Lighting Terms

AC

Acronym for alternating current, which describes a source where the voltage changes polarity multiple times per second, with a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz depending on the country.

Accent Lighting

Lighting that focuses its output in a narrow beam, drawing attention to specific decorative features or objects, making them stand out from their surroundings. Accent lighting is also useful in retail applications, where it can be used to draw attention to specific products and make them seem more appealing.

Ambient Lighting

General lighting used to provide visibility in a built environment. Ambient lighting includes both artificial and natural lighting, and does not include task lighting and accent lighting.

Ampere

Measurement unit for electric current. In lighting installations, wiring and protections are calculated based on the amperes drawn by the lighting circuits, as well as their rated voltage.

Amp

See Ampere.

Application

The intended use of a lighting product. Residential, retail, hospitality, healthcare and high-bay industrial are all examples of lighting applications.

Architectural Lighting

Decorative lighting that is part of a building’s design and construction. It also provides ambient lighting as a secondary function.

Backlighting

Lighting designed to illuminate an object from behind, which causes an appealing glow effect around its edges. Backlighting is a type of accent lighting, and is commonly used to draw attention to works of art.

Backlighting should not to be confused with backlight, an undesirable lighting effect that can be produced by outdoor fixtures.

Ballast

A component required by fluorescent and HID lighting fixtures. It controls the voltage and electric current provided to the lamp during ignition and operation, preventing overheating or premature failure. Depending on their internal construction, ballasts can be either magnetic or electronic.

Base

This can have two meanings: the design component on a table lamp so it can be placed securely on a flat surface or the technical term for the portion of the bulb that contacts and connects to the socket, as in E26 base, commonly known as medium base.

Beam Angle

Also known as beam spread, the beam angle is a value that describes the downward light cone emitted by a lighting fixture with a reflector. The beam angle is measured between the downward direction, where the lamp provides maximum lighting intensity, and the direction in which intensity drops to 50%. In other words, a lamp with a large beam angle spread its lighting into a wider cone.

Bi-Pin Base

A lamp base that uses two pins, as implied by its name.

See Ballast.

Bulb

Typically installed in a socket to function as a replaceable light source for lamps, sconces and fixtures. The most common bulbs in use today use led technology to provide significant energy savings compared to the original screw base incandescent bulb patented by Thomas Edison. Bulbs have a base that is designed to match a specific socket type, such as e26, the most widely used socket in North America. Bulbs are classified by wattage (energy consumption), lumens (light output), kelvin (color temperature), base (socket type), and other specifications.

Can

Common term for the housing of a recessed downlight.

Candela (cd)

Measurement unit for luminous intensity, which is the amount of light emitted in a particular direction. Not to be confused with the lumen (lm), measurement unit for the total lighting output of a lamp or fixture, without describing a particular direction.

Cave Effect

An effect that occurs when lighting fixtures direct all of their lighting downward and little or no light is reflected back up towards the ceiling or upper wall portions. The cave effect is generally unwanted because it makes indoor spaces feel ominous, like the interior of a cavern.

Canopy

Part of a lighting fixture that covers the outlet box and wiring connections. Canopies often have decorative features.

Chandelier

Derived from “chandler” (candle maker), a chandelier is a designer/decorative light that hangs from the ceiling and consists of several branch-like parts that host lights or candles.

Circline Lamp

A subtype of fluorescent lamp where a fluorescent tube is bent into a circular shape, and where the ballast is typically located in the middle.

Circuit Breaker

Electrical protection device that is normally located within a distribution board. Each lighting circuit is connected to a circuit breaker, and it interrupts current automatically if an overload or fault is detected.

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

A metric used to describe how faithfully a light source can render the true colors of objects and spaces, where natural light sources like the sun have a perfect index of 100. Using lamps with a high CRI value is very important in high-end interior design, as they enhance the visibility of décor and fine details.

