What is LED light?

LED is an acronym of industrial origin which refers to the Light-Emitting Diode. LED lighting is a type of solid-state lighting (SSL) based on light-emitting semiconductor diodes. LED lighting lasts longer than previously dominant incandescent lighting, uses less energy and allows for more flexible design.

How long do LED lights last?

Generally, LED light lasts between four to six years—longer when used in cold temperatures. LED bulbs last longer than other types of light bulbs—up to 50 times longer than incandescent light and as much as 25 times longer than halogen lighting—and there are several factors influencing the efficacy of LED, including extreme heat, high frequency of use, and operating LED lighting on a higher current than intended. For instance, LED light can last 10 years, but the time may be shortened if it’s frequently used outdoors in extremely hot temperatures. The LED light may last longer if the light is kept at room temperature and rarely used. LED lights fade in time and do not last forever, though LED lighting generally shines as brightly as when new; other lighting can fade after a year.

Do LED lights get hot?

LED lights generate heat, though not as much as traditional light bulbs.

Are LED lights bad for your eyes?

Because LEDs are digital and use blue light, which makes LED lighting brighter, it’s a legitimate question. LED lighting quickly turns on and off hundreds of times per second; the flutter can cause the brain to work harder, disrupt movement of the eyes and may lead to headaches, dizziness and even nausea. A 2019 report confirmed a French health agency's 2010 study of blue light’s effects on the eye showing short-term phototoxic effects associated with acute exposure and long-term effects associated with chronic exposure, which can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). LED light intensity generally compares to traditional bulbs and halogen lamps. All of Alcon Lighting’s LED lights include anti-glare frosted acrylic or glass lens which reduce glare and potential damage to the eyes.

How do LED lights work?

LED lights are small bulbs that fit into an electrical circuit. These don't have filaments that burn out, so they use less electricity, and they don't get especially hot. They're illuminated solely by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor, and last as long as a standard transistor. To assure LED functionality, avoid heat buildup and strictly adhere to proper standards, including installing bulbs in proper electrical circuits or accessories (and don’t screw bulbs in too tightly.) Check internal parts of the lamp such as the capacitors, drivers and diodes and, if LED lighting suddenly stops working, check the circuit breaker. Don’t hesitate to hire an electrician to help.

Can I connect LED lights?

Yes. Daisy chaining allows LED lights to be connected one after another. Alcon Lighting offers a variety of lights with connectors. Certain restrictions may apply.

Are LED lights safe?

Yes. LED lighting does not contain toxic substances, such as lead or mercury. LED lights are as recyclable as many electronic devices. Note that LED bulbs are electronic devices. Like a mobile device or laptop computer, overheating can happen, so the LED bulb must be able to dissipate heat. LED lights housed in an enclosed space prevent the heat from dissipating, sending heat back to the bulb. LED lights do not lead to hazardous chemical leaks and LED lights produce light at a lower temperature, so they are not as flammable as other types of lighting. Additionally, because LEDs do not contain ultraviolet (UV) rays, today’s LED lights can be used in skin and other health therapies.

Can LED lights be left on 24 7?

Yes. Quality LED lights can be left on 24 hours a day. The Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) produce minimal heat, which means they are unlikely to overheat or set on fire. Of course, most interior lights can be switched off at night—and exterior lights can be terminated in daytime—and turning lights off when not in use extends the light’s function. The digital, intelligent or smart lighting system with scheduling capability can allow the user to set a time at which lights automatically turn on, so you can preserve the light’s function and save money. Turning LED lights on and off does not impact its function.

What does LED mean?

LED is an acronym of industrial origin which refers to the Light-Emitting Diode. LED lighting is a type of solid-state lighting (SSL) based on light-emitting semiconductor diodes, which last longer than previously dominant incandescent lighting, use less energy and allow for more flexible design.

What are the advantages of LED lighting?

