L.E.D.
stands for light emitting diode. LED is a diode that emits light. A diode is a device that allows current to flow in only one direction. Almost any two conductive materials will form a diode when placed in contact with each other. When electricity is passed through the diode the atoms in one material (within the semiconductor chip) are excited to a higher energy level. The atoms in that first material have too much energy and need to release that energy. The energy is then released as the atoms shed electrons to the other material within the chip. During this energy release light is created. The color of the light from the LED is a function of the ingredients (materials) and recipes (processes) that make up the chip. The LED has a simple and strong structure. The beauty of the structure is that it is designed to be versatile, allowing for assembly into many different shapes. As manufacturing methods and technology improved, the LED has quickly found homes in more and more applications. LED sources are also gaining popularity due to the growing energy conservation movement. LEDs have a variety of advantages over other light sources including:
- High-levels of brightness and intensity
- High-efficiency
- Low-voltage and current requirements
- Low radiated heat
- High reliability (resistant to shock and vibration)
- No UV Rays
- Long source life
- Can be easily controlled and programmed
RGB
acronym for Red, Green, and Blue. Referring to colored LED’s. White light can be produced by mixing differently colored light, and the most common method is to use red, green and blue (RGB). Hence the method is called multi-colored white LEDs (sometimes referred to as RGB LEDs). This method also allows the flexibility of mixing different colors.
LED Flex Neon
also known as Neon Flex, LED Flex, and Soft Neon, is a flexible light chain composed of light emitting diodes. This product contains varying numbers of LEDs to produce white or colored lights. This product is actually an evolving rope light which simulates the rigid neon gas-filled tubing used for many years as signage and border illumination.
LED Rope Light
a flexible light chain composed of light emitting diodes. This product contains varying numbers of LED’s to produce white or colored lights. Usually sheathed in a clear or translucent flexible plastic or pvc coating. LED rope light is made in several sizes; 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire, and 5-wire, and is made in rectangular, square, or round shapes. It is ideal for cove lighting, cabinetry lighting, railings, festival lighting, and for outlining buildings, displays, and architectural details. 2-wire—refers to the number of wires in LED rope light. 2-wire rope light is usually found in round rope lighting with one row of LED’s twisted inside the casing. 3-wire—refers to the number of wires in LED rope light. 3-wire rope light contains 2 rows of LED lights in the rope its, is unidirectional, and is usually found in rectangular-shaped rope light. 4-wire—refers to the number of wires in LED rope light. 4-wire rope light contains 3 rows of LED lights inside the rope itself, is monodirectional, and is usually found in rectangular-shaped rope light. 5-wire—refers to the number of wires in LED rope light. 5-wire rope light contains 4 rows of LED lights inside the rope itself, is monodirectional, and is found in rectangular-shaped rope light. This is typically the largest width and brightest rope light available on the market today.
LED Color Flex
a similar, but alternative form of rope light, Colorflex is low-voltage, waterproof, and ideal for cove lighting applications. Like rope light, it is a flexible light chain composed of light emitting diodes and is sheathed in a clear, flexible pvc coating. Using tri-color LED chip technology, ColorFlex contains only one row of LEDs in a rectangular shaped coating; therefore, it is thinner than traditional RGB rope light and produces a much brighter and more saturated range of colors.
LED Color Flex Solid Color
ColorFlex composed of solid color LED’s only and produces one color, such as warm white, daylight white, blue, and green. Multiple solid color choices are available.
Front Power Connector
also known as a front power cord. A 120-volt power cord for rope light, flex neon, and Color Flex designed to plug right into the wall or any standard 120V outlet. The cord includes pins and a power connector for connection between the plug and the rope light or flex neon. Each power connector varies depending on the product used. Look for the appropriate connector found under “Related Products” or that has pin quantities that match the wire quantities, (i.e. 3 wire rope light needs 3-wire pin front connector, 4-wire rope light needs 4-wire front connector, etc).
