| Alkaline |
Alkalinity deals with the pH level found in soils, at a level greater than 7. This level is ideal for plants that grow in what is called a "sweet" soil (alkaline). If the soil is "sour", or acidic, the pH level simply needs to be raised. |
| Aluminum |
Aluminum is a pure metal that can easily be shaped and finished. When dyed, it can take on a genuine brass-like look. This metal is usually painted or anodized when sealed to prevent or avoid oxidation. |
| Alzak |
Originally this was the trade name used for describing the method of anodizing. Now we use it generically as a term for brightened, anodized aluminum. |
| ANSI |
American National Standards Institute. This is a professional organization made up of safety agencies, consumers, and manufacturer representatives who publish all testing standards for components and products. |
| Bollards |
Lighting fixtures that are mounted onto individual posts or piers. Generally used in commercial or larger residential projects. |
| Brass |
Brass is a zinc and copper alloy that forms easily and can be well-polished. Fixtures can be made either of solid or plated brass. |
| Bronze |
Bronze is usually used for durability, being that it is stronger than brass. Most often seen in outdoor lighting. |
| Cable |
Multiple wires braided in a single plastic covering, mostly used as an electrical conductor. |
| Chrome |
Chrome is a good simulator of stainless steel when it is brushed rather than buffed. Otherwise it takes on a lustrous finish. |
| Circuit |
A circuit is wiring path for electricity. This would include circuit protection, load, and conductors. |
| Circuit Breaker |
Reset-able safety device that prevents excess current flow to any fixture or system. |
| CRI |
Color Rendering Index - An index of 0-100 measuring a light source's ability to render color accurately. Halogen tends to have a higher CRI of at least 85. Any lamp rated to have a CRI of 80 or above tends to be good color rendering. |
| Damp Location |
UL approved rating for the use of fixtures in a moist but covered area such as porch or bathroom. |
| Dimmers |
Dimmers help to create varying scenes (useful with more elaborate layouts). 12-volt systems require low voltage dimmers, which control the input to the transformer. Remote or three-way layouts give you control at multiple entries or even from the interior. |
| Flood |
Any fixture with a wide angle of light output. Abbreviated, we recognize it as: FL. |
| Floodlights |
These fixtures create a widespread distribution of light, which can be perfect for security and task purposes. These fixtures should be shielded to prevent unnecessary glare. |
| Flux |
The continuous flow of luminous energy. |
| Glare |
A physical sensation created when a light output is sufficiently greater than the level of luminance a human eye can adapt to. Generally annoyance or discomfort is experienced, but can lead to a loss of visual performance. |
| Halogen Lights |
Standard lamp shell filled with halogen gas fill in a quartz glass capsule. This capsule requires a separate glass shield for protection. Operating at higher internal temperatures, these lamps produce more lumens per watt. They are brighter than incandescent lamps and last longer. Types include A, MB, T, PAR, and MR. |
| Hammered Glass |
This type of glass is most often used for outdoor lighting, having a pitted or "hammered" look, almost classified as antique. |
| Hardscaping |
Consists of the use of inanimate objects such as stonewalls, decks, wooden arbors, and fountains to create an outdoor visual appeal. Anything not included within the elements of plants and foliage can be included within "hardscaping." |
| Incandescent Lamp |
A lamp that produce light using a wire filament that creates light when heated by an electrical current. |
| In-Ground Uplights |
Outdoor fixtures recessed into the ground to provide complete concealment. Can be used on both line and low voltage systems. |
| Iron |
Iron is a metal used for strength. It can be heated and hammered into various shapes and forms. Wrought Iron is increasingly popular for its fluid and old-world appeal. |
| Jack |
Plug-in stem used in low voltage fixture. |
| LED |
Light Emitting Diode. This is a tiny, solid-state device used to indicate dimmer or control status. Often used in exit signs and entertainment displays. |
| Light Pollution |
All types of adverse effect created by man-made light. This is the "wasted light that goes up into the sky." |
| Line Voltage Systems |
120-volt distribution is used mostly for outdoor lighting systems or post-light lanterns. Line voltage systems provide more light output and can handle greater spans than low voltage. Not as flexible and certainly more expensive. |
| Low Voltage Systems |
A lighting system that operates on a 12-volt rather than 120 volts. This power is supplied via a transformer and can be more flexible than line voltage installations. |
| Lumens |
The amount of light that a bulb produces. "Luminous flux" is the standard unit of output. |
| Motion Detector |
A standard security device that uses ultrasonic or infrared detection to acknowledge the presense of any moving object, and to turn a light on appropriately. One can use this light as and "automatic ON" or "manual ON' device. |
| MR Lamp |
Multi-facet reflector lamp. The MR lamp surrounds a halogen capsule with a computer-designed glass with many reflective surfaces. These lamps require an additional glass cover for protection. |
| Outdoor Lighting |
Any type of hard-wired or solar-powered lighting system that is installed in an outdoor location. Used for aesthetics and security around the home. |
| PAR Lamps |
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector Lamp. It is made of hard glass and a separate reflector in the back, with front legs fused together. Can be used in line or low voltage systems. |
| Pavers |
Luminous elements mounted in the ground generally along a pathway or deck to act like markers for better circulation. |
| Photocell |
Most often used in solar lighting fixtures, a photocell is a small device created to turn available daylight into productive energy. This device allows fixtures to turn on and off at dusk and dawn. |
| Post-Top Fixtures |
Fixtures specifically installed on the tops of posts or railings to mark an outdoor path or driveway. |
| Romex |
A flexible plastic cable that houses multiple insulated wires for carrying electricity. |
| Rust |
Rust is the corrosion of metal from exposure to most air and other such elements. Most often applicable to iron and steel, rust is visible as a reddish-brown finish. Also called oxidation. |
| Scene |
A scene refers to the grouping of specific dimmers, zones, or channels to be controlled at a single point. |
| Stainless Steel |
A type of metal used often for kitchen and bathroom decorating due to its resistance to corrosion. Its appearance is smooth, cold, and contemporary. |
| Step Lights |
A fixture that is recessed into the surface to non-obtrusively illuminates the treads of stairs or pathways. Shields and louvers are often used to further reduce the visibility of the light source. |
| Timers |
Timers provide automatic on/off control, according to how you program them. They are often integrated into transformers and can be wired into 120-volt systems. |
| Transformer |
An electrical device used to alter the voltage of an existing system. Often hidden within a canopy or wall space, this transformer will reduce the standard power flux of 120vollts to 12volts, making the power source more efficient and safe. Input voltage is on the primary tap while output voltage is on the secondary tap. |
| UL |
Underwriters Laboratory. Often referred to as "UL", this independent organization is responsible for the testing of electrical products and their product safety. With various tests, these products are labeled and advertised as "UL Listed". |
| Voltage |
The calculated force of electrical current. Line voltage would often refer to incandescent or halogen lamps while low voltage would be associated with fluorescent and HID. |
| Voltage Drop |
The lowering of voltage along extended lengths of cable or circuit. With small cables and low voltage wiring, voltage drop can be noticeable even after twenty feet. |
| Watt |
A unit of electrical power that indicates levels of consumption. |
| Yard Lighting |
All outdoor lighting fixtures. These would include wall lanterns, landscape lighting, deck lighting, security spotlights, and hanging pendants. |