Besides forementioned energy efficiency and design versatility, LED lights afford faster brightness, smoother dimming and, compared with fluorescent lighting, on-and-off switching which won’t affect long-term performance.

Does LED lighting have disadvantages?

LED lighting is contingent upon the exterior temperature, so it must be properly managed to avoid overheating. Because LED is a relatively recent, newer technological advancement, it can cost more to produce than previous forms of lighting.

Who can gain from LED lighting?

Almost everyone. For instance, upgrading a school’s fluorescent lighting into newer, adjustable LED lighting system can improve a student’s performance. This can lead to better concentration, self-confidence and grades as well as boosting morale. Research shows that adjusting the light’s color temperature—possible with LED lighting—to match the time of day can enhance the body’s circadian rhythm, improving mood and quality of sleep. LED bulbs come in a variety of brightness levels, including a daylight variation. Multiple studies show that natural LED light can improve mood and productivity among workers. LED lighting can generally improve human concentration and relaxation with the potential to strengthen one’s ability to focus as well as boost one’s ability to recall and retain memory. LED bulbs consume less power — as much as 90 percent less — than incandescent bulbs.

Those are interior applications. Can LED be used outdoors?

Yes. Exterior LED lighting in rugged metal (usually steel) casing secured by vandal-resistant screws can withstand abuse and tampering in high-occupancy public areas which ensure human safety and security. LED lights are also favored by cities for low-energy, high-profile public showcases. These public light displays trace to 2009. Today, several municipalities feature outdoor light exhibitions with bright, low-powered LED lights.

Who discovered LED lighting?

That’s a matter of interpretation. But the history of LED lighting is a tale of man made progress in capitalism. According to lighting historians, a Marconi laboratory researcher named Henry Joseph Round noticed in 1907 that when electrical voltage is applied to carborundum (silicon carbide) crystal, it emits yellowish light. Russian Oleg Losev investigated the finding 20 years later and published a paper on what he called the “luminous carborundum detector and detection effect and oscillations with crystals.” Rubin Braunstein, an employee of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), reported in 1955 that some diodes emit infrared light when connected to a current and, in 1961, Texas Instruments workers Gary Pittman and Bob Biard found that gallium-arsenide diode emits infrared light when connected to a current. These men received a U.S. patent for infrared LED that same year. In 1962, General Electric’s Nick Holonyak, Jr. developed the world’s first light-emitting diode (LED) emitting light in the visible part of the frequency range. The color was red. Ten years later, Holonyak’s graduate student, M. George Craford, invented the first yellow LED and a brighter red LED. In 1976, Thomas P. Pearsall developed high brightness LED for use with fiber optics in telecommunication. Nichia Corporation employee Shuji Nakamura created the first blue LED in 1979. LED lighting was initially used as indicator lighting on highly advanced professional laboratory equipment. Fairchild Semiconductors reduced the cost of individual LED by using innovative methods of packaging and a planar process of semiconductor chip production to make money through a variety of uses. Today, light-emitting diodes can be made in one or in more colors.

What is linear recessed lighting?

Linear recessed lighting is a type of architectural lighting in which linear channels, usually in straight (linear) four-feet to eight-feet standard sections, can create any desired linear design, which are recessed into the ceiling, wall or floor. The purpose is to accentuate modern residential or commercial architectural features and or provide balanced general lighting. Available in LED lighting technology, linear recessed lighting applications range from wall wash and wall graze to downlight.

Can I connect linear recessed lights together?

Yes. Our linear recessed lights can be connected for seamless runs of any length if ordered as a continuous run.

What are the different linear recessed lighting mounting options?

Our linear recessed lights can be installed in ceiling T-bar and screw slot applications, hard ceilings, such as drywall with flange or flangeless, in soffits, in the wall or in the floor.

Can I create shapes with linear recessed lighting in my ceiling?

We use 90° as well as 135° corner joins to create a variety of geometric shapes. Standard shapes range from squares to crosses, rectangles and octagons. You can also draw a desired shape using corner joints (see above) which we can custom fabricate.

