Difference between revisions of "Lighting"
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[[Image:Gluehlampe_2.jpg|thumb|80px|right|Filament]] | [[Image:Gluehlampe_2.jpg|thumb|80px|right|Filament]] | ||
| − | [[Filament Lamps]] made up most of Britain's domestic lighting until very recently. | + | [[Filament Lamps]] made up most of Britain's domestic [[lighting]] until very recently. |
* GLS lamps (general lighting service) radiate light in all directions | * GLS lamps (general lighting service) radiate light in all directions | ||
* R reflector lamps roughly double the light intensity in one direction | * R reflector lamps roughly double the light intensity in one direction | ||
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[[Image:Halogen_lamp_macro_03.jpg|thumb|80px|right|Halogen]] | [[Image:Halogen_lamp_macro_03.jpg|thumb|80px|right|Halogen]] | ||
| − | [[Halogen Lighting|Halogen lamps]] are a type of filament lamp offering a compact light source, slightly better efficiency and better colour temperature. Some halogens have safety issues, and most halogen lighting installations have very low energy efficiency. | + | [[Halogen Lighting|Halogen lamps]] are a type of filament lamp offering a compact light source, slightly better efficiency and better colour temperature. Some halogens have [[safety]] issues, and most halogen lighting installations have very low energy efficiency. |
* See [[Halogen Lighting]] | * See [[Halogen Lighting]] | ||
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[[Image:Compact-Fluorescent-Bulb2.jpg|thumb|80px|right|CFL]] | [[Image:Compact-Fluorescent-Bulb2.jpg|thumb|80px|right|CFL]] | ||
| − | CFL lamps reduce energy use and total lighting cost, and most have very long lives. Light quality varies from one brand to another, and the quality of light is not to everyone's taste. Power equivalence markings are seldom realistic. | + | [[CFL]] lamps reduce energy use and total lighting cost, and most have very long lives. Light quality varies from one brand to another, and the quality of light is not to everyone's taste. Power equivalence markings are seldom realistic. |
* See [[CFL Lamps]] | * See [[CFL Lamps]] | ||
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[[Image:Na-lamp-4.jpg|thumb|80px|right|Sodium street light]] | [[Image:Na-lamp-4.jpg|thumb|80px|right|Sodium street light]] | ||
| − | [[Discharge Lighting|Low pressure sodium]] lighting gives a pure yellow monochrome light, and is popular for lighting roads, car parks and yards. It has exceptionally high energy efficiency, much higher than all other lighting types, but has several downsides. The eye can't perceive any colour under pure yellow light, and the lamps take nearly 10 minutes to warm up. | + | [[Discharge Lighting|Low pressure sodium]] lighting gives a pure yellow monochrome light, and is popular for lighting roads, car parks and yards. It has exceptionally high energy efficiency, much higher than all other lighting types, but has several downsides. The eye can't perceive any colour under pure yellow light, and the lamps take nearly 10 minutes to warm up. They also aren't dimmable (though slight dimming is possible with the right dimmer) |
* See [[Discharge Lighting]] | * See [[Discharge Lighting]] | ||
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[[Image:Ampoules.jpg|thumb|80px|right|LED]] | [[Image:Ampoules.jpg|thumb|80px|right|LED]] | ||
| − | LEDs are promoted as filament lamp replacements Light quality is variable. Light output has now reached 60-100w equivalence. LEDs are long lived, but the extremely long lives of indicator LEDs don't apply to lighting LEDs, and some don't last well in reality. Equivalent lamps need to be picked by lumen output not watts, LED efficacy varies. | + | LEDs are promoted as filament lamp replacements. Light quality is variable. Light output has now reached 60-100w equivalence. LEDs are long lived, but the extremely long lives of indicator LEDs don't apply to lighting LEDs, and some don't last well in reality. Equivalent lamps need to be picked by lumen output not watts, LED efficacy varies. |
* See [[LED Lighting]] | * See [[LED Lighting]] | ||
===Light Pipes=== | ===Light Pipes=== | ||
