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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-Style Bulbs: The type of incandescent lamp that is generally used in most indoor residential lighting applications. (more details) Absorption Filter: A filter that transmits selected wavelengths of visible light. The wavelengths that are filtered out are absorbed and converted to heat, which raises the temperature of the filter. Accent Lighting: Lighting that is used to accent or highlight a particular object, such as a work of art, or to draw attention to a part of the field of view. To be effective accent lighting should be approximately four or five times the level of ambient light in the area. For example, houseplants can be accented by aiming an uplight at the wall behind the plant, creating a dramatic silhouette of the plant against the wall. Admedium: A european style lamp base with a size approximately half way between a medium and a mogul screw base. Alto: A line of reduced mercury lamps produced by Philips Lighting. These lamps pass the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCPL) and are considered non-hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and thus are exempt from the Universal Waste Ruling (UWR). This means that lamps that are TCLP compliant can be recycled (always the preferred method) or they can be disposed of conventionally. Ambient Lighting: General lighting that usually lights up an entire space. An example of ambient lighting would be the fluorescent lighting in ceiling fixtures commonly found in most offices. Anode: A positive electrode. ANSI: The American National Standards Institute. An independent association that establishes standards to promote consistency and interchangeability among manufacturers. This organization was formerly known as the United States of America Standards Institute (USASI or ASI) and previously as the American Standards Association (ASA). ANSI Codes: These are 3-letter codes assigned by the American National Standards Institute. They provide a system of assuring mechanical and electrical interchangeability among similarly coded lamps from various manufacturers. These codes are most commonly used in designating projection lamps. Application: This indicates the original primary purpose of the lamp. However, lamps can be, and often are, used in other types of equipment where their design features meet the requirements of the application. Arc Light: A style of lamp which produces visible light with an intense luminous discharge formed by the passage of electric current across a space between electrodes. Arcing Of Output Leads: The generation of an electrical arc between the output leads of a ballast. This may deactivate conventional electronic ballasts. Atmosphere: This designates the type of gas or vacuum the filament operates within. Gas filled lamps are more efficient than vacuum lamps. Average Rated Life: The median time it takes for a lamp to burn out. For example, a 60-watt bulb can be expected, on average, to burn for 1,000 hours. This estimate is based upon continuous testing of lamps in laboratories. The 1,000 hour rating is the point in time when 50% of the test samples have burned out and 50% are still burning. Unless otherwise noted, Fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent average rated life assumes three hours average operating time per start. Unless otherwise noted, HID average rated life assumes ten hours average operating time per start.
Back Plate: A covering, usually metal, used to conceal the junction box and wiring on wall braces. Backlight: A luminaire may be used to light an object from the rear to help separation from backings and to increase a three-dimensional effect. Baffle: An opaque shield of metal, wood, or plastic used to shield the view of the light source. Ballast: An electrical device that converts line voltage electricity to proper volts and milliamps to excite gases in fluorescent or HID lamps, but then limits the current during operation. Additional functions may be incorporated into the basic unit such as starting circuits and dimming controls. Some lamps require their ballasts to have thermal protection. Ballast Efficacy Factor (BEF): A value used to evaluate various lighting systems based upon light output and power input. The mathematical formula for Ballast Efficacy Factor equals Ballast Factor (percent value) divided by ballast Input Power (watts). Ballast Factor (BF): A measure of light output from a lamp that is being operated by a commercial ballast, as compared to a laboratory standard reference ballast. A Ballast factor of .90 means the ballast produces 90% of light produced by an ANSI C82.2 reference ballast operating the same lamps. Ballast Hum: The sound generated by the vibration of laminations in the electromagnetic field that transforms the current for discharge lamp use. Because electronic ballasts do not utilize large laminated coils, they operate with lower sound levels as compared to core & coil ballasts. Ballast Loss: The power which is supplied to a ballast, but is not converted into lamp energy. Ballast loss is dissipated as heat. Barn Door: Opaque panels (usually four, but sometimes two) that are used in certain light fixtures to screen light from, or focus light on a specific area. Base: The portion of the lamp that provides a means of physically connecting the lamp to a socket or lamp holder. Bayonet base: A lamp base with two prongs (called bayonets) on the rim. Beam: The unidirectional flow of total light output from a source, usually a luminaire (light fixture). Beam Spread: A term used to describe reflector type lamps. Beam spread is measured in degrees (horizontal or vertical) to where the intensity of the light falls to 50% of the maximum candlepower value. The beam spread may be narrow (narrow spot), wide (wide flood), or something in-between (narrow flood). Bi-Post Base: A lamp base with two long metal contacts. Blackbody: A theoretical ideal material which completely absorbs any heat or light radiation falling upon it. Used as a baseline measurement to determine the color temperature of discharge lamps (warm white, cool white, etc.). Blackening: The ‘boil-off’ of the tungsten from the lamp filament that adheres to the inside of a tungsten-standard bulb. This results in decreased light output of a lamp over time. Blended-Light Lamp: A lamp containing both a high-pressure mercury vapor discharge tube and an incandescent lamp filament connected in series. The bulb may be diffusing or coated with a fluorescent material. Bounce Lighting: The directing of light onto a large diffuse surface to produce a soft reflected light. Brightness: An attribute of vision in which an area appears to emit more or less light. Bulb: An older term describing the bulbous glass envelope of an electric lamp. Bulb Material: The type of glass or quartz used in the envelope surrounding the light source. The material can also have coatings applied to achieve particular performances. Burn In Test: A test designed to simulate conditions a product would encounter in actual operation. Burn Position: A term used to describe the angle in which a lamp is designed to operate. The burn position is usually indicated somewhere in the ordering code. If no special burn position is noted, the burn position is universal.
