Glossary

AC

Short for Alternating Current, AC is a type of current where the voltage polarity fluctuates, often with a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz based on the country.

ACCENT LIGHTING

Accent Lighting is a type of focused lighting used to highlight specific features or objects, adding to their aesthetic appeal or bringing attention to particular merchandise.

ALA

The American Lighting Association (ALA) is a trade association covering the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean, majorly involved in residential lighting. Its members range from manufacturers to event planners and designers.

AMBIENT LIGHTING

Ambient Lighting refers to the main source of light in a space, providing overall illumination. It combines both artificial and natural sources but excludes task and accent lighting.

BACKLIGHT

Referring to the light emitted from fixtures in the opposite of the intended direction, Backlight is usually unwanted. For instance, if parking lot lamps emit light towards nearby homes, it can be disruptive.

BACKLIGHTING

Backlighting is a lighting technique that illuminates objects from the back, creating an attractive glow effect around the edges. Often used as a form of accent lighting, it's useful for drawing attention to artworks.

BAFFLE

A Baffle is a non-transparent component that obstructs direct view of a light source.

BALLAST

A Ballast is a crucial component in fluorescent and HID lighting fixtures. It manages the voltage and current provided to the lamp during operation, helping prevent overheating or premature failure. – BALLASTS are not used with LED configurations, contact us to update easy!

BALLAST FACTOR (BF)

The Ballast Factor is a measure of how a ballast influences a lamp's rated lighting output. For instance, a lamp with 3000-lumen, when connected to a ballast with a BF of 90%, will yield 2700 lumens.

BASE

The Base of a lamp is the part that connects to the fixture, providing physical support and power. Lamps and fixtures can only pair if the base and socket match. Most residential lamp bases use either screws or multiple pins.

BASE TEMPERATURE

The Base Temperature is the maximum permissible temperature of a lamp base, which needs to be considered during fixture design.

BAYONET

A Bayonet is a type of lamp base that uses keyways for connection, as opposed to threads.

BEAM ANGLE

Also known as Beam Spread, the Beam Angle describes the downward light cone emitted by a fixture with a reflector. It's measured from the downward direction, where the lamp provides maximum intensity, to where intensity drops to 50%.

BI-PIN BASE

As the name suggests, a Bi-pin Base is a type of lamp base that uses two pins.

BOLLARD

A Bollard is a short and broad post with a lamp on top, typically used outdoors for both lighting and decoration.

BUG RATING

The BUG Rating, standing for Backlight, Uplight, and Glare, was developed by the IES and IDA to quantify the amount of light emitted by a fixture in unwanted directions. Each effect is scored from 0 (minimized) to 5 (uncontrolled).

BULB

A Bulb is a transparent enclosure, usually made of glass, containing a light source.

BURN POSITION

The Burn Position refers to the specific operating position for which a lamp is designed. Operating a lamp outside its intended position may lead to reduced performance or failure.

CAN

A common term for a downlight's recessed housing.

CANDELA (CD)

Candela is a unit that measures luminous intensity, i.e., the light emitted in a specific direction. It's different from lumen, which measures the total light output of a lamp or fixture.

CAVE EFFECT

The Cave Effect occurs when all the light from fixtures is directed downwards, with little to no light reflected upwards. This can make spaces feel gloomy.

CANOPY

A Canopy is a part of a lighting fixture that covers the wiring connections and the outlet box. It often carries decorative features.

CBMA

The Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association (CBMA) is an organization that certifies ballasts based on ANSI standards.

CEILING CAVITY

The Ceiling Cavity refers to the space above the lighting fixtures within a room.

CIE

The International Lighting Commission or Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) is a global authority in the lighting industry.

CHANDELIER

Derived from "chandler" (candle maker), a Chandelier is a decorative light that hangs from the ceiling and has multiple branches for lights or candles.

CIRCLINE LAMP

A Circline Lamp is a type of fluorescent lamp where the tube is bent into a circle with the ballast typically located in the center.

