaces, lamp depreciation, maintenance
procedures and atmospheric conditions |
lamp |
a
man-made device that changes electricity to light, also called a
“bulb” for incandescent lamps or “tube” for fluorescent lamps |
lamp - extended life |
technologically improved fluorescent, halogen or
incandescent lamp specially designed to deliver highest possible
lamp life to reduce maintenance costs and annoyance associated
with hard-to-reach areas. Available with up to 30,000 hours (6
years) lamp life expectancy |
lamp A19 |
the
shape and size of common household incandescent light bulb
available in 40 Watts, 60 Watts and 100 Watts.
Clear or frosted white |
lamp beam –wide flood |
creates
42 - 50 degree wide beam area with lowest target light levels.
Typically used in MR16 showcase display lighting and other
applications where lamp must illuminate wide area, from very
short distance. More… |
lamp beam –flood |
creates
32 – 36 degree wide beam area with low target light levels.
Typically used in downlights for low level (residential) ambient
lighting. More… |
lamp beam - narrow flood |
creates
22 – 26 degree wide coverage area with medium target light
levels. Most commonly specified MR16 lamp in track lighting
fixtures, will provide good accent light effect in galleries and
retail displays, with track installed 9 – 10 ft above the floor,
30 – 36” from the wall. More... |
lamp beam – spot |
creates
12 – 14 degree narrow beam with high target light levels.
Typically used for accent lighting in track lighting fixtures.
More… |
lamp beam - narrow spot |
creates
9 – 11 degree, very narrow beam with higher target light levels.
Typically used for accent lighting from larger distances.
More… |
lamp beam - very narrow spot |
creates
5.5 – 7 degree, sharply narrow beam with highest target light
levels. Available in low voltage PAR36 lamps only. Excellent for
sharp accent lighting from larger distances or special effects.
More… |
lamp Biax |
same as
PLL lamp by Phillips or Dulux-L by Osram. 12 – 21 inch long,
high-lumen T5 single-ended compact fluorescent lamp. Premium
lumen package up to 4800 lm / 55W lamp. Biax
is GE Lighting brand.
More… |
lamp bi-pin |
sub-miniature low voltage halogen lamp typically 12V /
5 – 10 – 20 Watts used in miniature “puck” lights, showcase
lighting and some decorative pendant fixtures |
lamp Capsylite |
Sylvania’s brand of halogen PAR16, PAR20, PAR30 and
PAR38 lamps |
lamp compact fluorescent |
single-ended fluorescent lamp miniaturized via one or
multiple bends, that provides high lumen package in a compact
size. Mostly used in downlights |
lamp discharge |
a lamp
that uses electric discharge inside of gas chamber, to convert
electricity to lighting. Included are groups of
lamps known as mercury, metal halide, and high pressure sodium |
lamp double-ended |
typically metal halide or halogen, linear-shaped lamp
with one contact on each end. Base code: RX7s.
Used in floodlights, wall washers and lighting effects |
lamp fluorescent |
a
low-pressure electric-discharge linear lamp, a coated tube in
which a fluorescent coating transforms some of the ultraviolet
energy generated by electric discharge, into light.
More… |
lamp halogen |
a gas
filled tungsten incandescent lamp containing proportion halogens
in an insert gas whose pressure exceeds three atmospheres |
lamp high pressure sodium |
high
intensity discharge (HID) lamp in which light is produced by
radiation from sodium vapor operating at a partial pressure of
about 1.33 x 104 Pa (100 torr). Includes clear and diffuse
coating |
lamp HQI |
special
metal halide lamp available in 70 Watts and 150 Watts,
single-ended or double-ended, mostly used in European-originated
commercial luminaries |
lamp
incandescent |
a lamp
in which light is produced by a filament (wolfram wire) heated
to incandescence by an electric current |
lamp life |
is value
estimated, but not guaranteed, by lamp manufacturer, in hours.
It is defined as a period of time, in which 50% of a given
sample batch of lamps will be burned out, and 50% will be still
surviving. Lamp life is affected by many different
conditions, but mainly by power quality of supply line.
More… |
lamp line voltage
|
lamps
that operate on direct connection to line power supply voltage
120 Volts |
lamp low voltage |
lamps
that operate at 12 Volts or 24 Volts. These lamps require
a transformer, magnetic (cheaper but heavier) or electronic
(smaller), to reduce the line voltage to lamp’s voltage |
lamp Mastercolor |
ceramic
metal halide lamp brand made by Philips Lighting.
