Lighting
Can I replace my incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED bulbs?
Yes, in many cases, you can simply replace your bulbs separately, one by one. We guide you through the most important steps for selecting replacement LED bulbs for most commonly used fittings. If your bulbs require a voltage level other than the usual 230V, some additional elements need to be taken into account.
What do I have to keep in mind when installing outdoor ground spots?
Installing ground spots in the garden or on your terrace requires some caution. Floor uplighting has to be installed in such a manner that it is protected against moisture from the outside. Especially the connection between the ground spot and the power has to be 100% watertight.
When installing several light sources, is it better to use one general transformer or to use several smaller ones?
Technically, there's no big difference. Economically speaking, it's better to use the smaller transformers.
The difference in price between, for instance, five 50W transformers and one 250W transformer is neglectible. The five 50W versions might be slightly more expensive.
The big difference comes when a transformer would start to malfunction. When one of the 50W transformers goes to pieces, the four others (and their light sources) will keep functioning and you'll only have to replace one cheap transformer.
When the 250W transformers falls out, you don't have any light left and you have to replace an expensive transformer.
Should I use 8°, 24° or 45° AR111 bulbs?
The choice depends on the purpose you want to use the lamp for. The looks of these bulbs are the same for all three types. The degrees of the bulbs indicates the width of the beam of light. The higher the amount of degrees, the higher the width of the light beam.
What is light colour?
Light colour is crucial in creating the right atmosphere and functionality in any room. It is expressed in Kelvin (K), with a lower Kelvin value meaning warmer light.
What are the pros and cons of 12V and 230V?
Which voltage you choose depends on personal preference and the situation in which you need to provide lighting. Each of the two choices has its advantages and disadvantages.
What is Candela?
Candela is the amount of light a light source emits in a particular direction. The amount of candela is subject to the opening angle of a light source.
What is CRI or colour rendering index?
CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index. It is a unit of measurement that indicates how well a light source can render the colours of objects compared to natural light. The CRI scale ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 representing perfect colour rendering comparable to natural light.
What is lumen?
Lumen (lm) is the unit of luminous flux. Lumen indicates the total amount of light emitted by a light source per unit of time (second), regardless of in which direction.
What is Lux?
Lux (lx) is the unit of illuminance. Lux is the amount of light falling on a unit area (m²).
What is serial and parallel connection and when do I apply what?
There are two different connection methods possible: serial connection and parallel connection. You need to know the difference for LED light wiring. LED has to be connected either in a serial or a parallel connection. How these have to be connected depends on the light source. A wrong connection with LED will result in your LED lights breaking down.
What to look for with spots in a concrete ceiling?
For the installation of spotlights in a solid ceiling (e.g., hollow core slabs, pre-cast concrete panels …), we recommend round holes. These holes are easiest to drill – by yourself or by a specialised company - with the aid of a hole saw. These bores ensure a nice delineation without excess cutting lines.
What to look for with spots in a fake ceiling?
If you want to install spotlights in a false ceiling, it is best to opt for spotlights with S1 recessed springs. These springs are specially designed for false ceilings. The springs can clamp against the top of the false ceiling so it literally pulls the spotlights up against the ceiling.
Connecting current controlled LED spotlights: do’s and don’ts
Some LED fixtures are current controlled (eg. 350mA, 500mA, 700mA and 1050mA). These require a continuous current. To turn the 230V mains voltage into current, you need a separate power supply, a current controlled power supply.
Current controlled LEDs can never be connected under voltage! Furthermore they should always be connected in a series circuit.
What should I keep in mind when lighting up my façade?
Outdoor lighting provides a beautiful, aesthetic extension of your interior. Floodlights or spotlights focussing on the outer wall can create an extraordinary atmosphere around your home. Different results can be obtained by varying the distance between the spotlights from the wall and the spacing between the spotlights themselves. Do you want a uniformly illuminated wall or would you prefer separate patches of light on the wall? The following are a few guidelines to achieve the best lighting result by adjusting the distance, beam angle, wattage, etc.
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What is RGB?
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. These are the three primary colours of the additive colour system. In lighting we encounter RGB for coloured lighting. RGB lighting enables you to create millions of different colours of light, all based on these three primary colours.
What is the ideal mounting height for a wall light?
The mounting height of a wall light is of course something you choose yourself, and often depends on your personal taste or the application. But usually a mounting height of 1.60 to 1.70 m is taken as the standard. You should install a wall light around eye level, this avoids glare because viewing right into the light source is not possible.
