Rab lighting guide

Page 1

LIGHTING GLOSSARY


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

CONTENTS 1. LIGHT SOURCES.......................................................................................................................................4 • Lamp Terminology................................................................................................................................4 • Types of Light Sources .................................................................................................................7 2. POWERING LIGHT..................................................................................................................................10 • Ballasts.......................................................................................................................10 • Transformer.........................................................................................................................11 • LED Drivers.............................................................................................................................................12 3. CONTROLLING LIGHT..........................................................................................................................13 4. MEASURING LIGHT..............................................................................................................................15 5. COLOUR PROPERTIES OF LIGHT..................................................................................................22 6. LIGHTING TYPES & METHODS.......................................................................................................25 • Layers of Light..................................................................................................................................25 • Lighting Applications........................................................................................................................26 7. LED LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY.....................................................................................................30 8. GENERAL LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY.........................................................................................33 9. LIGHTING RELATED STANDARDS & CERTIFICATIONS..................................................36 10. LIGHTING RESOURCES....................................................................................................................37

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

2


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

DEFINITION OF LIGHT Defintion of Light Light is the energy which allows us to see. It is the “visible” part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which ranges from radio waves to gamma rays in the range of 400-700 nanonmetres. Lighting or illumination is the deliberate use of light to achieve a practical or aesthetic effect. Lighting includes the use of both artificial light sources like lamps and light fixtures, as well as natural illumination by capturing daylight. Proper lighting can enhance task performance, improve the appearance of an area, or have positive psychological effects on occupants. This glossary, which is a compilation of multiple sources of information, provides a comprehensive list of terms and definitions that are commonly used in the lighting industry. We tried to make this guide more useful by categorizing the terminology into sections based on the main topics covered in lighting.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

3


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LIGHT SOURCES Light Sources are also referred to as lamps in the industry and as bulbs by most people. The original lamp or artificial light source was the incandescent or standard bulb invented by Thomas Edison in the 1870’s. Since then a wide range of other lamps have been introduced from Halogen to HID to compact fluorescents and now LED bulbs.

Lamp Terminology Arc Length In High Intensity Discharge lamps, arc length is the distance between the electrode tips, which represents the physical length of the electrical discharge. Arc Tube An envelope that contains the arc of a discharge light source; it is usually made of quartz or ceramic. Base Refers to the end of a light source or lamp which connects into a socket on a fixture. Various bases are used in lamps, with screw bases being the most common. They are used in a wide range of incandescent, HID, CFL and now LED lamps. Bayonet This is a less common type of bulb base which uses keyways instead of threads to connect the bulb to the fixture base. The bulb is locked in place by pushing it down and turning it clockwise. Bi-Level Switching

CFL LAMP

A way to control of light source intensity at two discrete levels in addition to off.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

4


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Bi-Pin A Bi-pin is a base with two metal pins for electrical contact. Bi-pins are typically used in fluorescent tubes that are 1 to 4 feet long. It consists of 2 prong contacts which connect into the fixture. Medium bi-pins are used with type T-8 and T-12 tubular fluorescent lamps, and miniature bi-pins are used for tubular T-5 fluorescent lamps. Bulb A common word used to describe a lamp or light source. The “bulb” refers to the outer glass bulb containing the light source. Bulb Finish A coating that is applied to the inside surface of a bulb. Finishes are either clear, phosphor coated, or diffuse.

BI-PIN BULB

Filament Wire used in incandescent lamps, usually made of tungsten and often coiled, that emits light when heated by an electrical current. Lamp Current The current flowing between a lamp’s electrodes during operation. Lamp Life Also known as the average rated life, is the number of hours at which half of a large group of lamps have failed when operated under standard testing conditions. Socket The socket is the receptacle connected to the electrical supply. Starting Time The time it takes the lamp to start from the point at which voltage is applied to the lamp until stable operation.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

5


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LIGHT SOURCES Starting Voltage The voltage applied across the lamp during starting. Warm-up Time The time it takes for a High Intensity Discharge lamp to reach 90% of light output after being turned on.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

6


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Types of Light Sources Arc Lamp Also called a discharge lamp, or an arc discharge lamp, this is a light source containing an arc. Compact Fluorescent (CFL) As the name indicates this is a smaller or more compact version of fluorescent tube. They come with both screw-in and pin-bases and are available in a wide range of light temperatures and sizes. They used significantly less energy than incandescent lamps. Electrodeless Lamps Light sources where the discharge occurs in a chamber with no electrodes (no metal.) The energy for the discharge is supplied by radio frequency excitation, e.g., microwaves. Eliptical Reflector Lamp (ER) An incandescent lamp with a built-in elliptically shaped reflecting surface. This shape produces a focal point directly in front of the lamp which reduces the light absorption in some types of luminaires. It is particularly effective at increasing the efficacy of baffled downlights. Fluorescent A high efficiency lamp utilizing an electric discharge through low pressure mercury vapor to produce ultraviolet (UV) energy. The UV excites phosphor materials applied as a thin layer on the inside of a glass tube which makes up the structure of the lamp. The phosphors transform the UV to visible light.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