CIRCUIT BREAKER

A Circuit Breaker is an electrical protection device that cuts off current automatically in case of an overload or fault.

COEFFICIENT OF UTILIZATION (CU)

The Coefficient of Utilization is the fraction of a lamp's light output that reaches the work plane. It's influenced by the fixture's luminous efficiency and room factors such as geometry and color.

COLD CATHODE FLUORESCENT LAMP (CCFL)

A Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp is a type of fluorescent lamp that emits electrons without heating its electrodes, using only high voltage. While less efficient than conventional fluorescent lamps, CCFLs can last over 60,000 hours, similar to LED lights.

GLARE

Uncomfortable or blinding light that hinders visibility. It can be direct from a light source or reflected from a surface. Reducing glare is a crucial aspect of lighting design.

GROUND LIGHTING

Outdoor lighting fixtures that are installed at or below ground level, generally used to highlight landscaping features like trees and statues.

GU24 BASE

A type of lamp base with two pins and a twist-lock mechanism, typically used with CFL and LED bulbs. The "GU" stands for "G" bipin and "U" for "Universal". The "24" indicates the pin spread in millimeters.

HALOGEN LAMP

A type of incandescent lamp that uses a halogen gas to increase its efficiency and lifespan. While more efficient than traditional incandescent lamps, they are far less efficient than fluorescent and LED lamps.

HIGH BAY LIGHTING

Lighting fixtures designed for ceilings that are at least 20 feet high. They are generally found in warehouses, factories, and gymnasiums.

HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) LAMP

A lamp that creates light by passing electricity through a gas or vapor. The types of HID lamps include metal halide, high pressure sodium, and mercury vapor lamps. HID lamps are very efficient and have a long lifespan, but they take a long time to warm up and do not offer good color rendering.

HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM (HPS) LAMP

A type of HID lamp that uses sodium in an excited state to produce light. HPS lamps are very efficient and have a long lifespan, but their light is very yellow and does not render colors well.

ILLUMINANCE

A measure of the amount of light falling on a surface, usually measured in foot-candles (lumens per square foot) or lux (lumens per square meter).

INCANDESCENT LAMP

A type of lamp that produces light by heating a filament wire to a high temperature through electric resistance. This is the oldest type of electric lighting, but it is also the least efficient.

INDIRECT LIGHTING

Lighting where the light is directed upward or toward a wall and then reflected onto the area to be illuminated.

INSTANT START BALLAST

A type of electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps that applies a high voltage across the electrodes to start the lamp without any delay.

INTEGRATED LED

A type of LED lighting where the LEDs are built directly into the fixture and cannot be replaced separately.

JUNCTION TEMPERATURE

The temperature of the semiconductor junction within an LED. Controlling this temperature is crucial for maintaining the life and performance of the LED.

JUNCTION BOX

An electrical junction box is a container for electrical connections, usually intended to conceal them from sight and deter tampering. It's typically used with lighting fixtures, outlets, and switches to protect the connections and provide a safety barrier.

KELVIN (K)

The unit of measurement for color temperature. A lower Kelvin rating means the light will be warmer (more yellow), while a higher Kelvin rating means the light will be cooler (more blue).

KICKER LIGHT

A light that provides additional illumination to one side of a subject, typically used in photography or videography to add depth and separate the subject from the background.

KINETIC LIGHTING

Kinetic lighting involves the use of moving lights to create a dynamic visual experience. This is often used in theatrical performances, concerts, and nightclubs, where the lighting can change in color, position, and pattern in response to the music or performance.

KRYPTON LAMP

A Krypton lamp is a type of gas-filled lamp that uses krypton gas. The gas, when excited by electricity, produces a bright white light. Krypton lamps are used in various applications where intense illumination is required, such as in lighthouses, aircraft, and some photographic flash units.

LAMP

In the context of lighting, "lamp" typically refers to what is commonly called a light bulb.

LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE)

A type of lighting technology that produces light through electroluminescence. LEDs are highly efficient, have a long lifespan, and can produce a wide range of colors.

