Lighting Lingo

The B Corp logo in lighting refers to the certification logo of a B Corporation in the lighting industry. B Corporations, or B Corps, are for-profit companies that are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

In the lighting industry, companies that have obtained B Corp certification display the B Corp logo on their products, packaging, websites, and other materials to signify their commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability. The presence of the B Corp logo on lighting products indicates that the company behind those products has met specific criteria related to social and environmental responsibility, such as:

Environmental sustainability: Implementing practices to minimise environmental impact, reduce energy consumption, and use sustainable materials in the manufacturing process.

Social responsibility: Demonstrating a commitment to fair labour practices, employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.

Ethical business practices: Upholding high standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability in business operations and decision-making.

By choosing lighting products bearing the B Corp logo, consumers can support companies that prioritize sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices in the lighting industry.

A pendant bar light, also known as a linear pendant light or a bar pendant light, is a type of lighting fixture that consists of multiple pendant lights arranged along a horizontal bar or rod.

These fixtures are often used to provide illumination over long surfaces, such as dining tables, kitchen islands, countertops, or conference tables, and they offer both functional lighting and aesthetic appeal.

In bathrooms, electrical installations, including lighting fixtures, must adhere to specific safety regulations to ensure protection against moisture and water ingress. These regulations are outlined in the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) standards, specifically the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system. The IP rating system categorizes the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures against solid objects and liquids.

The IP zones required in a bathroom are as follows:

IP Zone 0: This zone refers to the area inside the bathtub or shower basin. For safety reasons, only low-voltage (12V) lighting fixtures specifically designed for wet environments and meeting the appropriate IP rating should be installed within this zone. These fixtures must be rated at least IP67, indicating complete protection against immersion in water up to a certain depth.

IP Zone 1: This zone encompasses the area above the bathtub or shower basin up to a height of 2.25 meters (7 feet 4 inches) from the floor and 1.2 meters (3 feet 11 inches) horizontally from the edge of the bathtub or shower basin. Lighting fixtures installed in this zone must have a minimum IP rating of IPX4, indicating protection against splashes of water.

IP Zone 2: This zone extends 0.6 meters (2 feet) horizontally from the edge of Zone 1 and continues up to 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) vertically from the floor. In this zone, lighting fixtures must have a minimum IP rating of IPX4, similar to Zone 1, to protect against splashes of water.

It's essential to follow these IP zoning regulations to ensure the safety and durability of electrical installations in bathrooms, particularly in areas where exposure to water and moisture is common. Additionally, always consult with a qualified electrician or lighting professional when planning and installing lighting fixtures in a bathroom to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.

The beam angle of a light source refers to the angular spread of light emitted by the fixture, typically measured in degrees. It defines the cone-shaped area over which the light is distributed and can affect the coverage, intensity, and directionality of the light beam.

Double insulated lighting, also known as Class II lighting, is designed for safe usage even in locations where an earth connection is absent. This feature proves particularly beneficial when installing lights in older houses that may lack an earth cable in the intended lighting locations.

The symbol for double insulation typically consists of two squares placed one inside of the other. This symbol is commonly used to indicate that an electrical appliance or device has double insulation and does not require grounding for safety.

A good, long-lasting coastal light should be designed to withstand the harsh conditions typically encountered in coastal environments, including exposure to salt air, high humidity, strong winds, and potential direct exposure to seawater.

Coastal areas are prone to corrosion due to salt air. Look for fixtures made from materials such as marine-grade stainless steel, solid brass, solid copper, or corrosion-resistant polymers like fiberglass or PVC. These materials are less likely to corrode and degrade over time.

Here's a bit more detail on each:

Marine-Grade Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a popular choice for coastal lighting fixtures due to its excellent corrosion resistance. Marine-grade stainless steel, such as 316 stainless steel, is particularly well-suited for coastal applications because it offers enhanced resistance to chloride corrosion compared to other grades of stainless steel.

Solid Brass: Brass is another material known for its corrosion resistance and durability. Solid brass fixtures can develop a beautiful patina over time, adding to their aesthetic appeal. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and polishing, can help preserve the appearance of brass fixtures in coastal environments.

Solid Copper: Copper is highly resistant to corrosion and can develop an attractive natural patina over time. Solid copper fixtures are durable and can withstand the harsh conditions of coastal areas. Like brass, copper fixtures may require periodic cleaning and maintenance to preserve their appearance.