7


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LIGHT SOURCES Halogen Also called tungsten halogen, is an incandescent lamp containing halogen gases such as iodine or bromine, which increase the efficacy of the lamp versus a standard incandescent lamp. They are more energy efficient than standard incandescent and can last 2-6 times longer. High Intensity Discharge Lamps (HID) A type of electrical gas-discharge lamp which produces light by means of an electric arc between tungsten electrodes housed inside a translucent fused quartz or fused alumina arc tube which is filled with gas and metal salts. There are various types of HID lamps including Mercury-vapor, Metal-halide, ceramic MH, Sodium-vapor and Xenon.

HALOGEN LAMP

Incandescent This is the standard light bulb that Thomas Edison invented in 1879. It is also referred to as an A-Lamp. The technology behind them has changed little. They use a lot of energy, of which only about 10% is used for light. The rest is emitted as heat. Light Emitting Diode (LED) Also referred to as Solid State Lighting, LEDs emit light through the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material. LEDs emit light through electron movement in semiconductor material. Because there is a no filament to burn out, LEDs can last from 10-20 years. They are also four times more efficient than incandescent lamps and contain no mercury (as in compact fluorescents).

HID LAMP

LED LAMP

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

8


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Neon A neon lamp is a type of gas discharge lamp consisting of a small glass capsule with a mixture of neon and other gases at low pressure and two eletrodes. When current is supplied, the lamp produces a glow discharge. PAR Lamp A Parabolic Aluminized Reflector (PAR) lamp is a precision pressedglass reflector lamp which uses either an incandescent filament, a halogen filament tube or a HID arc tube. PAR lamps rely on both the internal reflector and prisms in the lens for control of the light beam. PAR lamps are also available using LED technology in which the lens is used to control the beam. R Lamp An incandescent or electric discharge lamp whose sides of the outer bulb are coated with a reflective material to direct the light. Xenon Lamps with xenon gas which have a white light similar to that of halogen but with a much longer life rating, close to that of fluorescents. They are able to operate at lower temperatures than halogen.  

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

9


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

POWERING LIGHT Ballasts Ballasts provide the right voltage to start the lamp and then regulate the electrical current to the lamp while it is running. They are required for fluorescent and HID light sources.

Ballast Terminology 04 Ballast Access The opening through which the ballast in a luminaire can be installed or replaced, either through the aperture or from above the fixture.

BALLAST

Ballast Efficacy Factor Sometimes called ballast efficiency factor, ballast efficacy factor is the ratio of the ballast factor to the active power (in watts), usually expressed as a percent. It is used as a relative measurement of the system efficacy of the fluorescent lamp/ballast combination. Ballast Rated Life The number of hours at which half of a group of ballasts fail under standard test conditions. Rated life is a median value of life expectancy; any ballast, or group of ballasts, may vary from the published rated life.

Common Ballast Types Instant start They power the lamp through high voltage without needing to heat the filaments, making them more energy efficient and good for lamps that are on a lot.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

10


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Rapid start They use low voltage to preheat the filament until the lamp starts, making for a short delay in starting. They are recommended when you have frequent on/off switching. Dimmable ballast In fluorescents, these ballasts – which are mostly electronic - have the ability to maintain electrode heat to excite the gas in the lamp even when input voltage is varied.

RAPID START BALLAST

Programmed start These electronic ballasts heat the lamp cathodes before the lamp ignites. They allow for frequent switching and are good for use with occupancy sensors. Hybrid Also called cathode-disconnect ballasts, use a magnetic core and coil transformer and electronic switch for the electrode-heating circuit, making them cheaper than electronic ballasts. ANSI Ballast Type Is a ballast type used to operate a lamp in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ASNI) standard.

Transformer A lighting transformer is a device used to convert electrical energy from a higher to a lower voltage or vice versa. While they were first invented in the nineteenth century and have become more sophisticated, they still perform the same basic function of transforming voltage or electrical current for various purposes. When used with incandescent or halogen lamps, they typically step 120-V distribution downward to 12V, although 5.5V and 24-V models are also offered.