U = Universal burning position
HBU = Horizontal -15° to Base Up
HBD = Horizontal +15° to Base Down
HOR = Horizontal ±15°
H45 = Horizontal to -45° only
VBU = Vertical Base Up ±15° VBD = Vertical Base Down ±15°
Canadian Standards Association (CSA): An organization that writes standards and tests lighting equipment for performance as well as electrical and fire safety. Canadian provincial laws generally require that all products sold for consumer use in Canada have CSA or equivalent approval. Candela: The international unit of light intensity. The term has been retained from the early days of lighting when a standard candle of a fixed size and composition was used as a basis for evaluating the intensity of other light sources. Candelabra Base: A smaller base on light bulbs, used especially in chandeliers. Candlepower: A term used to measure light intensity in a certain direction, but has been replaced by the candela. Capacitor: An electric circuit element used to store a variable charge temporarily and then release it at a constant rate of flow. Capacitors consist in general of two metallic plates separated and insulated from each other by a dielectric. In lighting applications a capacitor is generally used in HID ballasts that are connected directly to line voltage. The capacitor changes line voltage from AC (Alternating Current) to DC (Direct Current), which is needed for the ballast to operate properly. Case Quantity: The number of product units packed in a master case. Cathode: A negative electrode. Chaser Lights: A linear string of lamps wired and controlled so that the lights appear to be following in sequence. Chassis: The reflecting enclosure housing the ballast and sockets in a fluorescent fixture. Certified Ballast Manufacturers (CBM): An association whose membership indicates that products have been tested by ETL (Intertek Testing Services) to meet ANSI specifications. Chromaticity: A measure used to identify the color of a light source that includes consideration of its dominant wavelength (Color Temperature) and purity (CRI). Circuit Breaker: An electrical switch positioned in the circuit. The function of the circuit breaker is to automatically break the flow of current under abnormal conditions, such as a short. Clear: A lamp with no internal or external coating on the glass portion of the bulb. Coated: A lamp with an internal or external coating on the glass portion of the bulb. Different coatings can be used to create soft-white or colored light output. Coil: The windings of copper or aluminum wire surrounding the steel core in ballasts. Cold Start Lamp (Instant Start): A discharge lamp designed to start without preheating of the electrodes. Color: A sensation of light induced in the eye by electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency. A specific color, such as red, yellow, blue, etc., is determined by the frequency of the wavelength. Color Rendering Index (CRI): A term used to describe the extent to which a light source is able to render the true color of objects. The maximum of 100 on the CRI scale is represented by sunlight at mid-day. CRI is a more important consideration for retail lighting design than it is for general office lighting. In terms of electrical lighting, a grade of 82 to 86 CRI is considered high quality color rendering. CRI ratings of various lamps may be compared, but a numerical comparison is only valid if the lamps are also rated for the same chromaticity. CRI differences among lamps are not usually significant (visible to the eye) unless the difference is more than three to five points. Color Temperature: A term used to describe the ‘whiteness’ of a lamp’s light output. Color temperature relies on the concept of the black body, a theoretical object that absorbs all of the energy that contacts it. Heating a black body to a high enough temperature would cause it to emit visible light. Color temperature would be a measure in degrees Kelvin of how hot a black body would have to be heated to emit visible light that would match the color of a particular light source. For example, a light source that is rated at 4100K (Kelvin) would match the visible light given off by a black body heated to 4100° Kelvin (9620° F). The measure of color temperature is used to describe the apparent ‘warmth’ (reddishness) or ‘coolness’ (bluishness) of that light source. Generally, light sources below 3200K are considered ‘warm’ light sources, while those above 4000K are considered ‘cool’ light sources. Typical color temperatures are 2800K (incandescent), 3000K (halogen), 3200K (warm white fluorescent), 4100K (cool white fluorescent), 5000K (neutral white fluorescent) and 6000K+ (daylight fluorescent). Although it may not seem sensible, a higher temperature color (K) describes a visually cooler, bluer light source. Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL): A generic name used for a whole family of fluorescent lamps with smaller diameter glass tubes that are folded, bridged, or in a spiral design. Compared to regular incandescent lamps CFL’s have a higher color rendering index, use approximately 2/3 to 4/5 less electricity, give a comparable light output and last significantly longer. Some CFL’s have built in ballasts and medium screw bases for easy replacement. Conformal Coating: A material which surrounds and adheres to components and protects them from heat and moisture. Cool White: See Color Temperature. Core: A component of an electromagnetic ballast that is surrounded by the coil. The core is comprised of steel laminations or solid ferrite material. Core & Coil Ballast: A term used to describe HID ballasts with no external housing or covering. Crest Factor: The ratio of peak lamp current to RMS or average lamp operating current. Current: A flow of electric charge. The amount of electric charge flowing past a specified circuit point per unit of time. Current Type (AC/DC): This term describes whether the operational voltage being applied is based on Alternating Current or Direct Current.
Daylight: See Color Temperature. Design Lumens: See Mean Lumens. Dielectric: A substance or medium in a capacitor that transmits electric force by induction. Diffuser: A translucent glass or plastic that shields the light source and spreads the light evenly in all directions. Dimmable: The ability to adjust light output intensity through the use of a switch or other control, usually accomplished by controlling the amount of electricity passed to the lamp. Directional Lighting: A system in which the work plane or an object is illuminated predominately from a preferred direction. Discharge Lamps: Rather than using a filament like incandescent lamps, discharge lamps produce light by passing electricity, through a gas, across two electrodes enclosed in a quartz envelope. Distance Between Legs: For U-shaped Fluorescent lamps, this measurement is the average distance between the inner walls of the legs. DOT Type: The U.S. Department of Transportation lamp number stamped in the glass lens or on the base of headlamps. Downlight: This refers to a hidden light source that directs the light downward towards the surface immediately below the product. This type of lighting can be used in both practical and dramatic lighting applications.
