Lighting
Lighting Guide
A word about efficiency...
There has always been some confusion about how much light you get from different types of light bulb and how much energy they consume. The new breed of compact fluorescent (or low energy) lamps will use approximately 20% of the power it takes a normal light bulb to generate the same amount of light. e.g. An 11 watt compact fluorescent is equivelent to a 60w light bulb. They also last up to eight time longer but normally they cost more as well. Ther is no doubt at all that they save you money over the life of the lamp as well as reduced labour costs achieved through less lamp changes. A halogen bulb uses about 50% of the energy of a conventional bulb to generate the same amount of light.
A recent breakthough in technology has resulted in the appearence of very bright LED lights. These are very small but relatively bright for their size and have a life often in excess of 50,000 hours. They are yet to appear in any number in domestic lighting, there are now a number of garden lights with them in, but it is only a matter of time.
Lightbulb types
Fluorescent light sources
(Contain gases in a tube but have no filament)
These have been around for many years now and are better known as the long white tubes commonly seen on utility ceilings. Recent technology has reduced the size and improved the efficiency. Many different shapes and power options are available.
The benefits are low power consumption (around 20% of a normal light bulb) and long life (up to 8000 hours). They are ideal for lights which need to be kept on for a long time. Many people assume that fluorescent light is 'cold' but 'warm white' lamps are available which improve the colour.
Incadescent light sources
(conventional filament bulbs)
These are the conventional bulbs which we all recognise and their advantage is the colour of light that they emit. Colours of objects are generally more accurate with this type of light bulb and they impart a warm felling to a room.
The disadvantage is that they are inneficient by modern standards and have a relatively short life (around 1000 hours).
Incadescent lamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have a number of different fittings:
- Bayonet cap (BC)
- Small bayonet cap (SBC)
- Edison screw (ES or E27)
- Small Edison screw (SES or E14)
The Edison screw types are becoming more popular in the UK.Several different coatings are also availablewith the following properties:
Pearl is an all over frosting which diffuses the light and is best used in a light fitting with shades.
Clear bulbs are more attractive when in fittings wher the bulb is visible or a sparkle is required such as crystal chandeliers.
Reflector bulbs have a silverd surface to direct the light in a certain direction and are usually intended for directional fittings such as spot lights.
Halogen light sources
(filament bulbs containing halogen gas)
Halogen bulbs produce a very attractive light which closely resembles sunlight. They are more efficient than incadescent bulbs using only half the energy to produce the same light output and last twice as long. Generally they are small lamps which generate alot of heat so they can only be used in light fittings designed to cope with high temperatures.
There are two main types of halogen light available on the domestic market:
Low voltage These lamps operate on 12v which means a transformer has to be fitted either in the light fitting itself or remotely. The advantages of the lower power are that the safer voltage enables the manufacturers to produce interesting and slim designs without the danger from higher voltages. Transformers can be either electronic or 'wire wound'. The newer electronic transformers are more energy efficient and smaller. Electronic transformers can be damaged by voltage spikes in the mains supply caused by fluorescent lights, older motors, fridges, lift shaft motors etc. If persistant problems occur the use of mains voltage lighting is recommended.
Mains voltage This relatively new breed of lamps offers the light colour advantage of halogen without the need to house a transformer. The reflector type bulbs are known as GU10 or GZ10 and the latest small envelope non-reflector halogens are known as G9.
Dimmers
Most tungsten and halogen light fixtures are dimmable but only certain types of fluorescent can be dimmed. When installing a dimmer you should check on the compatibility of the fitting with the dimming device and that the dimmer has sufficient capacity to control the load on the circuit.
General tips on lighting your home
Many people spend a great deal of money decorating and furnishing their homes to create an atomosphere only to find that something is missing. Good lighting will compliment and complete the effect that you are looking for but remember that bright lighting is not always godd lighting.
A light source creates a pool of light but there is a second effect which cannot be reproduced in the shop where you buy your lights. Consider where you are to put the light and the surfaces under and around it. What effect will the reflected light have?
Avoid hard contrasts which can be tiring to the eyes and where possible try to combine different types of lighting in the same room. Direct lighting for reading or working, pools of light to highlight features such as paintings or objects and washes of light on walls all help to add atmosphere to a room whilst remaining functional. If a room has to perform several different functions, consider installing a dimmer. This will allow a higher light level for working or reading and a lower light level for relaxation. This can prove useful too for older eyes which need more light.
