Plug and Play lighting – the ideal outdoor lighting solution

Posted on 6th June 201429th July 2021 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 29th July 2021

Plug and Play lighting – the benefits

Plug and play lighting allows end-users to easily design and install a tailored outdoor lighting scheme, without the need for an electrician. This modular low-voltage system is ideal for a garden, patio, poolside, or car park, and dramatically reduces the cost normally associated with a bespoke lighting solution.

Plug and Play lighting – getting started

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There are three steps to a basic Plug and Play set up:

The lights and their 2-metre connecting cables hook up to the main cable with waterproof 2-pin plugged sockets. A 3-way connector is also available, which lets you attach up to three lights to each socket.

Expansion of your lighting scheme is simple with this modular approach. The main thing to remember is that the total wattage of the circuit should not exceed the maximum load of the transformer. We offer a choice of 22W, 60W, and 150W transformers, designed to supply power across at least 35m of cable.

Main power cables are sold in 10m lengths with four connecting sockets, or 15m lengths with six sockets. Extension cables are also available, allowing lights to be positioned further from the main cable. None of the cables theoretically need to be concealed, although a light covering of soil is recommended to avoid needless damage. Because the system is low voltage, there is no threat to life if the cables are accidentally sliced.

For a visual explanation of how to set up a Plug & Play system simply click here or on our infographic above.

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Plug and Play lighting – in use

Our Plug and Play lighting products are designed to withstand the elements, and intended for year-round outdoor use. All power connections are watertight and suitable for siting in and around swimming pools or drainage areas. Included in the collection are bollards, post lights, spotlights, walkover lights, and wall lights.

There are various ways of controlling a Plug and Play lighting scheme. A dusk-to-dawn sensor automatically triggers lights at nightfall, and switches them off again after your specified duration. The sensor can control all of your lighting, or a single section of it, as you wish. Also available is a weatherproof wireless remote control, which can operate up to nine separate groups of lights at a maximum 40m range.

LED lights are incredibly energy efficient and last up to 20 times longer than halogen alternatives. However, halogen lights, which also feature in this range, offer superior colour rendering. They make a particularly strong choice for lighting red-coloured grasses, shrubs, trees, and decorations, with their naturally warm bias.

Safe and simple outdoor lighting

The inherent safety of a Plug and Play lighting scheme makes it a reassuring choice for the protection of children or pets. In many instances you won’t even need tools for installation, though a screwdriver may be required with some light fittings.

For businesses looking to renovate and update the look of their exteriors, our Plug and Play lighting range offers a solution that’s cost-effective, easy to install and flexible. Homeowners can reap the nocturnal rewards of their own property for minimal outlay.

Are you looking for more lighting news, inspiration, or information? Check out our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Andrew is an experienced buying professional who takes an entrepreneurial approach to identify new lighting solutions and ensure Lyco have first-to-market ranges for our customers. Having previously worked for well known brands such as Wickes, Carphone Warehouse and Toys R Us, Andrew has now turned his hand to sourcing commercial lighting and ensure our customers receive top brand quality products at marketing leading prices. He manages a team of commercial and decorative buyers who travel the world finding new products that our customers don’t even know they need yet.

Power Factor: Avoiding the surcharge

Posted on 3rd June 201430th March 2022 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 30th March 2022

Power factor is a lesser known specification in the world of lighting. It measures how efficiently power is used in an AC circuit, and is a closely scrutinised area of LED and fluorescent lighting. Despite being vastly more energy efficient than filament lighting, these newer technologies have a naturally low power factor. This may seem trivial when compared to their substantial benefits, but has, regardless, been subject to EU regulations in recent years.

Energy suppliers surcharge commercial customers for use of low power factor equipment. This is openly itemised as either a power factor charge or reactive power charge, and billed in units of kVAr. Large, complex buildings with numerous luminaires will plainly be more affected. Low power factor also reduces the number of fittings installable on a lighting circuit.