Premium color rendering and color consistency. Available
in PAR30, PAR38, single-ended and double-ended enclosures.
More… |
lamp metal halide |
a high
intensity discharge (HID) lamp in which the major portion of the
light is produced by radiation of metal halides and their
products of dissociation. Includes clear and phosphor coated
lamps. More… |
lamp MR11 |
35 mm
diameter, smallest available reflector halogen lamp, low voltage
12 Volt or 24 Volt, with bi-pin base code GX 5.3. 20 – 35W max.
Mainly used in specialized task lighting. i.e. showcases and
retail displays. More... |
lamp MR16 |
51 mm
diameter, miniature reflector halogen lamp, low voltage 12 Volt
or 24 Volt, 20 – 75W max. with bi-pin base code GX 5.3.
More… |
lamp MR16 - Constant Color |
General
Electric special design and brand of MR16 lamp that is known to
have longest lasting service (lamp life) and good maintenance of
bright white light output. Light output from some
other MR16 lamps might turn yellowish or greenish after few
weeks or few months of operation
|
lamp MR16 - enclosed |
MR16
lamp that has a permanently attached protective glass lens. Most
common MR16 lamp specified in commercial lighting projects |
lamp MR16 - open |
open
design MR16 lamp that requires an additional glass lens to be
inserted into the fixture when lamp is being installed.
Open MR16 lamps are not allowed to operate without proper glass
shield due to fire hazard and/or health hazard caused by flying
hot pieces of glass in case of destructive breakdown of the lamp |
lamp PAR |
"Parabolic Aluminized Reflector" lamp that has internal
reflective coatings which, in combination with various filament
locations and lenticular patterns on the bulb face, achieve a
variety of light distribution patterns. Commonly specified sizes
are PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, PAR36, PAR56 and PAR64. Average
rated life is 2,000 hours. Get the diameter (in inches) of any
PAR lamp by simply dividing the PAR number by 8. More… |
lamp PAR16 |
2”
diameter, screw-in, medium base line voltage PAR lamp, 20 – 50
Watts max. Used in special task lighting applications.
More… |
lamp PAR20 |
2-1/2”
diameter, screw-in, medium base line voltage PAR lamp, 20 – 50
Watts max. Used mainly in low budget residential installations.
Note: 50 Watt PAR20 lamp has only about half light output of 50
Watt MR16 lamp and more yellow color. More… |
lamp PAR30 |
3-3/4”
diameter, screw-in, medium base line voltage PAR lamp, 50 – 75
Watts max. Used mainly in retail store and showroom track
lighting systems. Note: 75 Watt PAR30 lamp has about the same
light output as 50 Watt MR16 lamp. More… |
lamp PAR36 |
4-1/2”,
low voltage PAR lamp 6 Watts – 100 Watts max. Screw terminal
base G5.3. Used mainly in accent display lighting when very
narrow spot, high intensity beam is required.
More... |
lamp PAR38 |
4-7/8”
diameter, screw-in, medium base line voltage PAR lamp, 45 – 120
Watts, used mainly for general lighting in downlights, and in
track lighting in retail stores, showrooms and galleries.
More… |
lamp PAR56 |
7” line
voltage PAR lamp up to 500 Watts max, used mainly in
entertainment lighting, underwater pool lighting or special
effect lighting |
lamp PAR64 |
8” line
voltage PAR lamp up to 1000 Watts max, used mainly in
entertainment stage productions |
lamp PL |
low
wattage, 5-7-9-13 Watts, short compact T4 fluorescent lamp. The
least expensive, very common lamp. 800 lm max / 6.2” overall
length. More… |
lamp PLC |
double-legged, high lumen T4 compact fluorescent lamp,
typically 13, 18 or 26 Watts. Provides good lumen package (1,800
lm max.) in compact (6.5”) overall lamp dimension. Typically
used in recessed downlights. More… |
lamp PLL |
same as
Biax lamp, 12 – 21 inch long, high-lumen T5 single-ended compact
fluorescent lamp. Premium lumen package up to 4800
lm / 55 Watts lamp. Biax is brand of GE Lighting.
More… |
lamp PLQ |
triple-legged, high lumen compact T4 fluorescent lamp,
typically 18, 26, 32 or 42 Watts. Provides premium lumen package
(3200 lm max.) in compact overall lamp (6.3”) dimension.