Colour is most important, incadescent bulbs help create a cosy atmosphere in living areas while fluorescent lamps give a cooler, more efficient light for utility rooms. A room painted in a dark colour will need more light as much of it will be absorbed, whilst lighter colours reflect light. You can add colour to a room by illuminating a coloured surface.
Avoid glare by placing lights at a height which prevents the eye from seeing the bulb directly. Pendants should not be hung so high that the bulb is clearly visible underneath. Take care that lights placed over reflective surfaces such as glass tables have a diffuser in them.
How much light?
Determining the correct light levels for a home environment is a very complicated subject and depends on a dgree on the individuals perception and requirements. The formula below, however, can be used as a rule of thumb.
Measure the room size in squre metres and multiply this by 25 (for incandescent lamps) 15 (for halogen lamps) or 19 (if using compact fluorescent lamps). This figure will give you the total watts required to light the room.
Example 1: a room 5m x 5m has an area of 25sq metres. If we are to use convetional incandescant lamps multiply this by 25 giving a total wattege of 625 watts. This can be made up as required, for example as follows:
2 x 75W table lamps =150W
2 x 3 light ceiling lights
each with 40W bulbs =240W
2 x double wall lights
each with 40W lights =160W
2 x single wall lights
each with 40W bulbs = 80W
TOTAL 630W
Example 2: a kitchen 3m x 6m = 18 square metres. If we intend to use low voltage halogen dichroic lamps then we multiply by 15 to arrive 270 watts required in total. This can be made up as follows:
1 x 3 light halogen bar fitting adjustable heads each with 50W lamps =150W
6 x downlighters mounted in the ceiling each with 20W dichroic lamps =120W
TOTAL 270W
Please note that this formula is a guide only and some people prefer more light, others less. A useful measure is to over estimate by 10-15% and install a dimmer to give you more control. If in doubt seek professional advice.
Room by Room
Different rooms have different functions, accordingly each room will have a different light requirement. The following guide will help you decide which light sources you need for each room in your house...
Living Room
Avoid using one central light which will create hard shadows and possibly glare. Instead aim to use plenty of different light sources to create pools light, this will give a more interesting effect.
Lets start with where you sit. An adjustable reading light beside or behind your chair which can be switched whilst seated will prove invaluable. If it can be adjusted for height even better.
Two or three table lamps placed around the perimeter on tables, shelves or furniture will give the room a more spacious feeling as the light radiates inwards. These small pools of light also create interest.
Illuminate bookcases, pictures or objects of interest with picture lights or halogen spot lights. This indirect lighting of a different colour will add contrast.
Wall lights and pendants on a dimmer switch can raise the level of illumination in the room without needing to adjust any of the other light sources but beware of glare if they are mounted too high. Indirect light from wall washers (light fittings designed to light the wall and ceiling often made in ceramic or plaster) will create dramatic effects. Remember that the light given rom wall washers will be coloured by the surfaces on which they are mounted.
Floor lamps come in many guises and can be very effective at adding general illumination to a dark area where it is not easy to fit wall light, ceiling lights or table lamps. A floor uplighter gives a bright wash on the ceiling. Some are fitted with dimmers and others have a second flexible arm for reading.
Kitchen
We spend most of our time in the kitchen and it has multiple functions, many of which require care to avoid accidents.
A higher level of illumination is required here. Fluorescent tubes under wall mounted units cast an efficient light over work surfaces and prevent shadows. They also ensure you are not blocking out the very light in which you need to work.
A central light is also important in a kitchen to provide a general level of illumination and, if you have the space, the use of halogen spot lights mounted on the wall will help you add accent.
If you have glass fronted display cabinets in your kitchen the use of small halogen lights specifically designed for the purpose will add interest.
If your ceiling is low or you want to avoid a central light, consider the use of a number of downlights which create a glare free and pleasing effect whilst remaining functional.
Dining Room
The main light source here will be over the dining table. The use of a dimmer will allow the table to be used for such jobs as sewing and yet give a low mood light for dining.
Dont hang a pendant so low that your diners have to peer round it, about 60cm above the table is about right. Better still fit a rise and fall pendant.
If you like to dine by candle light, make sure the heat and smoke are far enough away from the light fitting.
If you have a glass dining table, make sure the light i fitted with a diffuser so that your diners are not looking at a reflection of the light bulb.
Long tables can be very effectively lit with a longer light fitting suspended on two wires.
Bathroom
Great care needs to be taken when choosing bathroom lighting as te regulations are strict concerning the type of light you can use.
