Umair Gaines
Electrical lighting equipment refers to the various devices and systems used to produce artificial illumination through electrical sources. This includes different types of lamps, light bulbs, and luminaires, which are designed to convert electricity into light. The three main categories of electric lights are incandescent lamps, gas-discharge lamps, and LED lamps, each employing distinct mechanisms to generate light. Incandescent lamps, for instance, rely on a filament heated by an electric current, while gas-discharge lamps use an electric arc passing through gas or vapour. LED lamps, on the other hand, harness the flow of electrons across a semiconductor material. Beyond these categories, there is a wide range of lighting equipment, such as uplighting, lanterns, and floodlights, each serving specific purposes and adhering to various energy codes and standards.
Characteristics and Values of Electrical Lighting Equipment
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Electric lighting is the artificial illumination produced by electrical sources. |
| Types | Incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), LED lamps, gas-discharge lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, etc. |
| Applications | Domestic, industrial, outdoor, and indoor lighting. |
| Control | Manual or automatic (e.g., motion sensors, programmable lighting control panels). |
| Energy Considerations | Energy codes, desired energy savings, and flexibility. |
| Installation | Standard wire way systems, trunking, luminaires, uplighting, etc. |
| Illumination Level | Measured in lux or footcandles, it refers to the total luminous flux on a surface. |
| Glare | Unwanted light that affects visual tasks and comfort; reduced by louvers and reflectors. |
| Maintenance and Upgrades | Retrofitting involves upgrading old technology to improve efficiency. |
| Environmental Considerations | WEEE directives address reuse, treatment, and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. |
| Units and Measurements | Voltage, restrike time, ingress protection (IP) ratings, initial lumens, Kelvin temperature (K), etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric lighting is artificial illumination produced by electrical sources
- Lighting equipment includes luminaires, lamps, and light bulbs
- Lighting fixtures are not standardised, but luminaires are technically correct
- Lighting controls in electrical equipment rooms cannot be automatic only
- Efficient lighting obeys requirements like illumination level, uniformity, and absence of glare
Electric lighting is artificial illumination produced by electrical sources
The design and arrangement of electric lighting equipment play a crucial role in achieving the desired illumination levels. The placement of light sources must be strategic to ensure uniform lighting without glare. This is particularly important in spaces such as study rooms, bedrooms, and factories, where the amount of light impacts productivity, quality of work, and safety.
Lighting equipment can be categorized into two main types: standard wire way systems and trunking. Standard wire way systems are commonly found in ceilings and floors, providing both mechanical fixings for luminaires and electrical connections. On the other hand, trunking is used when there is a lack of fixing points for separate luminaires or when repositioning lighting equipment is necessary due to changes in the area's use.
Luminaires, or lighting fixtures, refer to complete lighting units that include the lamp and all components necessary for distributing, positioning, and protecting the light. The term "luminaire" is technically correct and preferred due to its standardized and easily understandable definition.
The evolution of electric lighting has been a journey of continuous improvement. From the early experiments with arc lamps and incandescent bulbs in the 19th century to the development of fluorescent lighting in the 1930s and the arrival of practical LEDs in 1962, the energy efficiency and quality of electric lighting have significantly advanced.
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Lighting equipment includes luminaires, lamps, and light bulbs
Lamps and light bulbs are electrical components that produce light and are the most common form of artificial lighting. They usually have a base made of ceramic, metal, glass, or plastic that secures them in the socket of a light fixture. The electrical connection to the socket may be made with a screw-thread base, two metal pins, two metal caps, or a bayonet mount. The three main categories of electric lights are incandescent lamps, gas-discharge lamps, and LED lamps.
Incandescent lamps produce light by heating a filament to white-hot temperatures using an electric current. They consist of a coiled filament of tungsten sealed in a globular glass chamber, either in a vacuum or filled with an inert gas like argon. Incandescent bulbs are highly inefficient, with only 2-5% of the energy consumed emitted as visible light, and the rest lost as heat. Due to their low energy efficiency, they are being phased out in many countries in favour of more efficient technologies like CFLs and LED bulbs.
Gas-discharge lamps produce light by means of an electric arc through a gas. Fluorescent lamps are an example of gas-discharge lamps, with the first prototype built in 1934. LED lamps, on the other hand, produce light by a flow of electrons across a band gap in a semiconductor. The first practical LED arrived in 1962.
Lighting equipment also includes various other components and technologies. For example, uplighting is an indirect lighting system that provides task illuminance by reflecting light from the ceiling. Local lighting provides illumination only over a small area occupied by a specific task and its immediate surroundings. Additionally, lighting control systems can be used to automate lighting functions, such as turning lights on or off at set times or based on motion or occupancy sensors.
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Lighting fixtures are not standardised, but luminaires are technically correct
Lighting fixtures are not standardised; luminaires are is a technically correct statement. The term "lighting fixture" refers to the complete lighting unit, including the luminaire (the light source and its housing) as well as any additional components such as shades, reflectors, and diffusers. While lighting fixtures as a whole may not be standardised, the luminaires themselves typically adhere to specific technical standards.
Standardisation in the lighting industry primarily focuses on the luminaires' performance, safety, and interoperability. Standards ensure that luminaires produce consistent light output, operate safely within specified electrical parameters, and are compatible with various lighting systems and infrastructures. These standards are established by recognised organisations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).