Can I install linear recessed lights on the wall and ceiling?

Yes. Our recessed lighting can be installed in the wall or ceiling as well as along a seamless run that can start from the ceiling and run down the wall.

What is wall wash linear recessed lighting?

Wall wash linear ceiling LED recessed lights have a reflector inside, directing light at an angle onto the wall to illuminate art, displays or signage.

When these are installed, will you just see the strip of light? Or is there a border around it?

We carry both borderless, also known as flangeless or trimless, linear recessed lighting as well as linear recessed lights with a border trim, also known as flanged.

What lengths can I get linear recessed lighting in?

Our linear recessed lighting comes in the standard four-foot and eight-foot lengths. However, we can also provide custom lengths, depending on the lighting fixture.

What is linear suspension lighting?

Linear suspension lighting describes the mount-type of linear architectural lighting fixtures using aircraft cable suspension kits. These suspension kits allow suspension from 48 inches up to 120 inches from the ceiling.

What is linear LED lighting?

Linear LED lighting provides Light-Emitting Diode (LED) illumination through symmetrical and asymmetrical linear fixture shapes.

Is LED linear suspension lighting the same as LED linear pendant lighting?

Yes. They describe the same category of lighting fixtures.

Can linear pendants direct light up as well as down?

Yes. Our linear suspension lighting products allow for configuring uplighting as well as downlighting.

What is uplighting?

An uplight is a light fixture that directs light up toward the ceiling. Uplighting can also be used to highlight ceiling details, such as beams, pipes and other distinctive ceiling infrastructure.

What is indirect lighting? 

Indirect lighting is light reflected from another surface.

Are indirect lights uplights?

No. The linear product design may aim LEDs at a reflector inside the fixture to minimize glare of the downlight. There will be no uplight from this fixture on the ceiling. This type of fixture is known as an indirect downlight. 

Which applications use uplighting?

Uplighting suits the office space or classroom because uplighting minimizes glare, making an easier, more conducive working environment.

What does vandal-resistant LED outdoor lighting mean?

Vandal-resistant is also known as tamper-resistant or tamper- proof, which refers to the robust rugged metal casing secured by tamper-resistant screws, usually in stainless steel. These outdoor lighting fixtures can withstand rough abuse and tampering in high-occupancy public areas, enhancing safety and security.

What’s the installation difference between low voltage and line voltage outdoor lighting?

Low voltage outdoor lighting systems use a transformer (sold separately) to reduce normal line voltage from 120 or 277 volts to 12 or 24 volts. Low voltage cables are designed for simpler concealment and can be installed by the property owner; line voltage cables need to be buried deeper into the soil, housed in a conduit and installed by a licensed installer.

What is the difference among IP54, IP67, IP68 and IP69K?

  • IP54: Protected from water spray from any direction.
  • IP67: Protected from immersion in water between 6 inches and 3 feet in depth.
  • IP68: Protected from long-term immersion in water up to a specified pressure.
  • IP69K: Protected from high pressure downward spray.

Is the finish for outdoor lighting different than the finish for indoor lighting?

Yes. Outdoor lighting is available with durable and corrosion- resistant finishes. This prevents natural deterioration.

Are additional options are available with your commercial outdoor lighting?

Yes. Depending on the type of lighting fixture, outdoor lighting can have daylight sensors as well as a remote emergency backup battery with an illuminated self-diagnostic LED test switch.

Do all low voltage LED light fixtures come with a transformer?

No. Each transformer, also known as the power supply, is sold separately and can be purchased and paired with a low voltage LED lighting fixture.

What does remote power supply mean?

Remote power supply refers to the fact that the power supply, also known as the transformer, is not integrated into the lighting fixture and must be remotely installed to power the low voltage LED lighting fixture.

How do I know what type of transformer I need?