Corrosion-Resistant Polymers: Fiberglass and PVC are synthetic materials known for their resistance to corrosion and degradation in marine environments. These materials are lightweight, durable, and typically require minimal maintenance. Additionally, they can be moulded into various shapes and designs, offering flexibility in fixture aesthetics.

The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) is a quantitative measure of a light source's ability to accurately render the colours of objects compared to a reference light source, typically daylight or an idealised incandescent light. In simpler terms, CRI indicates how well a light source can reveal the true colours of objects under its illumination.

The CRI scale ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better colour rendering. A CRI of 100 represents perfect colour rendering, meaning the light source accurately renders all colours as they would appear under natural sunlight or ideal lighting conditions.

A dimmer is a device used to adjust the brightness level of a light source, typically an electric light. It works by altering the amount of electrical power supplied to the light, thereby controlling its output intensity.

A driver for a light fitting is an essential component used in lighting systems, particularly those employing LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology.

The simplest way to describe a lighting driver is to say that it's like a power adapter or transformer for LED lights. It takes the high-voltage alternating current (AC) electricity from your home's power supply and converts it into the low-voltage direct current (DC) electricity needed to power LED lights. Additionally, it regulates the electrical current to ensure safe and efficient operation of the LEDs. In essence, the driver acts as the "engine" that powers and controls the LED lighting system, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity of the lights.

An easy-fit pendant light, also known as a non-electric pendant or a shade-only pendant, is a type of pendant light fixture that is designed to be easy to install without the need for wiring or electrical expertise.

These pendant lights consist of a decorative lampshade or pendant shade without any built-in electrical components, such as sockets, wires, or bulbs.

An end cap typically refers to a component found at the ends of a light bulb. Common examples include the large screw-type (ES) or bayonet-type (BS) end cap, which are widely used in lighting fixtures.

An LED filament light bulb is a modern type of light bulb that combines the energy efficiency and long lifespan of LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology with the vintage appearance of traditional filament bulbs.

LED filament bulbs mimic the look of classic incandescent filament bulbs, including the distinctive filament structure, while providing the benefits of LED lighting.

Flush and semi-flush lighting refer to different types of ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures, and the primary difference between them lies in their distance from the ceiling.

Flush mount lighting fixtures are mounted directly against the ceiling, with little to no gap between the fixture and the ceiling surface. These fixtures typically have a low profile and are designed to sit flush with the ceiling, providing a clean and streamlined look. Flush mount lights are ideal for rooms with low ceilings or areas where overhead clearance is limited.

Semi-flush mount lighting fixtures are similar to flush mount fixtures but are suspended from the ceiling by a short stem or rod, creating a small gap between the fixture and the ceiling. This allows semi-flush mount fixtures to extend slightly downward from the ceiling, providing a bit more depth and visual interest compared to flush mount fixtures.

In lighting, IP rating refers to the Ingress Protection rating, which is a standard that defines the degree of protection provided by an electrical enclosure against the intrusion of foreign objects (like dust) and moisture (such as water).

The IP rating typically consists of two numbers. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids.
For example, an IP65 rating means that the lighting fixture is protected against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction. The first digit '6' signifies complete protection against dust, and the second digit '5' indicates protection against water jets.

Understanding the IP rating is crucial for selecting the appropriate lighting fixtures for specific environments, such as indoor or outdoor settings, or areas where exposure to moisture or dust is a concern.

An IP44 rating or above is generally suitable for exterior and bathroom use in many situations.

"Integral LED" refers to LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting products where the LED components are built directly into the fixture or housing, as opposed to being separate or replaceable components. In other words, the LED elements are an integral part of the lighting unit.

Benefits include; a compact design, improved heat distribution, seamless appearance and ease of installation.

The Kelvin temperature scale is a unit of measurement used to express temperature.

In lighting and colour temperature contexts, the Kelvin temperature (often referred to simply as "Kelvin") is used to describe the colour appearance of light emitted by a light source. It is a measure of the "warmth" or "coolness" of light.

Lower Kelvin temperatures (e.g., 1800 K to 3000 K) are associated with warmer, more yellowish light, similar to the colour of candlelight or incandescent bulbs.

