The terms used to describe lighting fixtures for walls can be difficult to comprehend, and it can leave you unsure when you decide to upgrade or replace your lighting for your wall. This guide will help to make sense of some of the terminology and make it easier to determine the things you require. A complete guide on the varieties of wall lights, potential issues that may prevent you from fitting a light on your wall, and solutions to the common pitfalls. It’s a perfect guide for anyone looking to buy a new wall light but uncertain which. We’ll guide you through the ideal height for mounting the light, the lighting that goes dim when a double-insulated light is required and many more.
Wall Lights with Hard Wired Wiring:
Wall lights are known as hard wired when they are connected to the mains. Also, they’re lights that’re not connected via the plug like a table lamp would be but they are connected to cables in your home that may be concealed in the wall or on top of a surface.
A lot of wall lights are controlled by a standard wall switch (like those that control your ceiling lights) however, not all of them. The way the light fixture is controlled is dependent on the cable you have in your home. There could be 3 cables: a neutral, live and earth cable. One could be a switch cable, or it may be a continuous live cable. If the cable has been configured to function as switched cable (and this is an elementary explanation to make it clearer; we recommend that you employ a licensed electrician) If so, you could use the wall switch in order to control the lights. If the cable is a constantly live cable, then the wall lights will remain in operation all the time, unless there is a switch directly in the wall.
As mentioned earlier, an electrician is the person responsible for all electrical issues, and even simple tasks may be more complex than you thought; this is especially true in older homes , as many so called ‘cowboys’ may have found ways to circumvent or adapt the security measures. The electrician is trained and authorized to address any electrical issue. As infants that electricity can be very dangerous, so for your safety and the safety of your family members and guests to your home, it’s well worthwhile to employ an expert electrician to handle electrical work. The cost is relatively low to replace a light fitting.
Visit this site when you need plaster wall lights.
Double Insulated Wall Lights
There may be no earth cable within the home, and in this case only double-insulated (class 2) lighting can be utilized. Sometimes this is written under the class I. Here wehave many different lights with this additional safety feature.
The homes built prior to 1970 were completed prior to that year’s introduction of the legal requirement for earth cables to be installed, which means that lots of houses built before the 1970s will need to use double insulated lights. If you are unsure that you are safe, you can use the double-insulated lighting for any home or rooms (with the exception of bathrooms) and a bathroom rated model must be used. Lights classified as class 2 come with a double layer of insulation to safeguard the live components and prevent shocks from touching the switch or light fitting.
Wall Lights with Switches
Wall lighting can be operated in a separate manner from other lights in the room, as long as they have a switch on the wall, also known as an integrated switch. This is a great option for those who want to create a low amount of light or a relaxed ambient. Types of switches are:
Pull Cord (illustrated above) A cord pulled down
Toggle: A “joystick” style switch
Rocker – A rocking on/off switch
In-line Rocker – A style of rocker switch that is connected to an extension cable
Dimmer Dial It is the name of a device that dims the light (anti-clockwise) or make it brighter (clockwise)
If you don’t need the wall light to be operated and the light you like is only available using an integrated light switch, you’ll be relieved to that have the knowledge that a wall light that is switched can still be operated using an outlet switch (just ensure the integrated switch is in the ‘on always). If you are replacing your original wall light fitting, you must replace it as for like, so make sure you include this important information in your search.
The best place to put your wall lighting
In living spaces and hallways it is recommended to place your wall lamps between 170 and 165 cm higher than the floor’s height
For those who have a fireplace and wall lighting, they look best placed around 40-45 centimeters above the mantelpiece.
In bedrooms, wall lights are most effective when they are positioned around 50cm higher than the bed’s edge.
Considerations for Adding New Wall Lights:
Make sure you have access to cabling that will allow electricity to your lights, since you don’t want to discover that you don’t have a mains electrical wiring in place for the new fittings! Explain to your contractor how you want to operate the lights as they’ll require the right cabling is laid allowing for switching the way you want it.
Switching Old Lights for New:
The advantage of switching wall lights is knowing you’re connected to the mains electrical wiring and will not find yourself without power. Get rid of the old light and replaced with your shiny new one! Choose a wall light that will provide the same or an adequate level of light and that it has correct mains power cables to power the lights effectively (unless you’re replacing one light for another one with the same switching configuration). No matter if you’ve or don’t have the appropriate cable in place, there will be an appropriate wall light. Find the complete collection of un-switched, switch-able, or double insulated wall lighting the online store.
How to Place Them:
There’s not a definitive answer to precisely where a light fixture should be located, since it’s contingent on the usage. The lighting may need to be higher in hallways , or if your ceilings are high but generally speaking you should place your wall lights approximately 150cms (or sixty”) above the floor for the majority of places, with an exception in the bedroom as it may be possible to set them lower for bedside lighting. If your lights are wall washers it is possible to install them above the eye level, so that you do not just see the inside of the fitting. In terms of the distance between two lights, we’d recommend between 2.5 to 3 meters as a good spacing, but this is dependent on your personal preferences and wiring suitability. When switching out an older light the cable will decide where the new light will have to go, but do be aware that the kind of light you select may come with different cable entry points. A top tip to those who don’t wish to alter the decor, is to opt for lighting for walls that have the largest back plate, or mounting plate this will cover all previously screwed holes and also be big enough to cover the gap in wallpaper or paint that is usually found when an old light is removed.