End Cap
a clear or translucent silicon cap designed to protect the exposed wires on rope light or Flex Neon. Placed on the opposite end of the rope light or flexible neon with the front power connector, the end cap is creates a finished look to the rope light run and protects against electric shock and damage when plugged in to an outlet.
Mounting Clip
clear, plastic clip designed to mount rope light, Color Flex, and Flex Neon to wall or cove application. Various sizes designed for specific rope light and usually includes mounting screws. Recommended spacing between mounting clips is 6-12 inches on rope light. Mounting Channel –made of either aluminum or plastic, channels are used to mount down the led neon flex curves. Each mini channel includes mounting screws.
Splice Connector
made of clear or translucent silicon, splice connector includes two male connecting pins and heat shrink wrap and is designed to splice two runs of LED flexible neon in to one continuous length.
Color Flex Coupler
used in conjunction with a 150W transformer, extends the power supply and data of a run of Color Flex for an additional 15 meters (49’) in one continuous length.
IR
stands for infrared. Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves. For lighting purposes, method of controlling fixtures via remote control with IR wavelengths.
Transformer
a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through inductively coupled electrical conductor. Transformers are still found in nearly all electronic devices designed for household ("mains") voltage.
DMX-512
an industrial-strength communications protocol that is most commonly used to control stage lighting and lighting effects.
Channel
refers to the ID number designated to a light fixture on a DMX 512 controller. DMX controllers are currently capable of addressing 512 channels.
“Daisy-chain”
for electrical purposes, a daisy chain is a wiring scheme in which, for example, device A is wired to device B, device B is wired to device C, device C is wired to device D, et cetera. Connections do not form webs (in the preceding example, device C cannot be directly connected to device A), nor do they loop back from the last device to the first. Daisy chains, for our purposes, may be used with WieDaMark wall washing fixtures, spot fixtures, and rope lighting.
Fiber Optics
long lenses that, for lighting purposes, transmits light. It is a cylinder or rod of transparent material.
Starfield Ceiling
a fiber optic lighting system that mimics a starry night sky with the combination of two main components: end glow fiber cables and a fiber optic illuminator. This system can also be applied to floors, walls, countertops, curtains, rugs, patios, swimming pools, and other applications. Click here for more information and design and installation recommendations.
Illuminator
also known as a projector, it is the source of light in a fiber optic system. Critically important to the success of any fiber optic lighting installation, it is the power unit that houses the light source and is usually constructed of sheet metal or high impact plastic. The size of the individual fibers and the required illumination level generally determines the wattage and type of light source to use. Commonly used lamps include LED, 20W to
75W low
voltage MR16 lamps, and 70W to 250W metal-halide (M-H) lamps.
Reflector
located behind the light source in a fiber optic illuminator, it is used to help deliver light efficiently into the optical fiber.
Lens
located in front of the light source inside a fiber optic illuminator, it helps to deliver light efficiently into the optical fiber.
Fiber Optic Coupler
designed to hold fibers in place. Threads and locking nut keeps connector in place to your choice of wall or box. Coupler come in various sizes and the fiber count is based on .75mm.
Fiber Optic Connector
holds fiber to a port or fixture.
Fiber Optic Ferrule
usually comes factory-designed to work with particular fibers, so you simply insert the ferrule into the fixture's connection sleeve.Side Glow cable—a side [light] emitting cable composed of several individual strands of PMMA acrylic fibers (also referred to as “plastic fiber optic” ) covered by a clear PVC coating. SideGlow is available in a wide range of diameters and in several models. The fiber strands inside the cable are twisted around a reflective center core.
End Glow cable
an end [light] emitting cable composed of several individual strands of PMMA acrylic fibers (also referred to as “plastic fiber optic” ) covered in an opaque black PVC jacket. End Glow is available in different fiber diameters and bundle amounts.
EndPoint fiber
the “raw” fiber sold in individual strands by the spool. Light emits primarily from the end, however light can be observed emitting from the side as well.