Efficacy: This is the efficiency of a light source in converting the electrical input power to light and is expressed in 'lumens per watt'. A 100-watt light source producing 1750 lumens of light has an efficacy of 17.5 lumens per watt. Egg-Crate: A term used to describe a particular type of lens used in fluorescent fixtures. An Egg-Crate style lens consists of a variable number of squares that limit the spread of light so as to be concentrated in an area directly below the fixture. Electrical Testing Laboratory (ETL): An independent electrical testing laboratory that performs ballast tests and certifies the accuracy of performance data. Electrode: These are metal filaments that collect or emit electric charge in a fluorescent lamp. The negatively charged free electrons emitted by the cathode are attracted to the positive electrode, the anode, creating an electric current and arc. The resulting flow of electricity from one end of the fluorescent lamp to the other excites gases in the lamp which give off ultra-violet light that is turned into visible light when viewed through the phosphors that coat the inside of the lamp. Electroluminescence - The production of light by the flow of electrons, as within certain crystals. Electroluminescence is one of the few instances in which a direct conversion of electric energy into visible light takes place without the generation of heat. Electromagnetic Ballast: A type of ballast that controls initial starting and operational current levels through magnetic induction at a frequency range of approximately 60Hz. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): This is electrical interference or noise generated by electrical and electronic devices. Levels generated by high frequency electronic devices are subject to regulation by Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Electromagnetic Spectrum: A continuum of electric and magnetic radiation that can be characterized by wavelength or frequency. Visible light encompasses a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum in the region from about 380 nanometers (violet) to 770 nanometers (red) by wavelength. Electronic Ballast: Electronic ballasts use solid state electronic components and typically operate fluorescent lamps at frequencies in the range of 25-35 kHz. The benefits are increased lamp efficacy, reduced ballast losses, and lighter, smaller ballasts compared to electromagnetic ballasts. Elliptical Reflector (ER) Lamp: An incandescent lamp with an elliptically-shaped reflector. This shape produces a focal point directly in front of the lamp which reduces light absorption in some types of luminaries. It is particularly effective at increasing efficiency of baffled downlights. Emergency Lighting: This type lighting is used when normal lighting fails. Typical emergency lighting is battery operated and will become active only when normal power goes out. Energy Policy Act (EPACT): The comprehensive energy legislation passed by the U.S. Congress in 1992. The lighting portion includes lamp labeling and minimum energy efficacy (lumens/watts) requirements for many commonly used incandescent and fluorescent lamp types. Similar legislation is being considered in other parts of the world. EPACT Indicator: The labeling used to indicate that particular lamps are federally regulated for energy efficiency.
F-Can Ballast: A particular style of HID ballast. Unlike the Core & Coil ballast the F-Can ballast is enclosed in a waterproof housing for use in non-weatherproof locations. FCC: The Federal Communications Commission, a federal agency charged with regulating emissions in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. FCC regulations are legally enforceable U.S. government standards for EMI and RFI that must be met by high frequency electronic devices used in the U.S. for Class A (industrial) and Class B (residential) applications. For example, a regulation entitled, ‘Part 18’ deals with electromagnetic interference (EMI) from all lighting devices operation at frequencies higher than 9 kilohertz (kHz). Typical electronically ballasted fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps operate in the range of 24-100 kHz. Filament: A tungsten wire that incandesces or lights up when an electric current runs through it. Filament Designation: Filaments are designated by a letter combination in which C is a coiled wire filament, CC is a coiled wire that is itself wound into a larger coil, and SR is a straight ribbon filament. Numbers represent the type of filament-support arrangement. Finial: The finished ornament at the top of a lamp or, in the case of a cover hanging from the ceiling, at the bottom of the fixture. Fixture: A generic term for a lighting device or luminaire, as distinguished from a portable lamp in that it is permanently wired in to the building wiring system. The terms fixture and luminaire are used interchangeably. Fixture Type Designation: A letter code used to indicate fixture requirements for HID lamps. Lamps burned in any other orientation must be used in enclosed fixtures only.
O = Open or Enclosed Fixtures Flame Tip Lamps: Chandelier bulbs that simulate the shape of a candle flame. Flange: The overlapping metal portion of a recessed luminaire at the ceiling line. It serves to cover the ceiling opening around the luminaires. Flood: A reflector style lamp with a wide distribution of light output. See also Beam Spread. Fluorescence: The ability of some materials to convert ultraviolet energy into visible light. Fluorescent Lamp: A high efficiency lamp using an electric discharge through low-pressure mercury vapor to produce ultra-violet (UV) energy. The UV excites phosphor materials applied as a thin layer on the inside of a glass tube making up the structure of the lamp. The phosphors transform the UV to visible light. General advantages of fluorescent lighting are lower energy costs (uses 20- 33% of the energy of standard incandescent lamps with comparable lumens), low fixture and lamp cost, and longer lamp life. Fluorescent lamps come in varying colors, diameters, lengths, and wattages, and are made for various starting and ballasting systems. Footcandle: An older unit of measure used to describe illumination measured in 'lumens per square foot'. Frosted: A term used to describe the diffuse coating inside some incandescent lamps. This diffuse coating softens the appearance of the visible light. Fuse: A protective device for electrical circuits; originally a piece of special wire but nowadays nearly always a metal link contained in a ceramic cartridge. The fuse will only allow a rated amount of current to pass through it. During abnormal electrical conditions where too much current is present the fuse will ‘blow’ creating an ‘open’ condition that protects the electrical circuitry after it from being damaged.
Gallium Arsenide - A dark-gray crystalline compound, GaAs, used in transistors, solar cells, and semiconducting lasers. Gelatin (Gel): A thin sheet of collagen that has been dyed. Gels can be used with certain approved lighting products to achieve various colored lighting results without changing out the light source (used primarily in theatrical applications). General Lighting: The uniform lighting of a space without providing for special local lighting requirements like task lighting or accent lighting. Germicidal Lamps: A special application lamp used in non-populated, shielded or enclosed food processing areas. These lamps use ultra-violet light to kill germs, especially pathogenic microorganisms. CAUTION! These lamps are not meant to be used around people and their output can cause blindness. Glare: Direct glare is caused by light coming directly to the eye from a light source. Indirect glare is light reflected from a surface in the direction of the eye. Both can harm vision and cause visual discomfort or disability. Globe: A particular lamp shape. A spherical or bowl shaped glass cover for a light bulb.