This is crucial information. Please note that you can power more than one lighting fixture with a single transformer. First, we’ll need to know the voltage of the lighting fixture (usually 12 or 24 volts) as well as the voltage of the building (usually 120 or 277 volts). Second, we’ll need to know the total load measured in wattage or amps; the total wattage of all lights to be powered at the same time by a single transformer. Our premium low voltage transformers, also known as power supplies, are already derated, allowing them to be loaded to maximum wattage capacity. Third, check and confirm that your calculations are correct before placing the order.

How do I dim office lights—and are there options?

With a simple dimming driver—and, yes, we offer a variety of options. Order LED lighting fixtures with the desired LED dimming driver to dim office lights:
  • Triac 2-wire forward phase dimming (also known as incandescent dimming).
  • MLV 2-wire forward phase dimming (short for magnetic low voltage dimming).
  • ELV 3-wire reverse phase dimming (short for electronic low voltage dimming).
  • 0-10V 5-wire dimming

How do I go about choosing office lights?

Office LED lighting is available in several fixture types:
  • Recessed
  • Surface
  • Wall
  • Pendant
The abundance of light required for office space can be calculated by the help of an architect or a lighting designer. The type of light can also be selected with help from an architect, interior or lighting designer, or a lighting sales consultant. Learn more by browsing and reading our various blog articles and guides:

Which Kelvin measurement is best for office lighting?

Any color temperature between 3,000 and 4,000 Kelvin should be fine, though 3,500 Kelvin is probably ideal for most office lighting. Please read “The Effects Of Light Color And Intensity On Your Mind And Body”. Choose among products with our color tuning technology for added convenience of being able to choose any color temperature at any time of day. Learn more by reading “Lighting Technology: What Is Color-Tunable Lighting?”

How should I deal with bright office lights?

It depends. Generally, because warmer color temperatures appear less bright, it’s best to lower the color temperature. Also, check whether a light fixture is supplied with a dimming driver. If so, consult with an installer to determine the dimming technology and to install a compatible wall-mounted dimmer.

How should I light the home office?

Choose LED lighting with a combination of task as well as general lighting. Task lighting could be a desk lamp. General lighting can be ceiling-mounted.

How many lumens are needed for office lighting?

Generally, 50 to 75 footcandles for reading and writing. Add 20 to 50 footcandles for spaces or rooms with computers. Learn more by reading “How To Determine How Many Lumens You’ll Need To Properly Light Your Space.”

How bright should office lighting be?

Any color temperature between 3,000 and 4,000 Kelvin should be fine, though 3,500 Kelvin is probably ideal for most office lighting. Please read “The Effects Of Light Color And Intensity On Your Mind And Body”. Choose among products with our color tuning technology for added convenience of being able to choose any color temperature at any time of day. Learn more by reading “Lighting Technology: What Is Color-Tunable Lighting?”

What does CRI mean and which CRI measurement is best for office lighting?

Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a scale which runs from zero to 100. The CRI gauges how well the light renders color. The higher the CRI, the better the color rendering ability. For example, a CRI of 80 suits offices with standard paint, such as white, black and silver—while a CRI of 90 suits offices with painted colors, such as red, blue, green, red, yellow, etc. Learn more by reading “Color Rendering Index – What Is CRI?”.

Do you have office lighting in stock?

Yes. Alcon Lighting stocks a large selection of office lighting products. Some lighting may require assembly by our production team, which requires lead time. Others may be in stock and ready to ship. Our team of lighting sales consultants can help you choose which product fits your project.

Do you carry office lights not listed on your website?

Yes. The volume and variety of office lighting available in today’s market precludes us from cataloguing every item, though we strive to feature the most refined selection of products on our website. Our team of lighting sales consultants can help you browse, acquaint and find products that may fit your needs.

Do you offer reduced pricing based upon quantity?

Pricing varies among distribution, trade and end user channels. Reduced pricing may be available, depending upon the quantity required. Consider applying for TradePro, our membership club for industry and trade professionals. Or browse a product page and request a volume discount using a specification and quantity.