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)

A type of fluorescent lamp where the tube is bent into a compact shape to reduce space requirements, hence its name. CFLs often have a built-in ballast and screw bases, allowing them to replace incandescent and halogen bulbs directly.

Cool White

A light source with a correlated color temperature of around 4100K. The term comes from the fact that light sources at this color temperature value do not have the characteristic yellow hue of incandescent bulbs or warm white LED lamps.

Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)

Unlike the CRI, which describes how faithfully a light source represents other objects, the correlated color temperature (CCT) describes the color output of the lamp itself. Some common CCT values include:

• 2700K, with a warm tinge of yellow that creates appealing and relaxing environments
• 4000K, a neutral white tone that strikes just the right balance between relaxation and concentration
• 6500K, with a slight tinge of blue, which has an energizing effect

Although the correct technical term is correlated color temperature, it is often shortened to only color temperature. It is also important to note that the CCT is not the real operating temperature of a lamp – it is the temperature to which you would have to heat a black body to make it glow with the same color. For example, an LED bulb with a CCT of 5000K glows in the same color as a black body heated to a real temperature of 5000K, but the LED bulb itself does not reach that temperature.

DALI

Acronym for Digitally Addressable Lighting Interface, a communication protocol for lighting automation.

Daylight Lamp

A lamp with a CCT value comparable to that of daylight, generally between 5500K and 6500K. It is important to note that the term does not refer to actual daylight, but rather artificial lighting that replicates its color.

DC

Acronym for Direct Current. Used to describe a power supply where the flow of electricity always takes place in the same direction, such as that provided to LED arrays by their drivers.

Desk Lamp

A compact fixture used for task lighting on a desk, and which is generally portable.

Diffused Light

Light produced by an extended surface, either directly or through reflection. Diffused light provides a uniform and soft distribution that minimizes shadows.

Diffuser

A piece of glass or acrylic that has the purpose of scattering the light from a bulb, which results makes lighting more uniform and eliminates glare.

Dimmable

Adjective used to describe a lamp or fixture whose lighting output can be modulated with a dimmer.

See Dimmer.

Dimmer

A device that regulates the lighting output of a lamp by controlling the power supplied. Dimmers can be used to make indoor environments more customizable and personal, and are also useful to save energy. It is important to note that not all lamps are compatible with dimmers, and incompatible types may be damaged.

Direct Lighting

Lighting where more than 90% of the light goes directly from the source to the area you wish to illuminate.

Directed Light

Light produced by point surfaces, which results in a concentrated output that accentuates edges and shadows. Directed light normally causes glare when the sources is viewed directly.

Downlight

A compact lighting fixture that directs its output downward, hence its name. Downlights can be recessed, surface-mounted or pendant.

Driver

Piece of electronic equipment that transforms the main supply voltage into a lower DC voltage that is appropriate for LED lighting. Some LED lamps have a built-in driver, while others require one to be connected externally, just like the ballasts used by fluorescent and HID lamps.

Electronic Ballast

A subtype of ballast that uses power electronics to provide a high-frequency voltage and controlled current for fluorescent lamps. Electronic ballasts are lighter and more efficient than magnetic ballasts, and they eliminate humming and flickering issues.

Emergency Lighting

Lighting designed to provide visibility when the normal lighting system fails, for example during blackouts. Emergency lighting is equipped with batteries, allowing it to operate long enough for a building to be evacuated.

Energy Star

An energy savings and sustainability program by the US Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. Lighting products with the ENERGY STAR have been tested for superior energy efficiency.

Filament

The wire coil that is heated to produce lighting in incandescent and halogen lamps, normally made from tungsten. LED bulbs attempt to recreate the appearance of filaments in clear vintage Edison style bulbs but do not actually have filaments.

Flicker

A phenomenon where a lamp blinks repeatedly, often caused by power supply issues, or a faulty ballast or driver.

