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LIGHT PERFORMS THESE BASIC FUNCTIONS

DECORATIVE

1. They are used to create the sparkle in a room.2. Think of them as “supermodels” of illumination.

3. Their one and only job is to look fantastic.4. They alone cannot adequately provide usable illumination for other functions without5. Another way to visualize them is as “Architectural Jewellery ”. 6. Used to provide ambient lighting in areas where their appearance contributes to the overall

design of the space.

ACCENT

1. Accent light is directed illumination that highlights objects within an environment.2. It is used to bring attention3. If you use only accent light, you get the museum effect

4.

Accent light should not be the only source of illumination in a room.5. Directional Lighting to emphasize a particular object or to draw attention to a part of the field of view

TASK

1. Task Light is illumination for performing work-related activities, such as reading, cuttingvegetables and sorting laundry.

2. The optimal task light is located between your head and the work surface.3. The reason why lighting from above is not a good source of task light, because your head casts a

shadow onto your book, computer keyboard etc.

AMBIENT

1. Ambient light is the soft, general illumination that fills the volume of a room with a glow of lightand softens the shadows on people’s faces.

2. It is the most important of the four functions of light, but it is often the one element that is leftout of the design of a room or space..

3. The best ambient light comes from sources that bounce illumination off the ceiling and walls.

TYPES OF LIGHT SOURCES

SUNLIGHT /DAYLIGHT

1. In reality, sunlight is a yellow-white light.2. Daylight is blue white, because it is a combination of sunlight and bluish light from the sky

around ii. Blue white is best for reading true color.

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5. It provides a source of light that can be focused or directed over a restrictedarea if desired.

6. Less expensive than fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent Lamps

Also known as Neon

Compact Fluorescent lamps

1. Four times more energy efficient2. Provides equivalent illumination for considerably less

wattage, produces less heat, and last up to 6 to 10 timeslonger.

3. Includes twin tube, quad tube and six tube

Tube fluorescent lamp

1. This is what fills many kitchens and garages with diffuse, brightlight.

2. Tubes are available in rapid start, instant start and preheat start3. Also varies in shape straight tube, u shape and circular shape

Fluorescent lamp ballasts

Instant start

An instant start ballast starts lamps without heating the cathodes at all by using a high voltage (around 600 V). It isthe most energy efficient type, but gives the least number of starts from a lamp. This is the best type for

installations where lamps are not turned on and off very often.

Rapid start

A rapid start ballast provides superior lamp life and more cycle life.

Programmed start

A programmed-start ballast is a more advanced version of rapid start. This ballast gives the best life and moststarts from lamps, and so is preferred for applications with very frequent power cycling such as vision examinationrooms and restrooms with a motion detector switch.

Ballast factor

For a lighting ballast, the ballast factor is defined as the light output (in lumens ) with a test ballast. The ballastfactor of practical ballasts must be considered in lighting design ; a low ballast factor may save energy, but willproduce less light.

-regulate the current in a fluorescent lamp.

-can only slow down changes in current -- it can't stop them.

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-ballasts may also vibrate at a low frequency. This is the source of the audible humming sound people associatewith fluorescent lamps.

-Without the ballast, The current either vaporizes the filaments or causes the bulb to explode.

FLUORESCENT STARTER

-used in several types of fluorescent lights.

- there to help the lamp light. When voltage is applied to the fluorescent lamp, here's what happens:

-Without the starter, a steady stream of electrons is never created between the two filaments, and the lampflickers.

LED lampsA light-emitting-diode lamp is a solid-state lamp that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as

the source of light.1. LED lamps are used for both general and special-purpose lighting.2. Where colored light is needed, LEDs come in multiple colors, which

are emitted with no need for filters. This improves the energy efficiency over a white light source that generates all colors of light then discards some of the visible energy in a filter.

3. Compared to fluorescent bulbs, advantages claimed for LED lightbulbs are that they contain no mercury (unlike compactfluorescent light bulbs), that they turn on instantly, and thatlifetime is unaffected by cycling on and off, so that they are wellsuited for light fixtures where bulbs are often turned on and off.LED light bulbs are also less apt to break.

IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTS

Lights are not only the way to help you see your way around your home after dark, but they can be stylishand decorative additions to the overall look and feel of a house. When illuminating your house, make sure youknow which light you want to use in each area.

A light fixture or light fitting is an electrical device used to create artificial light and/or illumination.

Lighting fixture categories

1. Ceiling downlights –known as “cans” or “high hats” -flush mounted into the ceiling material. Common openings are approximately 2, 3, 5, 7, and nine inches

2. Accent lights - directed illumination that highlights objects within an environment3. Linear strip lights – is as simple as the name states.

