LIGHTING

Lighting is the deliberate use of light to achieve practical or aesthetic effects. Also called
illumination. It includes both artificial light sources like lamps and light fixtures as well as natural
illumination by capturing daylight which is used as the main source of light during daytime in
buildings. This saves energy in place of using artificial lighting, which represents a major
component of energy consumption in buildings. Proper lighting enhances task performance,
improve the appearance of an area or have positive psychological effects on occupants.
Indoor lighting is usually accomplished using light fixtures. Light fixtures come in a wide variety
of styles for various functions that include;
 As a holder for the light source.
 To provide directed light.
 To avoid visual glare.

Nearly any material can be used so long as it can tolerate the excess heat and is in keeping with
safety codes. An important property of light fixture is the luminous efficacy meaning the amount
of usable light emanating from the fixture per used energy usually measured in lumen per Watt.
A lighting fixture is an electrical device that contains an electric lamp that provides illumination.
All light fixtures have a body and one or more lamps. Fixtures require an electrical connection to
a power source, typically AC mains power, but some run on battery power for camping or
emergency lights. Permanent lighting fixtures are directly wired. Movable lamps have a plug and
cord that plugs into a wall socket.
TYPES OF LIGHT FIXTURES
Lighting is classified by intended use of general, accent or task lighting, depending largely on
distribution of the light produced by the fixture.

Task Lighting
Mainly functional and is usually the most concentrated. Its main purpose is for reading or
inspection of materials.
Accent Lighting
It is mainly decorative and is intended to highlight pictures, plants or other elements of interior
design or landscaping.

General Lighting
Sometimes referred to as ambient light. It fills in between the two and is intended for general
illumination of an area. Indoors, it would be a basic lamp or a fixture on the ceiling. Outdoor,
general lighting for a parking lot.

METHODS
Down Lighting
It is most common, with fixtures on or recessed in the ceiling light downward. It is used in
offices and homes.

Up Lighting
It is less common and is often used to bounce indirect light off the ceiling and back down. It is
commonly used in lighting applications that require minimal glare and uniform general
luminance levels.

Front Lighting
It is quite common but tends to make the subject look flat as it casts almost no visible shadows.

Back Lighting
Either around or through an object is mainly for accent. It used to illuminate a background or
backdrop.

FORMS OF LIGHTING
Indoor Lighting
Forms of lighting include alcove lighting, which like the most other up lighting is indirect. This
is most often done with fluorescent lighting, neon lighting and LED strip lighting.
Outdoor Lighting
Mostly include;
 Street lighting – used to light roadways and walkways at night.
 Flood lights – can be used to illuminate work zones or outdoor playing fields during
night time hours.
 Beacon lights – positioned at the intersection of two