Floodlight

High-power lighting fixtures that typically use HID bulbs or their LED equivalents. They are generally used outdoors to emphasize specific objects or areas.

Fluorescent Lamp

One of the main types of lighting, far more efficient than incandescent and halogen bulbs, but outclassed by LED lighting. A fluorescent lamp uses electrodes to stimulate mercury vapor and produce ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which in turn stimulates the phosphor coating of the lamp to produce visible light.

Fluorescent Tube

A specific type of fluorescent lamp that has a tubular shape and comes equipped with pins at its ends, to be connected to the voltage output of a magnetic or electronic ballast. Fluorescent tubes are designated by the letter “T” followed by a number indicating its diameter in 1/8ths of an inch:

• T12 = 12/8” or 1.5”
• T8 = 8/8” or 1.0”
• T5 = 5/8″ or 0.625”

Fluorescent tubes come in standard lengths, where the some of the most common are 24” (2’), 48” (4’) and 96” (8’).

Flush Mount Lighting / Flush Mount LED Lights

This kind of lighting is mounted to the ceiling with little or no gap between the ceiling and the light.

Foot-candle (fc)

Measurement unit for illuminance, or lumens per unit of area. One foot-candle is equivalent to one lumen per square foot (See Illuminance).

Frosted Lens

A white lens that is translucent but not transparent, which diffuses the output of a lamp.

Hard Light

A light source that creates shadows with a very sharp edge when cast on objects. Direct lighting from a concentrated source is generally hard light, and some examples are:

• The sun in a day with clear skies.
• A camera flash.
• Highly directional lighting fixtures such as floodlights and spotlights.

See Soft Light.

Halogen Lamp

An improved version of incandescent lamps, where the glowing filament is contained in halogen gas, hence its name. Halogen lamps are around 25% more efficient than their incandescent counterparts.

Heat sink

A lamp or luminaire component that is used to dissipate heat effectively. Heat sinks normally use materials with a high thermal conductivity and have a fin-like geometry so that their surface area in contact with the air is maximized.

IEEE

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a global professional association with over 400,000 members. The IEEE is a technical authority that has published many standards and recommended practices for the electrical and electronic fields.

Illuminance

The luminous flux on a surface, per unit of area. The illuminance requirements of built environments are determined by their intended purpose, and there are two common units of measurement:

• Lux – Equivalent to one lumen per square meter.
• Foot-candle – Equivalent to one lumen per square foot.

Higher illuminance levels make surfaces appear brighter to the human eye and improve visibility.

Illumination

The use of lighting for practical or artistic purposes.

Incandescence

Light produced by heating a material; Examples include the glow of a candle, an incandescent filament lamp, a shooting star, etc.

Incandescent Lamp

A type of lamp with a tungsten filament that glows when it carries current. Incandescent lighting has a perfect color-rendering index of 100, comparable to that of the sun, but is among the least efficient types of lighting.

Indirect Lighting

Lighting technique based on reflecting the output of a lamp on surfaces. An example is the lighting provided by torchiere fixtures, which emit their beam towards the ceiling to be reflected back down.

Integrated Lighting Fixture

A type of lighting fixture that offers superior energy efficiency, by using a specially-designed LED array and internal geometry. Integrated lighting fixtures are generally more efficient than lamp-based LED fixtures, but they make retrofits more expensive because the entire fixture must be replaced, not only the lamps and ballasts.

Interior Soffit Lighting / Soffit Light Fixtures

Lights for portions of the ceiling that are lower than the primary surface; for example, the fixtures installed above the kitchen sink or on a beam or the underside of a balcony.

International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)

An international authority on light pollution and environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Their main goal is to preserve the night sky visibility throughout the world.

IP Rating

Ingress Protection rating, a two-digit code that indicates the resistance of a lighting fixture to solid particles and liquids, where higher digits indicate enhanced protection. The first digit indicates protection against solids, and the second indicates the protection degree against liquids.