By choosing energy efficient lighting with a high power factor, energy savings are truly maximised, meaning you should not be hit with such a surcharge. To go straight to our high power factor products click here. Alterntively, read on to really understand what the power factor is all about…

The power factor calculation

Power factor is calculated by dividing the active power used (in watts) by the apparent power drawn from the power grid (in volt-amps, or VA). A unitless number between 0.0 and 1.0 is used, with 1.0 representing 100% unity (i.e. 1 volt-amp = 1 watt).

Circuits containing only heating elements have a 1.0 power factor. This includes the resistive circuit of an incandescent lamp, where current increases and decreases proportionately with voltage (meaning the current and voltage are ‘in phase’).

LED and fluorescent circuits have inductive or capacitive elements, and never have a 1.0 power factor. Voltage and current are always out of phase to some degree, with only the in-phase portions producing real work. Power factor correction (PFC) can be installed to bring voltage and current more closely into phase. Any unused power is called reactive power.

Power factor charges

Commercial customers are surcharged for reactive power in units of kVAr. Suppliers apply a power factor threshold of between 0.85 and 0.95, above which there is no charge. Domestic users are never billed for reactive power.

Examples:

A 60W incandescent lamp draws 60 volt-amps (VA) from the power grid, thus has a 1.0 power factor. All of its supplied power produces work.
A 5W LED lamp with a 0.5 power factor will draw 10 volt-amps (VA) from the grid. It is hugely more energy-efficient than the incandescent lamp, but only converts 50% of its drawn power into work (watts).

This does not mean the LED lamp uses 10W of power, since reactive power is returned rather than consumed. However, low power factor increases power transmission losses, voltage dips, distribution costs, and carbon emissions. The grid is forced to supply a higher power level than is required at the load.

Standards and the future

From September 1st 2013, EU regulation 1194/2012 came into force:

LED lamps between 2W and 5W require a minimum 0.4 power factor.
LED lamps over 5W and up to 25W require a minimum 0.5 power factor.
LED lamps over 25W require a minimum 0.9 power factor.
CFLs with integrated ballasts (retrofit CFLs) require a minimum 0.5 power factor up to 25W, and 0.9 above.

Arguments against power factor correction in lamps include: increases in cost, materials, weight, heat, as well as a minor decrease in efficiency.

In 2010, Once Innovations revealed the SCD conditioning circuit for AC LEDs, improving power factor, distortion, and luminous efficacy, whilst adding less weight, volume, and parts than existing solutions. Such technology is likely to be more viable as LED prices decrease.

HPF Products

If you’re billed for reactive power, high power factor (HPF) lamps and luminaires may help reduce these charges. Lyco sells a variety of HPF products, including:

The Carina LED Semi Flush has a 0.93 power factor. An IP65 rating means you can install this light almost anywhere, including outdoors or in bathrooms. This versatile luminaire is useful in many commercial or residential applications.

A great recessed fitting for many commercial uses is the Eternity LED Downlight which can be configured for non-maintained or maintained operation. Long-lasting LEDs are integrated, with an expected 35,000 hour lifespan.

Offering numerous advantages over fluorescent counterparts, the Robus Vulcan LED Batten has a 0.95 power factor. This tough fitting is ideal for industrial applications, including car parks, corridors, factories, farm buildings, sheds, and garages.

For offices, schools, and hospitals, the LED Light Panel offers many benefits. It is neat, hygienic, and superbly energy efficient. This top-quality luminaire has a minimum 0.9 power factor.

Hopefully the above products and information will help you avoid any future power factor surcharges. If you jumped straight to the products and now want to see how the power factor is calculated and the subsequent charges click here.

For more useful advice and information take a look at our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Ways of lighting your patio

Posted on 19th May 201429th September 2023 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 29th September 2023

Whether you’re a homeowner or manager of a hospitality premises, a darkened patio is wasted space. Good patio lighting makes a property more inviting, and is often an important facet of an entertainment venue. The patio may connect to a garden, or it may be a small garden in itself. Here we’ll show you how to use outdoor lights (and other tricks) to illuminate the various features of your patio, so you can reap the rewards of this valuable outdoor space.