H: The lighting manufacturers' code for mercury vapor lamps. Halogen Lamps: A category of Tungsten-Halogen lamps. These are high-pressure incandescent lamps containing halogen gases such as iodine, chlorine, bromine, and fluorine inside a thick glass or quartz envelope. This configuration allows these lamps to burn hotter, brighter and more efficiently than standard incandescent lamps. A higher temperature chemical reaction involving tungsten and the halogen gas recycles evaporated particles of tungsten back onto the filament surface thus resulting in longer life cycles than regular incandescent lamps. Advantages of tungsten-halogen lamps include a better color, more lumens per watt, whiter light and longer life than a normal incandescent lamp. Halogen-IR (HIR) Lamps: A form of high-efficiency tungsten-halogen lamps. HIR lamps use shaped filament tubes coated with numerous layers of materials, which selectively reflect and transmit infrared energy and light. Reflecting the infrared back onto the filament reduces the power needed to keep the filament hot. Harmonic Distortion: This refers to the distortion of an AC waveform caused by multiples of the fundamental frequency (harmonics). Odd triplet harmonics (thirds, ninths, etc.) may result in large currents on the neutral line in a four-wire Wye three-phase system. Harp: The metal frame that holds the shade over the base of the lamp. Heat Lamps: A high-power incandescent lamp that emits infrared radiation; used primarily in restaurant applications for heating and keeping cooked food warm. High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps: A general term for mercury vapor, metal halide, multi-vapor, lucalox, high-pressure and low-pressure sodium lamps. HID lamps contain compact arc tubes enclosing various gases and metal salts and operate at relatively high pressures and temperatures. HID lamps have a longer life and provide more light (lumens per watt) than most other light sources. Light output among the various HID types varies greatly with regard to color temperature and color rendering capabilities. All are mainly used for commercial, industrial and exterior lighting. High Output Lamps: A type of specialty fluorescent lamps distinguished in appearance by their recessed double contacts. High output lamps use more power and produce more light than normal fluorescent lamps. They are used primarily in applications where increased light output is critical and lamp space is limited. High Power Factor Ballast: A ballast whose power factor is greater than 90%. See also Ballast Factor. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Lamps: These are high intensity discharge light sources, which produce light by an electrical discharge through sodium vapor operating at relatively high pressures and temperatures. Hot Re-strike Lamps: A specialty HID lamp designed to go from an off condition to 90% light output in a quick fashion. These lamps are generally used in areas where ‘power dips’ may be a problem and where ‘up time’ in production or shipping is critical to business operation. Hue: The quality by which one color is distinguished from another as a result of their wavelengths. It does not take into account the brightness or intensity of the color.
IC Luminaires: A special recessed housing designed for direct contact with insulation. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers): The organization of engineers that establishes standards for the electrical and electronics industries. Illuminance: The density of light (lumens per area) on a surface. Illuminance is measured in footcandles or lux. Incandescence: The emission of light by raising a material to a high temperature; a reference to the glow from a filament lamp. Incandescent Light Bulb: A light bulb which generates light using a thin filament wire (usually tungsten) heated to white heat by an electric current passing through it. Incandescent lamps come in many sizes, wattages and shapes, in clear, frosted, white or color coated bulbs, and are available in many special types for particular applications. (more details) Indirect Light: The type of light that is reflected from a surface before it falls on a subject. Induction: The charging of an isolated conducting object by momentarily grounding it while a charged body is nearby. Infrared Radiation: The electromagnetic energy radiated in the wavelength range of about 770 to 1106 nanometers. Energy in this range cannot be seen by the human eye, but can be sensed as heat by the skin. Initial Lumens: The lumen output of a fluorescent lamp after it has been operating 100 hours. Input Voltage: The voltage provided to a ballast by a power line or power supply. Inside Frosted: See Frosted. Instant Start: A type of fluorescent lamp-ballast circuit designed to start fluorescent lamps as soon as high voltage input is applied with no preheating of lamp filaments. Slimline fluorescent lamps operate only on instant start circuits. Insulation: A non-conducting material (rubber, neoprene, etc.) used to cover current-carrying wire. Intermediate Base: A lamp base size lying in-between medium and candelabra. Internal Reflector: An integral reflector formed on the inner rear surface of the envelope of a lamp and is usually parabolic or elliptic in shape. Iridescent: Producing a display of lustrous, rainbow like colors which vary when seen in different lights or from different angles.
Kelvin: The international standard unit of thermodynamic temperature. Kilowatt Hour (kwh): The standard measure of electrical energy and the typical billing unit used by electrical utilities for electricity. A 100-watt lamp operated for 10 hours consumes 1000 watt-hours (100*10) or 1 kilowatt-hour. If the utility charges $.10/kWh, then the electricity cost for the 10 hours of operation would then be 10 cents (1*$.10). Krypton: A colorless element that is one of the six inert gases; occurring in air to the extent of about one volume in a million. This gas is used in Krypton type incandescent lamps for the resulting longer life. Krypton Lamp: An incandescent lamp using Krypton gas as the environment for the filament instead of either a vacuum or another type of gas.