TRANSFORMER

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

11


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

POWERING LIGHT Common Lighting Transformers Electromagnetic Transformers – Rely on the relationship between magnetism and electricity to transform voltage and current. Electronic Transformers – Are designed for low voltage applications, are more compact and operate at lower temperatures. Isolation Transformers – They separate one circuit from another and are used in situations where sensitive equipment needs be isolated from potentially dangerous high voltage.

LED Drivers An LED driver or power supply provides a similar function as a ballast does for a fluorescent or HID lighting system or a transformer used in a low voltage bulb. The driver regulates the power and provides the LED lighting system with the right amount of electricity to perform optimally. Common LED Drivers Constant Current drivers – They fix the current of the system and vary the voltage to the LED depending on the load. Low voltage DC constant current drivers are recommended for most applications since they are safe, efficient and reliable and have more dimming and output options.

LED DRIVERS

Constant-Voltage drivers – They require a fixed voltage and add the LED loads until the maximum output currents are reached. Applications for constant voltage drivers include: under cabinet lighting, rope-lighting, backlit ad signs, traffic information signs and large screen LED displays.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

12


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

CONTROLLING LIGHT

Lighting controls provide the ability to adjust the light level and mood in a room or facility. They also provide flexibility to automatically adjust the light level for energy savings, security and other purposes. Below are some common types of light controls. Dimmers A device used to lower the light output of a source, usually by reducing the wattage at which it is operated. Dimming controls are increasing in popularity as energy conserving devices. Dimmers come in various forms such as rotary, slide, toggle and touch. Integrated Lighting Controls A type of lighting control which allows for different preset lighting scenes in a room; the light is controlled by a switch or with a remote control and also through applications on a mobile device.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

13


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

CONTROLLING LIGHT Motion Sensor This is a type of lighting control which employs ultrasonic sensing to turn the light on when a sensor detects movement in a defined space. Motion sensors are mostly used to control utility and security lights or other lights which only need to be on for short periods of time, providing energy savings. Occupancy Sensors These light controls automatically turn the lights on or off based on movement in a space. The lights will stay on as long as the room is occupied. Occupancy sensors maximize energy savings by ensuring that lights are on only when they are needed. Photocell This lighting control employs a photocell to detect light intensity in a given space. Photocells are mostly used to switch on lights at dusk and switch them off at dawn, which is why they are also referred to as dusk-to-dawn sensors. Pre-set Lighting Controls Most pre-set lighting controls feature a switch to turn the lights on and off and a slider to adjust the intensity of light. Some pre-set lighting controls are specifically designed for dimming lights to reduce energy consumption. Tri-Level Switching Control of light source intensity at three discrete levels, in addition to off. 

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

14


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

MEASURING LIGHT There is a lot of terminology used in the lighting industry to compare, rate and measure the effectiveness, efficiency of luminaires and light sources and also to describe and measure light output, light intensity and generally to discuss and quantify lighting. We cover these commonly used terms below. Amperes (Amps) A measure of the flow of electrical current. In incandescent bulbs, current is related to voltage and power with the formula: Watts (power) = Volts x Amps (current) Ballast Factor (BF) The BF is a ratio used to calculate the expected performance of a lamp. It describes ballast’s actual lumen output versus the rated lumen output when a specific commercially available ballast is used. BF is expressed as a percentage, for example a ballast with a ballast factor of 0.95, will result in the lamp emitting 95% of its rated lumen output. Beam Angle Is the angle at which the intensity of light emitted by a light source drops to 50% of the maximum intensity. The beam angle is usually used to describe reflector lamps such as R and PAR types.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

15


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

MEASURING LIGHT MEASURING LIGHT

Beam Lumens Is the total lumens contained within the portion of the beam in the beam angle. Candela (cd) Is the measure of luminous intensity or power emitted by a light source in a given direction. The term has been retained from the early days of lighting when a standard candle was defined as producing light with a luminous intensity of the equivalent of one candela in every direction. Candlepower Is a term often used in place of luminous intensity used to express the luminous intensity of a source of light. One candlepower is equal to 0.981 candelas. Candlepower Distribution Curve The distribution of light intensity of a given source of light can be represented in a graph. This plot is referred to as candlepower distribution curve. Centre Beam Candlepower (CBCP) Center beam candlepower is the luminous intensity at the center of a beam, expressed in candelas (cd).

