Light Sources

The performance of any light fixture depends very much on the light source (bulb) used. Different sources produce different effects. Light is measured in terms of:

Wattage – The amount of electricity consumed by a bulb.
Lumens – The amount of light that a bulb produces.
Footcandles – The amount of light reaching a subject.

INCANDESCENT

General Service

General service bulbs are inexpensive and readily available in a variety of wattages and shapes. They produce a yellowish-white light that is emitted in all directions. Available in either clear or frosted.

Reflectorized

Reflective coating inside the bulb directs light forward, giving you better beam control than general service bulbs. Flood types (FL) spread light. Spot types (SP) concentrate the light.

Tungsten-Halogen

Produces a bright, white light. Has longer life and provides more light (lumens) per watt than regular incandescent bulbs. Maintains maximum efficiency throughout life of bulb. Available in both line- (120 volts) and low-voltage (12 volts). Low-voltage types require a transformer to step down the voltage. Among the most popular tungsten-halogen bulbs are:

LINE VOLTAGE

• PAR 16, 20, 30 and 38 reflectorized bulbs provide better beam control than regular incandescent PAR bulbs. Available in numerous spot and flood beam spreads. Used in track, recessed, outdoor spot, and floodlights.
  
• T-3 Double-Ended bulbs are available in a variety of base types and are used in wall sconces, torchiers, and outdoor flood lights. The direction of the light is controlled by the fixture.
  
• T-4 Single-Ended bulbs come in both "mini-can" and "bayonet" base types and are used in wall sconces, bath brackets, torchiers, and pendants. The direction of the light is controlled by the fixture.
  

LOW VOLTAGE

• MR-11, MR-16 (Mini-Reflectors) provide excellent beam control. Available in numerous spot and flood beam spread. Miniature size permits use in smaller track and recessed fixtures, such as those featured in Sea Gull Lighting’s patented Ambiance® Lighting Systems. Also used in outdoor spotlights, well lights, and specialty landscape lighting fixtures.
  
• PAR-36 provides superior beam control, especially over longer distances. Available in a broad selection of spot and flood beam spread. Used in track, recessed, and outdoor fixtures.
  
• T-4 Bipin, also known as a "peanut" bulb, is a miniature lamp used in pendants, halogen desk lamps, and some track fixtures. The direction of the light is controlled by the fixture.
  

FLUORESCENT

Use 1/5 to 1/3 as much electricity as incandescents with comparable lumen ratings and last up to 20 times longer. Compact types are used in smaller, trimmer fixtures such as recessed downlights, wall sconces, close-to-ceiling fixtures, and track lights. Screw-in types can be used in place of incandescents in standard lamp sockets. Available in a wide spectrum of colors. Warm white tones best duplicate the color of incandescents.

HIGH-INTENSITY DISCHARGE

High-intensity discharge (hid) bulbs have a longer life and provide more light (lumens) per watt than any other light source. Available in mercury vapor, metal halide, high- and low-pressure sodium types. Used residentially for outdoor security and landscape lighting. This is just an overview of the wide variety of light sources that are on the market. For help in determining what bulbs to use in specific applications, talk to the professional lighting consultants at your local Sea Gull Lighting distributor. They can help you choose the best available light sources to suit your needs.

ENERGY SAVINGS & EFFICIENCY

Lighting uses 12 to 15 percent of the electricity consumed in a home. Suggested ways to economize on electricity bills with lighting are:

• Turn lights off when you don't need them.
  
• Use dimmers to save energy.
  
• Use photoelectric cells or timers to turn outdoor lighting on and off automatically.
  
• Use the more efficient reflector bulbs, especially for task and accent lighting. (Example: a 50W "R" bulb can put as much light on an object as a 100W "A" bulb.)
  
• Use energy-saving fluorescents wherever possible. They give more lumens-per-watt (more light from the electricity consumed) than incandescents. New compact fluorescents produce light that is similar in color to that of incandescents, making them an excellent choice for residential use. They are now available in styles that can accommodate a wide variety of decorative and functional fixtures.

Accent Lighting

For lighting objects on a wall, the wall itself, or any vertical surface, position the track and the fixtures.

Generally, fixtures should be aimed at a 30 degree angle from the vertical to prevent light from shining in anyone's eyes and to avoid disturbing reflections on the surface of the object. Usually, one fixture is required for each object being accented.
Measure the distance ("B" to "C") from wall, on ceiling.
Mount track at "Location" ("A" to "B") from wall, on ceiling.
 

For dramatic shadows on textured surfaces (such as draperies, stone, or brick) mount the track 6 to 12 inches from the wall, with the fixtures the same distance apart and aimed downward for a grazing effect.

General Lighting

General lighting can be provided by track fixtures aimed at the wall or by spill light from fixtures used for accent lighting or wall washing.

RECESSED LIGHTING

General Lighting

General service "A" bulbs in recessed fixtures provide wide light distribution. "R" and "PAR" bulbs concentrate light. Coverage per fixture is based on providing 15 to 25 footcandles of light. In rooms with darker color use higher wattages.

For non-textured surfaces, mount the track 2 to 3 feet from the wall, on ceilings up to 9 feet high. Mount between 3 and 4 feet on ceilings between 9 feet and 11 feet high. Space the fixtures the same distance apart as the track is from the wall.

Use the chart to select a bulb for the size of beam desired to accent the subject. Light levels range from 20 to 60 foot-candles at the center of the beam. Example: A 2-foot. mounting distance, a 50W "MR-16FL" bulb will cast an 8 x 3-foot beam.

Lamps aimed 30 degrees from vertical.
(L) & (W) indicate where candlepower drops 50% of maximum.