Typically used in recessed downlights and track lighting wall
washers. More… |
lamp R30, R40 |
obsolete
technology, inefficient incandescent light bulb with outer
envelope shaped in the form of metalized reflector.
Outlawed for commercial use in USA and Canada due to poor
efficiency. Replaced by PAR30 and PAR38
halogen lamps |
lamp replacement
|
removal
of burned out lamp and reinstallation of new lamp. Using
replacement lamp with exactly same parameters / cat. number as
original lamp is highly recommended. Especially with fluorescent
and H.I.D lamps where correct, accurate match between the
ballast and the lamp is very important
|
lamp T2 |
7 mm
diameter. Pencil-thin fluorescent lamp,
available in wattages and lengths 6W / 8.6” to 13W / 20.6”. Used
in specialized task lighting and accent lighting applications,
i.e. retail displays, showcases, step lights and emergency
lighting systems. Good efficacy and CRI around 80 |
lamp T5 |
16 mm
diameter. Latest introduction to high performance
fluorescent lighting systems. Excellent efficacy of 100+ lumens
/ Watt. Available in sizes up to 5 ft, 80 Watts / 7000 lumens
per lamp |
lamp T8 |
26 mm
diameter. Most commonly specified fluorescent lamp.
Good system efficacy and CRI of 75 (700 series), 85 (800 series)
or 95 (900 series). Common 48” T8 lamps are inexpensive and
readily available |
lamp T10 |
32 mm
diameter. High performance fluorescent lamp designed
to work with older magnetic ballasts, specially in retrofit
projects where higher light levels or reduced lighting loads
(delamping from 4 lamps to two lamps with reflector) are
required. Only available in 48” lengths, 40 Watt design that
produces 3,650 initial lumens and a very good CRI of 85.
Available from Philips Lighting and Panasonic Lighting |
lamp T12 |
38 mm
diameter. Older technology fluorescent lamps.
Today almost obsolete and used for replacement in existing older
fixtures only. Low efficacy and poor Color Rendering Index (CRI)
of only about 65 |
layered lighting |
a
lighting system that simultaneously uses multiple different
lighting techniques to achieve desired results.
A good example is well-designed auditorium lighting where direct
PAR38 downlights provide proper light levels for writing and
reading tasks, indirect ceiling luminaries eliminate shadows,
and perimeter indirect lighting wall sconces improve overall
perception of room’s brightness and visual comfort probability
(VCP) |
lay-in fixture
|
luminaire designed for installation in T-bar ceilings |
lead time |
time
required by lighting manufacturer to deliver the order, from the
date of receiving the purchase order |
LED (light-emitting diode) |
A PN junction device
that gives off light radiation when biased in the forward
direction. |
lens |
flat
plastic panel installed in the fixture to visually cover the
lamps, and to lower glare by redirecting or diffusing lamp’s
light output |
lens K12 |
most
commonly used flat plastic panel with specific standardized
“K12” pattern, installed in the fixture to visually cover the
lamps, and to lower glare by redirecting or diffusing lamp’s
light output |
Light and radiation |
The light is mean the
human eyes can sense the bright electromagnetic radiation. The
human visual range is typically from 360nm to 830nm. |
Light Color |
A measure of the color
appearance of a light source which helps describe the apparent “warmth”(reddish)
or “coolness”(bluish) of that light source. Generally, light
sources below 3200K are considered “warm;” while those above
4000K are considered “cool” light sources. The color temperature
of a lamp has nothing to do with how hot the lamp will get or
how much heat will be given off by the lamp.
The most typical Kelvin degree lamps used in lighting are as
follows:
Kelvin
Associated Effects & Moods
Appropriate Applications
2700
°
Friendly, Personall, Intimate
Homes, Libraries, Restaurants
3500
°
Friendly, Inviting, Non-threatening
New Offices, Public Reception areas
4100
°
Neat, Clean, Efficient
Older offices, Classrooms, Mass Merchandisers
5000
°
Bright, Alert, Exacting Coloration
Graphics, Jewelry Stores, Medical Exam Areas
In the LED area, we usually describe the white light which below
5000K as the incandescent light source, 5000-8000K as the warm
light source, above 8000K as the cool light source. The scale
ranges from 1(low pressure sodium) to 100(the sun). The higher
the CR (based upon a 0-100scale), the better colors appear.
|
light level calculations |
a
mathematical method to determine maintained light levels, based
on parameters of space and luminaire characteristics.