| − | Light pipes carry skylight from above the roof down to an interior light, providing lighting for rooms with no | + | Light pipes are mirrored tubes that carry skylight from above the [[roof]] down to an interior light, providing lighting for rooms with no [[window]]s. They're expensive to fit, but cost nothing to run. |
| − | In high tech lighting systems used in some large buildings, light pipes are combined with [[Fluorescent Lighting|fluorescent lights]] in the same enclosures. The electric light is used at night, and in the day the power is continually adjusted as needed to give the required light output. This means the electric lighting is off most of the day, but will gradually come on as daylight fades and on dark dull days. In a tower block the resultant power savings can be substantial. | + | In high tech lighting systems used in some large buildings, light pipes are combined with [[Fluorescent Lighting|fluorescent lights]] in the same enclosures. The [[Electrical|electric]] light is used at night, and in the day the power is continually adjusted as needed to give the required light output. This means the electric lighting is off most of the day, but will gradually come on as daylight fades and on dark dull days. In a tower block the resultant power savings can be substantial. |
===Gas light=== | ===Gas light=== | ||
| − | + | Rarely used for home lighting, but still used & manufactured, gas lights are an option for [[Emergency Lighting|emergency lights]] that are not connected to the mains. Gas lighting has much better long term reliability than [[battery]] based electric lighting, low setup cost and minimal maintenance cost. | |
Vented gas lighting is an option for off-grid homes, where the cost of additional electrical capacity for lighting is high. | Vented gas lighting is an option for off-grid homes, where the cost of additional electrical capacity for lighting is high. | ||
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Candles are the least energy efficient of all common lighting sources. | Candles are the least energy efficient of all common lighting sources. | ||
| − | The use of candles in a power cut is a known fire risk. A small sconce mounted to a plastered wall | + | The use of candles in a power cut is a known [[fire]] risk. A small sconce mounted to a plastered [[wall]] eliminates most of the risk. |
===Solar Mirrors=== | ===Solar Mirrors=== | ||
| − | Outdoor mirrors can be used to reflect skylight and often sunlight into a room to lighten the room and reduce electric lighting use. They also harvest a small amount of heat in winter, which can offset the cost. | + | Outdoor mirrors can be used to reflect skylight and often sunlight into a room to lighten the room and reduce electric lighting use. They also harvest a small amount of [[heat]] in winter, which can offset the cost. |
Fitting large exterior mirrors is something few choose, but small ones are unobtrusive and improve interior light levels. | Fitting large exterior mirrors is something few choose, but small ones are unobtrusive and improve interior light levels. | ||
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===Heliostats=== | ===Heliostats=== | ||
| − | A heliostat is a reflective dish that moves, directing light to a fixed position. A tracking heliostat can be used to provide sunlight during the day, and | + | A heliostat is a reflective dish that moves, directing light to a fixed position. A tracking heliostat can be used to provide sunlight during the day, and moonlight or streetlight at night. |
When used for lighting, the heliostat should be shaped to avoid concentrating light to a point, to avoid a fire risk. Some difference between horizontal and vertical geometry can give a line instead of a point at the focus. When satellite dishes are reused for this, they can be bent slightly to spread the point of focus. | When used for lighting, the heliostat should be shaped to avoid concentrating light to a point, to avoid a fire risk. Some difference between horizontal and vertical geometry can give a line instead of a point at the focus. When satellite dishes are reused for this, they can be bent slightly to spread the point of focus. | ||
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===[[Halogen Lighting]]=== | ===[[Halogen Lighting]]=== | ||
