Continued from page 1
If you run into a wall and need to ask questions about lighting try a Lighting Forum. There are some basic lighting principles that can help you along in this process. One is understanding that light in most fixtures has some type of pattern. For example a recessed light using a reflector type bulb distributes a pattern in shape of a cone. When this pattern reaches floor it is in form of a circle. By slightly overlapping this circle of light it is possible to have a very even distribution of light throughout room.
Since most of members of a household walk upright and ones who don't, probably won't lodge any complaints about lighting, a general rule in lighting a room is to design plan on a work plane. This is an imaginary plane at about 30" off floor. This helps to provide a nice even lighting for most tasks in any room. This is where understanding pattern of light your fixture has is important. Most manufacturers have specs to show what these patterns are. For reflective bulbs you can get this info from bulb manufacturer.
(c) Copyright 2005 Paul Forte. All rights reserved.
Paul forte has been in the lighting industry for over 25 years. For more info and tips on lighting and other electrical needs please visit www.forteelectric.com