Brief Description of Lighting | | | |
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Architectural fixtures are generally installed to provide uniform, general illumination to a living space. They can also be used to provide light in transitional spaces. They can be built-in systems, mounted horizontally on the wall, ceiling, or on top of cabinets; a shielding board (also referred to as fascia) should conceal direct views of the lamp. These fixtures usually contain high-quality fluorescent tubes. It is important to emphasize that not all fluorescent tubes buzz, provide poor color rendering, or cause headaches. To ensure satisfactory results always select, what is termed, a T8 fluorescent tube that is operated on an electronic ballast. Contact a major light bulb manufacturer for more information on high-quality fluorescent tubes (see below). |
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Architectural fixtures include:
• Soffits direct light downward from the ceiling-wall junction. Soffits wash walls and provide general lighting in rooms with low ceilings. Soffits can be used for direct lighting over a counter or a table in many work areas placed close to the wall.
• Valances direct light upward and downward from walls and should be mounted at least 12 inches (in.) below the ceiling. Valances provide general lighting and wall-washing. Use valances in rooms with ceiling heights of at least 8 feet (ft).
• Coves are built into the wall and direct light upward to the ceiling. Coves fit well in rooms with high ceilings and above kitchen cabinets. Coves should be mounted at least 12 in. below the ceiling. |
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| Soffits direct light downward. Hide direct view of the bulb by using baffles. |
Valances direct light upward and downward. Hide direct view of the bulb by using a fascia. |
Coves direct light upward to the ceiling and use the light-colored ceiling as a reflector to distribute light throughout the room. |
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What are the best light bulbs to use in these fixtures? |
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Fluorescent tubes, when properly selected, offer many advantages over common incandescent bulbs. They are cooler to touch, they spread light over large areas without excessive glare, and they last 10 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They will also reduce the electric bill because they use only 20 to 30% as much energy as incandescent bulbs for the same amount of light. Most fluorescent tubes made today do not have the problems of the older fluorescent tubes. Fluorescent tubes are available with excellent color, plenty of light, and no buzz or flicker, and they do not cause headaches. To take advantage of the benefits of fluorescent lighting: |
| • Choose fixtures designed for fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Request T8 fluorescent tubes with an electronic ballast (See the sidebar "What should one ask for to get good fluorescent lighting?" as well as manufacturers' websites to get more information on fluorescent tubes).
• Use compact fluorescent bulbs that have a screw-in base to replace conventional incandescent light bulbs in your existing fixtures, but be sure it fits! Just because it screws in to the socket does not mean it will fit or it will not cause glare. Select a compact fluorescent bulb that is about 1/3 the wattage of the incandescent bulb that it replaces.
• Dimming controls can be used in the light switch to vary the light level in the room. Dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs are available to be used with incandescent dimmers. Fluorescent tubes should not be put on a dimmer unless it is a dimming system specifically made for fluorescent tubes.
• Some floor and table lamps are designed to use a modified, white, "parking-lot" light bulb to get high light levels in task areas. These metal halide bulbs put out five or six times the amount of light as an incandescent bulb of the same wattage. Metal halide bulbs take several minutes to come up to full brightness, but they produce a lot of light and good color.
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Select fixtures designed to use what is termed "pin base" fluorescent tubes (a). The ENERGY STAR label (b) on light fixtures helps you identify these fixtures. Screwbase compact fluorescent bulbs (c) can often replace traditional light bulbs for general lighting.
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| 3 Comment(s) |
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| | By juliet - On 4/25/2011 9:17:43 PM | | Very nice lighting system,please share to me your ideas and designs ,I am poor knowledge in ceiling lighting & landscaping designs.Thanks you for your attention.Miss Juliet |
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| | By umesh - On 11/11/2010 4:05:25 PM | | i need residentional floor plans to learn |
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