But first… indoor dimming

It may seem an odd place to start, but dimming is useful if you want to enjoy outdoor lighting from the comfort of a living room, or conservatory. In restaurants and hotels, patrons may gaze out over a beautifully lit patio and garden during winter months. Indoor lighting that is too strong will cause excessive reflection and impair the outdoor view.

Lyco sells a range of dimmer switches, which help you balance indoor and outdoor illumination. Varilight models are exceptional for LED dimming. They also have a ‘soft start’ feature that reduces the chances of filament bulbs expiring in the cold.

Customised patio lighting

Just like indoors, you should never over-light a patio or garden. Contrasting areas of light and dark create ambience and visual interest. Ground rules aside, various features of a patio might benefit from good lighting. Here are some examples:

Decking areas

These can be lit by walkover lights. Decking Lights serve this purpose. Discreet and durable, they are useful around the edges of a decking area for creating mood and adding an element of pedestrian safety.

Paved areas

Such areas can be installed with ground lights, like the Messina LED Ground Light from Searchlight. This can be safely walked over, and with an IP68 rating it tolerates immersion. The Messina is totally impervious to dust and torrential rain.

Low walls

Low walls are common around patio areas. Many ground lights are also suitable for embedding in walls, like the Stratford Recessed Square LED. Again, these are robustly weatherproof and provide excellent low-level lighting.

Flower borders and shrubbed areas

These areas are perfectly served by post lights. The Parma Post is one of many options here, with a black finish that blends well with green foliage.

Trees

Often a neighbouring feature of patios, they provide a good opportunity to create visual interest. Use a strong spotlight to dramatically light trees from below. Solar lights are excellent for this, since they’re self-sufficient and not tethered to a mains supply.

Statues and garden ornaments

These can be lit by the Deltech GL7 LED Spotlight. The GL7 comes with a ground spike and wall bracket, so is usable in numerous scenarios.

Trellises and gazebos

Such fixtures are ideal for fairy lights, which create restful but eye-catching illumination. The Solar Centre’s Everbright Solar Fairy Lights are usable all the year round. A built-in photocell automatically triggers these lights on and off at dusk and dawn. If you’re going for a party mood, colourful festoons are effective overhead or along a fence.

Exterior walls

Regularly overlooked, these offer a simple means of lighting a patio. Here we’re looking for something decorative as well as functional. The Iluzzia Outdoor Up Down Wall Light is economical and long lasting, water and dust resistant with a IP54 protection rating. In traditional vein, the Half Lantern from Selected By Lyco offers an equally durable solution.

For more inspiration, advice and news, visit our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

American Diner Lights Showcase

Posted on 3rd April 201429th July 2021 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 29th July 2021

American diner lights are an increasingly popular style of fitting. Inspired by the stainless steel exteriors and metallic surfaces of the diners that were so synonymous with US culture in the 50s, 60s & 70s. The stunning American Diner range from Searchlight pays tribute to these iconic eateries, with a selection of traditional ceiling and wall lights.

These fittings certainly have a retro feel about them, with gleaming metallic finishes, decorative yet practical designs, and a subtly industrial look – perhaps a trace of the American railroad from whence the diners themselves originated back in the 1920s. Lyco stocks a wide variety of American Diner light fittings, meaning you can easily add a touch of American style to any premises or home.

The American Diner Lighting Range

The American Diner Semi-Flush Fitting has an IP44 rating to indicate possible Zone 1 and 2 bathroom use. This light looks fantastic in kitchen and dining areas, too, whether in the home or a restaurant. Much like many original American diner lights, it is compact in design and ideal for a low-ceilinged room.

Offering a choice of semi-flush installation or normal pendant use, Searchlight’s 3-Light and 5-Light dual mount fittings cater for any height of ceiling. Install these eye-catching luminaires over dining tables or a kitchen island.

Like all items in this range, the American Diner Pendant comes in a choice of metallic finishes. The glass is finished differently, too, with clear or frosted options. The former allows a slightly crisper light, whilst still cutting out glare with its ribbed surface. It also projects an attractive pattern onto ceilings. Frosted glass produces a softer light, and has a pleasing white finish to suit many styles of décor.