The bathroom mirror deserves some special attention and a diffused glass light either side will give a good general illumination where it is needed. The alternative is a halogen downlight from the ceiling or fluorescent strip light over the mirror.
The latest generation of mirrors incorporate lights into the mirrors themselves with sections of the reflective surface removed and lights fitted behind them. This is a very effective way of generating an even light and improving safety.
For general illumination in the rest of the bathroom either use downlights for their refreshing halogen colour or a high output flush ceiling fitting to suit the decor.
Portable lights are not permitted in a bathroom so for mood lighting use ceiling mounted directional spotlights aimed away from the bath and at interesting features.
Lights designed specifically for showers are available and must be carefully fitted according to instructions.
Bedroom
This is an area so often neglected. Consider the number of functions required of a bedroom.
For dressing you may need a general illumination or, if your partner has to rise at a different time, do you need a lower level of pool of light which won't disturb them? A well positioned downlighter will help here.
Many people read in bed and with a double room, it is useful to have bedside lights which are individually switched. Adjustable reading lamps are ideal if you want to read while your partner sleeps. For convenience and safety you should aim to have all of the bedroom lights controlled from the bed.
Dressing tables used for make-up will need more specific lighting and the use of two slender table lamps either side of a mirror gives a good working light without glare and will add to the cosy effect of the room.
Try to create pools of light to reduce any hard contrasts. Adding a table lamp or illuminating pictures will be very effective.
Study
A general background illumination is important to avoid the hard contrast if only a desk lamp is used. Indirect wall washers or a floor lamp will do nicely.
For the desk lamp look for one which is adjustable for height and will reach over the area where you are working. It is most important to avoid working in shadows.
If you have a computer try and light the wall behind it to avoid tiring your eyes when looking at the screen. Make sure the lights in the room do not reflect off the screen into your eyes.
Children's Room
A good central ceiling light is useful to provide a general illumination and a bedside or wall mounted reading lamp is recommended.
Night lights for children's rooms give peace of mind and cost very little to run.
Older children will want to have fun lighting and there are many effective novelty lights but always be safety conscious and choose lights which are suitable for the age of the child
Q. When do we expect our order which has been paid for.
Good Morning Steve
If you would like to contact Support@support.alertelectrical.com with your order number we can advise on this for you
Many Thanks
Nathan Swann
Q. I'm ordering several items, including fluorescent lighting but the 5' strip lights only appear to come in pairs - I need 3. Please advise. Thanks.
Good Afternoon
Unfortunately, they are only sold in pairs so 3 cannot be supplied.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Kind regards
Stacey Harrow
Customer service advisor
Q. I notice that you have taken the money for the order detailed below from my credit card. When will the items be shipped? I need them urgently to complete "a job" Thank you Ray Davis Order: W20120102N30 Product Quantity Total (exc. VAT) Total (inc. VAT) Brushed Nickel LED Downlight LV LED Recessed Downlight in Brushed Nickel 3 £32.85 £39.42 Total (exc. VAT) 32.85GBP Total (inc. VAT) 39.42GBP Delivery 3.98GBP Actual VAT Charged 6.57GBP Grand Total (inc. VAT) 43.4GBP Back to My Orders
Good Morning
I can confirm that your order was shipped out yesterday and should be out for delivery today for you.
Apologies for the delay.
Kind regards
Stacey Harrow
Customer service advisor
Q. I have a GJD Emerald controller lighting circuit - with 2 zones. Both lights come on from one zone but not the other zone although this zone does set off buzzer but not the light. Can you help?? Carl
Thank you for submitting a ticket to Alert Electrical Support, if you would like to contact GJD technical on the following telephone number 01706 363 998 they will be able to advise you.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Kind Regards
Stacey Harrow
Customer service advisor
Q. What is yournottingham address
Good Morning
the address is
Nottingham Branch
3 Ashling Court
Iremonger Road
Nottingham
NG2 3JA
Q. Can you tell me if you have 10 Parma outdoor wall down lighter in stock, product code is 7222-250 (white)
Good Morning
Unfortunately we do not have these items in stock at this point in time, if you do place a order for them, an order will be placed with the supplier which can take approx 3/5 working days.
Kind regards
Stacey Harrow
Customer service advisor
Q. Can the remote lighting system be used for switching a light from house to outdoor workshop and if so what parts do I need to switch 2 x 60 watt outside lights? The W/S is approx 20 metres away.
