LIGHTING TERMOLOGY

Are you unsure of lighting terminology used? See below for an outline of the different descriptions, or call one of our Brisbane lighting stores for further assistance.

Batten-fix or D.I.Y. fitting

A batten holder is the unit on the ceiling that holds the globe. A batten-fix or DIY (Do It Yourself) fitting is the light that is attached to the batten holder without the use of an electrician. To assemble a batten-fix fitting, simply unscrew the skirt of the batten holder; put metalware over the lamp holder, and screw back on the skirt. Then put on the light fitting, which includes glass covers, oysters or spotlights. Batten fixes only take BC lamps (bayonet cap globes) rated at 60W for enclosed fittings and 75W for open fittings. If 100W is used, the skirt will burn or become brittle and the cabling behind the batten fix will suffer.

Oyster fitting

An oyster fitting can be described as a glass dish (round or square) fixed to the ceiling. It can be fixed wired (electrician required) or DIY. It can be incandescent, halogen or fluorescent. The recommended wattage of the lamp is usually written on the inside of the fitting and should be used or the glass can explode if excessive heat is expelled.

Pendant fitting

A pendant is a light fitting that is extended from the ceiling by either a chain or rod. It can be in different forms starting from a one light pendant through to a multi-armed pendant light. It can be classed as a CTC (close to ceiling) or standard pendant with rods or chains adjusted to required length depending on the ceiling height. It can be incandescent, halogen or fluorescent.

Standard Lamp

A standard lamp is a floor lamp made of timber or metal with shade made of silk, cotton, paper or plastic.

Uplighter

An uplighter is a floor lamp that has a dish on top directing the light upward to highlight ceilings or create mood lighting.

Bunker

A bunker fitting is an exterior oyster made of heavy-duty materials (such as plastic or aluminium) and includes an IP rating. It can also be used in internal wet areas such as bathrooms or laundries.

Bollard

A bollard is an exterior garden post light used to highlight gardens and driveways.

Degree Of Protection

IP RATING (International protection)

Electric fittings are preset in order to prevent the intrusion and contact with solids and liquids with live parts. Resistance against the penetration of solids and liquids is expressed by the initials IP, followed by two digits that stand for the degree of protection:

The first digit referring to solids
The second digit referring to liquids

FIRST DIGIT CODE

0 - Non protected
1 - Protected against the penetration of solid objects greater than 50 mm
2 - Protected against the penetration of solid objects greater than 12 mm
3 - Protected against the penetration of solid objects greater than 2.5 mm
4 - Protected against the penetration of solid objects greater than 1.0 mm
5 - Dust-protected
6 - Dust-tight

SECOND DIGIT CODE

0 - Non protected
1 - Protected against dripping water
2 - Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
3 - Protected against spraying water
4 - Protected against splashing water
5 - Protected against water jets
6 - Protected against heavy seas
7 - Protected against the effects of immersion
8 - Protected against submersion

Example: A fitting that is rated IP65 is dust-tight and protected against water jets.