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How To Shop For Wall Lights

The terms associated with wall lighting can be confusing to understand and can render the user unsure when they are looking to replace or add to your lighting for your wall. This guide will help to clarify some of the jargon and make it easier to determine the things you require. A complete guide on the varieties of wall lights and other issues that could be preventing you from installing a light fitting on the wall and the solutions to common issues. It’s a perfect guide for those looking to buy a light for their wall but not sure of the. We’ll guide you through the proper height for mounting the light, which lights dim in the event that a double-insulated light is required, and many more.

Wall Lights with Hard Wired Wiring:

Wall lights are referred to as being wired hard when they are connected to the mains. That is, they’re lights that’re not plugged in via an outlet like an ordinary table lamp, but connected to your cables within your home, that may be concealed in the wall or on top of a surface.

Some wall light fixtures can be controlled by a standard switch (like those that manage your ceiling lights) however, not all of them. How the wall light is controlled is dependent on the cable you have within your home. There are three cables: neutral, live and earth cable. One could be a switch cable, or it may be a live cable that is permanently active. If the cable is made to work as a switch cable (and this is a basic explanation to help you understand and we suggest that you employ a licensed electrician) You can use the wall switch to operate the lights. If the cable is a constantly live cable, the wall lights will remain at all times until there is a switch that is directly mounted at the wall outlet.

As already stated an electrical contractor should be the person who deals with any electrical work, even easy jobs may be more complicated than expected This is especially the case in older homes , as many”cowboys,” as they are known, may have found ways to circumvent or adapt the safety measures. The electrician is trained and licensed to handle any electrical problems. We all were taught as babes in arms that electricity is extremely dangerous . For your safety and that of guests and family members who visit your home, it’s worth the expense of getting an expert in electrical work. The cost is relatively low to change a light fitting.

Double Wall Lights Insulated:

Sometimes there’s no earth cable inside the house, and therefore only double insulated (class 2) lighting is possible. Sometimes, this is described as class II. We offer an extensive selection of lighting that come with this safety feature.

Homes that were built before 1970 were built prior to that year’s introduction of the strict regulatory obligation for an earth cable to be installed, and so most homes built before 1970 will need to use double-insulated lighting. If you are unsure about the safety of using these double insulated lights in any home and most rooms (with the exception of bathrooms) or where a bathroom-rated version has to be used too. Lights classified as class 2 feature a double layer of insulation to safeguard the live components which will stop any shocks from touching the lighting fitting or switch.

Wall Lights with switches:

Wall lights can be operated independently from the other lighting fixtures within the room, provided that they are fitted with a switch the wall, also known as an integrated switch. This is a great option when you’re looking to create a low amount of illumination or create a tranquil mood. These switches can be used to create a relaxing atmosphere.

The Pull Cord (illustrated below) – A cord with a pull cord.
Toggle: A ‘joystick’ style switch
Rocker – A rocking-on/off switch
In-line Rocker – A rocker-style switch situated along an extension cable
Dimmer Dial A toggle to dim the light (anti-clockwise) or brighten (clockwise)

If you do not require the wall light to be separately switched however, the light that you want is only available with an integrated switch, you’ll be glad to have the knowledge that a wall light that is switched can still be operated using its mains button (just make sure the integrated switch is in the ‘on’ position all the time). If you’re replacing your old wall light fitting, you must definitely replace like for like, so ensure that you include this crucial information when searching.
Where should you place your wall light fixtures

In living spaces and hallways it is recommended to place your wall lamps between 165 – 170 cm above the floor’s level

For those who have a mantelpiece and wall lighting, they look best located between 40 and 45 centimeters above this.

In bedrooms, wall lamps are at their most effective when they are placed around 50 centimeters higher that the mattress’s top.

Considerations for Adding New Wall Lights:

You must ensure that you have access to cabling that allows power to your lights as you wouldn’t want to find there’s no mains wire in place for the new fixtures! Be sure to inform your contractor how you want to control the lights since they’ll have to ensure that the proper cabling is put in place that will allow for the switching in the way you’d like it to.

Swapping Old Lights for new:

The advantage of changing light fixtures is that you know you’re connected to mains wiring and won’t find yourself in a dark spot. Remove the old fixture and replaced with your shiny new one! Be sure to select an appropriate wall light that can offer a similar or sufficient amount of light, and that it has correct mains power cables that can operate the lights correctly (unless you’re replacing a light for another light with similar switching configuration). No matter if you’ve or haven’t got the right cable in place there is an appropriate wall light. Discover the entire selection of switched, un-switched and double-insulated wall lights on our online shop.

Where to place them:

There’s no correct answer to the exact location a wall light should be placed since it’s based on the intended usage. It is possible for the light to be higher in hallways and the ceilings are very high, however as a general rule, you should consider placing your wall lighting approximately 150cms (or 60″) higher than the floor for the majority of places and with a slight exception for the bedroom, where it may be possible to set them much lower for bedside lighting. If the lights are wall washers they may be better to install them above the eye level so they don’t just show only the insides of the fitting. With regard to the spacing between the lights We’d suggest between 2.5 three metres as a good spacing, however this is of course always subject to personal preference and the electrical compatibility. When replacing an old light, the cable will determine where the new light will have to be placed, but be aware that the kind of light you select could have differing cable entry points. One of the best tips to those who don’t wish to alter the decor and want to keep it simple is to choose the wall light that has the largest back plate, or mounting plate. This will cover all of the holes that have been previously used for screws and also be big enough to cover the gap in paint or wallpaper that is typically found when the light is removed.

