The use of low-voltage lighting systems has become increasingly popular over the past several years. In fact, low-voltage halogen and xenon lighting systems can be found in almost any setting — from restaurants, hotels, and bars to retail stores, museums, art galleries, offices, and homes. More...

The most visible part of a lighting system is of course the fixtures and control devices. It’s this part of the system that always seems to be the deciding factor as to the success or failure of a good lighting design. However, the true success or failure of a lighting system design really lies hidden behind the walls of the building. More...

This entry explains the importance of voltage drops for successful low-voltage lighting design in residential and commercial landscaping applications and how to troubleshoot common problems.

This article explains the advantages of low-voltage lighting and provides information on popular low-voltage lamps and fixtures as well as dimming with low-voltage lights and low-voltage lighting code.

This article covers the installation of conductors and equipment for electric signs and outline lighting as well as how to properly install equipment used in neon tube signs, decorative elements, skeleton tubing and art forms.

This article provides an overview and general instruction on proper lighting levels for sustained operational efficiency and enhanced comfort and productivity as well as how to choose the proper lighting fixtures for the most economic lighting system.

The cost of high-technology lighting is widely acknowledged as a barrier to the greater use of advanced sources in retail and other commercial lighting applications. Compared to the first cost of basic halogen display lighting, state-of-the-art metal-halide (M-H) and fluorescent lighting systems can increase initial costs by 300% to 500% with payback periods often exceeding five years. More...

This entry explains how series lighting circuits work and describes its advantages and disadvantages of using them in various applications such as airfield and campus lighting.

This is an article about task lighting including high-bay fixtures as well as bi-level lighting for industrial applications such as warehouse and production facilities.

This article explains how Digital Addressable Lighting Interfaces (DALI) work. DALI is a flexible solution for dimmable fluorescent lighting systems with controls for specific zones and times. For example DALI dims lighting to fully utilize daylight when available.

This introductory article about occupancy sensors provides a basic overview on the proper use and installation of occupancy sensors and how to choose the right sensor technology.

Voltage fluctuations in power systems can cause a number of harmful technical effects, resulting in disruption to production processes and substantial costs. But flicker, with its negative physiological results, can affect worker safety as well as productivity. More...

This article provides information on modern lighting systems for various industrial and commercial applications that are easy to install, energy efficient and can improve a buildings aesthetics.

This article describes how to evaluate and implement green designs for various outdoor lighting systems.

This article describes industry standards and safety performance ratings for lighting products in the United States set by the Department of Energy as well as new standards currently being developed and the lighting products that will meet them.

This is an entry about the growing demand for energy efficiency in North America and how it relates to the business of electrical contractors. It offers advice on how to capitalize on demand for effective lighting, make money on high value lighting products and how to overcome the initial cost argument.

This entry provides information on the benefits of using area lighting panels in educational facilities and industrial buildings as well as the energy saving advantages of combining area lighting panels and light level sensor that automatically dim lights to take advantage of natural light.

This article is about flat light emitting capacitors (LECs) for industrial and commercial lighting applications. LECs are flat lighting panels that cut down on space requirements, are extremely flexible and can be created in a wide range of colors.

Now required by most energy codes, automatic shutoff of building lighting has proven to be a reliable source of energy savings. For example, the ASHRAE/IES 90.1 Standard, recognized by the Department of Energy as the minimum national energy standard, requires automatic shutoff in buildings larger than 5,000 square feet except for buildings where lighting must be operated continuously. There are basically three choices to satisfy this requirement: occupancy sensors, building automation systems, and lighting control panels. More...

This article offers advice on understanding and applying commercial lighting energy codes and standards for residential and commercial lighting and construction applications and how they vary from state to state.