Lighting 4.05 Sherry Brooks

Light 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, less flattering to skin tones Warm-white is efficient but NOT flattering to many colors, flattering to skin tones

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

Types con’t Direct lighting: light that shines on specific areas 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

Types con’t 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 LED Mercury Vapor Incandescent Florescent Halide Halogen

Incandescent Bulbs Light produced by electricity passing through a tungsten filament in a glass bulb. This light tends to be 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) 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 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 Light that is produced when chemicals inside a sealed glass transform ultra-violet 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) 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 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 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 __________ and is focused at the end

Structural Lighting This is built-in permenant 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

Structures 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 a 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

More structural 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

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 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 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 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