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

16


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Coefficient of Utilization (CU) This is the ratio of luminous flux that reaches the work plane to the luminous flux produced by the source of light. It is a function of the room shape, surface reflectance, and luminaire efficiency. Cost of Light A term referring to the cost of operating and maintaining a lighting system. Crest Factor (Max Current) The ratio of the maximum lamp current (peak lamp current) to the root mean square current. Driver Efficiency A measure of a luminaire efficiency that focuses on the performace of the driver or power supply components. It is measure as a ratio of the power delivered the driver, divided by the power required to operate the driver. Efficacy Efficacy is a commonly used measure of how effective a light source is in converting electrical energy to lumens of visible light. Efficacy is measure in lumens per watt (LPW). Footcandle (fc) Is a unit of illuminance which measures the amount of light reaching a subject. Abbreviated as fc or ftc, one footcandle is equivalent to the illuminance produced by a standard candle onto a surface that is one foot from it. One footcandle is equal to approximately ten lux. Illuminance It is the density of light falling on a surface. It is measured in lux or footcandles.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

17


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

MEASURING LIGHT Initial Light Output Also known as initial lumens, it is lamp’s light output in lumens after the first 100 hours of operating. Is a way to measure the output generated by a lighting system. Kilowatt Hour (kWh) The unit of measuring the power consumed by an electrical device over a period of time. It is a product of power (in kilowatts) and time (in hours). The Formula is: Kilowatt Hour (kWh) = Power (kW) x time (h). Light Loss The reduced light output caused by a circuit-level power reducer expressed as a percentage of the light output without the circuit-level power reducer. (Full system output minus reduced output with a lighting-circuit power reducer divided by the full system output times 100.) Light Loss Factor A product of voltage fluctuations, lamp degradation over time, dirt, reflector degradation, and other factors that contribute in one way or another to the lowering of the illumination level. Lumen A measure of the quantity of light or luminous flux produced by a light source (lamp) that is visible to the human eye. A standard 100-watt incandescent lamp has 1,700 lumens. Lumen Depreciation The process where the lumen output reduces over time is referred to as lumen depreciation. While LED and fluorescent technology tend to last longer, they still lose brightness over time. Lumen depreciation can be accelerated depending on lighting conditions such as heat, incorrect voltage or Luminance Also called brightness, it is a measure of how bright a surface will appear to an observer who is focused in the direction of the illuminated surface. The SI unit for luminance is candelas per square foot or candelas per square metre (cd/m2).

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

18


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Luminaire Efficiency It is the ratio of the luminous flux produced by a luminaire to that produced by the light source (lamp). Alternatively we can express efficiency in terms of power consumed by a lamp. That is, efficiency is the watts of light emitted by a light source for every watt of electrical power consumed. Luminous Emittance The number of lumens given off by a surface per square metre. Luminous Intensity A measure of the strength or visibility of a light source in a particular direction, expressed in Candles or Candelas per solid angle (steradian) in a given direction. Luminous Flux Measure, usually given in lumens, of the total amount of visible light.

LUMINOUS INTENSITY

Lumen Maintenance The quantity of light produced by a source lowers with time. Lumen maintenance is a measure of how good a light source is in maintaining the quantity of light it produces over time. Lux Is a standard measure of light falling on a surface. One lux is equal to one lumen per square metre. Ten lux equals roughly one footcandle. Mean Lumens It refers to the average light emitted by a light source over the rated life provided by the manufacturer. It is also referred to as design lumens.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

19


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

MEASURING LIGHT Power Factor (PF) It is a measure of the difference between the actual power dissipated by a circuit and the product of root mean square (R.M.S) values of voltage and current. The electrical circuit could be a ballast, motor, et cetera. Rated Lamp Life It is the length of time that it takes for half the light sources of a statistically large batch to fail/ die. Room Cavity Ratio (RCR) This calculation considers the room’s area and shape based on dimensions of length (L), width (W) and height (H) to summarize a room’s cavity proportions. RCR is not based on square footage since different rooms can have more walls which absorb light. The formula is calculated as follows:

Room Cavity Ratio = 5H(L+W)/(LxW) or Room Cavity Ratio = (2.5) Total Wall Area/ Floor Area Spacing to Mounting Height Ratio (S/MH) This ratio helps to calculate the maximum the distance that light fixtures can be spaced whereby they can still provide uniform illumination. Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) It is a plot of the radiant power against wavelength of a given source of light. The SPD curve provides a means of precisely describing any source of light. Steradian (sr) A unit of measure equal to the solid angle subtended at the center of a sphere by an area on the surface of the sphere equal to the square of the sphere radius. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure Test The TCLP test is used to classify fluorescent lamp waste either as hazardous or non-hazardous waste.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

20


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Total harmonic distortion is a measurement of the distortion of a signal. In electrical systems, this measure describes the distortion of an electrical signal. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation The Ultraviolet radiation refers to the radiant energy between 100 and 380 nm. The UV band, according to the International Commission on Illumination, is defined as UV-A (315-400nm). Veiling Reflection