LIGHT POLLUTION

Excessive or misdirected artificial light that can cause problems such as glare, skyglow, and light trespass. It can be harmful to humans and wildlife, and can make it difficult to see stars and other celestial bodies.

LUMEN

A unit of measurement for the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.

LUMINAIRE

The complete lighting unit, including the lamp, ballast (if applicable), and parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamp, and to connect the lamp to the power supply.

LUMINOUS EFFICACY

A measure of how well a light source produces visible light, expressed in lumens per watt.

LUX

A unit of measurement for illuminance, or the amount of light falling on a surface. One lux is equivalent to one lumen per square meter.

MAGNETIC BALLAST

A type of ballast that uses a magnetic core to control the current supplied to a lamp. Magnetic ballasts are typically less efficient and more prone to flicker and hum than electronic ballasts.

METAL HALIDE LAMP

A type of HID lamp that uses a mixture of metal halide salts and mercury to produce light. Metal halide lamps are more efficient and offer better color rendering than other types of HID lamps, but they have a long warm-up time and require a cool-down period before they can be restrike.

MERCURY-VAPOR LAMP

A mercury-vapor lamp is a type of gas-discharge lamp that uses an electric arc through vaporized mercury to produce light. They are used for large-area lighting, such as streetlights and gymnasiums, due to their intense and broad-spectrum light.

MOOD LIGHTING

Mood lighting is designed to create an atmosphere or ambiance within a space. It often uses soft, warm light to create a relaxing and comfortable environment. The intensity, color, and placement of the lights can significantly affect the mood of the space.

MULTIFACETED REFLECTOR (MR) LAMPS

MR lamps are a type of reflector lamp that includes a built-in reflecting surface designed to throw off a beam of light. They are commonly used in track lighting, recessed downlights, and landscape lighting. The number following "MR" typically refers to the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch. For example, an MR16 lamp would be 16 eighths of an inch (or 2 inches) in diameter.

MULTI-TAP BALLAST

A multi-tap ballast is a type of ballast that is equipped with several taps designed to provide different output voltages. It allows the fixture to operate on different voltages, making it adaptable to various power supply conditions.

NATURAL LIGHT

Light that comes from the sun, as opposed to artificial light produced by lamps or other artificial sources.

NANOMETER (NM)

A nanometer is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one billionth of a meter. It's often used in the field of lighting to describe the wavelength of light, which determines its color. For instance, the wavelength of visible light is typically between 400 and 700 nanometers.

NEON LIGHTING

Neon lighting is a type of signage or decorative lighting made using neon gas-filled tubes. When a high voltage is applied, the neon gas glows, producing a bright, colorful light. It's often used for signs, artwork, and architectural lighting.

NIGHT LIGHT

A night light is a small, low-power electrical light source placed in areas of a home at night for comfort or convenience. They provide enough light to navigate in the dark without being too bright to disrupt sleep.

OMNIDIRECTIONAL LIGHT

Light that is emitted evenly in all directions.

OPTICAL CONTROL

The use of lenses, reflectors, or other devices to control the distribution of light from a lamp or luminaire.

OCCUPANCY SENSOR

An occupancy sensor is a type of device that detects the presence of people within an area and turns lights on or off accordingly. They're used for convenience, security, and to save energy by reducing the amount of time lights are left on when not in use.

OPTICAL FIBER

An optical fiber is a thin strand of glass or plastic designed to transmit light. Because the light is contained within the fiber, it can be used to transmit light over long distances with minimal loss. It's often used for telecommunications, but can also be used for lighting purposes, particularly in decorative or accent lighting.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Outdoor lighting refers to any lighting that's intended to be used outside. This can include everything from streetlights and exterior building lights to landscape lighting and patio lights.

PARABOLIC ALUMINUM REFLECTOR (PAR) LAMP

A type of lamp that uses a parabolic reflector to direct light. PAR lamps are commonly used for spotlighting and floodlighting.

PATH LIGHTING

Lighting designed to illuminate pathways, often for safety or decorative purposes.