More… |
light levels |
|
light loss factor (L.L.F.) |
a factor
used in calculating maintaining light levels after a given
period of time and under specified conditions. It takes into
account the dirt accumulation on luminaries and room surfaces,
lamp depreciation, maintenance procedures and atmospheric
conditions |
light pipe |
recently
developed technology consisting of single powerful light source
typically 1,000 Watts or more, and special light distribution
“pipe” developed by 3M that illuminates surrounding areas by
brightly glowing along it’s entire length.
More… http://www.thelightingcenter.com/3m/3mlightpipe.asp |
lighting - high performance |
a
lighting system or luminaire that uses high efficacy (80 or
better), high color rendering (80 or better) light sources in
combination with efficient optical systems (i.e. reflectors)
that provide high (75 or more) Coefficient of Utilization (CU).
More… |
lighting circuits |
electrical distribution circuits dedicated to powering
light fixtures |
lighting load |
power
used by all luminaries in given area, usually expressed in watts
per square foot |
lighting maintenance |
regular
or irregular replacement of burned out lamps, defective ballasts
etc. Included should be fixture cleaning in regular intervals
(every 2 – 4 years), to eliminate lumen depreciation due to dirt
accumulation |
lighting software |
computer
program that will calculate light levels and/or provide full
point-by-point light level report |
line voltage lighting |
lighting
system that uses line voltage lamps 120 Volts connected directly
to power supply line |
linear lighting |
lighting
system that contains a number of in-row configured luminaries or
light sources, i.e. rope lighting, Brite- strip or side glowing
fiber optic lighting |
louver |
plastic
or metallic optical cell system, designed to improve glare
control, performance, efficiency or architectural appearance.
Frequently combined with reflectors in well-designed, high
performance commercial fluorescent luminaries |
low bay fixture |
reflector-shaped industrial luminaire with bottom
diffuser, designed to illuminate from low ceilings 8 to 12 feet
high |
low voltage lighting |
lighting
systems that uses safe 12 Volt or 24 Volt lamps. Needs lighting
transformer to convert power supply line voltage to low voltage.
More… |
lumen |
International System unit that determines light output
emitted within a unit of solid angle (one steradian) by a point
source having a uniform luminous intensity of one candela |
lumen depreciation |
loss of
lamp’s initial light output due to aging |
Luminaire Efficiency |
The ratio of total
lumens emitted by a luminaire to those emitted by the lamp or
lamps used. |
Luminous flux |
Unit: Lumen, lm
Defined as the total luminous energy per unit time emitted by
the light source into a sphere(360°)surrounding the light
source, where the luminous flux multiplied by the human eyes
sensitivity. The measurement unit for luminous flux is the lumen
(lm). |
Luminous Intensity (lv) |
Unit: candela, cd
The amount of luminous flux emitted into a very small solid
angle at a defined angular orientation from the light source.
The unit of luminous intensity is the lumen/steradian (lm/sr),
or candela (cd). Generally, light source will emit its luminous
flux at different of direction of different luminous intensity.
Luminous intensity is the visible light, which emit at a defined
angular orientation. |
Luminance (LV) |
Unit:cd/㎡
Luminous flux per unit solid angle per area of emitting surface
at an angle with respect to surface normal, in candela per
square meter or nits.
Important formulae of light measurement:
I: luminous intensity﹤cd﹥=total light energy in tridimensional
angel/tridimensional angle Ω﹤sr﹥
E:Illuminance ﹤lx﹥=the luminous flux indicate on a unit area
symmetrically ﹤lm﹥,unit area of emitting surface﹤㎡﹥=Luminous
intensity﹤cd﹥﹤distance﹥﹤㎡﹥
IV:Luminance ﹤cd/㎡﹥=Luminous intensity﹤cd﹥/Unit area of emitting
surface of sight﹤㎡﹥
:Luminous Efficacy﹤lm/w﹥=total output of luminous
flux﹤lm﹥dissipated wattage﹤㎡﹥ |
Luminous Efficacy |
Unit: lm/W
The light output of a light source divided by the total power
input to that source. It is expressed in lumens per watt. |
master & slave |
cost-saving configuration of row-installed fluorescent
fixtures with single ballast in every second (master) fixture
powering thelamps in both master fixture and slave fixture
|
Mastercolor |
Philips
Lighting brand of ceramic metal halide lamp.