Ornate wall lights are another part of American Diner heritage, common as they were in the original dining cars of trains and alongside diner booths. Searchlight’s American Diner Wall Light is elegantly designed with a characteristic gleaming metallic finish, and offers convenient independent control with its on/off pull cord.

Value for money

The American Diner lighting range offers fantastic value for money, with an enticing blend of high-quality manufacturing and authentic style.

Why not take a look at our full range of American Diner lights?

For more inspiration, showcases and guides, try our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Decking Lights – adding that extra class

Posted on 27th March 201429th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

Decking lights are one of the most visually appealing and cost-effective ways to finish off any outside space – from your everyday domestic garden to larger commercial venues or hotels. But why not add an extra touch of class on top by installing some decking lights too? Lyco has a huge range of options to suit any project, from pin-sharp LED decking lights to powerful walkover lights, and you might be surprised at just how easy it is to install them too. Let’s take a closer look…

It’s easy to understand why decking is so popular these days: it’s an easy way of adding to your floor space, and serves as an natural link between indoor and outdoor areas, while the angular symmetry associated with decking and the rich colour and texture of the wood itself are undeniably easy on the eye.

Decking lights are ideal for taking full advantage of that visual appeal. By using multiple ground lights recessed into the wood itself rather than a single bright wall-mounted light source, you can bathe the area in a soft, elegant glow that makes the most of the aesthetic properties of wood itself.

Sound appealing? Then let’s check out some of the decking light options that are available, and the kind of settings they’re designed for.

LED deck lights

There’s nothing like LED lighting for a bit of discreet elegance. Available in white and blue, Lyco’s outdoor LED lights are not only weatherproof, but their sturdy construction ensures the LEDs themselves are well protected.

Simpson LED Walkover Lights: at just 25mm in diameter, this discreet lighting solution comes in a set of 10 LEDs. The lights themselves are sharp and crisp, and generate incredibly low levels of heat, so are perfectly safe to use near furniture, while IP65 weatherproofing and impact and vibration protection makes them ideal for hotels, restaurants and pubs.

Morris LED Walkover Lights – Set of 6 – White: bigger and brighter than the Simpson LEDs and also available in blue and white options, the Morris LED Walkover Lights offer the same weather-proofing, efficiency and low running temperature in a larger package. Sold in sets of six lights, this Walkover Lights package comes with 2m of cable for each light, plus a 4m power cable.

Plug and Play

The whole point behind Plug and Play lighting is to make installing outdoor lights so easy that anyone can do it, and so Plug and Play decking lights are perfect for domestic decking projects. That doesn’t mean you can’t be ambitious, though: Plug and Play systems are easily scalable too, and you can mix and match different types of lights on the same system without hassle.

Umbra Halogen Ground Light: with its 115mm diameter and 20W halogen bulb, the Umbra ground light is perfectly capable of getting the job done on its own. But that would be a waste of Plug and Play. Combine it with other Garden Lights products, or indeed any Plug and Play-compatible lighting product, and you’ll have enough light for any decking project, small or large.

Hybra White LED Deck Light: give your decking project an injection of style with the attractive Plug and Play-compatible Hybra White LED Ground Light. The stainless steel body and transparent polycarbonate diffuser will be sure to turn heads, and come with IP44 weather-proofing and a three-year guarantee.

Astrum White LED Deck Light: think decking lights and you automatically think ground-based, but this versatile Astrum White LED light is just as effective mounted in gates and posts. Best of all, it’s Plug and Play compatible, so can easily be incorporated into an existing lighting setup without hassle.

Walkover lights

All outdoor lights have to be durable to some extent, but walkover lights are actually designed to be walked on (and in some cases even driven over), and are strong enough and weather-resistant enough to handle it. Many even offer IP67-rated protection, which means they can be placed up to 1m underwater – perfect for larger-scale decking projects such as hotel or restaurant exteriors.

Garland LED Walkover Lights: these IP68-rated lights are all about versatility: they are available in white or blue, and by incorporating a connector lead and transformer you can set up your lighting system just how you want it.