What is the difference between S1 and S2 mounting springs?
The difference between S1 and S2 mounting springs lies in the application purpose. S1 springs are used in a hollow ceiling (e.g. plasterboard or wooden plates), while S2 springs are used in a concrete ceiling (e.g. concrete slabs or vaults).
How many recessed spotlights do I need to evenly light a room?
The days when people worked with a grid, i.e. x-number of recessed spots at the same distance from each other, are long gone. Nowadays, we work on the basis of lighting requirements. People place light where it is needed.
Shop lighting: what is the ideal colour temperature for displaying meat, fish, vegetables, bread,...?
The colour of light influences our perception. It even has an effect on our bodies – something that keeps the chromotherapists busy. That's why so much attention is paid to finding the right colour temperature for the lighting in shops.
What type of recessed floor spotlights are best for my terrace?
If you only want to emphasise the contours of your terrace, then it is best to choose ground spots with a low light output and/or diffuse light. Ground spots that are too bright can be blinding. The spotlights need only add highlights without giving off a strong beam of light.
Can I also replace fluorescent lamps with LED?
Yes, it is possible to replace a fluorescent bulb with an LED. The way this is done depends on what kind of fluorescent bulb you are using. We make a distinction between conventional fluorescent bulbs and high-frequency fluorescent lighting.
- Conventional fluorescent tubes need a starter. This starter provides ignition voltage. Naturally, this isn’t necessary for LEDs, so the ignition voltage is superfluous. If you want to replace a traditional fluorescent bulb with an LED, then you must install a dummy starter or bypass the standard starter manually.
- High-frequency fluorescent bulbs (HF TL) can also be replaced with LED-TL.
Please note that you need specific bulbs that can handle the high-frequency electronic ballasts!
Are there ceiling lamps with built-in motion sensors?
Yes, there are ceiling lamps with built-in motion sensors. Take into account the fact that the range of products offered is limited and that, aesthetically speaking, these lamps are less sleek than others.
What type of wire should I use for my spots?
The type of wire to use is dependent on different factors, such as the type of spot, the voltage and the amperage carried by the wire. To keep it simple, we have made a distinction between 12 V, 230 V and other current-driven spots.
- 230 V: You can use 1.5 mm² wires for 230 V recessed or surfaced mounted spots without problems. As standard, you need three wires. Note that three wires will not be enough for all configurations. For example, you may need five wires to dim a spot. Make sure you look this up beforehand.
- Current-driven spots: You can also use 1.5 mm² wire for current-driven 700 mA spots. This also applies to other often used amperages such as 350 mA and 500 mA because LEDs consume very little power.
- 12 V: The type of wire depends on the total load and the distance. The capacity and distance of the spots will have a negative effect, which means that you might need a thicker wire. We have created a useful calculation form for you to quickly figure out the correct wire thickness.
If we examine the type of wire, we see that a XVB is used as standard. If you need an outdoor wire, it’s best to use an EXVB wire that can be laid in the ground.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our specialists.
How do I connect between the ground spot wire and my live wire?
There are different ways to connect outside wiring to the live wire of a ground spot. Firstly, you can solder the wires together. Remember to protect the connection using a shrink sleeve with adhesive. Often, the wires are protected separately using a shrink sleeve and then the entire wire can be protected using a shrink sleeve.
There are also junction boxes you can use to connect to the ground spot. These boxes are filled with resin. The moulding resin ensures the connection is watertight.
How do I easily suspend a pendant light decentralised over a table or in a room?
This is possible in three ways: via lamps with an adjustable arm, via suspension clips, or via metal cables.
Can I just use high bays to light my dining room?
Most high bays are downlights. These only shine downwards. This is not ideal. If you sit under the light of a high bay, the rest of the room will still feel dark. So, extra lighting is needed. For example, combine a high bay above the dining table, a table lamp on the sideboard and a standing lamp next to the sofa.
There are also high bays available with a transparent housing. These downlights diffuse the light so that the immediate vicinity of the light is less dark.
Is it still possible to add lights on a track afterwards?
Yes, you can still add lights on a track. However, there are restrictions you must think about. A 12 V track is affected by the transformer capacity. A 230 V track allows you to add as many lights as the fuse will allow you to, without exceeding the maximum load weight and maximum amperage. For example, an SLV track allows up to 16 A.
Can I hang a different brand name pendant on a track?