Premium color rendering and color consistency |
medium base |
standard
lamp base on all common light bulbs. Base code: E26 or E27 |
metal halide lamp |
a high
intensity discharge (HID) lamp in which the major portion of the
light is produced by radiation of metal halides and their
products of dissociation. Includes clear and coated lamps |
mini joiner |
shortest
available, miniature connector joining together two pieces of
track |
minigimbal |
mompact
size track lighting fixture; or downlight gimbal ring fixture
used with MR16 or MR11 lamps |
mogul base |
large
size lamp base used in industrial luminaries, mostly with high
intensity discharge (H.I.D.) lamps. Base code: E39 or E40 |
moisture proof |
fluorescent fixture with special gasketed enclosure
approved to be used in wet areas, i.e. cooking area or car wash |
monopoint |
simple
plastic, round- or square-shaped junction box cover designed to
provide mechanical mounting and electrical connections for one
track lighting fixture |
narrow spot |
provides
typically 9 – 11 degrees, very narrow beam with higher target
light levels. Typically used for accent lighting from larger
distances. More… |
open concept ceiling |
ceiling-less interior design. Roof
rafters or support structure above and all wiring, piping, ducts
and other infrastructure are exposed. Usually much more
expensive than enclosed ceiling systems with all infrastructure
hidden in the plenum |
open rated lamp |
metal
halide lamp that has a special protective shield built right
inside of outer enclosure, to protect people and surrounding
areas from flying pieces of hot glass in case of destructive
breakdown of the lamp. Open rated lamp will fit in
both “open rated” and “closed rated” luminaries. |
open rated luminaire |
commercial fixture that uses H.I.D. lamps (metal halide
or high pressure sodium) that is designed to accept “open rated
lamps” only, by special feature of the lamp’s socket |
optical system |
mechanical elements of luminaire designed to focus,
direct, redirect, diffuse or scatter lamp’s light output, in
order to achieve required performance and characteristics
|
PAR lamp |
"Parabolic Aluminized Reflector" -- lamp that has
internal reflective coatings which, in combination with various
filament locations and lenticular patterns on the bulb face,
achieve a variety of light distribution patterns.
Commonly specified sizes are PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, PAR36,
PAR56 and PAR64. Average rated life is 2,000 hours. Get the
diameter (in inches) of any PAR lamp by simply dividing the PAR
number by 8. More… |
path lighting |
lighting
system designed to illuminate or visually identify walking path
or sidewalk |
pendant fixture |
cable-suspended luminaire |
perception of brightness |
subjective perception of light intensity as received by
human eye. It is affected by overall balance of
different elements: brightness of walls, floors and ceiling,
light levels throughout the space, and relative brightness of
surrounding environments. More…
|
perimeter lighting |
lighting
system designed to illuminate perimeter walls or areas
|
photometric report |
luminaire performance and characteristics report and
electronic file, created upon completion of physical testing of
luminaire on special laboratory equipment |
pipe lighting |
recently
developed technology consisting of single powerful light source
typically 1,000 Watts or more, and special light distribution
“pipe” developed by 3M that illuminates surrounding areas by
brightly glowing along it’s entire length.
More… http://www.thelightingcenter.com/3m/3mlightpipe.asp |
PL lamp |
low
wattage, 5-7-9-13 Watts, short compact T4 fluorescent lamp. The
least expensive, very common lamp. 800 lm max / 6.2” overall
length. More… |
PLC lamp |
double-legged, high lumen T4 compact fluorescent lamp,
typically 13, 18 or 26 Watts. Provides good lumen package (1,800
lm max.) in compact (6.5”) overall lamp dimension. Typically
used in recessed downlights. More… |
PLL lamp |
same as
Biax lamp, 12 – 24 inch long, high-lumen compact fluorescent
lamp. Biax is GE Lighting brand |
PLQ lamp |
triple-legged, high lumen compact T4 fluorescent lamp,
typically 18, 26, 32 or 42 Watts. Provides premium lumen package
(3200 lm max.) in compact overall lamp (6.3”) dimension.
