led lighting

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…

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…

Brands

At Home with Lutron

Lutron has been one of our top-selling brands ever since we became a distributor back in 2004. We wanted to celebrate our last 15 years of partnership and recognize them as one of our favorite brands, by paying homage to them here. And to further commemorate, we recently dropped by their New York Residential Experience Center, located in the heart of East Midtown’s interior design district, to check out the latest products from the lighting control experts. This area of Manhattan is home to over 100 independent design showrooms, with Lutron nestled in among other luxury interior design and decorative arts brands. Walking in, we’re reminded why Lutron really is the best of the best. The space is beyond gorgeous, and mimics a posh New York City apartment equipped with a variety of Lutron products that incorporate innovative smart-home technology. An immersive experience of shade and lighting control follows; one that makes us want to pack our bags and take up residence.

Products

Keystone FutureFit Kits

Keystone FutureFit kits are easy retrofit solution for sconce, linear, rectangular, and circular fixtures.

Lighting Applications

Smart Lighting for a Smart Home

Smart lighting can reduce energy, increase comfortability, and improve safety. Smart lights are beneficial in both residential and commercial applications.