| − | * Energy Efficiency | + | * [[Energy Efficiency]] |
| − | * MCB tripping | + | * [[MCB]] tripping |
===[[Rewiring Tips]]=== | ===[[Rewiring Tips]]=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | For details on typical circuits used for lighting please see [[House_Wiring_for_Beginners#Lighting|this article]]. | ||
| + | |||
* Uplighters | * Uplighters | ||
| − | * Kitchen worktop lighting | + | * [[Kitchen]] worktop lighting |
* Filament Strip Lights | * Filament Strip Lights | ||
* Kitchen worktop lighting | * Kitchen worktop lighting | ||
* Stair Lighting | * Stair Lighting | ||
* Emergency lighting | * Emergency lighting | ||
| − | * MCB Type | + | * [[MCB]] Type |
* Light Switch Controls Plugged in Lamps | * Light Switch Controls Plugged in Lamps | ||
* Cutting costs | * Cutting costs | ||
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* Outdoor Security Lighting | * Outdoor Security Lighting | ||
* Tree & Shrub Lighting | * Tree & Shrub Lighting | ||
| − | * | + | * [[CFL]]s outdoors |
* Making Outdoor Lighting Look Good | * Making Outdoor Lighting Look Good | ||
* Outdooor Light Fitting Corrosion | * Outdooor Light Fitting Corrosion | ||
* Night Lighting | * Night Lighting | ||
| − | |||
===[[Lamp Life]]=== | ===[[Lamp Life]]=== | ||
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* The 900,000 hour light bulb | * The 900,000 hour light bulb | ||
* Boosting light output | * Boosting light output | ||
| − | * Dimming | + | * [[Dimmer|Dimming]] |
* Rough Service Lamps | * Rough Service Lamps | ||
* Photographic bulbs | * Photographic bulbs | ||
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[[Special:Categories|Wiki Subject Categories]] | [[Special:Categories|Wiki Subject Categories]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[House_Wiring_for_Beginners#Lighting|Wiring designs for lighting circuits]] | ||
*Information on LED Lighting: | *Information on LED Lighting: | ||
Latest revision as of 22:23, 15 December 2019
Lighting Types
Filament
Filament Lamps made up most of Britain's domestic lighting until very recently.
- GLS lamps (general lighting service) radiate light in all directions
- R reflector lamps roughly double the light intensity in one direction
- PAR lamps produce a narrower beam than R types, and can triple light output in one direction.
- Tubular filament lamps (221mm & 284mm) are especially inefficient, and designed to lower safety standards
- See Filament lamp
Halogen
Halogen lamps are a type of filament lamp offering a compact light source, slightly better efficiency and better colour temperature. Some halogens have safety issues, and most halogen lighting installations have very low energy efficiency.
- See Halogen Lighting
CFL
CFL lamps reduce energy use and total lighting cost, and most have very long lives. Light quality varies from one brand to another, and the quality of light is not to everyone's taste. Power equivalence markings are seldom realistic.
- See CFL Lamps
Linear Fluorescent
(& circline)
Fluorescent lighting is highly efficient, and tube life excellent. The large sizes of linear tubes are often an issue in domestic situations. Tube light quality varies from very good to atrocious, and poor quality bare bulb fittings that flicker and flash are common, despite the existence of vastly better types. So its easy to get fluorescent lighting wrong.
Most circline fittings date from the 1960s, and a lot are of poor quality.
Mercury
Mercury discharge lamps produce an ice cold white light, and were widely used as street lighting in the 1980s.
Mercury discharge are now obsolescent. They give a poor quality white light at around 42 lumens per watt, CFL and linear fluorescent provides better energy efficiency and better light quality. For streetlighting and large yards, high pressure sodium give much better efficiency with low but acceptable CRI.
Metal Halide
Metal halide produces good light quality at high power with very high efficiency. However upfront cost is high, and the reputation for bulb explosions doesn't endear them to domestic use.
Sodium, High Pressure
High pressure sodium lighting is popular outdoors in towns today. It gives a golden light colour. It delivers excellent energy efficiency, but is slow to warm up and not white.