PHOSPHOR

A material that emits light when excited by radiation. In the context of lighting, phosphors are commonly used in fluorescent lamps and white LEDs.

PHOTOMETRICS

The measurement of light, including its intensity, color, and distribution.

PULSE START METAL HALIDE (PSMH)

A type of metal halide lamp that uses a high voltage pulse to start the lamp. PSMH lamps offer improved efficacy, longer life, and faster warm-up times compared to traditional metal halide lamps.

RECESSED LIGHTING

Lighting fixtures that are installed into an opening in a ceiling, so that the light is contained within the ceiling except for the part that is needed for light output.

REFLECTOR (R) LAMP

A type of lamp that has a built-in reflecting surface, used to direct light in a specific direction.

RETROFIT

The process of updating old fixtures or lamps with newer, more energy-efficient models. In the context of lighting, this often involves replacing incandescent or fluorescent lamps with LED lamps.

SCONE

In human vision, one of three types of cones in the retina that are sensitive to short-wavelength light, or blue light.

SOCKET

The part of a lamp or luminaire that holds the lamp and provides a connection to the electrical power supply.

SPOTLIGHT

A lamp or luminaire that produces a narrow beam of light, typically used to highlight specific objects or areas.

TASK LIGHTING

Task lighting is a type of lighting that's focused on specific areas to provide light for tasks such as reading, cooking, or working. It's typically brighter and more concentrated than ambient or mood lighting.

TRACK LIGHTING

Track lighting is a type of lighting where lights are attached to a continuous track device which contains electrical conductors. This type of lighting is often used in retail environments, galleries, and homes to highlight artwork or architectural details.

TUNGSTEN HALOGEN

Tungsten halogen lamps, also known as halogen lamps, are a type of incandescent lamp containing a halogen gas that increases the life of the tungsten filament and improves its light output. The lamp produces a bright white light and has a longer life compared to standard incandescent lamps.

TWIST BULB

A twist bulb, also known as a spiral bulb, is a type of compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) that's designed with a twisted or spiral tube to fit into standard lighting fixtures. It's more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

ULTRAVIOLET (UV) RADIATION

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. UV radiation can cause skin burns and eye injury, and can also degrade materials over time.

ULTRAVIOLET (UV) LIGHT

UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays. It's not visible to the human eye.

UNDER-CABINET LIGHTING

Light fixtures installed under cabinets to illuminate countertops, typically in kitchens. They provide task lighting for activities like food preparation.

UP-LIGHTING

A lighting technique where light is directed upwards to illuminate a space or object, often creating dramatic effects.

VISIBLE LIGHT

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, typically between 400 and 700 nanometers.

VOLT (V)

The volt is the unit of electric potential and electromotive force in the International System of Units.

VOLTAGE DROP

The decrease in electrical potential along the path of a current flowing in an electrical circuit.

WALL SCONCE

A type of light fixture affixed to a wall in a way that it uses only the wall for support, and the light is typically directed upwards.

WATT (W)

The watt is a unit of power. In terms of lighting, it's often used to quantify the rate of energy transfer of a light bulb.

WAVELENGTH

The distance between one peak or crest of a wave of light, heat, or other energy and the next corresponding peak or crest.

X10

A standard for communication among electronic devices used for home automation, where signals travel over the power lines.

XENON LAMP

A type of gas discharge lamp that uses xenon gas. It's used in certain types of photographic flashes and headlights.

X-RAY LIGHT

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength smaller than UV light and larger than gamma rays. X-rays are not used in normal lighting applications.

YARD LIGHTS

Outdoor lights used to illuminate yards, patios, and similar outdoor spaces.

YELLOW LIGHT

Light that falls within the yellow wavelength range of the visible light spectrum, typically associated with warmth and caution in lighting design.

ZONE LIGHTING

A concept in lighting design where a space is divided into zones, each with its own lighting control for flexibility and energy savings.

ZENITH

The point in the sky directly above an observer. In lighting, zenith lighting refers to light coming from directly overhead.

ZIGBEE

A specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, often used in home automation systems, including smart lighting.