The GET Smart Wireless Lighting System provides a fascinating approach to controllable lighting, creating an individual atmosphere for today’s stylish modern home or business. All you need to do is add a reciever to your lights in your workshop, we have one for ceiling lights, one for table and floor lamps thas needs wiring in and one pre-wired with plug and socket
Q. I would like to purchase some walkover garden lights and have seen the Konstsmide Mains Powered Halogen Square Top Ground Spot 230V (product code 7608-000) on your website. Please would you let me know the following: Is there any need for a transformer or do they connect directly to the mains? Do you connect each light to the next in a linear fashion? Is there a maximum cable length between each light and in total for all lights combined? Would it be possible at a later stage to replace the halogen bulb with a GU10 LED bulb or do you have to purchase the 7607-000 product? Essentially, are the 7607 and 7608 identical except for the bulb?
Hi Tony
· Both the Konst Smide 7607-000 and the Konst Smide 7608-000 are 230v lights and do not need a transformer
· Yes you connect each light in a linear fashion known as ‘in series’.
· No real maximum but the longer the run the more you have to take volt drop over the distance in to account. The LED light has the advantage if volt drop is a factor as it only uses a very small amount of power. If you could give some idea of the number of light fittings and the maximum distance we can let you know what size cable you need.
· It will be fine to replace the 35w GU10 with a LED GU10. Yes the 7607 and 7608 are identical apart from the bulb, as mentioned previously the LED will use much less power.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Q. A electrician who quoted us to fit recessed lights in bedroom mentioned the need for fire caps as increased risk of fire - is this right?
Yes it is now a requirement of Building Regulations that a fire hood is fitted to all non-fire rated downlights to retain the fire barirer between floors. Alternatively you could always fit fire rated downlights. Thank you for your enquiry.
Q. Can you tell me if i can work 2 lights with the same GHAPT remote.. ie 2 rooms?? Thanks Tom
Hi Tom. Yes the GET Smart Wireless Lighting remote controller can control multiple lihgts as well as having 4 scene setting functions included as well.
Q. Can you please advise me, what is the maximum angle that Aurora AU-DLL317PC Low voltage downlights tilt to?Do you have 15 of these in stock & how quickly you can post them to Essex?
Thank you for your enquiry, the maximum angle for the Aurora AU-DLL317PC downlights is 30 deg. We have the lights in stock delivery would be next working day if placed before 12.00 noon
Q. I am looking for a quantity of low voltage downlighters with a transformer Needs to be fire rated. Matt chrome finish. Which model do you have
Yes, Alert stock the full range of Aurora Fire Protection Downlights
Q. Dear Sir or Madam Your advice, please. I currently have a motion sensor mounted on a pole which covers a five-bar gate entrance leading to a garage, with a pathway coming in at right-angles. The current sensor is giving trouble in activating intermittently for no good reason! Although I propose to replace the sensor there is a further problem that I need to try to address. I live in a rural location and the sensor will activate when the local fox, or rabbits, are around at night. Since 3 floodlights are involved I cannot now afford the electricity involved in illuminating the local wildlife! What I propose is a sensor mounted at low-level and 'blanked-off' so that coverage is from ground-level to 2/3 feet. Thus, it will not be activated by the passing of animals - but does operate as normal on the passing of vehicles and humans. With these requirements in mind I am interested in your Luxomat LC140 detector, black, which in the specification mentions 'blinds provided for the reduction of the covered area'. However, I imagine these blinds are for use in blanking-off a 'vertical' segment of the coverage - rather than horizontal? Can you inform me whenther it would be practical for a LC140, mounted at low-level, to be masked-off with, say, insulating tape so that only movement above the height of 2-3 feet above ground will activate the sensor and turn on the lights? I would appreciate receiving your kind reply on the query in due course. Yours sincerely
Yes you are on the right track. You do need to pay attention to the recommended mounting height as the sensors are usually designed to ‘look down’ as it were.
Beam detectors could be a consideration and alternatively a low energy floodlight could be another way of solving the problem. Another optionmight be simply to put a lower wattage lamp inside your existing fitting.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Q. Can you please advise me if what angle these spotlights adjust to? I am interested ion purchasing about 13 of them for a kitchen & it is of vital importance if they can adjust to suite certain kitchen cupboards & appliances
Q. I am looking for some covers for recessed (halogen) lights in an upstairs bathroom to keep the loft insulation away from them.
Q. Are there down lighters that can be used in party floors that conform with part E and part B of the Building Regulations Also what about the wiring would this need to be in a metal conduit?