For example, an IP67 rating indicates a higher degree of protection than an IP54 rating.

Kelvin

Measurement unit for temperature, although in the lighting industry it is more commonly used to indicate the correlated color temperature (CCT) of light sources.

Kilowatt (kW)

Measurement unit for electric power, equivalent to 1000 watts. This term should not be confused with kilowatt-hour.

See Watt.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Measurement unit for energy consumption. As implied by its name, it is equivalent to the amount of energy consumed by a one-kilowatt appliance running for one hour. Electric utility bills are often calculated based on kilowatt-hour consumption per month. This term should not be confused with kilowatt.

Lamination

The process of fusing together thin sheets of material so that the composite material is stronger and more stable.

Lamp

The specific component of a lighting fixture that emits light. They generally come with standard bases that fit into the sockets found in compatible fixtures. Some lamps have built-in ballasts or drivers, while others are connected to an external one contained in the fixture.

LED

Acronym for light-emitting diode, a solid-state component that emits light when exposed to electric current. LED lighting represents the state-of-the-art in the industry, outclassing most other types of lighting in terms of energy efficiency, design flexibility and colors of light available.

LED Array

A group of LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board, capable of producing a lighting output.

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a resource efficiency certification framework for buildings, developed by the US Green Building Council.

Lens

Lamp or luminaire component that has the goal of dispersing the lighting output so that the desired distribution pattern is achieved.

Light Transformer

Also referred to as dimmer switches, light transformers are electrical devices that are used to change the voltage of a circuit to make the light dimmer or brighter.

Lighting Fixture

See Luminaire.

Linear Lighting

Multiple LEDs (light-emitting diodes) aligned in a single strip and used for creating uninterrupted lines of directional lighting.

Low Voltage Fixtures / Low Voltage Lamps

Lights that operate at a lower voltage than the standard household voltage. These incandescent lamps need a step-down transformer to bring the voltage down from 120 to 6, 12 or 24 volts.

Lumen

Measurement unit for the lighting output of lamps or fixtures. The total lumens emitted and their spatial distribution are of paramount importance when creating appealing and luxurious indoor spaces. In lighting, lumens can be compared to miles traveled and watts can be compared to fuel consumption.

Lumens per Watt

Lumens Per Watt (LPW) is the light output per unit of energy consumption and it reflects the lighting system’s efficacy.

Lumens to Watts

The power (P) in watts (W) can be calculated by dividing the luminous flux (ΦV) in lumens (lm) by the luminous efficacy (η) in lumens per watt (lm/W).

Luminaire

A complete and functional lighting fixture. A luminaire includes the lamp, the ballast or driver, internal wiring, reflectors, lens and any additional components required to deliver light.

Luminaire Efficiency

The ratio between the lumens emitted by a luminaire to those emitted by the lamps within. A portion of lighting is always lost due to internal geometric features and reflection.

Not to be confused with luminous efficacy.

Luminance

The brightness of an object or surface, as perceived by human eyesight from a specific direction. Luminance is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2). It is important to note than luminance changes depending on the viewing angle, and high luminance values are the direct cause of glare.

Luminous Efficacy

See Efficacy.

Luminous Flux

Total output emitted by a light source, measured in lumens. The luminous flux describes the total lighting output of a lighting fixture without considering direction. Not to be confused with luminous intensity.

Luminous Intensity

Lighting emission in a specific direction, measured in candelas. Luminous intensity changes depending on the viewing angle. Not to be confused with luminous flux.

Lux

Measurement unit for illuminance, or lumens per unit of area. One lux is equivalent to one lumen per square meter.

A key component of lighting designed is achieving a suitable illuminance level depending on the application at hand.

Magnetic Ballast

A type of ballast that uses a ferromagnetic core, similar to that of a transformer, to regulate the power supply provided to a fluorescent lamp. Magnetic ballasts are heavier and less efficient than their electronic counterparts, and issues with flickering or humming are common.