Solid Core cable
used in Architectural and Signage Lighting for neon replacement, cove lighting, accent lighting, landscape lighting, pool and fountain lighting. The fiber is visually uniform and maintains uniform color over the length of the fiber in typical installation lengths of 60-100 ft with both ends lit.
Sparkle cable
introduces a light diffusion technology that achieves brilliant and distinctive sparkling effect without any noticeable reduction in the intensity of the light throughout entire length of cable travel. The multistrand fibers are encased in a flexible clear UV stabilized PVC jacket to create fiber tail bundles in a variety of diameters for different type of projects. These fibers are best suited for sparkling effects, neon like effects, decorative lighting, chandeliers, and light curtains.
Fiber
refers to the individual strands of acrylic fibers found in a cable.
Cable
also known as fiber tails or fiber bundles. Refers to the group of fibers strands as a whole.
Hot Knife
a cutting instrument with a hot metal blade used to cut through fibers for a clean and polished end and to prevent breakage.
Color Wheel
may be required for some illuminator models to achieve color-changing look to fiber.
Twinkle Wheel
creates a twinkle effect with fiber. May be required for some illuminator models.
Dimming Wheelcauses fiber to create a dimming effect. May be required for some illuminator models.
Fiber Optic Fixtures
fixtures designed to create strong point of light or a light fixture finish. Exterior, Waterproof, and Interior styles are available.
Ambient Lighting: general lighting that usually lights up an entire space
Ballast: an electrical device used with fluorescent or HID lamps to supply sufficient voltage to start and operate the lamp but then to limit the current during operation.
Base: the portion of the lamp that provides a means of physically connecting the lamp to a socket or lamp holder.
Beam Spread: a measure of the spread of light from a reflectorized light source, a special-shaped lamp with a reflective coating inside the bulb to direct the light forward. The beam spread may be very narrow (narrow spot), very wide (wide flood), or something in-between (narrow flood, for example). Examples of "reflectorized light sources" are MR11, MR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, R40, ER30, and BR30 lamps.
Cable Lighting System: a low voltage lighting system where the mechanism holding the light fixtures and conducting electricity to those fixtures is a pair of cables .
Cathode: an electrode that emits electrons. A fluorescent lamp cathode emits or discharges electrons to the cathode at the other end of the lamp.
Color Rendering Index (CRI): a measure of a lamp’s ability to render colors accurately. The scale ranges from 1 (low pressure sodium) to 100 (the sun). A CRI of 85 is considered to be very good.
Color Temperature: a measure of the color appearance of a light source which helps describe the apparent "warmth" (reddish) or "coolness" (bluish) of that light source. Generally, light sources below 3200K are considered "warm;" while those above 4000K are considered "cool" light sources. The color temperature of a lamp has nothing to do with how hot the lamp will get or how much heat will be given off by the lamp.
The most typical Kelvin degree lamps used in lighting are as follows:
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Kelvin
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Associated Effects & Moods
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Appropriate Applications
|
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2700
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Friendly, Personal, Intimate
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Homes, Libraries, Restaurants
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3500
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Friendly, Inviting,
Non-threatening
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New Offices, Public Reception Areas
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4100
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Neat, Clean, Efficient
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Older Offices, Classrooms,
Mass Merchandisers
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5000
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Bright, Alert,
Exacting Coloration
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Graphics, Jewelry Stores,
Medical Exam Areas
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Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL): a generic name used for a whole family of small, single-ended fluorescent lamps with a folded, bridged, or spiral glass tube design and with high color rendering (CRI>80) and a long life (>8,000 hours).
Cornice Lighting: a lighting system comprised of light sources shielded by a panel parallel to the wall and attached to the ceiling and distributing light over the wall.
Cove Lighting: a lighting system comprised of light sources shielded by a ledge or recess, and distributing light over the ceiling and possibly the upper part of the wall. To learn more about this topic click on this link:
Direct Current: electric current without alterations. DC current is usually supplied by a battery, a transformer, or photo voltaic cells.Down light
Downlight: a small light fixture recessed into the ceiling that usually concentrates the light in a downward direction. down light: recessed downlight, “can”, recessed can. To learn more about this topic click on this link:
ETL: Electrical Testing Laboratory, like Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. (UL), is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization.
