Kyle Kluska

General

Understanding Beam Spread and NEMA Types

When considering an outdoor lighting overhaul, your design will likely include several different types of fixtures. This ‘layered lighting’ look is usually achieved using a combination of flood or area lights, path lights, up lights, downlights, and possibly even spotlights – all of which can enhance the curb appeal of your home or business, highlight architectural features, and increase safety and security. LED flood lights are among the most popular outdoor lighting options in residential and commercial applications; however, with so many options for light distribution, it can be a bit confusing to know the difference and determine which is best for your lighting needs. Our aim is to help you understand how beam spread works so you can be confident you’re choosing the right outdoor light for your project. Beam spread, or beam angle, measures the spread of light (the width of the beam) from a reflected light source.…

General

Low Voltage Lighting: 12V vs 24V and 3 Things to Check First

Glance around your home and you’ll notice most light fixtures connect directly to the line voltage of your electrical system. Line voltage, also called high voltage or household current, is the standard 120 volts found in outlets and junction boxes in the U.S. Line voltage fixtures cover most traditional lighting, including ceiling fixtures and sconces.

Low voltage lighting runs on far less, typically 12 or 24 volts. It got its start in American homes in the 1950s, developed first for landscape lighting before moving indoors. Today it’s common in recessed lighting, track lighting, under cabinet lighting, strip and tape lighting and more.

General

Color Rendering Index: 5 Things CRI Doesn’t Tell You

What Is Color Rendering Index (CRI)?

As LED technology keeps advancing, lighting manufacturers offer more and more products with a high color rendering index, or CRI. Just as color temperature (CCT) changes how a room looks and feels, color rendering index determines how good the light actually looks once it lands on something. The two go hand in hand when you’re choosing lighting for an application.

General

Basic Rules for LED Closet Lighting

Closet lighting can make a storage space safer, easier to use, and more functional. Whether you’re lighting a small reach-in closet or a large walk-in, the right LED fixtures can improve visibility while helping you account for electrical-code clearance requirements around shelves, clothing, and other stored items. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of LED closet lighting, including fixture safety, color temperature, motion-sensing options, and design ideas using flush mounts, recessed fixtures, puck lights, and LED tape light. Closet Lighting Safety Codes & NEC Requirements The National Electric Code (NEC), which is published every three years by the National Fire Protection Association, sets the rules and guidelines that apply to building regulations in most commercial and residential spaces, including closets and other storage areas. In the 2008 edition of the code, LED fixtures were allowed for the first time. Since then, modern homes have slowly integrated over to LED…

Lighting Applications

A Guide to LED Under Cabinet Lighting

Why Under Cabinet Lighting? Under cabinet lighting is one of the most useful and convenient lighting applications on the market today. As the name suggests, under cabinet lighting refers to light fixtures that are installed most commonly underneath upper wall kitchen cabinets, illuminating the space directly below. These hidden fixtures are able to blend in seamlessly without looking obtrusive or clashing with existing decor. They’re used predominantly in kitchen areas where additional light is useful for reading recipes and preparing food. An under cabinet system will not only improve the brightness and overall look and feel of your space; it’s also one of the easiest ways to increase the resale value of your home. Modern LED under cabinet lights have revolutionized kitchen lighting, offering superior energy efficiency and longer lifespans compared to outdated fluorescent or halogen systems. Whether you choose hardwired under cabinet lighting for a permanent installation or plug in…

General

LED Lighting Terms: 15 Specs to Know Before You Buy

As LEDs continue to reign over incandescent and fluorescent options, it helps to know a handful of LED lighting terms so you can compare products properly and pick the right one for a project. Early LED lighting was mostly commercial, but the technology has shifted substantially into residential too. More consumers are making the switch, realizing that a larger upfront investment pays back over time.

General

0-10V Dimming: How It Works with LED Lighting | PROLIGHTING

What is 0-10V Dimming? 0-10V dimming is a common lighting control method that uses a low-voltage DC control signal to adjust the light output of compatible LED fixtures. In a typical 0-10V LED system, approximately 10 volts represents full light output, while reducing the control voltage dims the fixture toward its minimum light level. The exact minimum dimming level varies by LED driver, and some systems require a separate switch or relay to turn the fixture completely off. Simple, reliable, and widely used in commercial lighting, 0-10V dimming makes it easy to adjust light levels for different activities, environments, and energy-saving strategies. Pairing compatible LED fixtures with a 0-10V dimmer gives you greater control over spaces ranging from offices and warehouses to restaurants and retail environments. Where to Use a 0-10V Dimmer? 0-10V dimming was originally developed for (and is still often used as) a standard method of controlling fluorescent…

Lighting Applications

How Lighting Affects Horse Reproduction and Hair Growth

How Lighting Affects Reproduction Horses depend on a natural cycle of sunlight to reproduce. During seasonal daylight changes and colder weather, reproductive cycles in the mare grow less consistent, ultimately moving to a period of anestrus which is defined as a lack of estrus or sexual receptivity and fertility in female mammals. Stallions also undergo a low amount of sperm in response to shorter days and less light. Reproduction in both stallions and mares relaxes in the arctic regions through this season of the year and mares will not continue constant estrus (sexual receptivity) periods until around April. Artificial equine lighting can be used to spur a female horse to estrous quicker than normal. Mares need roughly 15 hours of constant light and 8 hours of darkness in order to maintain reproductive abilities. When Light enters the animal’s eye it suppresses the release of melatonin thus enabling the continuation of…

PROject Spotlight

PROject Spotlight – Parking Lot Lighting

Job Description Requirements Provide energy efficient product with long life Budget friendly Exceed current light output Product Used: RAB 50 Watt LED Pole Mount Area Light RAB Lighting 10′ Light Pole 4×4″ 11ga. Steel Overview This parking lot is for a hospital located within 1 mile of the PROLIGHTING in Brighton, MI. When you’re taking on a project like this, you have to think about where and how the elderly and disabled will benefit most. The first most noticeable improvement is the color. The new 50 watt 5000 Kelvin RAB LED lighting creates a much more white light making it easier to see objects and traffic more. In addition, the color rendering index or CRI is much improved as well. The CRI is responsible for how clearly you see objects. These lights were mounted on a 10 foot pole. At this height we focused on making the light abundant but not…

PROject Spotlight

PROject Spotlight – Warehouse Lighting

Electrical Contractor Working With PROLIGHTING “PROLIGHTING puts the ‘Pro’ in Professional and Product knowledge! There are LED lighting products that come and go. At GP/Pro our reputation depends on the LED products we specify and install. Pro-Lighting sells only the best proven technology that’s tested and reviewed for quality and reliability. Gary the sales manager makes a “PROLIGHTING” commitment to every order we place. From customer service to fulfillment we can count on PROLIGHTING to deliver.” Paul Thomas / President / GP/Pro Inc. / www.gogppro.com About GPPro Inc GPPro Inc. is a privately held Michigan Corporation with a team of qualified professionals. GP/Pro has over 25 years of combined experience in Industrial Distribution, Design and Engineering. Their list of customers range from fortune 100 companies to local restaurants and medical offices. They are happy to personally invite you to meet the staff of experienced trained professionals. Job Description 1 Requirements:…