What types of optics are available with your office lights?

Optics, also known as range-of-view, is available in direct downlighting, indirect uplighting as well as wall wash lighting.

What’s the difference between dynamic white color temperature and tunable white?

Dynamic white color temperatures range from 2,700 Kelvin to 5,000 Kelvin and cannot be easily changed after light fixtures are installed. Tunable white ranges from 2,000 Kelvin to 6,500 Kelvin. These temperatures can be changed using a wireless remote or wall control at the project site.

What is a color-selectable switch?

This term describes a selection of lighting products available with a pre- installed switch located on the lighting fixture. This feature allows the user to choose from among a small selection of color temperatures. The feature is less expensive than tunable white technology.

What is the difference between a single run and a continuous run?

Our selection of lighting products are available to be ordered either as a single item or as a longer item comprised of smaller pieces creating a continuous run.

What is the difference between a recessed T-bar grid and a recessed screw-slot, ceiling-type grid?

T-bar refers to the standard low-cost ceiling grid system. The screw-slot system offers a center reveal, making it more aesthetically or architecturally appealing.

What’s the best type of lighting for an office or workspace with no windows?

Other than striving to balance task and general lighting, color tuning systems are ideal. Color tuning allows users to control the color of light any time after installation, affording the ability to attune lighting to individual preferences or specific application needs. For example, the user can set the LED lighting fixture to follow the sun’s natural east-to-west trajectory throughout the day or choose from standard presets (i.e., dawn, morning, midday, afternoon and evening). The effects of light on human biology and psychology are well-known. Certain studies suggest that natural lighting leads to happier workers, which tends to reduce illness and absenteeism and, because improved lighting yields increased productivity, better relationships, service and satisfaction and higher profits. So, besides striking a balance of task and general lighting, to overcome a lack of natural light in a given space — thus maximizing the impact of natural lighting on human biology — today’s lighting designers install LED color tuning systems. Always look for design that primarily accounts for human nature.

What’s the best lighting fixture for reading?

Task lighting, such as a directional desk or floor lamp, is ideal for reading. In commercial applications, general lighting can be sufficient if the needed footcandles (fc) of lighting for the type of activity i.e., reading, is correctly determined by the project designer and end user (read our footcandle guide for details). Figuring appropriate light levels for the uniformed workspace, according to the guide, means extending lighting power density (LPD) values from lighting a public area using 2 fc to 5 fc, to lighting visual task areas of extremely low contrast and small size using 1,000 fc to 2,000 fc.

What’s the best product for lighting the conference table or area?

The standard approach among designers for conference room lighting is general lighting combined with accent lighting. An architectural pendant may, for instance, be used over a table, with wall sconces and general lighting, such as can lights or troffers, also providing surrounding illumination.

What are the main factors for retail lighting?

To economize the use of space and also to expedite, showcase and accentuate goods and services. This means drawing attention to certain products, minimizing shadows, dark spots and using light to create a welcoming, glare-free environment.

What are some differences in retail lighting to consider?

Whether you’re designing a space for a fast, contactless shopping experience or a setting in which the customer is invited to browse, linger and interact with the merchant, staff and product, consider the basic elements of lighting design, the quantitative and qualitative.

Can I break retail lighting into more specific categories?

Yes. There are four main lighting types: general, task, accent and decorative. Use general lighting to foster a warm, comfortable, inviting environment. Task lighting is focused to illuminate certain areas for a specific task, such as entrances, checkout and products. Decorative lighting is less functional and more about projecting a branded or themed aesthetic.

Can you give an example?

LED track lighting — often used for lighting art — provides choices in color, design and style without separate lighting systems. Track lighting can provide general lighting throughout a space and can also be maneuvered to afford task or accent lighting — even adding a touch of decoration. Track lighting won’t take up a lot of space. LED track lighting is also known for its easy installation and can lower replacement costs and use less energy.

