Although incandescent lamps are more frequently used in residential lighting applications, some commercial lighting fixtures also used this technology. Incandescent lamps pass current through a filament, which causes the filament to give off light. Because they are relatively short lived, incandescents are used mostly as decorative commercial lighting fixtures. Their ability to render warm colors effectively without ballast makes them well suited to this application, and the enormous variety of bulb designs make them highly soft after source of any type of accent lighting or decorum based commercial lighting design.

Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures
Fluorescent lamps are used extensively in commercial lighting fixtures for a number of reasons. First and foremost of these reasons is their ability to use less power than other commercial lighting fixtures, making them very cost effective from an energy conservation perspective. Fluorescent bulbs also produce a very bright light that is evenly distributed, making them ideal commercial warehouse lighting fixtures, canopy lights, security lights, in interior retail lights in discount stores where high levels of general lighting help psychologically motivate larger bulk purchases of discount merchandise.

Fluorescent bulbs produce light by activating phosphors on the interior of the bulb using ultraviolet energy generated by a mercury arc. Ballast helps start and operate the fluorescent lamps by regulating electron flow through the gaseous arc. Trends in fluorescent technology have made them more compact, increasing lumens per watt efficiency as high as 100 lumens per watt, and reducing the amount of toxic mercury within the bulbs interior. Fluorescent commercial lighting fixtures are best deployed underneath building eaves (as in the case of canopy lights), near loading docks, in wall packs on the sides of buildings, or as large grocery store or warehouse lights. Placing them too far out into open spaces tends to diffuse their light output and diminish their intensity.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Commercial Lighting Fixtures
HID stands for High Intensity Discharge. It refers to a technology where light is produced by a gaseous arc discharge using a variety of elements. Typical elements include mercury vapor, metal halide, and high pressure sodium. The arc tube within an HID lamp will contain one or more of such elements, and when current passes between the electrodes at either end of the tube, the current creates an arc that generates visible light.

HID lamps feature the highest efficiency in lumens per watt output and also feature a greater level of lighting control. They also last longer than other commercial lighting fixtures, making them a wise investment for a company on a Spartan budget that cannot afford to continually replace equipment. High intensity discharge sources include mercury vapor, metal halide, and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. Light is produced in HID and low pressure sodium (LPS) sources through a gaseous arc discharge using a variety of elements. Each HID lamp consists of an arc tube which contains certain elements or mixtures of elements which, when an arc is created between the electrodes at each end, gasify and generate visible radiation.

Light Sources and Lamp Characteristics

Mercury Vapor (MV) Lighting Fixtures
Mercury vapor lights were the first HID commercial lighting fixtures developed. They were designed originally to meet a rising demand for a very compact, high output, and energy efficient source of light. They are used extensively in a number of landscape lighting applications, being commonly deployed as tree lights in high-end commercial outdoor lighting systems. In other applications they have proven somewhat less effective duo to their inferior color rendering abilities, although this has improved to a certain extent over the years by phosphor coated interior bulb walls.

The life of mercury vapor lamps is good, averaging 24,000 hours for larger wattage lamps. However, because the output diminishes so greatly over time, economical operational life is often much shorter. Efficacy ranges from 30 to 60 lumens per watt, with the higher wattages being more efficacious than the lower wattages.

As with other HID lamps, the starting of a mercury vapor lamp is not immediate. Starting time is short, though, taking 4-7 minutes to achieve maximum output depending upon the ambient temperature.

High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Light Fixtures
High Pressure Sodium (HPS) commercial lighting fixtures gained huge popularity in the 1970s to meet the needs of a powerful, yet super efficient, source of HID lighting. Lumens per watt output in an HPS lamp can be as high as 140 lumens per watt, approximately 7 times the luminance as incandescent lamps and twice that of MV or Fluorescent. They also last for approximately 24,000 hours---the longest lamp light on the market.

The problem with HPS commercial lighting fixtures has always been the quality of light they create. HPS lamps give off a yellowish or orange-tinted color and are not acceptable light sources for situations where illuminating a brand, architectural keynote, or any type of ornate exterior landscaping requires a high level of color rendering. For the most part, they are used in applications such as commercial parking garage lighting, warehouse lighting, and certain outdoor applications such as security flood lighting.

Metal Halide (MH Lighting Fixtures
Metal Halide (MH) commercial lighting fixtures are fast becoming the preferred source of HID lighting in most commercial environments. This is because they produce a very bright white light that nearly equivalent to daylight in its color rendering ability. The variety of applications is significant as a result, ranging from decorative street lighting, commercial parking lot lighting, car lot lighting, outdoor landscape lighting, architectural lighting, security lighting, and general site lighting. Traditionally, their biggest drawback has been their short lamp life, only 7,500 hours on the average.

Newer designs in Metal Halide commercial lighting fixtures include pulse start technology and ceramic metal halide design. These improvements have increased lumens per watt efficiency, control of the light itself through superior dimmability, better stability of color rendering, longer lamp life, and shorter start time.