Medium Base

Also known as E26 or standard base, it is the screw-shaped base used by most residential light bulbs.

Mounting Height

Depending on the application, mounting height can have two possible definitions:

• Distance between the bottom of the fixture and the work plane.
• Distance between the bottom of the fixture and the ground.

MR Lamp

MR is an acronym for multifaceted reflector, a component used to shape the output of a light bulb into a directional beam. MR lamps typically use incandescent, halogen or HID bulbs, and there are also LED replacements available. MR lamps are available with both screw bases and pin bases.

The MR designation is followed by a numerical value indicating the lamp diameter in 1/8ths of an inch, where two of the most common types are MR11 and MR16.

NEC

National Electric Code,a publication by the National Fire Protection Association, which establishes the requirements for fireproof electrical installations.

NEMA

National Electrical Manufacturers Association, a US-based electrical industry association that develops technical standards to ensure product quality and uniformity.

NEMA Enclosure Type

A numeric code that describes the degree of protection offered by an enclosure, according to the NEMA 250-214 standard. For example:

• NEMA 2 = Indoor use, protection against falling dirt and light splashing of water.
• NEMA 3R = Indoor or outdoor use, dirt protection, resistant to rain and snow.
• NEMA 4X = Indoor or outdoor use, dust-tight, water-proof (including hosedown) and corrosion-proof.
• NEMA 6P = All NEMA 4X benefits, and also submersible.

NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology, a US-based physical science laboratory that is a technical authority on standards, measurements and technology.

Occupancy Sensor

A device that uses infrared or ultrasonic radiation, or sound, to detect the presence of humans and switch the lights accordingly. Occupancy sensors are an effective energy-saving measure.

Opal Glass

Semi-translucent white glass that owes its milky finish to the ingredients added to clear glass. It is used for diffusing light.

Opaque Material

A material that completely blocks visible light.

PAR Lamp

PAR is an acronym for parabolic aluminized reflector, and it is used to shape the output of a light bulb into a directional beam. PAR lamps typically use incandescent, halogen or HID bulbs, and there are also LED replacements available. PAR lamps are available with both screw bases and pin bases.

The PAR designation is followed by a numerical value indicating the lamp diameter in 1/8ths of an inch. Some of the most common types are PAR20, PAR30 and PAR38.

Pendant Light / Pendant Fixture / Pendant Lamp

A lighting fixture that is designed to hang from the ceiling, and which often uses a shade to prevent glare. Pendant lights can be used for both general and task lighting.

Photometry

The measurement of light and its properties.

Radiation

Energy transmission in the form of waves. Light is a form of radiation, including infrared and ultraviolet light, which are invisible for humans.

Rated Lamp Life

The time it takes for 50 percent of the lamps in a batch to reach the end of their service life.

Recessed Can

A specific type of lighting fixture with a cylindrical shape that is embedded in the ceiling, hence its name.

Recessed Lighting / Recessed Fixture / Recessed Luminaire

Also known as pot light, canister light or downlight, recessed lighting fixtures or luminaires are installed into the openings in a ceiling, appearing as if the light is shining from an elevated hole.

Reflector

An internal component of many lamps and luminaires. It has a reflective surface and its geometry is specially designed to provide a specific lighting distribution. Reflectors are often used with lamps that emit light rays in every direction (HID, fluorescent, etc.) to concentrate their output in a specific direction.

REMINGTON

The best custom, luxury lighting manufacturer you can work with, but you already knew that.

Retrofit

A lighting system upgrade, generally with the goal of improving energy efficiency and site safety.

Room Utilization Factor

Ratio between the light that reaches the work plane and that emitted by the luminaires in the room.

Saturation

The resulting “colorfulness” when objects are exposed to a light source, compared to that resulting from natural lighting. If the colors appear more intense, the light source saturates them; on the other hand, if the colors are dulled, the light source desaturates them.

