Light fixture

Salle de lecture de la Bibliotheque Mazarine Paris n5

-44 Light fixture

Leeds Town Hall (27th May 2010) 006

Solarlight

Wall Light 777

Table Lamps (Archaeological Museum, Jaffna)

Light fixture or light fitting is an electrical device used to create artificial lighting by use of an electric lamp. All light fixtures have a fixture body and one or more lamps. The lamps may be in sockets for easy replacement—or, in the case of some LED fixtures, hard-wired in place.

Light fixtures are classified by how the fixture is installed, the light function or lamp type. Therefore, fixtures are known to be either fixed or portable, with installations varying from ceiling-mounted to wall-mounted, and even recessed lighting. The choice of fixture depends on the intended use, with fixtures designed to suit a wide range of needs, from indoor lighting to outdoor lighting, from residential to commercial and industrial applications.

Types of Light Fixtures

Light fixtures come in various forms, each suited for specific purposes. Some common types include:

• Ceiling Lights: Installed on the ceiling, these provide general lighting to a room. Variants include chandeliers, pendant lights, and flush mounts.
• Wall-mounted Lights: These are attached to walls and can provide both general and task lighting. Examples include sconces and wall brackets.
• Recessed Lighting: Also known as downlights or can lights, these are installed into openings in the ceiling, providing a sleek look that is popular in modern homes.
• Track Lighting: Consisting of lights mounted on a continuous track, this type is versatile and can be adjusted to focus on specific areas.
• Portable Lighting: This category includes lamps that can be moved easily, such as table lamps and floor lamps.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation of light fixtures requires careful planning to ensure that the lighting effectively serves its intended purpose. This involves considering the room's layout, the type of activities that will take place, and the atmosphere one wishes to create. Maintenance typically involves regular cleaning and, for some fixtures, replacing bulbs or lamps.

Energy Efficiency

With the increasing focus on sustainability and energy conservation, many light fixtures are designed to be compatible with energy-efficient lamps such as LEDs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and halogen bulbs. These not only consume less energy but also have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

Safety Considerations

When selecting and installing light fixtures, safety is a paramount concern. This includes ensuring that fixtures are properly installed to avoid electrical hazards and that they are the correct type for the intended location (e.g., using waterproof fixtures in bathrooms).

See Also

• Electric lamp
• Lighting
• Electrical wiring