Typically used in recessed downlights and track lighting wall
washers. More… |
plenum |
hollow
space between ceiling panel (drywall, T-bar tile or metal / wood
panel) and roofing panels, or other hollow space meant to
accommodate light fixtures and wiring |
pole lighting |
exterior
lighting fixtures installed on concrete, steel, aluminum or
lately, fiberglass poles. Typical for street lighting and for
parking lot, sidewalk and park pathway lighting |
polycarbonate |
durable,
virtually unbreakable plastic material, transparent clear,
translucent or opal white, used to manufacture unbreakable, i.e.
vandal-resistant luminaries |
pot light |
common
word for recessed downlight. |
protective lens |
plastic
or glass panel installed in the fixture’s aperture, to protect
people and surroundings from flying pieces of hot glass in case
of destructive breakdown of the lamp. Commonly used with
“enclosed fixture” rated metal halide and halogen lamps
|
pulse start system |
recently
introduced high efficacy (100 lumens / Watt) metal halide lamp +
ballast system. Lamp is started by high voltage pulse. Lamp
socket must be “pulse rated” with minimum pulse rating of 4000
Volts. More… |
quartz lamp |
common
name for tungsten halogen lamp |
R. C. R. |
"Room
Cavity Ratio" -- A number indicating cavity proportions from
length, width, and height. This value used in the coefficient of
utilization calculation for a given luminaire in a space with
specified room reflectance and dimensions |
rapid start |
a
fluorescent lamp designed for operation with a ballast that
provides a low-voltage winding for preheating the electrodes and
initiating the arc without a starting switch or the application
of high voltage. Four wires are required to connect lamp with
the ballast |
recessed fixture |
entire
fixture is fully concealed within the ceiling, with opening
(aperture) flush mounted with the ceiling |
reflectance - ceiling |
fractional number describing amount of light reflected
by ceiling’s surface. White ceiling has reflectance of 1, matte
black ceiling close to zero |
reflectance - floor |
fractional number describing amount of light reflected
by floor’s surface. Light colored floor has reflectance close to
1, dark matte floor close to zero |
reflectance - walls |
fractional number describing amount of light reflected
by wall’s surface. White wall has reflectance of 1, mat black
wall close to zero |
reflector |
optical
system typically made of aluminum, designed to direct and/or
focus lamp’s light output in one specific direction
|
refractor |
reflector-shaped optical system made from acrylic or
polycarbonate plastic, or glass; designed to redirect small
portion of lamp’s light output upwards and around the fixture,
to create some level of indirect lighting and brighter
perception of illuminated area |
relamping |
"Group
Relamping" -– replacement of all lamps at about 60 – 80% of
expected life span. All fixtures are cleaned at the same time.
Most cost effective maintenance method. Opposite is spot
relamping, replacement of one lamp at the time, as old lamps
burn out. More… |
remote ballast |
ballast
that is installed remotely from the fixture. Typical for
architectural pendant luminaries where ballast is hidden in the
ceiling system. Maximum allowed distance between ballast and
luminaire is usually limited to 12 feet.
More… |
retrofit kit |
a
combination of new high efficiency lamp, ballast and/or
reflector/louver, designed to improve the efficiency and/or
performance and/or aesthetics of existing luminaire, without the
cost of replacing the entire fixture |
retrofit lamp
|
high
efficiency lamp designed to produce significant energy savings,
without compromising light levels, suitable to operate on
fixture’s existing ballast |
retrofit louver
|
plastic
or metallic panel with optical cells, designed to improve
existing fixture’s look, glare control, performance or
efficiency |
room cavity ratio |
"Room
Cavity Ratio" A number indicating cavity proportions from
length, width, and height. This value used in the coefficient of
utilization calculation for a given luminaire in a space with
specified room reflectance and dimensions |
rope lighting |
flexible
linear light fixture in form of long transparent or colored
plastic tube filled with miniature long life incandescent lamps
wired together. Used for special effects and exterior
applications, i.e. as outline of buildings |
safety cable |
a loop
of aircraft cable installed around the fixture’s console and the
above track. Designed to provide additional safety measure to
heavy track lighting luminaries, i.e. metal halide fixtures with
magnetic ballast |
safety chain |
a chain
attached between recessed luminaire and main building structure,
designed to prevent luminaire from falling in case of ceiling
breakdown |
security lighting
|
low
energy lighting designed to provide minimum visibility required
to secure buildings or objects |
shatterproof |
fluorescent or incandescent lamps equipped with
transparent silicone coating that will hold all pieces of glass
together in case of lamp breakage. Used in food preparation
areas |
showcase lighting |
lighting
system designed to illuminate showcase displays.