Lighting for Walls that Plug in
If you’re in the market for a wall light, but you don’t have the wiring ready to site one then you should consider one of the many wall lights that include an extensive plug lead and switch, similar to the floor and table lamps. One disadvantage is that you will be aware of the cables, and it’s worth tacking the cable down where you can to avoid it becoming messy. You can also choose one with cords made of fabric rather than a wire. They’re great for reducing the space on your bedside table or to stop wall channeling. Plug in socket-style wall light are particularly useful for those who live in apartments as you can hang this type of luminaire in much in the same manner as hanging the picture.
Dimmable Wall Lights
They are suitable to be used on an electrical dimmer switch or may have their own dimmer dial that will let the light output be adjusted accordingly. This is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms and dining areas in which ambient lighting and mood lighting is often required. Many lights can be dimmed, it is dependent on a number of variables. If the light comes with a bulb that can be dimmed, that is the most important consideration. Some LED bulbs are dimmable but because they have extremely low in power, ensure that the dimmer switch has been designed for such low energy. If the light is equipped with internal electronics like the 12-volt light has an electrical transformer, while and a fluorescent might have ballast (sometimes also referred to as choke), then the internal parts might not be compatible with dimmers.
LED Wall Lights
Wall light fixtures that have LED lighting can be extremely energy efficient since they require a very minimal amount of power in order to keep an impressive output of light. Certain of these wall lights have LED integrated lighting which means that the light source is inbuilt into the fitting. A lot of people worry that they’ll have change the lighting once the bulb dies, but LED lights last for longer than the average expectancy is about 15 years, so an inbuilt LED negates the issue of replacing bulbs in the first place. It’s normal that the latest technology can be viewed dimly at the beginning of entering the market but you’ll be surprised to discover that LED’s have been around from the 1960’s!
Alternately, you could make use of LED bulbs in any other light fixture if there is an equivalent LED bulb type it utilizes. Take a look at the variety of retro fit LED light bulbs we’d recommend in our section on light bulbs in our online store. We also have LED bulbs that will work as light bulbs after you have added them in your basket.
I hope this informative blog will aid you in determining the most suitable wall-lighting for your home. The only thing you have to do is decide the type of wall light you’d prefer. Below you’ll find a little further help explaining the type of wall lighting you can purchase. There’s short cut links to each of the options. Just select the style that fits you best and you can directly go to the secure online shop to look through the assortment.
Walls with different types Light
You’re almost experience in the field of wall lighting, too The last thing to think about before you move on to style, is the type of light fixture you want to install.
Wall Washer – These will sit close to the wall , and typically feature a diffuser either at the top or bottom of the lamp, or even both and create a light pool all the way down and up the wall.
Wall Sconce – Typically this is one wall light that has the candelabra style.
Single Wall Light – As it suggests it is a wall light with a single light source.
Double Wall Light – A wall light with two arms and/or light sources.
For wall illumination, use a Wall Spot Light – These provide the ability to adjust direction and are perfect in task lighting.
Flush Wall Lights – Ideal for rooms with minimal space or for narrow hallways these are able to be mounted close to the mounting point.
Wall Pendants The wall lamp that has a hanging light source similar to a ceiling pendant.
Flexible Arm Wall Lights – Similar to swing arm wall lights , they allow for flexibility but have an easily flexible neck instead of a hinge mechanism.
Scissor Arm Wall Light – A wall light that is extended from its mounting point due to its scissor like mechanism.
Wall Chandelier – A decorative wall light with a striking design and a style similar to the standard chandelier these are great alternatives to or as an addition.
Hospitality Wall Lights – These wall lights are perfect for lighting bars, hotels and restaurant setting. Functional, decorative and simple to clean.
Paintable Wall Lights – Often made with the use of plaster or ceramic, these lights can be painted in the colour that you prefer, ideal for contrasting or blending into your decor
Bathroom Wall Lights – IP44 Rated (or more) wall lights which provide protection against steam and water ingress so are safe to be used in bathrooms, cloakrooms , or en-suites.
Outdoor Wall Lights – IP44 rated (or higher) these wall lights are suitable for outdoor use and offer protection from the elements.
Recessed Wall Lights – These wall lights are recessed in the wall taking up no room space. The perfect lighting solution to use for practical.
Lighting that is backlit Wall Lights – These lights tend to shine towards themselves or their mounting surface and depend on reflecting the light back from its material or mounting surface towards the wall. It’s almost like art!
Picture Lights – They reflect light back to the wall and are designed specifically for subdued lighting or highlighting pictures or wall-mounted art work.
