Lighting Glossary

AC stands for alternating current which works by sending waves of current through the line. All homes use directly AC current which run at 50 cycles a second giving Australia 50Hz. Generally lighting and fans are easier to run on AC because less components are needed to run but do use more power. If you are running 12v AC products then you must use a 12v AC transformer.

Batten lights are long narrow fixtures typically used in commercial areas which portray light with a wide practical angle.

Bayonet is the name for the base type also know as B15. Bayonet works by pushing the globe into the socket then turning until it is locked in. The 15 represents the millimeters between the 2 pins.

Bayonet is the name for the base type also know as B22. Bayonet works by pushing the globe into the socket then turning. The 22 represents the millimeters between the 2 pins.

Beam angles are very important when it comes to lighting as it can change the application considerably with some lighting needing to be well lit and bright but some applications are better suited to having less light which will have more mood and ambience. For a standard home you might look for an angle of 60 - 90 degrees. If you are running some track lighting in a commercial space to highlight products you would look to have a narrow beam of between 15 to 25 degrees.

A Bi-Pin base also know as a G4 is used for 12v low voltage products which are normally smaller fixtures. G4's can also be used in MR16 sockets. G4 LED globes have come a long way in recent years with some getting over 5w with high lumen outputs.

A sturdy vertical post that includes a lamp at the top, bollards are light fixtures commonly used outdoors. Bollards generally accomplish multiple functions serving as outdoor lighting, pathway blockades and decoration.

Colour temperature is the metric used to work out the exact colour of the light output. Certain applications suit better temperatures but at the end of the day it's personal preference. 2700k to 3000k warm white is ideal for relaxed environments such as living rooms, bedrooms, cafes, outdoor areas. 4000k Cool white is the middle of the range as it has the best of both worlds with a warm tinge and a soft cool colour which suits almost every application. If you are unsure which colour to pick then pick 4000k as it's a natural light colour. 5000k - 6500k daylight is suited most for work environments such as offices, warehouse and hospitals. Having a daylight colour helps keep the brain alert and awake.

Cool White is the term used to guide the temperature of the light it portrays. Cool White is a terminology and each manufacturer has different temperatures for cool white. Cool white typically is 4000k but sometimes can be called 5500k, when purchasing lighting always go off the temperature, this will always give the true indication of the light output.

CRI is the metric used to describe how true the colours are portrayed. Lighting will usually range from a CRI 70 - 100, the higher the better. For a true clear rendering look for a CRI of 95>.

DC is direct current which typically uses less power then AC. DC runs in a continual run unlike AC which sends waves. When buying DC products you must use a DC driver to run. DC is used for low voltage products.

Dimmer devices regulate the light output of a lamp by controlling the power supplied. Aside from saving energy, dimmers can be used to control the lighting indoor spaces, making them more customisable and personal.

A lighting fixture (often a light bulb) set in metal cylinder that's mounted or recessed to the ceiling so the light beam is pointed downwards.

A Driver is used for 12v DC LED products. Typically used before is transformers which are AC 12v which the 2 can not be mixed.

Edison screw which is normally called E27 is the most common globe sold in Australia, E27 globes are very versatile as they can throw the light very wide. Most pendant lights will use E27, when buying light fittings always look to buy a fitting which has a common globe base so then it's easy to replace.

Emergency lighting is used to signpost exits in case of an emergency. Emergency lighting should also be designed to provide visibility when normal lights fail. All emergency lighting that meets Australian standards should be equipped with batteries, allowing the light to operate during an emergency.

Festoon Lights are multiple lights on a string typically 20 meters long with 20 lights attached. Festoon lights are a great mood lighting option as they create soft warm light similar to candle light.

Flood lights are broad-beamed high intensity lights, often used outdoors to light up large sections of space. Floodlights typically use HID bulbs or LEDs.

One of the main types of lighting, fluorescent lights are more efficient than halogen or incandescent lights but less efficient than LED globes. \n\nA fluorescent lamp stimulates mercury vapor and produce ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which in turn stimulates the phosphor coating of the lamp to produce visible

Halogen lamps contain a filament lit by halogen gas, hence the name. An improvement on incandescent lamps, halogen bulbs are about 25% more efficient.

High bays are used for very large areas with high ceilings mostly warehouses. Generally 150w or 200w are the most used for high bays which puts out 1400 to 2000 lumens.

Heat sinks come in many different styles and are mostly made up of aluminium. Heat sinks are very important for LED products and generally the best heat sinks will last the distance. Heat sinks draw all the heat from the LED chip which means it can be turned up to be brighter and perform better.

A lot of lighting nowadays is integrated which means it is non replaceable, however most LED products are rated normally a minimum 30,000 hours upto 70,000 which is a minimum of 8 years lifespan. But as for anything LED's can fail so be careful choosing integrated because the product may not be available years later to replace, plus it will cost you additional electrician costs to fix. If you choose a light with a replaceable globe you can easily fix yourself.

A surface mounted light which provides a general light from a single source. Oyster lights are used to keep costs down.

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.

Lighting fixture used to provide outdoor area lighting, where the lamp is found on top of a pole, often with a reflective housing that achieves a characteristic lighting pattern.

LED stands for 'light-emitting diode'. It refers to semi-conductor device that emits light when exposed to electric current. \n\nLED lighting is highly efficient and lasts longer than most other types of lighting. It outclasses in terms of energy, design flexibility, and colours of light available.

Spike lights also known as stake lights are used for outdoor gardens to highlight foliage. As the name suggests you simply spike the light into the ground and direct the head to highlight gardens or features.

Step lights are fixtures to use walking areas or on stairs. Step lights today can look very architectural whilst also being very practical.

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

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

Colour temperature is the metric used to work out the exact colour of the light output. Certain applications suit better temperatures but at the end of the day it's personal preference. 2700k to 3000k warm white is ideal for relaxed environments such as living rooms, bedrooms, cafes, outdoor areas. 4000k Cool white is the middle of the range as it has the best of both worlds with a warm tinge and a soft cool colour which suits almost every application. If you are unsure which colour to pick then pick 4000k as it's a natural light colour. 5000k - 6500k daylight is suited most for work environments such as offices, warehouse and hospitals. Having a daylight colour helps keep the brain alert and awake.

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.

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.

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

Voltage from lighting will vary from 12v to 240v. 240v is normally the preferred voltage as they are cheaper and easier to install with have less components however where water may come in contact 12v or 24v is a preferred option.

Warm White is the term used to guide the temperature of the light it portrays. Warm White is traditionally 3000k but can go as low as 1700k. The lower the number the more yellow the temperature will be. A candle light is around 2200k.