Laminations: Layers of steel, making up the ‘core’ that is surrounded by the coils in a core & coil ballast. Lamp: The term used to refer to the complete light source package including the inner parts as well as the outer bulb or tube. A purpose of the lamp is to convert electric energy into light. Some types of lamps include incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide and high-pressure sodium. A lamp is sometimes called a ‘light bulb’ or simply a ‘bulb’. Lamp Flicker: A rapid strobe-like effect occurring in many fluorescent lamps. It is virtually unrecognizable in lamps operated by electronic ballasts due to their high frequency operation. However, due to individual senses, this can be a source of headaches in some people. Lamp Strikes: The number of times a lamp has been illuminated. Once a lamp is ‘switched on’, whether it is illuminated continuously for one second or one day, it counts as one strike. Lampholder: A unit that accepts the base of a lamp. See also Socket. Lead-Lag Slimline Ballasts: Ballasts that operate single-pin slimline fluorescent lamps independently of one another. Lens: A ground or molded piece of glass, plastic or other transparent material used in a luminaire to protect lamps and disperse light over a general area. Life: This usually refers to the manufacturer's rated life in hours of a lamp at its normal voltage and is based on the average life of a number of lamps which have been tested. See Average Rated Life. Light: A radiant energy which can be sensed or seen by the human eye. Visible light is measured in lumens. Light Source: An emitter of light (sun, sky, lamp, arc, etc.). Line Voltage: A term used to describe the voltage being directed from power lines to a particular facility, building or home. Line voltage is usually 120 volts in residences and most businesses, but other common commercial and industrial voltages include 277 and 480 volts. Linear Filament: A filament that extends the length of the bulb. Long Neck: A term used in conjunction with parabolic reflector (PAR) lamps to indicate whether the neck on the lamps is a short or long design. The difference in neck styles enables end-users to find a lamp best suited for their fixture. Louver: A type of ‘screen’ made of translucent or opaque material and geometrically designed to prevent lamps from being viewed directly within a given angle. When fitted in front of a luminaire a louver may also be adjustable at various angles to provide dimming without color change. See also Egg Crate. Low Voltage: Low Voltage refers to anything under 50 volts, generally 12 volts in residential lighting, but sometimes 24 volts. Low voltage lighting provides roughly three times the light output per watt over line voltage products with very low maintenance, but high initial material costs. Low-Pressure Sodium Lamps: Also known as SOX lamps, low-pressure sodium lamps are the most efficient light source available, meaning it delivers more lumens for each watt of power than any other type of lamp. These lamps are generally employed in street lighting applications where it is most important to maintain acceptable light levels with low energy consumption costs for the thousands of miles of roads that must be lit. Because low-pressure sodium light is comprised only of deep yellow wavelengths there is no colour rendering possible. While this does not cause a problem on main roads, it totally precludes the use of this light source for interior lighting or in any place where colour rendering is required. Lumen: The international unit for an amount of light energy within a specific area. The proper definition is the amount of light which falls on one square meter of a surface at a constant distance of one meter from a source of one candela. For example, a dinner candle provides about 12 lumens; a 60-watt incandescent bulb provides approximately 800 lumens. Lumen Depreciation: The decrease in lumen output of a light source over time; every lamp type has a unique lumen depreciation curve (sometimes called lumen maintenance curve) depicting the pattern of decreasing light output. Lumen Maintenance: A measure of how well a lamp maintains its light output as it ages. Lumen maintenance is usually provided as a curve. Lumens Per Watt (LPW): A measure of the efficiency, or, more properly, ‘efficacy’ of a light source. Efficacy is easily calculated by taking the lumen output of a lamp and dividing by the lamp watts. For example, a lamp consuming 100-watt of electricity and producing 1750 lumens has an efficacy of 17.5 lumens per watt. Luminaire: A general term for a complete lighting unit including the housings, reflectors, lenses, lamps, ballasts, etc. The designed purpose of the luminaire is to connect to the power supply, position and protect the lamps and finally to distribute light. Common terms include light, lantern, fixture, unit, instrument and fitting. See also Fixture. Luminaire Efficiency: The ratio of total lumens emitted by a luminaire to those emitted by the lamp or lamps used. Luminance: Luminance has a rather complicated mathematical definition involving the intensity and direction of light. It should be expressed in candelas per square inch or candelas per square meter. Luminance is a measurable quantity where as brightness is a subjective sensation. Luminous Efficacy: The light output of a light source divided by the total power input to that source. It is expressed in lumens per watt. See also Lumens Per Watt. Lux (LX): The international standard unit of illuminance. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter. See also Footcandle.
Magnetic Ballast: Another name for electromagnetic ballast. These types of ballasts control initial starting and operational current levels through magnetic induction at a frequency range of approximately 60Hz. Maximum Overall Length (MOL): The end-to-end measurement of a lamp expressed in inches or millimeters. Since the listed lengths include maximum tolerances, actual lamps are generally slightly shorter. Mean Lumens: Also known as ‘Design Lumens’, it refers to the average light output of a lamp over its rated life. Since light output tends to depreciate with age, rated mean lumens are generally lower than rated initial lumens. For fluorescent and metal halide lamps, mean lumen ratings are measured at 40% of rated lamp life. For mercury, high-pressure sodium and incandescent lamps, mean lumen ratings are measured at 50% of rated lamp life. Medium Base: A lamp base equivalent in size to a standard household incandescent bulb. Mercury Vapor Lamp: A high intensity discharge lamp in which the light is produced by high temperature and high-pressure radiation from mercury gases. Some lamp types may also use phosphor coatings. See also High Intensity Discharge Lamps. Metal Halide Lamps: A high intensity discharge lamp in which the light is produced by high temperature and high-pressure radiation from various gases. These lamps offer much higher efficiency than mercury vapor lamps and better light quality than either mercury or sodium lamps. See also High Intensity Discharge Lamps. Mirror Ball: Also known as a Disco Ball, this is a motor driven ball with its surface covered in small mirrors. When rotated, with spotlights shining to it, it produces moving points of light. Mogul Base: A lamp base standard on high intensity discharge lamps roughly twice the circumference of a medium base standard household bulb. Monochromatic: Seeing in gradations of one particular color only. MR16 Lamp: Also known as multi-mirror and projection lamps, the MR16 lamps are halogen-type lamps in an integral multi-faceted reflector. They provide exceptional beam control. Because of the highly efficient dichroic reflector and the halogen performance characteristics, the MR16 lamps can provide more lumens per watt than standard incandescent. They come in a variety of wattages and beam spreads. Multi-Tap Ballast: An electrical device that converts line voltage electricity to proper volts and milliamps to excite gases in an HID lamp, but then limits the current during operation. The term multi-tap derives from the ability of the ballast to run on any of the standard industrial voltages of 120, 208, 240 and 277 volts. Newer multi-tap ballasts are also capable of handling 480 volt for a total of five line voltage inputs to choose from. Only properly trained personnel who have read the product documentation should attempt installation to ensure proper wiring for the different voltages. See also Core & Coil Ballast and F-Can Ballast.
Nanometer: A unit of metric measurement equal to one billionth of a meter, which is used to measure light wavelengths. Narrow Flood: See Beam Spread. Narrow Spot: See Beam Spread. National Stock Number (NSN): The standardized part number used by the U.S. Government for procurement. Neutral White: A term used to describe a lamp with a color temperature of 5000K. See also Color Temperature. Nit: The unit of luminance, which is one candela per square meter of surface radiation. It is therefore the measure of the brightness of a surface.