Electrical Wall Lighting with Plugs

If you’re in need of for a light fixture for your wall, however, you don’t have cabling ready to place it in your home then you should consider one of the many wall lights that come with an extended plug lead and switch, which is similar to floor and table lamps. The downside is that you’ll be in a position to see the cables, and it is recommended to tape the cable down where you can to prevent it from getting messy, or choosing one with fabric cords rather than a wire. These are excellent for saving tables at night or to avoid wall channeling. Plug in socket style of wall lighting are particularly useful for those who live in rental properties as it is possible to hang this kind of luminaire almost the same manner as hanging pictures.

Dimmable Wall Lights

These wall lights are suitable for installation on the mains dimmer switch or they will come with their own dimmer dial to permit the output of light to be altered in accordance with. This is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms in which ambient lighting as well as mood lighting are typically needed. There are many lights that can be dimmed but it depends on several factors. If the light is dimmable bulbs, that is the main factor to take into consideration. Certain LED bulbs can be dimmed but as these bulbs are extremely low in power, ensure that the dimmer switch can be adapted for such low Wattage. If the light is equipped with internal electronics, for example the 12-volt light has a transformer, a fluorescent may contain a ballast (sometimes also referred to as choke), then the internal components may not work with dimmers.

LED Wall Lights

Wall lights which have LED lights and energy efficient as they use a very minimal amount of energy to provide an impressive output of light. A few of these lights are LED integrated which means that the source of light is built into the fixture. Many people are concerned that they will have be replacing the bulb bulb when the bulb goes, but LED lights last for such a long time that the average expectancy is about 15 years. Having an inbuilt LED negates the need to replace bulbs completely. It’s not surprising that new technology can be viewed dimly in the initial stages of being introduced to the market However, you could be surprised to discover that LED’s were in existence from the 1960’s!

You can also install LED bulbs into any other light source if there is an equivalent LED bulb that it is using. Explore the range of retro fit LED bulbs that we recommend in the light bulb section of the online store. We also show the LED bulbs that can work as light bulbs after you have added them in your shopping cart.

This informative article will hopefully assist you in understanding the most appropriate wall light to your house. All you’ll need to do now is pick the wall light you’d like. Below you’ll find a little additional information on the different kinds of wall lights you can buy. There’s short cut links to each of the options. Just click on the style that best suits you best and you can directly go to the secure secure online shop and look through the assortment.

Walls with different types Light

It’s almost like you’re an experienced expert on wall lights, too The last thing to think about before you move towards style, is the kind of light fixture you want to install.

Wall Washer Wall Washers – They are placed on the wall close to it and generally feature a diffuser at the bottom or the base of the light, or even both and let an edifice of light all the way down and up the wall.

Wall Sconce It is typically an individual wall light that features the design of a candelabra.

Single Wall Light It is a single wall light. it’s a light fixture for the wall with a single light source.

Double Wall Light – A wall light that has two arms and/or light sources.

For wall illumination, use a Wall Spot Light – These provide the ability to adjust direction and are perfect as task lights.

Flush Wall Lights – Ideal for rooms that are small or narrow hallways. They will fit right up to the point of mounting.

The Wall Pendants Wall Pendants : A light fixture that has an elongated light source that is similar to ceiling pendants.

Flexible Arm Wall Lights Similar to swing arm wall lights they have the flexibility of swing arm lights but with the ability to move freely rather than a hinge mechanism.

Scissor Arm Wall Light – A wall light that can be extended from its mount point due to its scissor like mechanism.

Wall Chandelier – A decorative wall light with a striking design, taking a similar aesthetic as the chandelier that is standard. These are great alternatives or additions.

Hospitality Wall Lights – These wall lights are ideal for lighting bars, hotels, and restaurant settings. They are stylish, functional and simple to clean.

Plaster Wall Lights Commonly made of either plaster or ceramic, these lights can be painted in the colour that you prefer, ideal to contrast or blend into the scheme you have chosen.

Bathroom Wall Lights – IP44 rated (or more) wall lights that provide protection against water and steam ingress so are safe for bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites.

Outdoor Wall Lights – IP44 rated (or higher) these wall lights are suitable to be used outdoors and have protection against elements.

Recessed Wall Lights – These wall light fixtures can be installed recessed into your wall and take up virtually no space. Perfect for practicality.

Backlit Wall Lights – These lights tend to shine towards their own surface or the surface on which they are mounted and relies on reflecting light back off its material or surface of mounting towards the wall. It’s like art!

Picture Lights – They cast light back to the wall. They are designed specifically for subdued lighting or highlighting pictures or other artwork that is mounted on the wall.