Efficacy: a measure used to compare light output to energy consumption. Efficacy is measured in lumens per watt. A 100-watt light source producing 1750 lumens of light has an efficacy (efficiency) of 17.5 lumens per watt.
Filament: a tungsten wire that incandesces or lights up when an electric current runs through it.
Flexible Track Lighting System: a low voltage or a line voltage lighting system where the suspended track (sometimes called a monorail) holding the light fixtures in place and also conducting electricity to those fixtures can be bent into creative shapes. To learn more about this topic click on this link:
Fluorescent Lamp: a low-pressure mercury electric-discharge lamp in which a phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tubing transforms some of the ultraviolet energy created inside the lamp into visible light.
Foot-Candle: the amount of light reaching a subject. The commonly United States unit of measurement of lighting level (illumination) is the foot-candle (fc). The international unit of measurement of lighting level (Illumination) is the lux (lx). The relationship between the lux and the foot-candle is 1 fc = 10.76 lux.
General Lighting: substantially uniform lighting of a space without providing for special local lighting requirements like task lighting or accent lighting.
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.
Halogen Lamp: a type of incandescent lamp that contains halogen gases (such as iodine, chlorine, bromine, and fluorine), which slow the evaporation of the tungsten filament. Also, sometimes called a tungsten halogen lamp or a quartz lamp. The glass envelope that surrounds the filament of a halogen lamp should NOT be touched with bare hands. The natural oil from human hands will only help to shorten the life of halogen lamps. If you should accidently touch the glass bulb, you should thoroughly remove your fingerprints with methylated spirit (denatured alcohol). To learn more about this topic click on this link:
HID Lamp: high intensity discharge (HID) lamps have a longer life and provide more light (lumens) per watt than most other light sources. Available in mercury vapor, metal halide, high pressure sodium, and low pressure sodium types.
Incandescence: light emission by a heated filament.
Incandescent Lamp: lamp in which light is produced by means of an element heated to the point of incandescence by the passage of an electric current.
Infrared Radiation: a type of invisible radiation for which the wavelengths are longer and frequency lower than those for visible radiation.
Instant Start: refers to fluorescent lamps that start instantly without pre-heating the cathodes and without the need for starters.
Inverse Square Law: a law that states that the illuminance (E) at a point on a plane perpendicular to the line joining the point and a source is inversely proportional to the square of the distance (d) between the source and the plane, E = I/d?.
Lamp: a light source such as an incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent lamp. A lamp is sometimes called a “light bulb” or simply a “bulb”. To learn more about this topic click on this link:
LED: light emitting diode. A small electronic device that lights up when electricity is passed through it. LEDs are quite energy-efficient and have very long lives. They can be red, green, blue or white in color.
Light Fixture: a complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps, a housing, and a connection to the source of electrical power.
Light Trespass: also known as "spill light". Light that is emitted into an unintended area.
Line Voltage: usually 120 volts
Low Voltage: usually 12 volts but sometimes 24 volts
Lumens: the amount of light that a lamp produces or emits
Luminaire: a light fixture
M.O.L.: maximum overall length of a lamp — from tip to tip.
MR11 Lamp: a halogen metalized reflector lamp that measures 11/8 inches in diameter and which directs a sharp, well-defined beam of light. To learn more about this topic click on this link:
Neodymium: a rare earth element discovered in 1885 with an atomic number of 60 in the Periodic Table of Elements. It is a fairly common silvery metal that is used to make slightly purple glass envelopes for incandescent light bulbs, eye protection goggles for welding and glass blowing, laser rods, filters to color correct light for art displays, and lenses used by astronomers to calibrate spectrometers, optical instruments used for analyzing light.
Opaque: a term that describes a material that does NOT transmit ANY visible light.