Opaque: The absorbance of electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths, generally refers to the fact that light is not transmitted. Open-Faced Luminaire: A term to describe luminaries with no lens system. See also Lens and Luminaire. Operating Position: Mercury and High Pressure Sodium lamps may be operated in any burn position and will still maintain their rated performance specifications. Metal Halide and Low Pressure Sodium lamps, however, are optimized for performance in specific burn positions, or may be restricted to certain burn positions for safety reasons. See Burn Position. Order Code: This term refers to the stock number used by clients to order products from State Line Lighting. Oxidization: An electrochemical ‘welding’ of two different metals.
PAR Lamp: PAR is an acronym for a parabolic aluminized reflector. A PAR lamp, which may use either an incandescent filament, a tungsten-halogen filament, or HID arc tube is a precision pressed-glass reflector lamp. PAR lamps rely on both the internal reflector and prisms in the lens for the control of the light beam. Parabolic: A mirror shaped like a parabola that directs a beam in parallel rays. Parabolic Louver: A device composed of cells constructed in a parabolic shape with a specular finish. This shape provides better light control, thus reducing glare and light pollution. Parallel Lamp Operation: This refers to a ballast that employs multiple-output current paths to allow lamps to operate independently of one another. This allows other lamps operated by the ballast to remain lit should companion lamps fail. Patch: A term describing the connections made on low voltage control or power systems. Patch panel: A system rather like an old telephone operator's interconnection system (switchboard) to connect low voltage circuits or high voltage circuits. Pendant: A type of lighting fixture equipped with shades or globes to avoid glare. They are suspended from the ceiling over dinette tables, game tables, kitchen counters, or other work areas. When used over end tables or night tables, they free up the space occupied by table lamps. In general, pendants should be hung about 36” above the tabletop and be about 12" narrower that the table on all sides. Pendants lighting can provide both task and general lighting. Phosphor: An inorganic chemical compound processed into a powder and deposited on the inner glass surface of fluorescent tubes and some mercury and metal-halide lamp bulbs. Phosphors are designed to absorb short wavelength ultraviolet radiation and to transform and emit it as visible light. Photo Controls: These are electrical devices used to automatically switch outdoor lighting fixtures on and off according to natural light levels. Pitting: The forming of tiny holes on the surface of a base or socket. PL Lamp: A nickname for a twin tube fluorescent lamp coined by Philips Lighting. Plug: The male end of a connector. Potting: Material used to completely surround and cover components of electromagnetic and electronic ballasts. Potting compound fulfills functions of protecting components, dampening sound, and dissipating heat. Power: A unit of electrical measure computed as watts. Amps (current) multiplied by Volts (electric potential) = Watts (power). Power Factor (PF): A measure of the phase difference between voltage and current on alternating current circuits. Power factors can range from 0 to 1.0 with 1.0 being ideal. Power factor is sometimes expressed as a percent. A high power factor means that an electrical system or device is utilizing power efficiently. Incandescent lamps always have power factors close to 1.0 because they are simple "resistive" loads. The power factor of a discharge lamp system is determined by the ballast used. "High" power factor usually means a rating of 0.9 or greater. The power factor of "core and coil" electromagnetic ballasts may be as low as 0.5-0.6. See Ballast Factor. Pre-Conditioner: Refers to circuitry employed in Advance Mark V and Mark VII electronic ballast designs that provides power factor correction, low line current harmonics, ‘soft’ lamp start and the ability to operate lamps over a wide input voltage range. Pre-Heat Circuit: A type of fluorescent lamp-ballast circuit used with the first commercial fluorescent lamp products. A push button or automatic switch is used to preheat the lamp cathodes to a glow state. Starting the lamp can then be accomplished using simple ‘choke’ or reactor ballasts. Preheat Lamp: A fluorescent lamp in which the filament must be heated by use of a starter before the arc is created. Primary Colors: The primary additive colors are red, green and blue. The primary subtractive colors are cyan, magenta and yellow.
Quartz: See Halogen Lamps. Quick Re-Strike Lamp: See Hot Re-Strike Lamp.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): Electromagnetic radiation which is emitted by electrical circuits carrying rapidly changing signals, as a by-product of their normal operation, and which causes unwanted signals (interference or noise) to be induced in other circuits. RFI should be a consideration when selecting a ballast that will be used in proximity to radio telemetry equipment, including radios, TV's, cellular phones, portable phones, medical devices, etc. Rapid Start: A fluorescent system that does not require starters and takes one to two seconds to emit light. Rapid Start Circuit: A fluorescent lamp-ballast circuit which uses continuous cathode heating, while the system is energized, to start and maintain lamp light output at efficient levels. Rapid start ballasts may be either electromagnetic, electronic or of hybrid designs. Full-range fluorescent lamp dimming is only possible with rapid start systems. Rated Life: The ‘rated life’ of a lamp signifies the time at which 50% of a large quantity of these lamps will have burned out. That means that 50% of these lamps will burn out BEFORE the ‘rated life’ and 50% will burn out AFTER the ‘rated life’. The ‘rated life’ does NOT mean that every one of the lamps will last at least that long. See also Average Rated Life. Receptacle: The female end of a connector. Recessed Double Contact: A contact style used on high output and very high output fluorescent lamps distinguished by the black, oval shaped casing. Recessed Downlight: Also referred to as recessed can, this is a small light fixture recessed into the ceiling so that it can concentrate light in a downward direction. Reflectance: Also known as the reflection factor, this term refers to the ratio of the reflected light to the incident light falling on a surface and is measured in lumens. Reflector Lamp: An incandescent, compact fluorescent or HID lamp with a built in reflecting surface. Incandescent and HID versions are made from a single piece of blow-molded soft or hard glass. CFL versions may be one piece or may be designed so that the inner lamp can be replaced. Refraction: The change of direction that a ray of light undergoes when passing obliquely from one medium to another in which the velocity of the two mediums is different. For example, light is refracted when it passes through a piece of glass at an oblique angle, also when it passes through water. Residential Grade: A line of products suitable for home use, but likely not the best choice for commercial and industrial purposes. Retrofit Lamps: A line of lighting products designed to work with existing fixtures and ballasts but providing needed energy savings, improved light quality or both. Rough Service: A designation assigned to lighting products designed to withstand both physical and environmental abuses, from the extreme intent-to-destroy to minor impacts. These products are ideal for high-risk applications such as schools, recreational areas, institutions, apartment complexes, train and bus stations, parking garages and government buildings.