Included are miniature low voltage track systems and linear low
voltage systems i.e. Brite-strip |
slave fixture
|
empty
fluorescent fixture with no ballast, lamp is powered by remote
ballast (due to space restrictions) or by ballast in nearby
master fixture -- see master-slave configuration |
socket |
lamp
holder, made from porcelain for incandescent and HID lamps or
from plastic for fluorescent lamps. Recent introduction of
polycarbonate fluorescent lamp holders eliminated socket
breakdowns and dramatically reduced servicing costs of
fluorescent luminaries |
spacing |
distance
between luminaries, or area covered by each luminaire, needed to
achieve desired light levels |
Spectrum |
Line spectra was
distributed according to the wavelength from big to small. The
spectrum of sun light and incandescent solids are said to be
continuous because all wavelengths are present. The spectrum of
incandescent gases, on the other hand, is called a line or
emission spectrum because only a few wavelengths are emitted.
These wavelengths appear to be a series of parallel lines
because a slit is used as the light-imaging device. |
spot light |
narrow
beam, focused light |
staggered strip fixture |
a
double-lamp strip fixture for row mounting with overlapping
ends. Specially designed for cove or back lighting
applications to eliminate dark spots where fixtures are
connected together |
strip fixture |
inexpensive linear fluorescent fixture consisting of
basic fixture body, ballast, lamp holders and lamp.
It has no optical system, lamp’s output is simply radiated into
the surrounding space |
styrene lens |
flat
plastic panel made from styrene, installed in the fixture to
visually cover the lamps, and to lower glare by redirecting or
diffusing lamp’s light output. Warning:
Styrene material is subject to fast aging and yellowing when
used in fluorescent luminaries |
surface fixtures |
luminaire installed on the ceiling’s level, attached
directly to the ceiling. Needs only pre-wired
junction box to be installed |
surface mounting trim
|
accessory to fluorescent fixture: A decorative trim
that allows lay-in fluorescent fixture (designed for T-bar
ceilings) to be used as a surface mounted, or suspended
luminaire |
suspended fixtures
|
luminaries installed lower than ceiling level,
suspended by chain, pipe conduit, cable, or aircraft cable |
suspension - aircraft cable |
fixture
or track lighting suspended on thin steel wire of properly rated
strength, barely visible when installation is completed.
More… |
suspension kit |
kit
provided by fixture manufacturer, consisting of suspension
chain, cable or aircraft cable and all brackets and hardware
necessary to complete the fixture installation |
system efficiency |
the
ratio of total light output measured in lumens emitted by a
luminaire to that emitted by the lamp or all lamps used therein |
task lighting |
task
lighting serves a limited area where a person's work or other
activity that needs illumination, is concentrated |
T-bar ceiling |
enclosed
ceiling system consisting of permanently installed “inverted T”
frame with openings filled with light weight acoustical ceiling
panels. Most commonly used in commercial projects, T-bar ceiling
provides the easiest access for installation or servicing of
light fixtures. More… |
time counter |
a
non-resetable time registering device connected to the control
circuit of lighting contactor, to register total usage hours on
the lamps. A very simple, inexpensive device that helps to
determine correct time for cost-effective Group Relamping.
More… |
total cost of ownership |
total
amount of money spent by the end user to acquire, install,
operate and maintain the lighting system over a specific period
of time, usually five years or ten years |
track 2-wire system |
track
lighting system that has only two copper wires inside of track’s
extrusion to distribute power to fixtures: Live wire and
neutral. Safety grounding is provided by track
extrusion and it’s direct contact with track fixtures and other
electrical elements of the system. Having certain safety
limitations, 2-wire systems are usually used in residential
installations |
track 3-wire system |
track
lighting system that has three heavy duty copper bars inside of
track’s extrusion to distribute power to fixtures: Live
wire, neutral and a dedicated ground connection that is reliably
and consistently connected with track fixtures and other
electrical elements of the system |
track adapter |
track
lighting component that allows fixture to be installed on the
track. Track adapter must be always compatible with the
track |
track compatibility |
different manufacturers offer different track systems
that are usually not compatible with each other.