It is sometimes possible to hang a different brand name pendant on a track. It will depend on the available fittings and varies from brand to brand. Please consult our customer service team to check the compatibility of your pendant and track.
Can I also install a socket on my track?
Yes, but it is dependent on the brand. Not every brand has a socket fitting in its product range. Please consult with our help desk to discuss your options.
Can I suspend my track?
Yes, it is possible suspend tracks. There are two suspension methods, either use bars or a wire. The method used will depend on the brand of your track.
Which lamp should I use for the most natural colour rendering in the mirror?
To achieve optimal mirror lighting, three points must be allowed for: the position of the light(s), the light colour and the type of light.
Can I also purchase a custom-made mirror light with the same length as my mirror?
Yes, we can supply custom-made mirror lamps. Almost all sizes are possible. Contact our helpdesk to discuss your customised mirror lamp.
Where do I place my power supply/transformer if my (wall) lamp needs an external one?
Do you have a lamp with an external power supply/transformer? Depending on the model and the application, there are three different positioning options:
- First of all, there are external power supply units and transformers that are suitable for DIN-rail mounting. So you can simply hang them in the fuse box.
- If DIN-rail mounting is not possible, then you can mount the power supply/transformer on a separate panel next to the fuse box.
- If there is extra space close to the lamp, for example in a false ceiling or above a cabinet, then you can hide the power supply/transformer there.
What different dimming techniques are there?
There are various ways to dim lighting. These dimming techniques are divided into three groups: dimming via power component, via control signal (analogue) and via control signal (digital).
How many fluorescent lamps do I need to light my workshop properly?
Do you want to light a workshop with fluorescent lamps? If so, it is best to check the applicable regulations. This is because there are regulations regarding workplace lighting, with the aim of preventing accidents and eye fatigue.
Can I order customised profiles?
Yes, it is possible to order customised lighting profiles. These will be made to your specifications - perfect for customised lighting in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and offices.
However, you must take into account that we cannot take these customised profiles back. Therefore, it is impossible to return them. Please contact our customer service for more information.
Can I use LED strips as my main lighting?
LED strips are generally not used as main lighting for aesthetic purposes. After all, the LED diodes remain visible. That is why LED strips are usually integrated into a false wall or behind a piece of furniture to provide indirect lighting.
However, there are fixtures that have LED strips in them. For example, you can find long ceiling lamps that use LEDs in our webshop.
Do the track spots come with rails?
No, track spots and rails are not bundled. You must therefore buy them separately. When purchasing tracks and track spots, please take into account the type of track (1 phase or 3 phases) and the voltage (12V or 230V). If in doubt, ask our helpdesk for advice.
How long does LED lighting last?
This depends on a number of factors. We try to paint a clear picture of exactly what you can expect from LED lighting.
Water damage to ground spots due to rising groundwater. How does this happen?
Outdoor lighting has to contend with cold, rain, wind, but also with groundwater that sometimes rises to the surface. Especially for ground spots, this groundwater can pose a threat.
Groundwater levels vary from area to area and change throughout the year. Nevertheless, it is always best to make sure your ground spots have a watertight connection.
How do I prevent standby-mode power consumption?
Does it bother you that your LED lamp continues to emit a small amount of light even when it is turned off? This is usually because your light circuit uses a single-pole switch. Turning off the lamp switches off the phase wire, but not the neutral wire. Sometimes, standby power on the neutral wire is passed on to the LED lamp. This is why the LED lamp continues to emit a small amount of light.
One solution to this problem is a double-pole switch. In this case, turning off the lamp switches off both the phase wire and the neutral wire. The standby current is switched off in most cases. Is this not true for you? If not, please contact one of our staff.
How many LED panels do I need to properly light my workspace?
Do you want to light a workplace with LED panels? If so, it is best to check the applicable regulations. This is because there are regulations on workplace lighting aimed at preventing accidents and eye fatigue.
New energy labels for lighting: What does the Energy Labelling Regulation mean for you?
Energy labels on electrical products have been a familiar sight for years. These labels use letters to indicate the consumption of various electrical devices and help consumers make more sustainable choices. These types of energy scores are also used for light sources.
What is an IP value?
The IP value indicates the degree to which electrical appliances like lighting fixtures are protected against solid objects or materials, and water. The IP value always consists of two digits.
How do I know whether a lighting fixture can be used in the bathroom?
To determine whether an electrical appliance such as a luminaire may be installed in the bathroom you need to check the IP-value of the fixture, the voltage at which it functions and the spot you want to install it.