Can you give more examples?

Sure. Dressing rooms or fitting rooms are extremely contingent on good lighting for retail success. Most dressing rooms use harsh, glaring downlighting that can make a customer feel like being in a dentist chair or a police interrogation. The ceiling-mounted lighting can cast unflattering shadows on a face and body, overemphasizing flaws. Fluorescent lighting in a dressing room can flicker light on the face and be too harsh, too, so it’s better to avoid low color rendering index (CRI), fluorescent or halogen lighting. Instead, install LED lighting with a high CRI — a 90+ CRI with a warm, pinkish hue and consider shining LED strips from dressing room mirror sides to eliminate unflattering shadows and yield soft, evenly distributed lighting, making you look like you. Read more about the best practices for fitting room lighting.

Are there best practices for retail lighting?

Yes. First, envision the space as a whole. Proper retail lighting contrasts a variety of services and/or products and allows the customer to focus on doing one thing at a time. Too much lighting overwhelms the senses. Contrast ambient and accent lighting but don’t contrast too many color temperatures. Use ambient lighting, which helps the customer investigate merchandise. If lighting is too dim, customers can’t see and shop and they’ll be less likely to buy. Third, think about the unique needs of lighting a space. Avoid randomly placed lights, which can cause visual chaos.

What are some specific areas to address for lighting a retail space?

Shadows and dark spots generally should be minimized. It’s usually better to provide varying degrees of direct light for creating a properly illuminated, glare-free environment. Lighting is crucial, so choosing the right type of lighting can help you make impressions, sales and repeat business.

Any other retail lighting tips?

Yes. Vary brightness levels. Texture matters, too, so avoid black ceilings. Use matte finishes to minimize glare. Also, choose the correct color temperature, 3500 Kelvin or higher light color temperatures increase color rendering. But don’t go too high on the kelvin scale if you wish to create a warmer mood in your space. Designers deem 3500K-5200K as the optimal range for display lighting.

What is a commercial kitchen?

A commercial kitchen is any non-residential kitchen, i.e., a restaurant, hotel or cafe. A commercial kitchen can sometimes refer to the type of equipment used in the kitchen, such as commercial deep fryers and gas ranges. Commercial kitchens are subject to government agency inspection of food, fire and health regulatory compliance.

What is an industrial kitchen?

An industrial kitchen is a commercial kitchen operating at a high output. Industrial kitchens are often contract kitchens that cook, prepare and package food for multiple local markets, stores and bakeries. Commercial kitchen lighting refers to the same lighting used in an industrial kitchen and food processing facilities.

What are the regulations covering commercial and industrial kitchen lighting?

It depends. Government regulations are constantly changing, often escalating. Lighting for commercial kitchens should generally be shatterproof, enclosed and gasketed, and, according to regulatory terms, NSF-rated, splash zone certified, and wet-location rated.

What are “ghost” or cloud kitchens?

These are terms denoting a trend initiated by the success of food delivery apps such as Postmates. These terms describe a category of delivery-only restaurants, virtual or shadow kitchens or commissary kitchens that prepare or cook specific for food delivery. Simply put, “ghost” kitchens are virtual kitchens, functioning as restaurants without a dining space, allowing the operator to focus exclusively on delivery orders. Examples include applications such as Postmates, GrubHub, Doordash, and Uber Eats.

Is lighting for “ghost” and cloud kitchens subject to the same government regulations as restaurant kitchens?

Yes. All lighting in commercial food preparation space must comply with government controls, which vary according to federal, state and local government regulations.

What is an NSF rating for lighting?

NSF stands for National Sanitation Foundation. The mission statement of the NSF is to protect food, water, consumer products and the environment by establishing public health standards and certifications as an independent, accredited organization. NSF claims to test, audit and certify products and systems as well as provide education and risk management.

What is Splash Zone Certified?

