A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Absorption of Light
Process that occurs when a ray of light strikes a surface and the energy from the light is transferred to the surface material.
Accent Lighting
Lighting directed at a particular object in order to focus attention on it.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) sets regulations that assert limits and standards that contractors must meet and comply with when installing light fixtures in public buildings. If a fixture is more than 80 inches above the floor, then it is automatically ADA compliant. Wall sconces must be placed under 80 inches and to be considered ADA compliant, it cannot extend more than 4 inches away from the wall.
Ambient Light
Light that exists in a scene and is also referred to as “natural or existing light”.
Arm
A decoratively shaped tube or casting that is used to support a socket. An arm usually has socket wires running through it.
B
Backplate
The part of a fixture that mounts to a wall or vertical surface.
Ballast
A device that provides the proper starting and operating electrical condition to power one or more fluorescent or HID lamps.
C
Canopy
The decorative plate that attaches to the ceiling to cover the junction box.
Chandelier
A multi-arm, decorative, often ornate ceiling light fixture that holds a number of bulbs.
Collection
A group of matching fixtures and/or lamps that together can bring a unified look to a home or room.
D
Diffuser
A covering or shade over a light or lamp that generally softens or scatters the light and is usually used to eliminate hot spots and glare.
Dimmer
A control that regulates light levels.
E
ETL (Intertek)
An independent testing company.
Extension
The measurement from the wall to the farthest point away from the wall on a fixture.
F
Finial
A small finishing ornament at the crown or bottom of a fixture.
Fixture
A light that is permanently attached or wired directly into a junction box. Chandeliers, bath lights and wall sconces are examples of “fixtures”.
Floating Flush mount
A fixture that is not actually flush to the ceiling. The glass is a few inches from the ceiling; closer than a semi-flush mount.
Flush Mount
A fixture attached directly to the ceiling with no gap between the light and ceiling.
H
Halogen Lamp
An incandescent lamp containing halogen gas.
Harp
The wire support that attaches at the socket and supports the shade at the top of the lamp.
H.C.W.O. (Height from Center of Wall Opening)
The measurement from the mounting location of the fixture to the top of the fixture.
I
Incandescent Lamp
The traditional type of light bulb that produces light through electricity causing a filament to glow.
Inverted Pendant
An ornamental hanging fixture without multiple arms where the glass or diffuser opening is facing the ceiling.
L
Lamp
The term used in the lighting industry that refers to a light bulb.
Lumen
A measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.
P
Pendant
An ornamental hanging fixture without multiple arms where the glass or diffuser opening faces down.
Portable
A luminaire that is simply plugged into an outlet and can easily be picked up and moved. Table and floor lamps are examples of portables.
S
Sconce
A decorative lighting fixture with a flat side to be hung on a wall.
Semi-Flush Mount
A fixture that attaches to the ceiling canopy with a stem or part that creates a gap between the fixture and ceiling.
Switch
The control for an electrical device.
Swivel
A feature that allows the fixture to mount on a sloped ceiling and hang straight.
T
Task Lighting
Illumination designed for a work surface to provide good light, free of shadows and glare.
Timer
A control device to activate luminaries at set, timed intervals.
Torchiere
A tall floor lamp with bowl-shaped glass which diffuses the light or directs it upward.
Transformer
A device which can raise or lower electrical voltage, generally used for low voltage lights.
U
UL (Underwriters Laboratory)
An independent testing company.
V
Voltage
A measurement of the pressure of electricity going through a wire. Most households in North America are 110-120.
W
Watt
A unit of electrical power