Sodium, Low Pressure
Low pressure sodium lighting gives a pure yellow monochrome light, and is popular for lighting roads, car parks and yards. It has exceptionally high energy efficiency, much higher than all other lighting types, but has several downsides. The eye can't perceive any colour under pure yellow light, and the lamps take nearly 10 minutes to warm up. They also aren't dimmable (though slight dimming is possible with the right dimmer)
LEDs
LEDs are promoted as filament lamp replacements. Light quality is variable. Light output has now reached 60-100w equivalence. LEDs are long lived, but the extremely long lives of indicator LEDs don't apply to lighting LEDs, and some don't last well in reality. Equivalent lamps need to be picked by lumen output not watts, LED efficacy varies.
- See LED Lighting
Light Pipes
Light pipes are mirrored tubes that carry skylight from above the roof down to an interior light, providing lighting for rooms with no windows. They're expensive to fit, but cost nothing to run.
In high tech lighting systems used in some large buildings, light pipes are combined with fluorescent lights in the same enclosures. The electric light is used at night, and in the day the power is continually adjusted as needed to give the required light output. This means the electric lighting is off most of the day, but will gradually come on as daylight fades and on dark dull days. In a tower block the resultant power savings can be substantial.
Gas light
Rarely used for home lighting, but still used & manufactured, gas lights are an option for emergency lights that are not connected to the mains. Gas lighting has much better long term reliability than battery based electric lighting, low setup cost and minimal maintenance cost.
Vented gas lighting is an option for off-grid homes, where the cost of additional electrical capacity for lighting is high.
Gas lighting mantles are fragile, but when fixed in place permanently can have extremely long life.
Link here to the story of the walled up gaslight
Candles
Candles are the least energy efficient of all common lighting sources.
The use of candles in a power cut is a known fire risk. A small sconce mounted to a plastered wall eliminates most of the risk.
Solar Mirrors
Outdoor mirrors can be used to reflect skylight and often sunlight into a room to lighten the room and reduce electric lighting use. They also harvest a small amount of heat in winter, which can offset the cost.
Fitting large exterior mirrors is something few choose, but small ones are unobtrusive and improve interior light levels.
See Solar Mirrors
Heliostats
A heliostat is a reflective dish that moves, directing light to a fixed position. A tracking heliostat can be used to provide sunlight during the day, and moonlight or streetlight at night.
When used for lighting, the heliostat should be shaped to avoid concentrating light to a point, to avoid a fire risk. Some difference between horizontal and vertical geometry can give a line instead of a point at the focus. When satellite dishes are reused for this, they can be bent slightly to spread the point of focus.
Heliostats can also be made from flat sheet material fitted with lots of small angled reflectors. See: Solar furnace
More Topics
The lighting category lists the main lighting topics covered on this wiki:
Many more topics are covered within articles with other names, including:
Bad Ideas - Lighting
- 500w Halogen Lights
- Bare Fluorescent Lights with random tube
- Lights high up out of reach over stairs
- Plaster half-bowl uplighters
Fluorescent Lighting
- Can I re-use my scanner/monitor CCFL?
- Plant Lighting
Halogen Lighting
- Energy Efficiency
- MCB tripping
Rewiring Tips
For details on typical circuits used for lighting please see this article.
- Uplighters
- Kitchen worktop lighting
- Filament Strip Lights
- Kitchen worktop lighting
- Stair Lighting
- Emergency lighting
- MCB Type
- Light Switch Controls Plugged in Lamps
- Cutting costs
- Futureproof Fitting Choices
- Bulb Bases, BC ES & Miniatures
- Bulb selection
- Relamping Access
- Outdoor Security Lighting
- Tree & Shrub Lighting
- CFLs outdoors
- Making Outdoor Lighting Look Good
- Outdooor Light Fitting Corrosion
- Night Lighting
Lamp Life
- Facilities lamps
- The 900,000 hour light bulb
- Boosting light output
- Dimming
- Rough Service Lamps
- Photographic bulbs
Uplighters
- Half moon plaster uplighters
- R80 Spotlight Fittings
- PAR38 spotlight fittings
- Trough Fluorescent Lighting
- Shelf Fluorescent Lighting
There are also many lighting relevant topics in Category:Electrical
See Also
- Information on LED Lighting: