Lighting
4.05
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Can emphasize the best features of a room
Effects the way a room can be used. Inadequate
light causes eye strain, affect comfort levels, and
result in accidents.
Cool-white light is very efficient, blends well
with sunlight, and makes most colors look good
Warm-white is efficient but NOT flattering to
many colors
Purposes of lighting
GENERAL lighting: also known as background
or ambient lighting.
Provides just enough light so everything in the room
can be seen.
Softens the shadows and harsh contrasts caused by
other lighting sources.
EX:
Overhead light in any room
Chandelier in dining room
Ceiling fan with light
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Direct lighting: light that shines on specific
areas
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Indirect light: reflected off ceilings and
walls. More diffused and softer
TASK lighting: focuses light on an area
where it is needed most.
To provide the best task light, shades should
shaped so that light is directed downward
EX: Desk lamp illuminates a desk top.
Light above a range or kitchen island
Light on sewing machine
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ACCENT lighting: aimed directly on a specific
object to create a dramatic effect.
For the most dramatic effect, the accent lighting
should be at least 3 times brighter than general
lighting.
EX:
Light over a special painting,
Lights in a china cabinet
TYPES OF BULBS
Incandescent Bulbs
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Light produced by electricity passing
through a tungsten filament in a glass bulb.
This light tends to warm and flattering.
Bulbs are available in variety of shapes and
can be clear or frosted
Frosted bulbs reduce glare and give a soft
light
Incandescent bulbs (con’t)
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Small clear bulbs, used in chandeliers, give
a sparkling effect.
Available in 15 to 300 watts
Used in lamps, overhead lights, outdoor
lights
Halogen Bulbs
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Special type of incandescent bulb
Filled with pressurized halogen gas, which
makes it more efficient than a regular bulb.
Usually smaller than a regular bulb,
produces a whiter and more intense light
More expensive but last longer
Can become very hot (1000F), can cause
burns
Fluorescent Bulbs
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Light that is produced when chemicals
inside a sealed glass tube transform ultraviolet rays
Produce various color casts
Usually are long straight tubes, but can also
be circular and U-shaped
Can produce up to 10 times the light of a
standard bulb of the same wattage
Fluorescent (con’t)
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Look for the new compact fluorescent
bulbs (CFL)
These screw into regular light bulb sockets
Cost more but last longer
Cannot be used with dimmer switches or
electronic timers
Light Emitting Diodes LED
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This diode is a silicon “chip” about the size
of a grain of salt and made of crystals.
An LED bulb can last 100,000 hours OR
more (10x longer than CFL, 133x longer
than a regular bulb)
Considered to be the next major evolution
in lighting.
Just starting in residential use
Fiber Optics
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Fiber optic lights are being used primarily
in museums and for displays because they
emit no heat and no ultraviolet light
Light flows through the glass strands and is
focused at the end
Structural Lighting
This is built-in permanent lighting
 Fixtures and wiring are hidden from view.
EX: wall washers
soffit lighting
strip lighting
down-lights
valence lighting
cove lighting
cornice lighting
luminous ceiling panels
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Wall washers: recessed ceiling lights that spread light
over a wall from ceiling to floor
Valence lighting: light source (usually a fluorescent tube)
mounted over a window and hidden by window valence.
Shines light both upward and downward
Strip lighting: consist of a row of incandescent bulbs
around top or sides of mirror in baths
Luminous ceiling panels: plastic panels covering
fluorescent tubes. May cover all or part of ceiling,
provides general light
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Cornice lighting: mounted near the junction of
wall and ceiling and directs light downward.
Used to highlight wall hangings
Cove lighting: concealed light source that directs
light upward toward the ceiling. Gives
appearance of added height
Down lights: direct a beam of light from ceiling
downward. Can be accent or general lighting.
Flush with ceiling
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Soffit: light enclosed in box-like structure
that directs light downward. Usually a
plastic panel diffuses the light, often used
over kitchen and bathroom sinks
Non-structural Lighting
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Consists of fixtures that can be moved or
replaced….various ceiling and wall fixtures
as well as portable lamps.
Consider track lighting, wall sconce,
chandeliers, hanging pendants, lamps of all
types and sizes.
Can use all types of bulbs.
Lighting for Safety
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Prevents accidents that occur in dim light or
darkness
Make sure all fixtures have UL seal that shows
that fixture meets safety guidelines.
Make sure ALL wiring meets local and state
electrical safety codes
Do not overload outlets with too many lights. Can
overload circuit and blow fuses or start fires in
worst case
Safety Issue in Lighting
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Are there switches at each doorway into
rooms
Light at entrance of home
Light switch at top & bottom of stairs
Are there controls for garage/carport
lighting from inside the house
Can you control outside lighting from
inside the house