Pendant: pendants can provide both task and general lighting. 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 30 inches above the tabletop and be about 12 inches narrower than the table on all sides.
PL Lamp: a nickname for a twin tube fluorescent lamp coined by Philips Lighting, a large manufacturer of lamps.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): interference to the radio frequency band cased by other high frequency equipment or devices in the immediate area. Fluorescent lighting systems and AC electronic transformers can generate RFI.
Rapid Start: a fluorescent system that does not require starters and takes 1 to 2 seconds to emit light. The ballast preheats the electrodes within the fluorescent lamp and initiates the arc without a starter or the application of high voltage.
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. Also, please note that the Actual Life of a Lamp = the Rated Life of that Lamp x (Rated Voltage/Operating Voltage) raised to the 12th power. For example, the Actual Life of a certain Lamp that is designed to be used with 130 volts is equal to the Rated Life of that Lamp (let's say 1000 hours) x (130 volts/ 120 volts) raised to the 12th power. The Actual Life of this Lamp is, therefore, equal to (1000 hours) x (1.083) raised to the twelfth power = (1000 hours) x (2.61) = 2610 hours. That means that an incandescent lamp that has a rated life of 1000 hours and is designed to be used with 130 volts BUT is used with 120 volts instead will have an "Actual Life" of 2610 hours.
Sky Glow: also, known as "light pollution". The "haze" or "glow" that surrounds highly populated areas and reduces the ability to view the nightime sky. Specifically, light that enters the sky from an outdoor lighting system by indirect light reflected from atmospheric particles such as fog, dust, or smog.
Specular Reflection: reflection, without diffusion, in accordance with the laws of geometrical optics; as in a mirror.
Starter: an electrical device used in conjunction with a ballast for the purpose of starting an electric discharge lamp like a fluorescent lamp or an HID lamp.
Task Lighting: lighting that is specifically installed to light an area where a task is performed.
Translucent: a term that describes a material that transmits some visible light.
Transparent: a term that describes a material that transmits most, if not all, of the visible light incident upon it.
Troffer: a large recessed luminaire (light fixture) that often uses several fluorescent lamps, measures 24in by 48in, and is usually installed with the opening flush with the ceiling.
UL: Underwriters Laboratory, Inc., like Electrical Testing Laboratory (ETL), is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization.
Uplight: the percentage of lamp lumens directed from a luminaire at or above 90 degrees.
UV Radiation: is invisible to the naked human eye and is generally considered to be that electromagnetic radiation which has a wavelength of less than 400 nanometers (nm) and greater than 100 nm. To learn more about this topic click on this link:
Vapor-Tight Luminaire: a luminaire constructed so that a specified vapor or gas cannot enter its enclosure — usually water vapor.
Voltage: the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts; the electric pressure that exists between two points and is capable of producing a flow of current when a closed circuit is connected between the two points; the rate at which energy is drawn from a source that produces a flow of electricity in a circuit; synonyms: electrical potential, electromotive force, EMF; Formulae: volts = amps x ohms, V = I x R, voltage = electrical current x electrical resistance.
Voltage Drop: the loss of voltage caused by the electrical resistance of the wire and the light fixtures in the circuit. It can become especially noticeable in low voltage circuits (where the operating voltage is 12 or 24 volts). Voltage drop may be minimized by using a thicker wire with a lower gauge wire, shortening the distance between the low voltage transformer and the light fixtures, and/or using a DC transformer.
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 Washing: a lighting technique that produces a relatively smooth, even level of illumination on the wall and reduces the texture of the surface.
Wattage: the amount of electrical power consumed by a lamp or light fixture measured in “watts”. One watt is equal to the power dissipated by 1 ampere of electrical current flowing across a resistance of 1 ohm or the power produced by 1 ampere of electrical current under an electromotive force of 1 volt. One horsepower is equal to 746 watts. Formulae: watts = volts x amps, P = V x I, electrical power = electromotive force x electric current.