Splash Zone Certification refers to food-grade lighting products subject to splash, spillage or other food soiling during operation.

What is IP69K?

An IP69K rating indicates a product provides protection against an ingression of unwanted accumulations of dust and high-temperature, high-pressure water. The rating assures that the product meets with the certification standard that’s ideal for using the lighting fixture in conditions for which equipment must be properly sanitized. In certain industries, such as food processing, in which hygiene and cleanliness is paramount, the equipment must be able to withstand rigorous high-pressure, high-temperature washdown procedures. In some industries in which accumulated dirt and dust can become a problem, it is necessary to ensure that dirt and dust do not penetrate the product casing, which could cause the product to fail. The IP69K rating is the highest available protection.

What is commercial ceiling lighting?

Commercial-grade ceiling lighting is a type of architectural-grade lighting created specifically for commercial interior ceiling purposes. For example, a ceiling lighting fixture can illuminate and/or accentuate certain features and or provide balanced general lighting. Commercial-grade typically denotes increased durability, vandal-resistant, featuring advanced, smart lighting technologies such as Bluetooth and Wireless Mesh systems.

Available in LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lighting technology, commercial ceiling lighting applications range from hospitality and restaurant spaces to offices, healthcare or other commercial interior spaces. Learn more by browsing and reading our various blog articles and guides.

How do I go about choosing ceiling lights?

The range of LED ceiling lighting products is available in recessed, surface and pendant mounting. The abundance of light required for a given space can be calculated by the help of an architect or a lighting designer. The type of light can also be selected with help from an architect, interior or lighting designer, or one of our lighting sales consultants.

Can I connect commercial ceiling lights together?

Yes. Certain linear recessed lights can be connected for seamless runs of any length if ordered as a continuous run.

What are the ceiling mounting options?

Lights can be installed in ceiling T-bar and screw slot applications, hard ceilings, such as drywall with flange or flangeless, or in soffits.

Can I create shapes in the ceiling?

Yes. With linear recessed lighting, using 90° as well as 135° corner joins, you can create a variety of geometric shapes. Standard shapes range from squares to crosses, rectangles and octagons. You can also draw a desired shape using corner joints (see above) which Alcon Lighting can custom fabricate. Read this article for additional ideas.

Can I install linear recessed lights on the ceiling?

Yes. Recessed lighting can be installed on the ceiling as well as along a seamless run that can start from the ceiling and continue down a wall.

Which Kelvin measurement is best for ceiling lighting?

Though light color is a personal preference choice, color temperatures between 3,000 and 4,000 Kelvin are most common for commercial applications, as warmer tones tend to distort colors in a space and therefore not ideal for work.

Please read “The Effects Of Light Color And Intensity On Your Mind And Body”. Choose among products with our color tuning technology for added convenience of being able to choose any color temperature at any time of day. Learn more by reading “Lighting Technology: What Is Color-Tunable Lighting?

How many lumens are needed for ceiling lighting?

Again, the answer depends upon the context. Generally, 50 to 75 footcandles suits reading and writing. Add 20 to 50 footcandles for spaces or rooms with computers. Learn more by reading “How To Determine How Many Lumens You’ll Need To Properly Light Your Space.

What does CRI mean and which CRI measurement is best for ceiling lighting?

Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a scale which runs from zero to 100. The CRI gauges how well the light renders color. The higher the CRI, the better the color rendering ability. For example, a CRI of 80 suits offices with standard paint, such as white, black and silver—while a CRI of 90 suits offices with painted colors, such as red, blue, green, red, yellow, etc. Learn more by reading “Color Rendering Index – What Is CRI?”.

Do you have ceiling lighting in stock?

Yes. Alcon Lighting stocks a large selection of ceiling lighting products. Some lighting may require assembly by our production team, which may require lead time. Other lights may be in stock and ready to ship. One of Alcon Lighting’s lighting sales consultants can help you choose which product fits the project.