The lack of standardisation in lighting fixtures overall allows for creativity and flexibility in lighting design. Lighting fixtures can vary significantly in terms of aesthetics, size, shape, and additional components. This variation enables lighting designers and manufacturers to create unique products that cater to diverse consumer preferences and specific lighting requirements in different environments.
On the other hand, luminaires themselves are typically designed and manufactured to meet established standards. These standards ensure that the light sources, whether they are incandescent, fluorescent, LED, or other technologies, perform consistently and safely. Standardisation in luminaires encompasses factors such as luminous flux (light output), colour temperature, colour rendering index, power consumption, and electrical safety.
By adhering to these standards, luminaires can be reliably integrated into different lighting fixtures, ensuring compatibility and maintaining the desired lighting performance. Standardisation also facilitates the replacement of luminaires when necessary, as standardised components can be easily sourced and installed. This technical standardisation of luminaires benefits not only lighting manufacturers but also consumers, who can expect consistent lighting performance, safety, and interoperability across different products and brands.
In summary, while lighting fixtures as a whole may exhibit variety and customisation, the luminaires that form the core of these fixtures are indeed standardised. This standardisation of luminaires ensures the reliable and safe performance of lighting equipment, providing consistency and compatibility in the lighting industry.
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Lighting controls in electrical equipment rooms cannot be automatic only
Electric lighting is the artificial illumination produced by electrical sources. It is the most common form of artificial lighting, with the electric light, lamp, or light bulb being an electrical component that produces light. The three main categories of electric lights are incandescent lamps, gas-discharge lamps, and LED lamps.
Lighting controls in electrical equipment rooms cannot be automatic-only. This means that automatic control is not required, but if it is installed, it cannot be the only means of controlling the lights. The NEC 2014 110.26(D) states that "lighting for electrical rooms shall not be controlled by automatic means only." This is to ensure that people working in the room can manually keep the lights on. A simple switch would work, or there could be a mechanism to override any automatic features.
Some energy codes, such as California's Title 24, may require automatic lighting controls in electrical equipment rooms. However, most energy codes have exemptions for spaces where auto shut-off would endanger the safety or security of the room or building occupants. For example, it would be a safety issue to have only an occupancy sensor in an electrical room, as this could put someone servicing the equipment in the dark.
In addition to safety concerns, automatic lighting controls can also be overridden for energy-saving purposes. For example, ASHRAE90.1, which is used as the energy code in many states, requires an override of automatic lighting controls in every space. This is to prevent the unnecessary use of electricity, which can increase costs for owners.
In summary, lighting controls in electrical equipment rooms cannot be automatic-only to ensure the safety and well-being of people working in the room and to comply with energy codes and regulations.
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Efficient lighting obeys requirements like illumination level, uniformity, and absence of glare
Efficient lighting is essential, as it is artificial illumination produced by electrical sources, replacing traditional methods like candles and gas lamps. It is important to note that efficient lighting obeys all the requirements of good lighting, including illumination level, uniformity, and absence of glare.
Firstly, the illumination level is crucial, as it determines the visibility of objects. The level of illumination depends on factors such as the size of the object, the distance between the light source and the object, the distance between the observer and the object, the colour of the object, and whether the object is stationary or moving. For example, smaller objects require higher levels of illumination to be properly visible, while darker objects need more light. Similarly, a greater distance between the light source and the object or between the observer and the object necessitates a higher illumination level.
Secondly, uniformity of illumination is vital for efficient lighting. Uniformity refers to the ratio of minimum illuminance to average illuminance on a specified surface. It ensures that there are no obvious dark areas, enhancing visibility and safety. For instance, roads with non-uniform lighting prevent "zebra crossings," which can cause drivers to misjudge distances and lead to accidents. Additionally, non-uniform lighting can cause eye fatigue and reduce work efficiency.
Thirdly, efficient lighting requires the absence of glare, which is defined as unwanted light that interferes with visual tasks. Direct glare occurs when there is an annoying brightness in a person's normal field of vision. Indirect glare, caused by light reflecting off shiny objects, can be minimised by positioning lamps so that no direct light falls on reflective surfaces.
In conclusion, efficient lighting obeys requirements such as illumination level, uniformity, and absence of glare. These factors ensure that lighting is both functional and comfortable for various tasks and environments, contributing to improved visibility, safety, and productivity.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric lighting is artificial illumination produced by electrical sources. It is the most common form of lighting, replacing traditional methods like candles and gas lamps.
The three main categories of electric lights are incandescent lamps, gas-discharge lamps, and LED lamps. Incandescent lamps produce light by heating a filament to white-hot temperatures using an electric current. Gas-discharge lamps create light by sending an electric arc through a gas, and LED lamps use a flow of electrons across a band gap in a semiconductor.
A luminaire, or lighting fixture, is a complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps, along with the parts designed to distribute, position, and protect the light source.
Glare refers to unwanted light that exceeds what is required for a visual task under comfortable viewing conditions. It can be reduced by using louvers, which are vertical or angled fins of metal, plastic, or wood placed at right angles to linear lamps to control the cut-off of luminaries and reduce glare from critical angles.
In electrical equipment rooms, illumination should not be controlled by automatic means only. This means that while automatic features can be overridden, a manual switch to control lighting is necessary. Additionally, energy codes and regulations, such as those in California, may dictate specific requirements for lighting control in these spaces.