Higher Kelvin temperatures (e.g., 4000 K to 6500 K) are associated with cooler, bluer light, resembling daylight or overcast skies

In summary, Kelvin temperature, when applied to lighting, refers to the colour temperature of light emitted by a light source, with lower values indicating warmer light and higher values indicating cooler light.

A lamp shade is a covering, typically made of fabric, glass, metal, paper, or other materials, that is placed over a light bulb or lamp to diffuse and direct the light it emits.

Lamp shades are available in a wide range of styles to suit different types of lamps, including table lamps, floor lamps, pendant lights, and chandeliers. They can be purchased separately to customise or update existing lighting fixtures, or they may come pre-attached to the lamp base as an integral part of the design.

Lumens is a unit of measurement used to quantify the total amount of visible light emitted by a source per unit of time. In simpler terms, lumens measure the brightness of a light source as perceived by the human eye. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light.

A luminaire refers to a complete lighting unit that includes a light source (such as a bulb or LED), a fixture or housing to hold the light source in place, and any necessary components for controlling or directing the light. Essentially, a luminaire is a lighting fixture that is ready for installation and use.

Lux is a unit of measurement used to quantify the intensity of light as perceived by the human eye. Specifically, lux measures the amount of light that falls on a surface per unit area. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter (lm/m²).

Outdoor lighting (or Exterior Lighting) refers to lighting fixtures and systems designed specifically for use outside of buildings, structures, or in open spaces. Outdoor lighting serves various purposes, including enhancing visibility, providing safety and security, and creating ambiance in outdoor areas.

Portable table lamps are lighting fixtures designed to be easily moved and placed on tables, desks, countertops, or other flat surfaces. They are typically standalone units that do not require hardwiring into a building's electrical system, making them convenient for use in various locations within a home, office, or other indoor settings.

Many modern portable table lamps are designed with built-in rechargeable batteries and can be conveniently charged via USB (Universal Serial Bus) connections. This feature enhances their portability and versatility, allowing users to use them without being tethered to a power outlet.

Smart lighting refers to lighting systems that are equipped with advanced technology, such as wireless communication capabilities, sensors, and programmable features, allowing users to control and automate their lighting remotely via smartphones, tablets, voice commands, or other connected devices.

A spotlight is a type of lighting fixture designed to focus a concentrated beam of light onto a specific area or object. Spotlights are characterised by their narrow beam angle, which allows them to provide intense illumination over a relatively small area. They are commonly used for highlighting architectural features, artwork, merchandise displays, in kitchens, or outdoor landscaping.

A touch lamp is a type of lighting fixture that can be turned on, off, or adjusted by touching or tapping the lamp's base or any designated touch-sensitive surface. Instead of using traditional switches or buttons, touch lamps rely on capacitive sensing technology to detect changes in electrical capacitance caused by human touch.

In lighting terms, a transformer is a device used to change the voltage of an electrical circuit. Transformers are commonly employed in lighting systems to either step up or step down the voltage supplied to the lighting fixtures.

A floor uplighter, also known simply as an uplighter, is a type of floor lamp designed to direct light upwards towards the ceiling or a specific area of a room. Unlike traditional floor lamps that emit light downward or outward, uplighters are specifically designed to provide ambient or accent lighting by illuminating the upper portions of a room or space.

A wall sconce, often simply referred to as a sconce, is a type of lighting fixture that is mounted on a wall. It typically consists of a decorative bracket or base that attaches to the wall, with a light source positioned either on top of the bracket or extending from it.

In lighting, "watts" (W) is a unit of measurement that refers to the amount of electrical power consumed by a light source. Historically, watts were commonly used as a measure of brightness because incandescent and halogen bulbs emitted light roughly in proportion to the electrical power they consumed. However, with the rise of more energy-efficient lighting technologies like LEDs, the relationship between watts and brightness has become less straightforward.

Today, when considering lighting, particularly with LED technology, it's important to understand that watts primarily indicate power consumption rather than brightness. This is because LEDs are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. A lower wattage LED bulb can produce the same amount of light (or even more) as a higher wattage incandescent bulb.

To accurately determine the brightness of an LED light source, it's more appropriate to look at lumens rather than watts. Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a source, providing a standardized measure of brightness. Therefore, when shopping for lighting products, it's helpful to pay attention to both the wattage (for energy consumption) and the lumens (for brightness) to ensure you get the desired level of illumination while minimising energy usage.