- Have small individual lamps at various spacing along a flexible molded extrusion with an internalribbon or standard copper conductors

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4. Ground well lights – are installed flush with the top surface of the receiving medium-intended to disappear as much as possible in the ground or floor

5. surface mounted lights

- Directly attached to walls, ceilings or floors

-uplights or downlights, pendant area lights, cable systems, address markers, step lighting, and drums.

6. Track lights – surface and/or recessed raceway that accommodates adjustable individual track heads.

LIGHTING IN A HOUSE

KITCHEN

The kitchen is primarily a work area, but it is also a gathering place for family and friends. Lighting that iscomfortable as well as functional is required.

A. B. C. D. E.

A. At the sink and range, an individual recessed downlight, equipped with an energy-efficient compactfluorescent tube, will provide you with adequate task lighting when installed in the ceiling or in soffits overthese two busy work areas.

B. Nooks, and island counters can be lighted with decorative pendants. When used with a dimmer control,these ceiling-hung fixtures will provide you with adequate task lighting for homework, hobbies, or familybusiness and allow you to lower the light for dining or entertaining.

C. A large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes will supply plenty of well-diffusedgeneral lighting, but it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink, range, and countertops. Theseareas need supplemental task lighting. For example, two track lights over the sink will give you the illuminationyou need for washing dishes and scouring pots and pans.

D. Kitchen cabinets can be accentuated by placing low-voltage mini-lights over, under, or inside cabinets.

E. Undercabinet lighting is ideal for countertops. Mount as close to the front of the cabinets as possible toavoid glare reflecting off work surfaces. Choose energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures (they generally rangefrom 12 to 48 inches long) that cover at least two-thirds the length of the counter.

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FOYER

Foyer in a home is restricted in space, but with lighting and related design techniques, the space can besubtly transformed into a vastly more welcoming place.

Foyer lighting fixtures can create a congenial atmosphere, while providing you with the general lightingyou need to greet guests and assure safe passage into other areas of your home.

LIVING ROOM

Lighting in the living room should be as flexible as the rest of the home’s components, and it needs to be

controllable enough to satisfy a variety of needs.

a. B. C. D. E.

F.

A. Fireplaces made of brick or stone can be emphasized with recessed downlights installed in the ceiling over themantle to create an intriguing grazing effect across the surface. Wall sconces on each side of the fireplace are anattractive addition that draws attention to the fireplace area, while providing general lighting for the living room.

B. Reading requires task lighting that comes from behind the reader's shoulder. This can be accomplished byplacing a floor lamp either at the right or the left of the reading chair. The bottom of the shade should be locatedat eye level to avoid glare.

C. Paintings can be highlighted with low-voltage, tungsten-halogen picture lights. These frame-mounted lightsspread a beam of bright, white light across the face of the painting.

House plants can be accented by aiming an uplight can at the wall behind the plant, creating a dramaticsilhouette of the plant against the wall.

D. Bars can be lighted from above with recessed or track fixtures, or with miniature, low-voltage pendants thathover intimately over the bar.

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E. TV, video games, and computers require low-level general lighting that does not wash out the screen's imagenor reflect into the viewer's eyes. Miniature track lighting can be installed under shelves to provide both generaland accent lighting. Choose from accent spots, mini-lights, and compact or linear fluorescent light sources.

F. Game tables require bright, even overhead lighting. Shaded pendants equipped with either incandescent bulbsor energy-efficient compact fluorescent tubes are one solution (see illustration). Or, install two recesseddownlights over each half of the table.

DINING ROOM

Dining room lighting should be both beautiful and functional. This requires a mix of general, task, andaccent lighting that can set the mood for a number of functions, including a formal dinner, a family get-together, and other activities such as homework, hobbies, or family bookkeeping. Dimming controls willenable you to vary the light for each occasion.

a. b. c. d.

a. A buffet or sideboard can be flanked with wall sconces on either side. Choose fixtures that complementthe style of your chandelier. Displayed objects can be accented with recessed downlights installed in the

ceiling above.b. A chandelier is the focal point of the dining room. Suspended over the dining table, it serves as a

decorative style element that enhances the beauty of your fine furnishings. When the light is dimmed, asoft, glowing atmosphere similar to candlelight is created. If equipped with a downlight, the chandelierprovides task lighting for the table and accent lighting for a centerpiece.

c. A China cabinet, breakfront, hutch, or wall niche can become a showplace for your prized collectibles byinstalling strips of low-voltage mini-lights under the shelves.

d. Recessed or track lighting provides general lighting, while enabling you to highlight prized possessionsthroughout the room. A ring of four recessed downlights around the dining table supplements the lightfrom the chandelier, while providing accent lighting for your tableware. The pure white light of low-voltage fixtures with tungsten-halogen bulbs will make your crystal and silverware sparkle.

