A wall light is fixed by its baseplate either to a box sunk into the wall or it is fixed direct to the wall. The box, termed ‘BESA’ box, is a termination box to contain the ends of the circuit wires from which the sheath is removed, and a flex connector which joints the wires to the flex of the fitting.
Only wall lights having a baseplate with 50 mm (2 in) fixing centres to match the lugs in the box can be mounted on this circular box. Most wall lights have other types of baseplate of which there are many shapes and sizes. Read the rest of this entry »
There are two principal methods of wiring a lighting circuit, the loop-in system and the joint box system. In practice a circuit is often a mixture of both methods, the principal sections being loop-in with some lighting points being wired in conjunction with joint boxes to save cable and to facilitate the wiring. For both methods twin-core and earth PVC sheathed cable is used.
In the loop-in system, ceiling roses combine the functions of ceiling rose and joint box as the circuit wires are jointed at the ceiling rose terminals. The flexible cord of the pendant is connected to the rose terminals. Read the rest of this entry »
Some fluorescent fittings have no starter switch(s) for the tubes. Instead there is S transformer to provide the prewarming and the tube itself has a metal stripe running throughout its length from one lamp cap to the other. The lamp caps are earthed at the lampholders.
This assists in the starting of the electron flow and, as there is no starter to operate, the lamp strikes without the characteristic delay of the switch-start type.
A fluorescent tube has an expected life of 5000 to 7000 light hours or up to seven times that of an electric light bulb. Read the rest of this entry »
Downlighters are ceiling fittings of tubular shape alloy containing reflector bulbs or spotlights to produce pools of light on the table and floor against a dark ceiling background. They can be mounted as close- ceiling fittings but there are also versions for sinking flush with the ceiling and some are semi-recessed. The flush version, and to a lesser extent the semi-recessed version require a deep void above the ceiling.
These fittings are also mounted flush with the ceiling but instead of producing pools of light on the horizontal plane, produce them on walls as part of a lighting scheme. Colour lamps and coloured walls produce the required effect. Read the rest of this entry »
Of more unusual interest is a rise and fall pendant enabling the height of the light, suspended by the -sheathed flex, to be adjusted as required. One application is in the dining room over the dining table. As the light unit is raised the flex winds into the rise and fall unit in the ceiling plate. Matching fixed-height pendants are also available. The rise and fall principle is a development of the old rise and fall pendant operated with a system of pulleys and ballast weights. Read the rest of this entry »
Although the primary purpose of a lighting fitting is to provide light, a fitting is exposed to view throughout the hours of daylight and it is, therefore, equally important that it is pleasing to look at when not alight. Before buying a fitting decide whether you would prefer a ceiling fitting or wall lights. If you decide on a ceiling fitting choose between a pendant or a close- mounted ceiling fitting.
Also, decide on the position of the fitting as this will also affect the choice. When choosing in the shop or department store try and visualise how a fitting would appear in your home. This is not easy when the shop has a forest of fittings, some alight and others unlit. Read the rest of this entry »
