DIYnot
Local | Network
Local | Network
DIYnot Network Local DIYnot Network Local
 
How to... Index
 
Decorating
Electrics
Floors & Stairs
Home Security
Insulation
Outdoor Projects
Plumbing
Roofing & Guttering
Safety
Stain Removal
Tools & Materials
Windows & Doors
Woodwork
 
 
Find a local expert
Find a local supplier
 
 
Search DIYnot.com


Types of lighting

Caution
 
Electricity is dangerous and can be hazardous.
In doubt? Call a qualified electrician - Electricians

  Types of lighting

 
Choose a light that is double-insulated or that has been wired with an earth conductor. Double-insulated lights will show the double box symbol - . Before deciding on a particular form of lighting, check the bulb types - shapes and wattage which can be used with the selected light, as there are many different types available. See Types of light bulb for more information.

Traditional
Traditional wall lighting is more often decorative rather than practical. The idea is adding soft lighting to the room through candle shaped bulbs concealed behind parchment shades, they are designed as a feature to look at rather than see or read by.

Enclosed fittings
Enclosed fittings are useful in a hall, landing, porch or in a bathroom. Many of these designs are weatherproof and therefore are suitable in a damp bathroom area.

Spotlights
Spotlights are very fashionable and versatile as they can send beams in any direction when mounted on adjustable arms. They can be used to illuminate cupboards, desks, pictures, mirrors or seating areas. However care must be taken when positioning a spotlight to avoid dazzle when seen from another angle. This problem is easily overcome when the lighting is high up the wall or on the ceiling.

Fluorescent
Fluorescent tubes can spread light much further over an area. They are not as fashionable, but there are modern slimline versions and they do have the advantage of bright lights with minimum heat given off. They are more efficient than filament lights at turning electricity into light and cheaper to run. They are easy to conceal with a pelmet or decorative skirting painted or papered in the design used in the room.

Fluorescent lighting tubes give off different types of light. The cold, whiter lights are particularly useful in a loft, workshop or shed. In the house do not choose a blue or greenish shade, as they are bad for your eyes if used alone and also can make you look ill. It is better to choose a warmer yellow colour for a softer lighting effect. There are a variety of diffuser shades on the market, which soften the glare.
 