S: The lighting manufacturers' code for sodium vapor. Saturation: A term used to describe the density of a color between the pure color concerned and white, i.e. a deep red or pink. Screw Base: A lamp base spiral-grooved to fit a matching spiral-grooved socket. Screw Terminal Base: A lamp base commonly found on PAR lamps where the power is provided by connecting wires to screw terminals on the back. Seal Temperature: The maximum operating temperature of the seal of the lamp in Celcius. Sealed Beam Lamps: These are generally low-voltage lamps with screw terminal connections for use in automotive products. Secondary Colors: Those colors that are produced by mixing either additive primary colors or subtractive primary colors. Self-Ballasted: Refers to lamps that are equipped with their own internal ballast. Series Lamp Operation: Refers to ballasts that employ a single current path passing through all lamps operated by the ballast. If one lamp should fail, companion lamps operated by the same ballast will also extinguish. Series Resistance: In order to properly control the lamp current, a ballast resistor must be used. Lamps having screw bases have the necessary resistor built-in. Those having bayonet bases and those listed with wire terminals do not have a built-in resistor. Shade: An opaque or translucent covering added to fixtures and lamps to enhance the decoration, shield the light source and/or direct the light. Side Prong Base: A specialty lamp base utilizing two prongs on the side to provide a plug-in connection to the power source. Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR): A solid state current switching device from the thyristor family, used in dimmers for lighting systems. Silverbowl: A specialty lamp with an internal reflective coating for use in indirect lighting applications. Single Contact Base: A base style found primarily in miniature lamps with a bayonet style socket and a single contact point. Slimline Lamps: A term used to describe the family of eight foot, single pin fluorescent lamps. Small Outer Jacket: A line of specialty high intensity discharge lamps. These lamps have a high wattage output but are manufactured with smaller than standard bases and glass envelopes for use in space restrictive applications. Soft-Start Rapid Start: A lamp starting method in which lamp filaments are preheated to facilitate lamp ignition, and lamp open circuit voltage is ramped via a programmed start sequence. This starting method helps preserve electrodes, resulting in extended lamp life in frequent-start applications. Soft-White: A term used to describe lamps with an internal diffuse coating for softer light output. See also Frosted. Socket: A device that receives and grips the base of a lamp. SOX Lamps: See Low-Pressure Sodium Lamps. Specialty Lamps: Lamps manufactured for applications where standard lamps are unable to meet special needs. Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) Graph: A spectral energy distribution diagram that illustrates how light is divided into its many wavelengths. Spill Light: Refers to extraneous uncontrolled light from a luminaire. Spot: A reflector style lamp with a narrow, intense distribution of light output. See also Beam Spread. Spotlight: A luminaire with a focusing system to concentrate the light beam and thus give greater operational control. Starter: An electrical device used in conjunction with a ballast for the purpose of starting an electric discharge lamp like a fluorescent lamp or HID lamp. Starting Lamp Voltage: The minimum or maximum rated voltage allowed into a lamp from the ballast under varying conditions as specified. Starting Temperature: The minimum ambient temperature at which the lamp will start reliably. Starting Time: The time in seconds for the lamp to reach 90% of light output after being switched on. Super Saver: A term used by Osram-Sylvania to indicate a reduced-wattage lamp with performance characteristics (life, light output, etc.) such that it can usually directly replace a higher-wattage product. Switch: A device for making or breaking a contact in an electrical circuit.
T-8: A style of fluorescent lamp produced to replace older style T-12 fluorescent lamps. Smaller in diameter and designed to use less energy, T-8 lamps produce light output equivalent to comparable T-12 lamps designed for the same application. T-10: A style of fluorescent lamp produced to replace older style T-12 fluorescent lamps. With a smaller diameter T-10 lamps produce more light output and last longer than comparable T-12 lamps designed for the same application. T-12: Long considered the industry standard for fluorescent lamp size, the T-12 style lamp is an efficient general area lighting lamp. Task Lighting: Lighting that is specifically installed to light an area where a task is performed. TCLP Test: The Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test specified in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1990, is used to characterize fluorescent lamp waste as hazardous or non-hazardous. The TCLP test measures the ability of the mercury in a lamp to leach from a landfill into ground water under very aggressive and reactive conditions. Thermal Protector: A switching device sensitive to current and heat that automatically disconnects a ballast from a circuit if the ballast temperature exceeds UL temperature limitations. Thermionic Emission: Term describing the emission of electrons by a hot element in a vacuum. A fluorescent lamp's operation is an effect of this process. Third Harmonic Distortion: An odd triplet harmonic (multiple of the fundamental frequency) that can distort an AC waveform. Third Harmonic Distortion is generally the most significant factor in a ballast's Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) specification. Throw: Generally describes the direction of light from a luminaire and also the effective distance between the luminaire and the area being lit. Torpedo Shaped Lamps: A style of chandelier bulb with an oval shape. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): THD is a measure of the degree to which a sinusoidal wave shape is distorted by harmonics. Fluorescent lamps operated with either magnetic or electronic ballasts reflect harmonics back into the electrical supply system and may range from 12-20% for magnetic ballasts and 5-30% for electronic ballasts. ANSI has recommended a limit of 32%, a percentage measure of power quality. THD indicates the distortion of the alternating current waveform. Low values (<20%) are preferred. Excessive levels of THD can create large currents on the neutral line of a four-wire Wye three phase system. Tough Coat: Refers to lighting products designed with a tough outer coating on the glass envelope to enable the lamps to withstand both physical and environmental abuses. Track: A length of metal rod affixed to the ceiling along with special light fixtures that can be moved and snapped in place. Transformer: A device that increases or decreases the flow of current. Transformers like those used in halogen task lighting use electromagnetic induction to transform line voltage of 120 volts