Hi John
I'm not sure what you mean by 'party floor'.
Either the Aurora Fire Rated or the Click Flameguard conform to the latest building regs. http://www.alertelectrical.com/Light-Fittings-Indoor/Interior-Recessed-Light-Fittings/default.asp
You can avoid metal conduit if the circuit is RCD protected.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Q. i need a 100 watt bulb for my security light
Q. Have seen your range of Aurora 12v lights. Can you tell me which transformers are suitable for four units?
Hi Erik
You need to decide the wattage of the lamps/bulbs that you are going to use and multiply that by four:
4 x 20w lamps = 80w/va so use an AU-E105 or 1 transformer per fitting; 4 x AU-EN60
4 X 35w lamps = 140w/va so use an AU-E150 or 1 transformer per fitting; 4 x AU-EN60
4 x 50w lamps = 200w/va so use an AU-E210 or 1 transformer per fitting; 4 x AU-EN60
Thank you for your enquiry.
Q. Is the Konstsmide Pallas Lantern code 519-750 suitable for corner fixing
The product image of the 519-750 shows it mounted on a corner. This is with the addition of a corner bracket, the light fitting, as per the rest of the Konst Smide range, are for flat wall mounting as standard. If you would like to corner mount it you should purchase the additional Konst Smide corner bracket.
Q. why is it £6.00 delivery on some thing only weighing .25 kg
Good Morning
Could you please tell me which item you are looking to order so we can look at the carriage charge for you
Q. Hello - your web pages says " ... we recommend fitting a CT100C .... " but then link doesn;'t appear to take you there. What's a CT100C, and where can I find it on your website. thanks!
Q. Have you got 2No. AU/dpsled light switches in stock
Good afternoon
We do not currently have these items in stock, they can be ordered from the supplier. If you wish to place an order, please do so via the website and the purchase order will be placed with the supplier.
Kind regards
Stacey Harrow
Customer service advisor
Q. I need to know the cable size range of the cable entry gland and the maximum cable core size for Dakal DFCPM400 400W Metal Halide Flood Light . Thank you, Joe
Good afternoon
Thank you for your enquiry. Please could you call Dakal on 01604 750098 who will be able to answer you query.
Kind regards
Stacey Harrow
Customer service advisor
Q. Order Number 20110307N65 I did chase the above order early last week which had been delayed waiting for out of stock items to arrive. These items have subsequentely become unavailable. On Tuesday 17 March I was advised that the goods were being despatched - I wondered how long this was going to take as the items have still not arrived. Kind Regards David Stephens
Good morning David
There appears to be a problem with one of the products on your order - AU-FLPL226 - Aurora Floodlight. These items are still outstanding with the supplier and they have an unconfirmed date of 5/5/11 for delivery.
Please advise what you wish to do about your order.
Kind regards
Stacey Harrow
Customer service advisor
Q. Please tell me the carriage paid amount for konst smide ground lights
Good morning
Our carriage charges are as follows.
For orders upto £45 the delivery charge is £7.20
For orders from £45 to £90, the charge is £4.80
Delivery usually free for orders over £90
Kind regards
Stacey Harrow
Customer service advisor
Q. which are the live conections in a 1mm 3core cable when installing a two way lighting circuit, do I have to use color sleeving
Good Afternoon
Please contact your local Electrician for further advise on this as we are unable to advice on this.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Kind Regards
Customer Services
Q. What is the maximum length of run of LED striplighting
Maximum Length Of Run Of LED Ribbon Strip Lighting
The table below shows the maximum run lengths of each product when wired in series. To exceed the run lengths shown (using a suitable driver), please wire in parallel as shown in the diagram below the table.
|
|
 |
 |
| Product Code |
Wattage | Max Length |
| TL580 | 5.6W per 580mm | 4 metres |
| FLR1M8 | 4.8W per metre | 8 metres |
| FLRHP1M | 7.2W per metre | 6 metres |
| RGBR1M | 7.2W per metre | 6 metres |
| FLRSP1M | 14.4W per metre | 5 metres |
| FLRSP651M | 14.4W per metre | 5 metres |
| PLR300 | 2W per strip | 5 metres |
| PLR500 | 2.5W per strip | 5 metres |
| PLR1000 | 5W per strip | 5 metres |
| PLR2000 | 9.5W per strip | 5 metres |
PLR-RGB values are the same as for PLR codes above
All enquiries please contact via live chat 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday support@support.alertelectrical.com please include your order number (Starts W201..)
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