led

Brands

At RAB, the Future is Field-Adjustable

In recent months, RAB Lighting has continued to launch a steady stream of new and updated LED products that feature field-adjustable technology. Field-adjustable or field-selectable fixtures are lighting products that use LED technology to allow users to customize color temperature and/or lumen output (wattage). Field adjustability is an emerging trend across most categories of lighting, allowing one SKU to do the work of many. Because different correlated color temperatures (CCTs) work better depending on the space, field-adjustable fixtures are an ideal choice in those situations when you’re uncertain about the color temperature or your needs might change.

Lighting Applications

Choosing the Best LED Recessed Lighting: What You Should Know

Recessed lighting is easily one of the most practical and functional additions you can make to your home or commercial building. Recessed lighting — often referred to as downlighting or can lights — is designed to sit flush with your surface (usually a ceiling). These versatile lights work in practically any room. LED recessed lighting is the most common form of architectural lighting found today, and one of the fastest ways to update an existing space with minimal effort. As suppliers of LED recessed lighting, we’re seeing it used increasingly more in both new construction and LED retrofit recessed lighting applications.

Brands

Creating the Ultimate Comfort Zone with RadioRA 3

In our last blog post, we introduced you to Lutron’s newest lighting control system, RadioRA 3 and outlined the key features to expect — a new all-in-one processor powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet), new simpler PC programming software and app-based editing features, and the first-ever line of wall controls with both light bar design and IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity. Now we’ll see what else RadioRA 3 is capable of.

Brands

Lutron Reveals Game-Changing RadioRA 3 for 2022

In a quarter that’s been plagued by supply chain issues and an ongoing pandemic, Lutron’s announcement of their new RadioRA 3 Control System brought with it some much-needed excitement for the industry. Ten years in the making, RadioRA 3 is scheduled to make its debut in January and Lutron has promised the system is a total game-changer. So what’s new? Read on to learn more about the highly-anticipated product line.

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

What is Low Voltage Lighting?

If you glance around your home, you’ll notice that many light fixtures are connected directly to the line voltage of your electrical system. Line voltage (also known as high voltage, or what is commonly referred to as household current), is the standard voltage -120 volts- that’s found in outlets and junction boxes here in the U.S. Line voltage fixtures are used for many types of traditional lighting including ceiling lighting and sconces. Low voltage LED lighting, which we’ll be discussing throughout this post, uses less than 50 (typically 12 or 24) volts of power. Low voltage lighting got its start in American residential settings in the 1950s. Originally developed to facilitate landscape lighting, low voltage lighting soon made its way indoors and is now very common for lighting applications like recessed lighting, track lighting, under cabinet lighting, strip and tape lighting, and more. So what’s the deal with low voltage…

General

Understanding Color Rendering Index (CRI)

What is Color Rendering Index (CRI)? As LED technology continues to advance, lighting manufacturers are beginning to offer more products with a high color rendering index, or CRI. Just like color temperature (CCT) can significantly impact how a room will look and feel, CRI affects how good the visual output of an LED lighting product will be. In fact, the two go hand in hand when you’re trying to choose the right lighting for your application. So what is CRI? In short, CRI is the measurement of light in relation to how it affects the appearance of color. It is an assessment of how the light source shows object colors ‘naturally’ when compared to a familiar basis of reference, such as daylight. The CRI scale started gaining popularity when LED lighting became more prevalent in homes. It’s measured as a number between 0 and 100. In general, LED bulbs and fixtures…

General

Basic Rules for LED Closet Lighting

When it comes to lighting design, closets are one of the most overlooked areas in the home. Regardless of the size of your closet, proper closet lighting is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but because these areas also have their own set of safety requirements. Whether you’re building a brand new closet space or updating an existing one, these tips should help ease the stress of shopping for lighting. Note Important Safety Codes 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 technology. However, people still utilize a pull chain and bare bulb method…

Brands

Getting Started with Lutron Dimmers

The Benefits of Dimming Controlling light is one of the easiest ways you can enhance a room. With just a touch, you’re able to transform the ambiance in a family room, kitchen, bathroom or nursery, and create just the right light for any activity in essentially any area in your home. Installing dimmers is also one of the simplest eco-friendly home improvements you can make. Utilizing dimmers saves money on your energy bill and can help to extend the life of your bulbs and fixtures. While lighting is a critical aspect of good interior design, many people overlook the lighting quality in their home and miss out on a key opportunity to save energy. Lighting accounts for almost 20% of an average home’s monthly electric bill. The average homeowner has light controls that consist of a simple on/off switch, rather than a dimmer. This means that no matter what time of day,…

Lighting Applications

How to Choose the Best Light Bulb Color for Your Home

Shopping for LED lighting can seem like a challenging task when you’re presented with so many options. Our light bulb color chart makes it easy to understand the difference between warm, neutral, and cool LEDs, so you can choose the right one for your space. Understanding LED color temperature helps you create the perfect lighting atmosphere in every room. Whether you need cool, neutral, warm, or tunable LEDs will depend on how and where you’re using them, as well as the desired look and feel of your application. At PROLIGHTING, we want to help make the process of buying LED bulbs and fixtures easier. But first, let’s answer the question: What is Color Temperature? Most LED lighting products are offered in a variety of color temperatures in varying hues of white. Our light bulb color chart visually breaks down these temperatures, showing the range from warm (yellow) to cool (blue).…