BEDROOMS

When lighting a bedroom, you will want to create an overall atmosphere of quiet relaxation, whileproviding some bright spots for reading and other activities. A combination of general and task lightingthat takes into account the age and lifestyle of the occupant(s) is needed. Remember, dimming controlsgive you the flexibility to vary the light to suit different moods and activities.

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a. b. C. D. E.

F.

a. General lighting can be provided by ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, fan lights, recessed downlights, or wall sconces,giving you the illumination you need to dress and see into drawers and closets.

b. At the dressing table, an adjustable, lighted magnifying mirror will provide ideal lighting for grooming andapplying makeup.

c. Swing-arm wall lamps on either side of the bed will provide adequate light for reading, while leaving night tablesfree for a clock-radio, books, or beverages

d. Another idea is to hang pendants next to the bed, or install recessed downlights in the ceiling over the bed.

e. Children's rooms will benefit from the use of track lights, which can be swiveled, rotated, and aimed in anydirection to shed light on play areas, hobbies, or homework. As the child grows older, the fixtures can be movedand redirected toward a stereo cabinet or sitting area.

f. For closets, a recessed or surface-mounted closet light is suggested.

BATHROOMS

In the bathroom, you need plenty of even, shadow-free lighting for shaving, grooming, and applyingmakeup. In small bathrooms, mirror lights will illuminate the entire room, but in larger bathrooms, anadditional ceiling fixture is needed for general lighting. A recessed infrared heat lamp will give you addedwarmth on chilly mornings.

Each bathroom would require a different kind of lighting depending on the structure and the accessoryplacement.

a. Vanity lights are optimally mounted at eye level, flanking the mirror(insert picture)b. Recessed downlights may help reduce glare( insert picture)

Glare- any excessively bright source of light that causes discomfort and/or aloss in visibility.

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c. Try to keep central lighting to minimum, it should be just enough to illuminate thebathroom to a visibility level. If you have a harsh or bright central lighting it will affectthe performance of the other lighting areas, moreover you will have no control over thelighting effects. It is best to avoid using a white lamp for central lighting; it's a betteridea to go in for yellow lights or even colored lights like purple or orange. Use protected

bulbs so that there is no direct light exposure. Another really cool idea would be to go infor fibre optics lighting. This is a new age technology and is gaining popularity amongthe lovers of contemporary bathroom design. Fibre optics lighting in your bathroomwould provide a starry night like appearance which is quite awe inspiring. It creates aatmosphere of tranquillity and you need to experience it to believe it.

a. B. c. D.a. For small mirrors, decorative wall brackets on each side will illuminate both sides of your face evenly. You

can also mount a wall bracket across the top of the mirror.b. Fixtures equipped with incandescent bulbs behind glass or plastic diffusers provide the most flattering

light. If you opt for more energy-efficient fluorescents, choose warm white tones They come closest to thecolor of incandescents.

c. Theatrical lighting strips around your bathroom mirror will give you the same excellent lighting the starsenjoy in their Broadway dressing rooms.

d. Tub and shower enclosures can be adequately lighted by placing an enclosed damp-location recesseddownlight in the ceiling. These downlights are also recommended over whirlpool baths or in saunas.

OUTDOOR

Outdoor lighting enhances the beauty of your property, makes your home safer and more secure, andincreases the number of pleasurable hours you spend outdoors. And it is an investment that pays off handsomely in the value it adds to your home.

a. b. c. d. E.

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F.

a. A well-lighted front entrance enables you to greet guests and identify visitors. Wall lanterns on each sideof the door will give your home a warm, welcoming look, while assuring the safety of those who enter.

b. Under a porch or other overhang, you can use recessed, chain-hung, or close-to-ceiling fixtures. Aseparate rear or side entrance can be lighted with a single wall lantern installed on the keyhole side of thedoor. To conserve energy, consider post and wall lanterns that use new compact fluorescent or high-intensity discharge light sources such as mercury vapor or high pressure sodium.

c. For the safety and security of family members using the garage at night, you can install a wall fixture onthe face of the garage. Fixtures equipped with high-pressure sodium bulbs will deliver more light per wattand last many times longer than those with incandescent bulbs. In addition, photocells are available thatwill turn fixtures on at dusk and off at dawn, reducing energy consumption and providing security whenyou're away.

d. For added security, illuminate any side of the house that would otherwise be in shadow. To conserveenergy, install a motion- or heat-sensitive control that will switch on the light only if someone approachesthat side of the house.

e. Steps, paths, and driveways should be illuminated to make sure family members and guests are able tomove about easily and safely after dark. You can install path lights or post lanterns or attach lights to theside of the house. Low-level path lights, which spread circular patterns of light, will brighten yourwalkway, while highlighting nearby flower beds, shrubs, and ground cover. These close-to-the-groundlights are available in fixtures using energy-saving low-voltage current

f. Decks, porches, and patios can be converted into romantic evening retreats by concealing low-voltagemini-lights under steps, railing, or benches.