down to low voltage of either 12 or 24 volts. This type of step-down transformer is necessary for low voltage lamp types. Transient Adaptation: The expansion and contraction of the eye as it moves from areas of different Illumination, for example a dim video display terminal (VDT) to a bright spotlight. Excessive transient adaptation usually results in eye fatigue. This is one reason many lighting professionals are designing offices with low light levels to reduce transient adaptation in the computerized office. Transients: High voltage surges through electrical systems caused by lightning strikes to nearby transformers, overhead lines or the ground. Transients may also be caused by the switching of motors and compressors, as well as by short circuits or utility system switching. Transients can lead to premature ballast failure. Trigger Start: The trigger start circuit is sometimes used for operating Preheat fluorescent lamps in sizes up to 32 watts. This circuit was developed prior to the Rapid start circuit and is quite similar in that it continuously heats the cathodes and doesn't require a starter. Troffer: A recessed fluorescent luminaire generally designed to fit exactly into modules of suspended mechanical ceilings, installed with the opening flush with the ceiling. Many troffers are designed to be installed in continuous runs. Tube Guards: Tube guards are sleeves designed to fit over fluorescent lamps. Manufactured from unbreakable polycarbonate plastic for maximum protection, tube guards satisfy OSHA, FDA, and USDA requirements for food processing and industrial plants. UVA Tube Guards screen out harmful ultra-violet light emissions. Tungsten-Halogen: Often called halogen, capsylite or quartz lamps, tungsten-halogen lamps are high-pressure incandescent lamps containing halogen gases such as iodine, chlorine, bromine, and fluorine inside a thick glass or quartz envelope. This configuration allows these lamps to burn hotter, brighter and more efficiently than standard incandescent lamps. A higher temperature chemical reaction involving tungsten and the halogen gas recycles evaporated particles of tungsten back onto the filament surface thus resulting in longer life cycles than regular incandescent lamps. Advantages of tungsten-halogen lamps include a better color, more lumens per watt, whiter light and longer life than a normal incandescent lamp. Tungsten-Xenon: Tungsten-Xenon incandescent lamps contain xenon gas which burns hotter and brighter than standard incandescent lamps. These lamps look almost like tungsten-halogen, but last up to 10,000 hours. Tungsten-Xenon lamps are not available in many lamp wattages at present.
U-Bends: A style of fluorescent lamp where the tube is bent to form a horseshoe or U-shape. This specialty design allows for maximum light output in a space restrictive application. UPC: The Universal Product Code (UPC) is the 12 digit code on a saleable unit used primarily to aid in tracking inventory and expediting the purchase process with the use of scanning registers. Underwriters Laboratories (UL): A private organization which tests and lists electrical and other equipment for general electrical and fire safety requirements according to recognized UL and other standards. A UL listing is not an indication of overall performance. Lamps are not UL listed except for compact fluorescent lamp assemblies with screw bases and built-in ballasts. Ultraviolet
(UV) Radiation: The band of short-wave radiation from 400 to 100
nanometers (nm). Although invisible, UV radiation energy is extremely
powerful and produces reddening of the skin (sunburn) and can also
cause damage to the eye.
Valance Lighting: A system comprising light sources shielded by a panel parallel to the wall at the top of a window; both up and down light. Vapor-Tight: A descriptive term for all or part of a lighting fixture constructed so that a specified vapor or gas cannot enter its enclosure; usually water vapor. Very High Output: A special type of fluorescent lamps distinguished in appearance by their recessed double contacts. Very High Output lamps use more power and produce more light than High Output or normal fluorescent lamps. They are used primarily in applications where maximum light output is critical and lamp space is limited. Very Narrow Spot: See Beam Spread. Very Wide Flood: See Beam Spread. Vibration Service: These lighting products are designed to withstand applications where high levels of vibration may be a concern. These products are ideal for use in machinery. Voltage: A measurement of the electromotive force in an electrical circuit or device expressed in volts. Voltage can be thought of as being analogous to the pressure in a waterline. The listed voltage is the voltage at which the lamp is designed to provide the amperes, candlepower, and laboratory life characteristics. For Projection lamps, the voltage shown is the design voltage of the lamp, on which the life and the wattage ratings are based. Lamps for which 115-120 is shown in the volts column are designed at 118 volts. Lamps are available only in the design voltages shown. When ordering lamps listed for more than one voltage, be sure to specify the voltage required. Supply voltage variation can significantly affect lamp life. Voltage Drop: The loss of volts that occurs through energy wastage when a current passes through a cable or electronic device. Voltage Sag: A drop in voltage levels of an electrical distribution system which interferes with the operation of electrical and electronic equipment. This situation is commonly called a 'brownout'. This results when demand for electricity exceeds capacity of the distribution system.
Wall Grazing: A lighting term that refers to the dramatic highlight and shadow effects on surfaces such as draperies, stone, and brick. Grazing creates easily distinguishable high and low levels of light on the surface. Wall Sconce: A luminaire affixed to the wall and usually decorative in nature. Wall Temperature: The maximum operating temperature for the glass envelope of a bulb. Wall Washing: A lighting technique that produces a relatively smooth, even level of illumination on the wall and reduces the texture of the surface. Warm Up Time: The time it takes for a High Intensity Discharge lamp to reach 90% of light output after being turned on. Warm White: See Color Temperature. Watt: A unit of electrical power equal to 1/746 horsepower. Lamps are rated in watts to indicate their power consumption. Power consumed over time equals the electrical energy used. (Volts x Amps = Watts). Watt-Miser: A term used by GE to indicate a reduced-wattage lamp with performance characteristics (life, light output, etc.) such that it can usually directly replace a higher-wattage product. Wavelength: The distance between one peak or crest of a wave of light, heat, or other energy and the next corresponding peak or crest. Weather Resistant: Capable of resisting short periods of exposure to weather without damage. Weatherproof: Capable of withstanding exposure to weather without damage. Wide Flood: See Beam Spread.
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