Types of lighting

[edit] Introduction

The term ‘lighting’ refers to equipment, the primary purpose of which is to produce light. This is typically some form of lamp. However, lighting can also refer to the use of natural light to provide illumination.

For more information about lamps, see: Types of lamp.

[edit] Natural lighting

Natural light is that part of solar radiation that is visible to the human eye. Natural lighting, or daylighting, can play an important role in creating a comfortable environment, helping to regulate the body clock, improve concentration and create a calm, tranquil setting. Natural lighting can be exploited by enlarging windows, adding a window on a flanking wall, changing a non-loadbearing wall into a glass-brick wall, installing a roof light, light tubes and so on.

[edit] Artificial lighting

Artificial lighting is any form of lighting that is not 'natural'. Typically, artificial lighting is produced by electrical means. Artificial lights are available in a wide range of sizes, power, colours and so on to suit a variety of applications.

[edit] General lighting

General lighting is used to provide illumination over a whole floor area with a high degree of uniformity. This enables people, plants, furniture and so on to be positioned anywhere in the space and easily moved without needing to change the lighting array. General lighting is typically provided by evenly distributed overhead lights.

[edit] Ambient lighting

Also known as background or ‘mood’ lighting, ambient lighting creates a soft glow that gently illuminates an area without causing glare. Light fixtures such as upward facing wall lights can be effective at creating ambient lighting.

[edit] Accent lighting or feature lighting

This type of lighting is used to provide texture and focus to general lighting, and can draw attention to items on display such as artwork, while shadowing other areas. Accent lighting might be provided by spotlights, table lamps landscape lighting and so on.

[edit] Task lighting

Task lighting is focussed, local lighting used to illuminate a specific area where a task is, or may be, performed. It is used as a contrasting light, which produces less general glare than if brighter lights were used to light an entire room. Typical examples of task lighting include; desk, swing arm, anglepoise and floor lamps, under cabinet and vanity lights, pendant and track lights.

[edit] Emergency lighting or safety lighting.

Emergency lighting is installed to provide lighting in the event of mains power failure and provides sufficient illumination to allow occupants of a building to evacuate safely. Types of emergency lighting include; emergency exit signs, recessed fluorescent lights, powerful halogen emergency spotlights for larger spaces, emergency ceiling lights and downlights, and so on.

For more information, see Emergency lighting.

[edit] Security lighting

Security lighting is generally used to illuminate an area where there is a concern for security. This may be turned on throughout the hours of darkness, to give visibility of an insecure area, or it may be turned on temporarily, for example when a person arrives at a property, sometimes activated by a linked detector.

[edit] Construction site lighting

In order that construction work can continue effectively and safely in periods of insufficient natural light, it is important that a site is fitting with suitable artificial lighting. Lighting can be used internally for general movement and working on the site itself, externally for illuminating entry, storage and circulation areas, and can also be an effective form of deterrent for trespassers.

For more information see: Lighting of construction sites.

[edit] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Daylight lighting systems.
• General lighting v task lighting.
• Glare.
• Health and wellbeing impacts of natural and artificial lighting.
• Light pollution.
• Lighting.
• Lighting and energy efficiency.
• Lighting designer.
• Smart office lighting.
• Types of lamp.
• Use of lighting to improve health and wellbeing.