Do you carry ceiling lights not listed on your website?

Yes, we do. The volume and variety of ceiling lighting available in today’s market precludes us from cataloguing every item, though we strive to feature the most refined selection of products on the website. Our team of lighting sales consultants can help you browse, explore and discover products that fit your needs.

What is cove lighting?

Cove lighting is an ambient or accent lighting technique. The illumination is often indirect, designed to wash a wall or a ceiling while the light is tucked into a built-in cove. Coves are often built into a wall. Coves may also be built into the ceiling. With no visible light source, cove lighting is typically used by architects and lighting designers to highlight an architectural feature, such as a wall, crown molding, or ceiling.

What are the best light fixtures to use for cove lighting?

LED lighting is the ideal technology for cove lighting applications. With minimal heat, and solid state build, LED linear lights offer flexibility and can fit snug into nearly any cove design. With a range of color temperatures and crisp high-CRI (Color-Rendering Index) light, LED cove lights offer warm or cool lighting to residential and commercial applications.

Is cove lighting a good idea?

Cove lighting is best used as ambient accent lighting. Tucked away, washing a wall or a ceiling with a glow of light, cove lighting can also be used by architects and lighting designers to draw attention to architectural features on walls or ceilings without the distraction of a visible light source.

Are led strip lights used for cove lighting?

Yes. LED strip or tape lighting can be used for cove lighting applications. We use IP65, IP65 and IP68 rated LED strips in aluminum channel profiles offering adjustability, durability and safety.

What’s the difference between cove lighting and indirect lighting?

Indirect lighting is any type of light reflected off of a surface. Cove lighting, when installed to reflect off of a wall, generally affords indirect lighting wall wash to ceiling wash lighting, whereby the light source is aimed at a ceiling or wall.

What’s the difference between cove and cornice lighting?

Cove and cornice lighting are different names for the same time of lighting installation.

Are all cove lights wall washers?

No. Cove lights can be installed to wash a wall or ceiling with light.

Are your cove lights flexible?

Yes. Our cove lighting can be bent horizontally and vertically without compromising the integrity of the light.

Does Alcon Lighting offer a trade discount?

Yes. Alcon Lighting offers architects, lighting or interior designers, electricians and contractors reduced wholesale pricing. Please fill in fields on your TradePro profile or the Bulk + Trade Discount profile on our product pages.

What's required to verify my eligibility?

Alcon Lighting requires a business license or some type of qualified equivalent as proof of eligibility. In many cases, a letter on company letterhead will suffice.

Which industries and professions qualify as trade professionals?

Alcon Lighting offers architects, lighting or interior designers, electricians, and contractors reduced wholesale pricing. Please fill in fields on the TradePro profile or the Bulk + Trade Discount profile on the product pages.

How do I place an order or receive reduced pricing?

If you are an architect, lighting or interior designer, electrician or contractor, please fill in fields on the TradePro profile or the Bulk + Trade Discount profile on the product pages. Upon receipt, you will receive a price quote or estimate from one of our lighting sales consultants within 24 to 48 hours. You may use the quote to place an order via telephone.

What can I expect from e-news, quarterly and annual reports?

Alcon Lighting strives to educate and enlighten the public with articles, interviews, profiles and other features about architecture, design and history including an annual disclosure of our challenges, achievements and goals for innovation.

What is a Revit file?

Revit is the registered trademark term for Autodesk’s proprietary building information modeling program used to create 3D building designs. Revit refers to a file — with the .rvt extension — which can be opened using Autodesk Revit or Autocad architectural software.

Does Alcon Lighting offer revit files?

Alcon Lighting currently does not provide revit files for floor plan and other modeling to create 3D building designs. However, we offer standardized IES data files to show the light output of a luminaire.

What are IES files?

Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) developed a photometric plain file extension that contains standardized lighting data for architectural software that simulates light. These programs can use the IES files to display projected lighting patterns for roads and buildings.