Larch LED Ground Lights Set: another versatile performer, the Larch LED Ground Lights Set come in packs of three and can be added to with individual lights. Whilst arguably not quite in the same league as the Cassio lights, they are nonetheless great all-purpose low-voltage walkover lights that combines capability with affordability.

Decking for all

There’s no question that decking can add value and versatility to any property, whether domestic or commercial, and hopefully this guide has helped illuminate just how integral lighting can be to any decking project. The good news is you’re not lacking for choice, and innovations like Plug and Play have put impressive results within the reach of the beginner without compromising what can be achieved by more ambitious projects.

Take a look at our full range of decking lights.

Looking for more lighting resources or ideas? Try our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Charles started Lyco in 1995 with just 4 enthusiastic employees and has grown it considerably over the past 25 years. Charles is also the Managing Director of Lighting Direct and newly acquired Online Lighting. He now has a team of 50 lighting experts working on growing Lyco Group to be the UK leader in lighting for both businesses and homes. Away from the office he is a keen cyclist and is proud to have cycled 1017 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new residential centre for adults with multiple learning difficulties.

Touch lamps – how they work & where they shine

Posted on 13th March 201421st September 2021 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 21st September 2021

Touch lamps are generally found by most people who have purchased them to be more convenient than conventional lamps. This is because you don’t have to feel your way along a cable or clutch at the lamp-holder when you need light. Touch lamps usually offer a much more generous target than a discreet on/off toggle switch. You simply need to touch the base or another metal part.

In addition to sheer practicality, touch control also offers aesthetic potential. Lighting designers can make modern lights simpler, more minimalistic, with clean, imaginative designs. They don’t have to ponder the position of the switch, and you don’t have to fumble for it. The same is true of traditional lamps, where the emphasis is often on elegant lines. All styles of table or desk lamp can benefit.

How touch lamps work

Once past the novelty factor, a touch switch is an intuitive way of operating things—not unlike the touch screen on most smart phones. In fact, the technology in a touch lamp is akin to a capacitive touch screen, relying on electricity stored in the human body for operation.

On/off

With a touch lamp, the base and other metal parts act almost like an antenna, loaded with a feeble electric charge that is harmless to humans. When the lamp is touched the human body effectively adds to the capacitance (electrical storage capacity) of the lamp, and the memory circuit that detects this change toggles the light on or off.

Dimming control

Many touch lamps allow dimming control as well as simple on/off functionality. This works in a similar way, with memory circuitry altering the power reaching the bulb in increments. Touching the lamp base switches the light on, and brightness alters with each subsequent touch. The final touch switches the light off again.

In touch with the right light

For practical reasons, touch technology is most used in lamps within arm’s reach, and tends not to be found in floor lamps. Most touch lamps are either desk or table lamps.

There are different types of lamps to suited to different locations. Here we take a look at some touch lamps and where they would look best:

Bedrooms

A bedside table lamp is useful for complementary lighting, and doubles as a handy reading light. For the traditional bedroom, the set of two Gloucester Touch Lamps are ideal. These lamps offer dimming control and have an antique brass finish with Alabaster glass shades.

For the modern bedroom the Lucide Len blends easily with many styles of décor.

Offices

Although regular table lamps can be used in an office, a more specific office light is the desk lamp. This is usually defined by it possessing an adjustable head.

Look for different finishes to suit either a contemporary or traditional office. We have desk lamps available in chrome, brass, and black.

Living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways

In a living room, dining room, or hallway, a table lamp usually provides complementary lighting. It brightens corners or alcoves, maximises space and creates mood. In a hallway it has a welcoming role to play. Multi-layered lighting is one of the key components in successful interior design.

Convenient to operate is the decorative Tyso Table Lamp, in an antique brass finish. With a gold-coloured shade, warm brass finish and touch control dimming it can certainly help create a welcoming, relaxing ambience. The Lucide Paolo on the other hand is perfect for adding sparkle to a room, with its patterned silver style and decorative lighting pattern shade. However, for simple elegance, the Dar Jot Touch Lamp is difficult to beat. Its polished chrome base is complemented by a opal glass shade. This classy touch-dimmable lamp is ideal for a contemporary home or hospitality premises.