ULTRAVIOLET

Sometimes referred to as reflected glare, they are reflections of relatively large luminance that totally or partially obscure task details by reducing contrast. For instance, when reading a shiny magazine in a place with bright light, you have to tilt it accordingly to avoid glares. Visible Spectrum The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation in this range of wavelengths is called visible light or simply light. A typical human eye will respond to wavelengths from about 390 to 700 nm. Visual Comfort Probability (VCP) Consider a group of people standing at a specific point and facing a particular direction. VCP is a measure of the fraction of people who would find the discomfort glare acceptable. VCP is usually expressed as a percentage. Voltage (Volts) A measurement of the electromotive force in an electrical circuit or device expressed in volts. Line voltage in the North America is 120V. Wattage (Watts) The amount of electricity or power consumed by a light source.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

21


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

COLOUR PROPERTIES OF LIGHT Colour temperature is a way to talk about the colour characteristics and the appearance of light. Warm lights, which are more red or yellow in colour are those with low colour temperature and kelvin (K) numbers and cool light are higher in kelvin numbers with white or blue colour. We cover some of the basic terms used to discuss the colour of light. Black Light A term which refers to a light source emitting light that is mostly near UV (320 to 400 nm) with very little visible light. Chromaticity Is a measure to identify the color quality of a light source as determined by its dominant wavelength and its purity. It describes the properties of light related to hue and saturation, but not luminance (brightness). Colour Appearance The resultant color perception that includes the effects of spectrum, background contrast, chromatic adaptation, color constancy, brightness, size and saturation. Color Definition The color of uniformly illuminated objects described using three terms: Hue: Describes the situation when the appearance of different colors is similar. Lightness: Describes a range of grayness between black and white. Chroma: Describes the degree of departure from gray of the same lightness and increasing color (e.g. red and redder).

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

22


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Colour Rendering Index (CRI) CRI is a measurement of a light source’s ability to reproduce the colour of an object to make it appear natural. Both CRI and CCT are terms that are under review now that LED is so prevalent. Color Shift The term used when lamps or LEDs change color over the lifespan. Color shift is greatly increased by poor heat dissipation. Colour Temperature The color temperature of a white light source is the temperature in Kelvin of a theoretical black body emitter that most closely matches the spectral characteristics of the lamp. Cool White Bright light that is slightly blue in color, generally greater than 4,500K. The Cool White (CW) designation is used specifically for T12 and other fluorescent lamps using halophosphors and having a CRI of 62

COLOUR RENDERING INDEX (CRI)

Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) Is a term to describe the relative colour temperature or how the colour of light appears from a lamp on a scale of warm to cool. The colour temperature is measure on the kelvin measurement scale (k).

COLOUR TEMPERATURE

Daylight Lamp A lamp resembling the color of daylight, typically with a color temperature of 5500K to 6500K.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

23


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

COLOUR PROPERTIES OF LIGHT Full Spectrum Lighting A marketing term, typically associated with light sources that are similar to some forms of natural daylight (5000K and above, 90+ CRI), but sometimes more broadly used for lamps that have a smooth and continuous color spectrum. Kelvin (K) Is the standard international measure of thermodynamic temperature (or absolute temperature). The Kelvin scale is named after a Scottish inventor and physicist, William Lord Kelvin who identified the need for an absolute thermometric scale in the 1800s. Warm White Refers to a color temperature around 3000K, providing a yellowishwhite light.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

24


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LIGHTING TYPES & METHODS Lighting designers have developed sophisticated techniques to light all kinds of spaces using a range of light fixtures developed for specific purposes. Below we cover the basic principles used to light spaces and also some of the specialized types of lighting that are used in both indoor and outdoor lighting. Layers of Light At a high level, lighting is organized based on its intended use into three broad categories, general (ambient), accent and task lighting. Below we also cover related terminology. Accent Lighting Mainly decorative lighting, this is directional lighting intended to highlight or emphasize a particular display or object such as pictures, plants or other elements of interior design or landscaping

LAYERS OF LIGHT

Ambient Lighting Also referred to as general lighting, is the lighting present in an area which fills in between accent and task lighting. Indoors this refers to a lamp on a table or fixture on a ceiling. Outdoors, this might be light for a parking lot. Backlighting This is light which is emitted from behind a subject which separates the subject from the background. Down Lighting Lighting which illuminates downward, in an almost perpendicular direction with the floor. Front Lighting A common type of lighting which tends to make the subject looks flat as it casts no visible shadows.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

