General Lighting Questions:
How do
I install my new light fixture or ceiling fan?
Lights
and ceiling fans come with detailed installation instructions. If you feel that
you do not have enough electrical wiring knowledge or experience consult a
licensed electrician.
How do
I determine the right size for my chandelier?
A
chandelier should be approx. half the width of your dining table and approx.
30" above the tabletop. Ceilings higher than 8', raise the height of the
fixture about 3" for every additional foot in height.
What
size chandelier should I get for my foyer?
For
an approx. diameter, add the length and width of the room. Example: for a 10' x
12' room, you would add 10 + 12 = 22 for a diameter of 22"
How
high should my stair lights be installed?
Stair lights
are recommended to be positioned 350mm (14 inches) above ever third stair.
What
spacing should I use for wall sconces?
Install
sconces approx. 60" from the floor and 8' to 10' apart.
How do
I determine the amount of light I need for a certain size room?
Multiply
the square footage of the room by 1.5 to determine the approx. wattage
necessary. Example: for a 10' x 12' room, you would multiply 10' x 12' = 120 sq.
ft. x 1.5 = 180 watts approx.
How
much light do I need for my kitchen island work area?
Multiply
the square footage of the island by 2.5 to determine the approx. wattage
necessary. Example: for a 4' x 6' island, you would multiply 4' x 6' = 24 sq.
ft. x 2.5 = 60 watts approx.
How do
I make a room look bigger than it really is?
Using
mirrors to bounce light from fixtures and windows will give the room an
appearance of being bigger than it really is.
Why
does my makeup looks different outdoors?
Bathroom
and vanity lighting does not match the look of daylight. Suggestion, try
replacing the bulbs with a combination of fluorescent and incandescent for a
more natural light.
At
what height should my swing arm lamp be installed?
Install
swing arm lamps so the bottom of the shade is eye level.
Ceiling Fan Questions:
What
height from the floor should my ceiling fan be for an 8' ceiling?
The
blades of the fan should be no closer than 7' from the floor for both safety and
best air movement.
What
if my ceiling is lower than 8'?
Ceiling
snugger models are available, but the blade height should be no closer than 7'
from the floor for both safety and best air movement.
What
about ceilings over 8' in height?
For
ceilings over 8' in height, a down rod should be used in order to bring the fan
to within 8' or 9' from the floor. The higher the fan is, the less air movement
near the floor.
Landscape Lighting Information:
Low
voltage / Line voltage systems
Low
voltage systems are easy to install. Low voltage cable does not need to run
through conduit, it can be installed in a shallow trench or run on the surface.
With the use of low voltage cabling the risk of electrical shock is eliminated.
Line voltage systems are more complicated. The installation should be done by a qualified electrician.
How do
I determine the correct size for my low voltage lighting transformer?
The
size of the transformer is determined by the quantity and wattage of the lights
used. Example: 12 lights at 24.4 watts would give you a total wattage of 292.8
which would require a 300 watt transformer. Do Not exceed the maximum wattage
capacity of the transformer.
How do
I minimize voltage drop?
Minimize
the distance between the transformer and the first light fixture; the shorter
the overall run, the less voltage drop will occur. Using a heavier gauge cable
on a longer run will also help reduce voltage drop. A higher rated transformer
could also be used.
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Why High Performance Lighting?