Unfortunately, recent legislation has called for the phase out of certain standard forms of MH commercial lighting fixtures due to their use of incendiary elements that fall under the classification of greenhouse gas sources. This in turn paves the way for the most sophisticated lighting ever developed on our world, and quite possibly, the singular source of lighting used both commercially and residentially in the very near future: LED commercial lighting fixtures.

LED Commercial Lighting Fixtures
As technology improves, the ability to create truly white LED light continues to evolve. LED commercial lighting fixtures are featuring higher lumens per watt efficiencies than their initial prototypes initially offered. This has opened the door for a number of architectural lighting and site lighting applications that were previously the exclusive domain of HID commercial lighting fixtures.

We are also seeing an upsurge in the use of led commercial lighting fixtures in street and roadway lighting, where a number of municipalities in the United States and Europe have reported some very promising findings in regards to both power cost reduction and the overall quality of street lighting itself.

Look for quarterly leaps and bounds in the engineering gains made by LED commercial lighting fixture manufacturers.

RLLD Commercial Lighting offers energy efficient outdoor lighting supplies and landscape lighting fixture sales.

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The kitchen is the heart of your home, it is where you meet for breakfast, and socialize over dinner. When you decide to renovate it, you do not have to go all out and spend thousands of dollars. When you change the lighting, it can create a whole new look to your kitchen.

Often, especially in older homes, like farmhouses and houses that are over a hundred years old, the lighting is very poor. This can make the room seem old and outdated, and sometimes, it can even be dangerous. When you decide to change the lighting in your kitchen, you will have many different styles to choose from. Track lighting, recessed lighting and all other types of lighting add different levels of depth to your kitchen.

Before you go out and purchase lighting, you must first determine what type of kitchen that you have and what you want it to look like once you have finished. You must research what all of your options are. If your kitchen is small, you may want to think about recessed lighting. It can brighten up the room and make it look a lot bigger than what it actually is. It also gives you an updated look that you and your family will enjoy.

Ceiling fan lighting fixtures can give you just the right amount of lighting while increasing airflow and reducing the temperature in your kitchen while you are preparing meals for your family. The great thing about this type of lighting fixture is that many of them have adjustable lighting so you can add just the right amount of light for any occasion.

There are many choices when it comes to ceiling fixtures, and when you start your search, you will have to make a list to choose from. Be warned, it will not be an easy choice, ceiling fixtures are magnificent in their styles and designs.

If you have a large kitchen, adding wall sconces can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen especially if you have a Victorian home. They add warmth and charm to any room, however they are particularly incredible in the kitchen. You can choose from brass and glass or bronze, and the glass is usually either soft frosted or Tiffany style. Either one you choose, it will definitely make a statement when your friends and family walk into the room. As with any other product, kitchen lighting can range in price. Most of the lighting fixtures are very affordable, and when you shop online, you may be able eligible for specials and discounts that different sites have to offer.

Lighting is an excellent way to renovate your Kitchen without adding a huge expense. It should reflect your family's personality and style.

SNS Designs, Inc. owns a number of home decor websites. They carry wide selection of unique Lighting Fixtures, tiffany lamps and Hall Ceiling Lamps.

They offer the most popular housewarming ideas, such as tiffany style lamps, table lamps, buffet lamps for everyone.

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All of us begin our day with a trip to the bathroom; most of us end it also with a trip to the bathroom. In between, we make a number of trips to this room. Funny then that the bathroom is often ignored when it comes to lighting and décor. One of the reasons is the size of course. Since this is the smallest room in the house, most people think that a single naked bulb is all they need for sufficient illumination. However, this sort of crimping results in inadequate lighting which in turn leads to the under-utilization of bathroom space. In addition to cramping the style of your bathroom, inadequate lighting stops the bathroom from providing its full variety of services.

The bathroom is a place where a number of functions are performed. Therefore, proper illumination is vital to its usability. From performing intricate tasks like shaving or putting on makeup to enjoying a relaxing bath, various parts of the bathroom function differently. This demands different kinds of lighting. So, a good bathroom lighting plan is the first step towards enjoying your bathroom to its fullest.

The first step is to identify areas that need clear, focused lighting. Spots like the vanity area in a bathroom demand precise lighting. So, you need bathroom lighting fixtures that provide complete clarity eliminating awkward shadows and dark corners. The best kind of bathroom lighting for this area would be wall-mounted fixtures or sconces, installed on either sides of the mirror. If you have an oversized mirror, you could place mount sconces directly over them. This will create a dazzling classic look.

The shower is another equally important area. A light fixture that can light up the shower stall sufficiently prevents nasty accidents or shaving nicks. But since this area is susceptible to moisture, it is important to use light fixtures that can safely be used in wet areas.