Touch and go

Often, the simplest inventions are the ones we appreciate most. They make life just that little bit easier. With a touch lamp, light is only ever an instant away.

Still not found exactly what you’re looking for? Take a look at our full range of touch lamps

Looking for more inspiration and information? Try our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

What is a squirrel cage bulb?

Posted on 5th March 201421st September 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 21st September 2021

Lucide Baskett 4 Light Bar Ceiling Pendant - Black

Most of us are familiar with the classic pear-shaped household bulb, but what is a squirrel cage bulb? These bulbs appeared in the earliest years of the 20^th century, when lighting companies were competing to develop metal filaments. The carbon or metal filament was threaded up and down using support hooks until it resembled a squirrel cage, hence the name.

Back in fashion – the attraction

Today, squirrel cage bulbs are making a comeback, with increasing popularity in restaurants, bars, and homes. Still using the classic 100-year-old design (including the dimple of blown glass) these bulbs are mesmerising to look at. Their warm-glowing filaments have a calming effect similar to a traditional wax candle, or fireplace.

Lyco sell a selection of squirrel cage bulbs in either E27 Edison Screw or B22 bayonet cap fittings. One notable thing about these bulbs is their 2000K colour temperature. This is warmer in hue than standard 2700K incandescent lamps, which helps in creating a restful mood. To emphasise their fireside effect, some models also have gold-tinted glass.

Choosing the right fitting

An often ignored aspect of choosing a light fitting is the type of bulb to be used. The perfect foil for a decorative bulb can only be an open or clear-finished fitting. The Ricky Ceiling Pendant is ideal for a squirrel cage bulb, and makes a great choice of ceiling light for stylish restaurants and bars.

The Edit Crate 4 Light Bar Pendant acts as the perfect bulb-display cabinet. This modern statement light is ideal for showing off squirrel cage bulbs, and is stunning over a kitchen island or counter. The warmth of light and gorgeous-looking bulbs will set the scene for intimate meals or midnight snacks.

Back to the future

In recent years, comparatively new technologies such as LED have forever changed artificial lighting. However, there’s still demand for the high-quality light of a filament bulb. Most incandescent bulbs have been phased out by EU legislation for their inefficiency, but the squirrel cage bulb has returned. This bewitching lamp delivers light from a bygone age, and reminds us that not everything is lost.

Looking for more answers or advice? Try our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Top 10 Conservatory lights

Posted on 19th February 201428th March 2023 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 28th March 2023

Whether you’re investing in a conservatory for your own home or installing one for a customer, lighting is a key factor. It’s easy to enjoy this naturally lit space when bathed by the sun, but with the right lighting it’ll become a room to relax in night and day, the whole year round.

Direction is important

One important aspect of conservatory lighting is direction of light. In most rooms of a house, light reflects off walls and ceilings to create widespread diffused illumination. This is not the case in a conservatory, where misdirected light will simply escape, and might cause glare.

The hallmark of successful conservatory lighting is that it seamlessly connects the house to the garden, with a multi-layered lighting scheme that is both visually stimulating and welcoming. Ideally, this should extend to the garden itself rather than ending abruptly with a dark void.

Our top 10

To help you plan your lighting scheme, we’ve put together a list of our 10 most popular lights, chosen for conservatories:

Sunbeam Wire Light System

Ideal for uneven ceilings, the Searchlight Thunder Wire Light System allows you to easily introduce overhead lighting in a conservatory. Each of the unobtrusive lights can be positioned anywhere along the wire, so this is a flexible way of highlighting display items or room features, and looks great when layered with a softer, overall light.

Edit Eye 3 Light Spotlitght Bar

The Eye 3 Light Spotlight Bar is another way of providing directional light in a conservatory, and being wall mountable it is installable onto the wall that was previously on the exterior the house prior to the conservatory being built, if necessary.

Limina Plaster Floor Uplighter

Uplighters provide dramatic accent lighting to emphasise texture and form, and can be used to provide a feeling of extra space by lighting walls and corners. The Limina Plaster Floor Uplighter is an excellent choice for a contemporary conservatory, and can be painted to match any environment.