To work on the track, track fixtures must be compatible with
track lighting system |
track extension wand |
a track
lighting accessory consisting of thin hollow pipe and track
adapters on each end, wired together. Installed
between track and track fixtures, extension wands are used to
suspend track fixtures to lover position |
track extrusion |
the body
of lighting track is usually made of aluminum extrusion with
special inside grooves that accommodate power distributing
copper bars installed in plastic insulators |
track fixtures |
luminaries designed to be installed on the lighting
track |
track lighting |
modern
lighting system that provides flexible and movable mechanical
and electrical connection of luminaries anywhere along the
pre-installed lighting track |
track lighting setback |
the
distance between the track and the wall or front of the display
to be illuminated. In most instances, a setback of 30 – 36
inches will work fine on 8 – 10 ft. ceiling installations, with
little shadows. More... |
track suspension kit |
a kit
provided by track manufacturer, consisting of suspension pipes,
mounting canopy, brackets and all other hardware necessary to
complete the suspended track installation |
transformer - lighting |
an
electric or electronic device converting power supply voltage of
120 Volts to 12 Volt or 24 Volt safe low voltage output, to
power low voltage lamps |
trim |
part of
the downlight luminaire visible from the room, mounted flush
with the ceiling. The last part of the light fixture installed
when ceiling is completely finished |
trim – adjustable |
trim
that allows adjustment of lamp’s direction by tilting (30
degrees or more) and/or rotating (355 degrees) of lamp’s holder.
Most commonly specified with MR16 halogen lamps in directional
accent/display lighting or task lighting |
trim – baffle |
trim
that uses grooved, deep cylindrical insert to shield light
source from direct view of an observer at certain angles.
Finished in flat black or flat white |
trim - cross blade |
trim
that uses polished aluminum or white louver to reduce or
eliminate glare. Usually specified with compact
fluorescent downlights |
trim - pin hole |
smallest
aperture trim specified where light fixtures must make minimum
necessary visual statement. Specified with
spot or narrow spot MR16 lamps |
trim – tilting |
trim
that allows adjustment of lamp’s direction by tilting lamp 30
degrees or more. Commonly specified with MR16 halogen lamps in
directional accent/display lighting or task lighting |
troffer |
simple
recessed fluorescent luminaire, a white box with lamps and
ballast. Lamps are normally covered with
plastic lens or plastic or metallic louver. |
UV filter |
accessory to downlight or track lighting fixture.
A lens made from special UV-absorbing glass.
Specified where UV contents of visible artificial light must be
completely eliminated, i.e. art galleries and apparel stores |
vandal resistant |
unbreakable luminaire designed for public areas prone
to vandalism, i.e. subway |
very narrow spot |
special
low voltage halogen lamp (PAR36) that provides sharply focused,
very narrow beam 5.5 – 7 degrees wide. Used for
pinpoint sharp lighting spots or for accent lighting from large
distances |
visual comfort probability |
the
rating of a lighting system expressed as a per cent of people
who, when viewing from a specified location and in a specified
direction, will be expected to find it acceptable in terms of
discomfort glare |
wall pack |
security
exterior light fixture designed to provide low energy, all night
illumination of building exterior |
wall washer |
asymmetric luminaire designed to provide wide and even
illumination of interior or exterior walls. Can be recessed,
suspended or track-mounted. Typical light source is double-ended
halogen lamp (up to 500 Watts) or metal halide lamp (up to 150
Watts), or long compact fluorescent lamp (up to 2x80 Watts) |
Wattage |
Wattage is the amount
of electrical power consumed by a lamp or light fixture measured
in “watts”. One watt is equal to the power dissipated by 1
ampere of electrical current flowing across a resistance of 1
ohm or the power produced by 1 ampere of electrical current
under an electromotive force of 1 volt. One horsepower is equal
to 746 watts. Formulae: watts =volts×amps,P=V×1,electrical
power=electromotive force ×electric current. |
wide flood |
halogen
PAR or MR16 lamp with very wide beam, 42 – 50 degrees.
Used in ambient downlights, showcases (MR16) and other
applications where wide area must be illuminated from a short
distance |
wire guard |
protective wire shield formed from heavy-gauge wires;
designed to provide mechanical protection for fluorescent or
metal halide luminaries in places where fixtures might be
subject to mechanical damage -- i.e. gyms or warehouses. |
work plane |
the
plane / level above the floor, at which work usually is
performed, and on which the light levels are specified and
measured. Typically 30” for office spaces and 48” for showroom
or retail environments |
wrap-around fixture |
surface
mounted fluorescent fixture with plastic (acrylic or
polycarbonate) lens that completely covers, wraps the entire
luminaire end-to-end |