Overview of types of lighting and their uses
There are many different types of lighting in use today. From the lights we use in our house to the lights we see around us as we walk through a city. Here’s an overview of the different types, what they do, and how they’re used.
Turning on
Light fixtures are commonly known as lamps (table lamps, floor lamps, desk lamps) or light fixtures. Light fixtures are fixtures that use lamps to direct lighting and can include portable fixtures such as floor and tabletop fixtures. They can also be permanently mounted to ceilings and walls.
Architectural
The use of light in buildings, known as architectural lighting, is important for everyday activities. In addition to providing illumination for vision, architectural lighting can invite visitors in, persuade shoppers to purchase, relax hotel guests or restaurant patrons, and create almost any effect or mood.
Natural lighting
Daylighting reduces the need for electric lighting by taking advantage of daylight by using ideal window and skylight placement and by using lighting controls that can monitor available daylight and respond as needed.
Industrial
Industrial is used in and around factories, power plants, quarries, etc. and is often designed to illuminate large areas with the brightest light possible. LED lighting is often used in this situation.
Commercial
Commercial is used by businesses such as offices and stores. Commercial lighting can include architectural, exterior, security lighting and more.
Residential
Residential lighting affects virtually everyone and is often overlooked when it comes to design. Effective residential lighting will provide sufficient lighting needed to perform household tasks, will be comfortable, and will be easily controlled.
Corporate
Institutional is used in and around hospitals, schools, and public buildings, and is often specially designed for specific tasks and uses. Hospitals, for example, require specialized systems for operating rooms, laboratories, patient rooms, and other areas.
Transportation
Transportation is about much more than the headlights on a vehicle. This encompasses lighting throughout the entire road system and vehicle lighting (headlights, interior lighting, instruments), road lighting systems (street lights), and road signage (including options such as traffic lights, lane markers, crosswalk).
Exterior
Exterior is a general term that can include residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, transportation, and other uses. Exterior lighting applications can be designed to illuminate specific areas, such as a football field, or they can be designed to attract the attention of customers, such as store signs. Effective outdoor options will do their job without creating contamination in the bed.