Light fixture

Updated on Nov 22, 2024

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A light fixture (US English), light fitting (UK English), or luminaire is an electrical device used to create artificial light by use of an electric lamp. All light fixtures have a fixture body and a light socket to hold the lamp and allow for its replacement. Fixtures may also have a switch to control the light. Fixtures require an electrical connection to a power source; permanent lighting may be directly wired, and moveable lamps have a plug. Light fixtures may also have other features, such as reflectors for directing the light, an aperture (with or without a lens), an outer shell or housing for lamp alignment and protection, and an electrical ballast or power supply. A wide variety of special light fixtures are created for use in the automotive lighting industry, aerospace, marine and medicine.

Portable light fixtures are often called "lamps", as in table lamp or desk lamp. In technical terminology, the lamp is the light source, which is typically called the light bulb.

The term luminaire is recommended by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for technical use.

History

Fixture manufacturing began soon after production of the incandescent light bulb. When practical uses of fluorescent lighting were realized after 1924, the three leading companies to produce various fixtures were Lightolier, Artcraft Fluorescent Lighting Corporation, and Globe Lighting in the United States.

Fixture types

Light fixtures are classified by how the fixture is installed, the light function or lamp type.

Free-standing or portable

Table lamp fixtures, standard lamp fixtures, and office task light luminaires.

Balanced-arm lamp is a spot light with an adjustable arm such as anglepoise or Luxo L1.

Gooseneck lamp

Nightlight

Floor Lamp

Torch lamp or torchières are floor lamps with an upward facing shade. They provide general lighting to the rest of the room.

Gooseneck lamp

Bouillotte lamp: see Bouillotte

Fixed

Ceiling Dome — Also called the light source(s) are hidden behind a translucent dome typically made of glass, with some combination of frosting and surface texturing to diffuse the light. These can be flush mount fixtures which are mounted right up against the ceiling, or semi-flush fixtures which are separated by a small distance (usually about 3-12").

Open ceiling dome — the translucent dome is suspended a short distance below the ceiling by a mechanism that is hidden with the exception of a screw-knob or other device appearing on the outer dome face, and pulling this knob releases the dome

Enclosed ceiling dome The translucent dome mates with a ring that is mounted flush with the ceiling

Recessed light — the protective housing is concealed behind a ceiling or wall, leaving only the fixture itself exposed. The ceiling-mounted version is often called a downlight.

"Cans" with a variety of lamps — this term is jargon for inexpensive downlighting products that are recessed into the ceiling, or sometimes for uplights placed on the floor. The name comes from the shape of the housing. The term "pot lights" is often used in Canada and parts of the US.

Cove light — recessed into the ceiling in a long box against a wall.

Troffer — recessed fluorescent light fixtures, usually rectangular in shape to fit into a drop ceiling grid.

Surface-mounted light — the finished housing is exposed, not flush with surface

Chandelier

Pendant light — suspended from the ceiling with a chain or pipe

Sconce — provide up or down lights; can be used to illuminate artwork, architectural details; commonly used in hallways or as an alternative to overhead lighting.

Track lighting fixture — individual fixtures ("track heads") can be positioned anywhere along the track, which provides electric power.

Under-cabinet light — mounted below kitchen wall cabinets

Display Case or Showcase light — shows merchandise on display within an enclosed case such as jewelry, grocery stores, and chain stores.

Ceiling fan - May sometimes have a light, often referred to as a light kit mounted to it.

Emergency lighting or exit sign — connected to a battery backup or to an electric circuit that has emergency power if the mains power fails

High- and low-bay lighting — typically used for general lighting for industrial buildings and often big-box stores

Strip lights or Industrial lighting — often long lines of fluorescent lamps used in a warehouse or factory

Outdoor lighting and landscape lighting — used to illuminate walkways, parking lots, roadways, building exteriors and architectural details, gardens, and parks.

High-mast, usually pole- or stanchion-mounted — for landscape, roadways, and parking lots

Bollard — A type of architectural outdoor lighting that is a short, upright ground-mounted unit typically used to provide cutoff type illumination for egress lighting, to light walkways, steps, or other pathways.

Solar lamp

Street light

Yard light