One of the best ways to transform your bathroom from shabby to elegant is through the use of recessed lighting. Consider using a dimmer controlled recessed lighting fixture directed at the perimeter of your bathtub, for the times when you need to enjoy a relaxing bath.

From light fixtures reminiscent of classic Victorian elegance to stylistic modern designs finished in chrome or bronze, you can transform your bathroom to a place that you enjoy visiting. With bright splashes of color lighting up just the right spots to the right degree of brightness, you can achieve the classic elegance of a designer bathroom in your home. That too, without having to spend a fortune.

That is why it is advisable to identify sellers who are direct vendors of manufacturers of leading brands. That way, you will be able to take advantage of stock clearance sales and other discounts.

Decorative lights can liven up your bathroom to an amazing degree. With the arrival of an astonishing variety of bathroom lighting fixtures, it is possible to create just about any effect you wish.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dhaval_Suthar

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Determining whether you should upgrade or replace existing fluorescent light fixtures when you are remodeling or renovating really depends on the latest building codes in your area. You can find out yourself or consult with a local contractor, engineer, or architect. Any of these professionals will be able to advise you. It is recommended that you do upgrade or replace lights and fixtures in order to meet the latest codes even if the change is going to be costly. Your local building codes will probably require that your new fixtures meet new energy efficiency requirements thus helping the environment as well as your wallet.

There are other reasons why you should upgrade your light fixtures even though your local building codes do not require it. You should think about retrofitting your existing fixtures if the bulbs you are using are not energy efficient. There are many types of low voltage light bulb alternatives on the market. Depending on what you are currently using, switching bulbs could save you up to 50% on energy costs.

The same goes for replacing fixtures even if code doesn't call for it. Older lighting systems should be replaced if they will not accommodate new energy efficient light bulbs. Again this is a small investment considering how much you can save in the long run. You should also replace fixtures and light bulbs that are not functioning properly. Lights that are burned out, flickering, or producing a dim illumination must be replaced because they are only wasting energy.

Check your states' department of energy website. Many states have tax credits and discounts for companies that upgrade or replace their existing or outdated lighting with newer and energy saving materials. Some states also have loans that are directed to business who wish to upgrade but cannot afford the initial cost. These loans are usually low interest so small businesses can also participate. Local utility companies also offer discounts or rebates to those who increase their energy efficiency. The money could make a nice dent on the cost of the upgrades.

You can research about local codes, loan programs, rebates, and discounts in your area directly on the internet. If you are unable to find information, contact a lighting professional in your area. A professional can visit your building and estimate how much it will cost you to upgrade or replace existing fixtures to bring them up to code. You can then decide whether or not to do more and how much it will cost you. Keep in mind that the building codes are created to make your building safe and functioning properly. Most local governments are now also incorporating codes that are environmentally safe as well. This is not an attempt to force you to go green. On the contrary, it can actually save you a noticeable amount of money in the future.

For more information about compact fluorescent lights or money saving home lighting fixtures please check out our website today.

Copyright 2009 - Cynthia Hendricks.

Notice: This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any Ezine, newsletter, blog, or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

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Lighting is often thought of as a necessity, which it is, but not often as part of the decor. This is more the case in residential settings. For years architects in commercial buildings have used lighting to compliment their designs. A good example of this melding of light and art is the Chrysler building in NYC. Most of the original lighting followed the Art Deco style of the building, with many of the fixtures custom made to fit the style.

In residential settings the most common use of decorative lighting fixtures is in the form of a dining room chandelier or some wall sconces. There are so many unique and beautiful light fixtures to choose from. Using a combination of unique light fixtures, varied patterns and controls, the lighting can in itself become a work of art. Even something like recessed cans with some planning and forethought can be placed in patterns that enhance the room from a decorative standpoint.

A very popular form of lighting used today in kitchens is pendant lighting. Placed over an island or peninsula, they can help define the space and add an element of art into the room. Taking a simple set of three pendants and altering the height of the fixtures, a new visual experience can easily be created. Too many lighting plans just conform to a given symmetrical pattern. Recessed lights placed in rows that are very commercial looking in nature. Instead of the lights placed in 3 rows of three you can have rows of three, two and three. This minor change now adds interest and is visually pleasing.

There is also the style of the fixtures themselves. The vast majority of recessed lights used are a basic baffle and bulb. There is so much more in the way of recessed lighting. There are trims for recessed lights that come in glass, different colors, wall washers, gimbal rings and so many more. It just takes a little thinking out of the box to take a different approach. Not to mislead anyone, these more unique designs cost more money. The truth is that most people are willing to pay a little more but they just aren't made aware of all the options available.

On your next remodeling project, consider the lighting in your decorative plans. The finished project will be a step above the rest!

Paul Forte has been in the lighting and electrical field for over 25 years. He has helped countless homeowners across the country with their lighting needs through his Website - Here is a very unique Pendant Lighting Layout and a little How To.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Forte

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