25


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LIGHTING TYPES & METHODS Indirect Lighting This is light which arrives at a surface after reflecting from one or more surfaces - outside of the light fixture – typically a wall or ceiling. Task Lighting Mainly functional, lighting designed for a specific purpose or task such as reading or inspection of materials which requires higher light levels. Requirements vary according to the proximity and level of detail involved in the task. Uplighting Light that is set in a cylinder or other fixture, usually place on the floor to direct the beam of upwards, often bouncing the light off the ceiling. Lighting Applications Lighting applications typically refers to the specific use of a lamp or light fixture. For example a high-bay light used for an warehouse or industrial application. We have created broad categories below, with specific applications. INDOOR Alcove Alcove lighting is a type of indirect lighting which is designed to a recessed space such as a book shelf. Typically these use fluorescent or LED fixtures. Recessed Downlight A small light fixture recessed into the ceiling that usually concentrates the light in a downward direction. INDOOR LIGHTING

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

26


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Track Lighting Is a type of lighting where the fixtures are attached on a continuous track-like device which contains electrical conductors. Track lights are typically mounted to ceilings or walks or hung with rods. Sconce Is a type of light fixture which is attached to a wall, with the light typically directed up, but it can also face down. Sconces are often used to frame doorways or to line a hallway or corridor. Torchiere Originally made for candelsticks, todays torchiere lights are tall thin standing lamps which provides uplighting. Troffer A long, recessed lighting unit, usually installed in an opening in the ceiling. Valance Light Lighting from light sources on a wall typically above eye level, shielded by horizontal panels. The light may be upward or downward directed. OUTDOOR Bollard This is a short, thick post with a light at the top, typically used for outdoor parks, grounds and walkways.

LED STREET LIGHTS

Street Light Light used to illuminate roadways and walkways. Increasingly LED is being used to replace traditionally HID or other types of streetlights.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

27


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LIGHTING TYPES & METHODS Floodlight Is a type of luminaire which employs reflector lamp to disperse light over a wide beam angle, typically over 20 degrees. Floodlights are used to light a scene or object to a level much brighter than its surroundings. Usually they are used to light large areas. Spotlight A term referring to a reflector lamp with a tight beam of light, typically around 10 degrees or less. It comes from the fact that such a lamp produces a narrow spot of light as opposed to a wide flood of light. Security Light These are bright lights used along roadways or around homes and commercial facilities to deter crime. Entry Light These are used outside homes or commercial properties to highlight the entrance to the facility. They have a both a practical and decorative function.

SECURITY LIGHTING

COMMERCIAL There are a wide range of lights that are designed specifically for commercial and industrial applications. These lights are generally more durable, energy efficiency and provide greater flexibility for use in specific situations. Below are some commonly used commercial lights. Hazardous Location Lights designed for use in hazardous locations such mines or industrial facilities which require a more hardy fixture that may also be explosion and water proof.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

28


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

High Bay These are various fixture designed for large spaces such as retail big box stores, warehouse and factories. Typically the mounting height is greater than 20 feet. Increasingly manufacturers are producing LED high bay lights. Low Bay

WAREHOUSE LIGHTING

These are a series of commercial lights typically designed for heights less than 20 feet. They are used for specific applications such as assembly lines, manufacturing areas, warehouses and parking lots. Sign Lighting This category of fixtures is typically used for bordering or lighting a sign. Historically they were neon or fluorescent, but today they are increasingly LED. Suspended Lighting These lights come in a wide range of configurations, shapes and sizes. Typically they provide ambient, direct and indirect lighting for commercial and industrial applications. Under-Cabinet Light Lighting that is typically mounted under a cabinet or shelf to produce targeted lighting for a particular area. Under-cabinet lights are available in linear strips or as a round puck lights and are typically fluorescent or LED. UNDER CABINET LIGHT

Wall-Mounted Light Wall mounted lights come in a range of types for both indoor and outdoor, including sconces and adjustable wall lights. Typically they provide accent or task lighting, but also general lighting.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

29


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LED LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a solid state lighting device that converts electrical energy directly into light. LEDs have revolutionized lighting today and are increasingly used for a wide range of applications in residential, commercial and industrial lighting for their energy savings, flexibility and durability. Anode The positive terminal of a diode. Bin To sort or classify LEDs into groups according to specifications such as their luminous intensity, voltage or color appearance. Chip A term used for the board or “light engine” to which the LEDs are applied. The chip or “light engine” is a circuitry board for the LED. Colour Corrected Refers to a lamp, such as an LED, with a special phosphor or coating to give it a color rendering profile similar to natural daylight. Die Is the chip or the light emitting semiconductor. Diode A two-terminal semiconductor device having a p-n (positive negative) junction which allows energy to travel in one direction. Driver A self-contained power supply that has outputs which match the electrical characteristics of the lamp. It is similar to a ballast and is used to power illumination sources.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