  Related Pages

 
Electrics > Types of light bulb

 
  Experts in your area

 
Electricians
 
  Comments
Subject Posted by Replies Posted at
Forum TopicDownlighter wiringquailtrailblue3 24 Nov 07 at 17:45
Forum Topicsunken spotlightsBIASI 24S7 13 Nov 07 at 14:07
Forum TopicDownlights QuestionGuest6 04 Oct 07 at 0:19
Forum TopicDownlights installpl_donnelly0 30 Aug 07 at 11:46
Forum Topicplacement of downlightsmarcivic1 22 Aug 07 at 15:38
Forum Topicdownlightsgordsky8 16 Jul 07 at 19:13
Forum TopicBoarding Over Halogensbulla805 02 Jul 07 at 15:01
Forum Topicspotlight wiringshadwell691 13 Jun 07 at 12:06
Forum TopicFitting Energy Saving Downlightsnickdem1 23 Apr 07 at 21:02
Forum Topic12v vs 240v downlightsPeteOP16 18 Apr 07 at 17:31
Forum Topicdimmer switch (over 400W)evs3 15 Apr 07 at 13:45
Forum Topicceiling light has stray wire!sumhouse3 12 Mar 07 at 13:22
Forum TopicReplacing Spot 14 Lights with Energy Saving Bulb with Flexkrisssh16 11 Mar 07 at 15:13
Forum Topicold lighting wiring puzzlegonetogetparts8 04 Mar 07 at 15:13
Forum TopicProblems with wiring halogen spots to ceiling.mr-ed3 25 Feb 07 at 17:03
Forum TopicReplacing ceiling rose with spotlight barlloydg7 25 Feb 07 at 12:16
Forum Topichalogen light outkofi2003uk7 19 Feb 07 at 13:41
Forum TopicPhotocell Wiringajstars1 02 Jan 07 at 21:34
Forum Topiclighting circuitmarklena2 29 Sep 06 at 20:13
Forum TopicAdding a plug to a lampUseless_girl2 25 Sep 06 at 15:56
Forum TopicTwo Spots Working One NotNicolay7 12 Sep 06 at 12:42
Forum TopicFluorescent LightTypeone6 20 Aug 06 at 20:39
Forum TopicHelp with ceiling rosemeeshy30008 19 Aug 06 at 8:00
Forum TopicLAMPSHELIOS7 15 Aug 06 at 18:27
Forum TopicReplacing Single Ceiling Light with Spotsmartb7 12 Aug 06 at 15:37
Forum TopicHelp! Can\\\'t decide on anything!northcoombes5 12 Aug 06 at 14:18
Forum TopicWall lights & earthsammy669 01 Aug 06 at 6:05
Forum Topic3 bulb pedant to single pendantkathyq1 12 Jun 06 at 10:21
Forum Topiclighting circuit in garageMorley3 29 Mar 06 at 17:59
Forum TopicAdding 2nd outside lightmoyasat1 03 Mar 06 at 14:28
Forum Topicearth cross bonding in bathrooms & kitchensLextoy6 19 Feb 06 at 11:36
Forum TopicOne way to two wayTR1CKY8 18 Jan 06 at 19:52
Forum Topiclightingjojosparks2 18 Jan 06 at 16:02
Forum TopicWiring Wall Lights???lovinlazio92 10 Jan 06 at 18:42
Forum Topicfire hoodsvertigodj7 08 Jan 06 at 10:22
Forum TopicWiring downlights?HammerHappy5 07 Jan 06 at 19:29
Forum Topiclights fusingvertigodj1 07 Jan 06 at 18:29
Forum Topicshower lightsmish1 04 Dec 05 at 9:23
Forum Topicswitch dropsjonny14 18 Nov 05 at 18:37
Forum TopicHow many lights?Dan95223 09 Nov 05 at 22:23
Forum TopicReplace pendant with 2 strip lightscharlesh1 05 Nov 05 at 15:05
Forum TopicHalogen Wall Lightssupersuv3 08 Sep 05 at 14:16
Forum TopicHow many lights?kmhuette1 06 Jun 05 at 16:40
Forum TopicLV lamp wattagejonathan.hancock18 31 May 05 at 7:40
Forum TopicLow voltage cable in wallsVogon2 13 May 05 at 14:44
Forum Topicbathroom lighting help pleaseqwertyuiop4 02 May 05 at 22:23
Forum Topicceiling lightyanto3 24 Apr 05 at 10:25
Forum TopicKitchen Unit Underlightingjimmyo2 21 Mar 05 at 23:29
Forum TopicKitchen lightskavozzy4 21 Mar 05 at 10:43
Forum TopicEXTERIOR LIGHT SWITCHMike_Southampton6 23 Feb 05 at 9:47
Forum TopicDouble insulated lightsfranny7 24 Nov 04 at 21:23
Forum TopicFlashing lights?smokinmixture1 21 Nov 04 at 11:23
Forum TopicDown lights/SpotlightsSpeedy6 26 Oct 04 at 0:17
Forum Topicwiring-earth.Gocool8 29 Jun 04 at 10:06
Forum Topicwiringchristy1 02 Dec 03 at 0:15
Forum Topickitchen units lightinghammerman6 11 Oct 03 at 14:57
Forum TopicCustom Cable LightingGuest2 02 Jan 03 at 22:17
Forum TopicNew LightsGuest2 06 Dec 02 at 15:11


Add a comment or question about
this article in the forum:

 
Your comment or question:
First,
Existing users click here to log in.
New users click here to join FREE!
Then,
 Subject:
 Comment:

 
DIYnot.com
Decorating | Electrics | Floors & Stairs | Home Security
Insulation | Outdoor Projects | Plumbing | Roofing & Guttering
Safety | Tools & Materials | Windows & Doors | Woodwork
Local supplier/tradesman advertising
DIYnot.com | How to... | @home | Wiki | Forum | Shop
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Service / Disclaimer.
Please read our Privacy Policy.

Copyright © 2000-2008 DIYnot Limited. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of DIYnot Limited is prohibited.

 
Useful Books
 

The "Which?" Book of Wiring and Lighting
Mike Lawrence
[Find out more]