Frequently Asked Questions
This page should help to answer any questions that you might have. If your question is not answered here, please contact us and we'll do our best to help you.Q: Other low energy lights are really expensive. Are these lights much more expensive than traditional lighting?
No, our fittings are much the same price as traditional lighting. As more people switch to low energy products the price has reduced.
Q: What does "dedicated low energy" mean?
The fittings only accept a low energy lamp designed for use with this fitting. This ensures that the lamp is not replaced by an incandescent light bulb that would then be 5 times more expensive to run.
Q: What exactly do you mean by "low energy"?
The bulbs use less energy or power to produce the light - 80% less electricity.
Q: What is a compact fluorescent lamp?
A compact fluorescent lamp is a small fluorescent lamp which is usually referred to as a CFL or energy saving light bulb. They use less energy than a traditional (or incandescent) light bulb because they are more efficient at changing electricity into light and they have a longer lifespan.
Q: What are watts?
Traditional lamps have always used watts as an indication of light that can be expected from the bulb; this hasn’t changed in over a hundred years. However, with new technology and more efficient lamps, watts are becoming increasingly irrelevant. The wattage of a bulb actually tells you how much electricity it uses, not how much light it produces.
Q: How do I know what wattage I need to buy get a similar amount of light as my old fittings?
Below are some conversion figures that you can use to help to work out what wattage of CFL light bulb you should buy to get the same (or similar) amount of light as you would from an old style incandescent bulb.
- 25 watts incandescent = 5 watts compact fluorescent
- 40 watts incandescent = 7, 8 or 9 watts compact fluorescent
- 75 watts incandescent = 15 watts compact fluorescent
- 100 watts incandescent = 20 watts compact fluorescent
Q: Do I have to wait for a long time for the bulbs to reach full brightness?
No. The light will come on very quickly and in seconds will you will be able to see around you clearly. It takes less than 15 seconds to be able to read from the light and the main brightness will be achieved in about 30 seconds. The output will then increase a little to achieve maximum brightness after another minute.
Q: Do these bulbs flicker and flash when I switch them on?
No. All our light bulbs are electronic soft start and come on gently in a gradual smooth increase. The old types of fluorescent tubes had a magnetic start that caused them to flash on and off and many used to flicker all the time. The new technology has improved dramatically and these problems no longer occur.
Q: Which fittings can I put in my bathroom?
We have a number of specialist lights for use in bathrooms including some pendant and spot fittings. Bathrooms are divided in to zones and only certain types of lights can be fitted in these zones. Generally the lights rated IP44 can be used in all locations other than close to the bath. This is zone 2. Flush fittings can also be used in zone 3 in areas not over the bath. In larger bathrooms other lights can be used but please check with an electrician.
Q: How long does each bulb last?
The candle and standard GLS products last 8,000 hours. Depending on the room usage this would typically be 4 to 5 years. A standard light bulb lasts about 1,000 hours. The spot bulb lasts 10,000 hours.
Q: Do I need any special wiring?
No. All our fittings are suitable for standard mains voltage.
Q: Are your light fittings easy to install?
Yes, extremely! - the majority of our fittings are supplied with our unique, patented HSR and HSS head systems that allow the light fitting to be fitted over a standard ceiling rose, eliminating the need to rewire the loop or switch drop.
Q: How do I recycle the bulbs when they reach the end of their life?
Ideally all light bulbs should be separated from the normal waste and properly re-cycled. There are a number of sites being set alongside regular bottle banks to accept fluorescent lamps. Please contact your local authority for the nearest facility.
Q: I own a hotel / office building. Would your light fittings be suitable?
Yes. Our fittings and light bulbs are ideal for hotels and offices. If you have a specific requirement or project we can design fittings to your requirements. Some of our larger fittings also have switching options enabling the light output to be reduced at times of less need and to create various mood settings. However, as with all compact fluorescent fittings, they do require a rest period so it is not recommended that they are left on continually for 24 hours a day.
Q: Do I have to place my order on-line or can I place an order by telephone?
We will be happy to take your order over the phone if you wish, please contact our sales team on 01325 353601.