30


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Flicker The strobing of some luminaires that cannot be visually detected because of the frequency of its output voltage. Heat Sink A heat sink is an environment or object that absorbs and dissipates heat from another object. The design of an LED retrofit lamp’s heat sink is an integral factor in the overall performance of the lamp. LED Array A predetermined pattern of a number of LEDS mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) or other surface which produces light when power is provided. Lens A lens is an optical device that refracts light, converging or diverging the beam. L70 Is a measure of the Lumen depreciation in an LED. LM79 An IES approved method describing procedures and precautions in performing reproducible measurements of LEDs including total flux, electrical power, efficacy (lpw) and chromaticity. This is applicable to LED products incorporating control electronics and heat sinks (LED luminaires and integrated LED sources). LM80 An IES approved method for measuring lumen depreciation of solidstate (LED) light sources, array and modules. This does not apply to luminaires and does not define or provide methods for estimation of life.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

31


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LED LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY Power Factor (PF) Measurement of the relationship between the AC source voltage and current. Power factors can range from 0 to 1.0, with 1.0 being ideal. Power factor is sometimes expressed as a percent. “High” power factor usually means a rating of 0.9 or greater. Solid-State Lighting (SSL) Lighting that uses LEDs to emit light from a solid object -a semiconductor- rather than from vacuums or gas tubes used in incandescent and fluorescent lighting. Solid-State Lighting does not contain moving parts that can break or shatter, potentially contaminating the environment. TM-21 IESNA TM-21-11 provides the method for determining when the “useful lifetime” of an LED is reached, a point when the light emitted from an LED depreciates to a level where it is no longer considered adequate for a specific application through the use of extrapolated data from LM80 testing. Lumen maintenance of LED products and LED packages can vary by manufacturer. TM-21 ensures consistent lumen maintenance extrapolation methods for all LED manufacturers. TM-21 extrapolations are ‘best-case’ system lifetime estimates, and assume that no other failure mechanisms influence the life of the LED luminaire.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

32


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

GENERAL LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY ANSI Codes These are 3-letter codes assigned by the American National Standards Institute. They provide a system of assuring mechanical and electrical interchangeability among similarly coded lamps from various manufacturers. Average Rated Life The number of hours at which half of a large group of product samples fail under standard test conditions. Rated life is a median value; any lamp or group of lamps may vary from the published rated life. Adaptation The mechanism by which the human eye adapts to changes in light levels to distinguish objects in the background. Cap The removable or hinged rear cover of some luminaires that contains the lamp socket, lamp and power cord. Capacitor A device used in electric circuitry to temporarily store electrical charge in the form of an electrostatic field. In lighting, a capacitor is used to smooth out alternating current from the power supply. Colour Shift A terms used to described the process whereby lamps or LEDs change colour over their lifetime, often as a result of heat dissipation. Electrical Current Is the flow of electrons or negatively charged particles. Current is measure in units called amperes. The number of amperes in a wire relates to how many electrons flow across a wire per second.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

33


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

GENERAL LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY Light Pollution Refers to excess light given off by signs, houses, building and other lights, which is wasted light or an unnecessary use of energy. Load Shedding The practice of turning off electrical devices during peak energy demand hours to reduce building energy use. Light Trespass (Spill Light) Light that is not aimed properly or shielded effectively can spill out at into areas that don’t want it: it can be directed towards drivers, pedestrians or neighbors. It is distracting and can be disabling. Luminaire A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp (or lamps) and ballast (or ballasts) as required, together with the parts designed to distribute the light, position and protect the lamps, and connect them to the power supply. A luminaire is often referred to as a fixture. Rated Life Output The sum of the initial rated lamp lumens of the lamp(s) that were supplied with the luminaire. Rated Lamp Life The number of hours at which half of a group of product samples fail. The rated life is a median value of life expectancy; any lamp or group of lamps may vary from the published rated life. Rated life is based on standard test conditions. Rated Lumen Also referred to as rated light output from lamp in lumens. Lumen refers to a unit measurement of the rate at which a lamp produces light. A lamp’s light output rating expresses the total amount of light emitted in all directions per unit time. Manufacturers rate their lamps’ initial light output after 100 hours of operation.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

34


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Reflector A metal or glass apparatus, usually curved in some manner, used in most luminaires for the purpose of directing light rays from a light source. Useful Life The amount of light a lighting fixture delivers in an application, minus any wasted light.