Sconce

A wall-mounted lighting fixture, which generally has a decorative purpose.

Self-Ballasted Lamp

A lamp that has an integrated ballast, allowing direction connection to the supply voltage. CFL bulbs with a screw base are one of the best-known types.

Semi Flush

A ceiling lighting fixture that has a stem that separates (or creates a visible gap between) the light from the ceiling.

Shade

A screen that prevents a light source from being viewed directly. Shades generally use opaque or translucent materials.

Shadow Casting Light Fixtures

Lamps that are designed to cast light and shadows, creating intricate geometrical or abstract patterns on surrounding surfaces.

Socket

See lampholder.

Soft Light

A light source that creates gradual shadows, without a noticeable edge between lighted and dark areas. Soft light is generally created with diffuse lighting sources, such as:

• The sun, when covered with clouds that diffuse its light.
• Lighting fixtures with lens or diffusers.

See Hard Light.

Spotlight

Lighting fixture that produces a narrow downward beam, generally used for accent lighting or task lighting applications.

Step Dimming

Dimming method that uses incremental and fixed lighting levels, as opposed to gradual dimming from to OFF to 100% output.

See Dimmer.

Swing Arm Lamp

Adjustable folding arm lamp that can be used to provide task lighting (lighting up a specific area). Also referred to as a floating arm lamp or balanced arm lamp.

Task Lighting

Lighting fixtures with the goal to improve visibility in an area where specific tasks will be carried out, hence their name. The use of under cabinet lights for food preparation areas in kitchens is an example of task lighting.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Cost of owning a lighting product over its entire lifetime. It includes the sales price, installation cost, energy consumption, maintenance, component replacements and decommissioning cost.

Torchiere

A floor lamp that uses a reflector on top a pole to direct its entire output upward, which is then reflected from the ceiling and walls.

Track Lighting

Lighting configuration where several fixtures are mounted on a common track, which provides them with power and allows each of them to be oriented in a different direction.

Translucent Material

A material that allows a partial transmission of light, generally diffusing it and eliminating glare. Frosted glass is an example of a translucent material.

Transparent Material

A material that allows most or all of the light incident on it to pass through. Clear glass is a translucent material.

Troffer

A recessed lighting fixture, designed to be installed in an opening in the ceiling. Troffers typically have predetermined dimensions, such as 2’x2’ or 2’x4’.

Twin Tube

A type of CFL lamp where two parallel fluorescent tubes share the same base.

UL Label

A label placed by Underwriters Laboratories, which means a product has been tested for fire safety and electrical safety.

Uplighting

Lighting method where an object or surface is lit from below, with a luminaire that directs its output upward. The applications of uplighting are generally decorative.

Vanity Light

Lighting located above, below or to the sides of a bathroom mirror.

Voltage

The electric potential difference between two contacts. Voltage drives electric current through lighting fixtures and other appliances, just like pressure drives the flow of water in plumbing installations.

Wall Grazing

Lighting effect where a wall with an irregular surface is illuminated so that there are both highlighted and shaded areas. This effect is only possible on walls with granular surfaces, such as those built from stone or exposed brick. The opposite effect is wall washing.

Wall Sconce

See Sconce.

Wall Washing

Lighting effect where a wall is illuminated so that surface irregularities are minimized, it seem smoother. The opposite effect is wall grazing.

Warm White

White light that is characterized by a yellow tinge. The term is generally used for lighting with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of around 3000K.

Watt

Measurement unit for the electric power consumption of lighting fixtures, or any other appliance that runs with electricity. In lighting, lumens can be compared to miles traveled and watts can be compared to fuel consumption.

Watts to Lumens

To convert watts to lumens, multiply the power (P) in watts (W) with the luminous efficacy (η) in lumens per watt (lm/W).

Work Plane

The horizontal plane where activities are carried out, typically 30 inches above the floor. Lighting designs are generally based on providing a specified illumination level at the work plane.