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

35


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LIGHTING RELATED STANDARDS & CERTIFICATIONS American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A consensus based organization which coordinates voluntary standards for the physical, electrical and performance characteristics of lamps, ballasts, luminaires and other lighting and electrical equipment. https://www.ansi.org/ Canadian Standards Association An organization that writes standards and tests lighting equipment for performance, electrical and fire safety. Canadian provincial laws generally require that all products sold for consumer use in Canada must have CSA or equivalent approval. http://www.csagroup.org/

launched a product list to ensure quality and performance of commercial grade LED fixtures in 2010. https://www.designlights.org/ Energy Star Is voluntary certification program established in the United States in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote energy efficient consumer products. It is now an international standard adopted by the European Union along with other countries, including Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Taiwan which is verified through third party testing. https://www.energystar.gov/

DLC Is a project of the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) which promotes energy efficient commercial lighting solutions. DLC

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

36


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

RoHS RoHS, a European directive, stands for the Restriction on hazardous Substances. RoHS is a regulation for the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. http://www.rohsguide.com/ Underwriters Laboratories (UL) A private organization that tests and lists electrical (and other) equipment for electrical and fire safety according to recognized UL and other standards. A UL listing is not an indication of overall performance. Lamps are not UL listed except for compact fluorescent lamp assemblies -- those with screw bases and built-in ballasts. http://industries.ul.com/lighting

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

37


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

LIGHTING RESOURCES

There are a wide range of free, useful sources of information available online. These include governmental organizations as well as industry associations. North America and Europe each tend to have their own industry bodies covering information relevant to their members. In some cases there is cooperation and crossover. Below are selected resources.

Illumination Engineering Society

American Lighting Association

http://www.ies.org/

The American Lighting Association is a trade association representing the lighting industry. Its membership includes lighting, ceiling fan and dimming control manufacturers, retail showrooms, sales representatives and lighting designers dedicated to provide the public with the proper application of quality residential lighting.

International Commission on Illumination (CIE)

Founded in 1906, The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) is a wellrecognized technical authority on illumination. Its objective is to communicate information on all aspects of good lighting practice to its members, to the lighting community, and to consumers, through a variety of programs, publications, and services.

https://www.americanlightingassoc.com

Abbreviated as CIE from its French title Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage, the International Commission on Illumination is a technical, scientific, and cultural organization devoted to international cooperation and exchange of information among its member countries on matters relating to the science and art of lighting.

Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)

http://www.cie.co.at/

EFC is a national, not-for–profit industry association representing over 250 member companies that manufacture, distribute and service electrical and electronics products in Canada. EFC maintains a strong focus on electrical safety, sustainability, advocacy, codes and standards, and also serves as a hub of networking, education, and industry research. www.electrofed.com

Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) Campaign The Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) Campaign offers free guidance and recognition for installing high-performance, cost-saving lighting in parking lots and garages. Joining the LEEP Campaign provides access to tools and expertise to lower new and existing parking facilities’ operating costs. http://www.leepcampaign.org/

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

38


LIGHTING GLOSSARY

Lighting Research Center (LRC) The Lighting Research Center is a leading university-based research and education organization devoted to lighting, covering technologies, applications and energy use as well as design, health and vision aspects. The LRC is committed to providing reliable and objective lighting information and evaluations. http://www.lrc.rpi.edu Lumen Coalition Lighting Understanding for a More Efficient Nation (LUMEN) is an ad hoc consortium of organizations and professionals united to facilitate consumer educated energyefficient lighting decisions. They are focused on increasing public awareness of the effects and benefits involved with the transition to energy efficient lighting sources. http://www.lumennow.org National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

Professional Lighting Designer’s Association or European Lighting Designer’s Association The PLD is an independent non-profit community dedicated to representing and governing the architectural lighting design profession. The website provides a platform to link and coordinate professional groups and stakeholders in the field of lighting design, quality and culture. The PLD strives to provide licensing for professional lighting designers. http://community.pld-c.com/ US Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Saver is the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) consumer resource on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies at home. Energy Saver provides energy efficiency and renewable energy information to consumers in the United States, including families, homeowners and renters. http://energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choicessave-you-money

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers. With around 400 members, its companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. http://www.nema.org

lighting glossary |

rabdesign.ca

|

39


Need help with your lighting project? RAB Design offers complimentary lighting design services for contractors, architects and individuals.

Contact us to learn more. 1.800.268.0381 sales@rabdesign.ca www.rabdesign.ca 222 Islington Ave, Toronto, ON, M8V 3W7


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.