Elva Twin Spotlight

The modern-looking Elva Twin Spotlight is a versatile fitting with exceptional adjustability in each light head. This is an IP44 rated fitting that can also be used outside and is made of quality aluminium.

Friend LED Floor Lamp with USB Charging Port

A nice feature of the Friend Floor Lamp is its built-in dimmability. The ability to control light is useful in a conservatory, as it enables you to balance artificial and natural lighting according to outside conditions. The Montana offers a reading lamp as well as an uplighter plus a handy USB charging port and shelf – perfect for charging your phone.

Edit Berkley Table Lamp

Table lamps provide a great final touch in a conservatory, emitting a warm, soft glow of light to help make it a comfortable space, our top pick is this large statement lamp, the Berkley Table Lamp.

A pendant is virtually a must-have if the conservatory is to be used as a dining area, so the structure of the conservatory may need to be chosen or adapted accordingly.

Lucide Soft Pendant

No pendant could be more befitting to a conservatory than one derived from nature. The Lucide Goosy Soft Pendant fits directly into an existing lamp-holder and makes a stunning centrepiece for dining areas.

Forum Agol

Another shade-only lighting solution is the beautiful Agol Easy-fit Shade by Forum. Manufactured in a soothing smoked finish, this shade can be accompanied by a large globe bulb to produce a beautifully diffuse, widespread light.

Dynamo Pendant Light

For a retro look that will adorn many conservatories there’s the Dynamo Pendant. This fitting is available in a choice of coloured and metal finishes. A halogen bulb delivers bright overall lighting from this pendant, though a decorative-filament bulb has more visual appeal and typically emits a warmer glow of light. Remember that all filament bulbs are dimmable with the appropriate switch.

Nexus 20 Pendant

Another mood-inducing light is the Edit Cone Pendant, which has a gold inner shade project a warm toned light. This fitting is perfect for low suspension over a dining table, where it will excel at defining space and creating intimacy.

Self-sufficient garden lighting

You might think a conservatory is a prime candidate for solar powered lights. Unfortunately, window glass greatly reduces a solar panel’s ability to gather power, so any indoor lighting would have to be driven by an outdoor solar panel. Removable solar panels are very occasionally used in small indoor light fittings, but for the time being this idea remains impractical and largely untapped. We’ll let you know when this changes.

For more advice, inspiration and news take a look at our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Light bulb technology – a basic guide

Posted on 11th February 201429th July 2021 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 29th July 2021

In the past, light bulb technology was far simpler than it is today. The only bulb-buying decision most of us made was choice of wattage, and even that was usually pre-decided by our light fitting. So there was nothing to consider.

Nowadays, things are a little more complicated as the number of types of light bulbs has increased. Several technologies now compete for our attention: incandescent, halogen, energy-saving halogen, fluorescent, and LED.

Each technology has its own particular set of advantages. The following paragraphs briefly outline them, helping you to invest in precisely the bulb(s) you need.

Incandescent

An incandescent bulb produces light when an electric current passes through its filament, causing it to glow. Only around 10% of the energy consumed by an incandescent bulb is converted into visible light, with the rest being used to generate heat. Many previously available incandescent bulbs have been phased out by EU legislation, due to their inefficiency, but a few specialist products still remain.

Despite its failings, incandescent technology has some inherent advantages:

Inexpensive
Dimmable by default
Maximum CRI 100 score for reliable colour rendering
Amount of light (measured in lumens) remains consistent throughout lifespan
Instant light

Halogen / energy-saving halogen

Halogen technology is a form of incandescent lighting, the main difference being that the filament is tightly enclosed by a heat-resistant quartz or hard glass envelope. Inside this envelope is a halogen gas, whose purpose is mainly to return evaporated tungsten onto the filament, thus extending the lifespan of the bulb. It does this through a chemically reactive process known as ‘the halogen cycle’.

Energy-saving halogen bulbs use either an IR reflective coating or a less conductive premium-fill gas (i.e. krypton or xenon) to reduce heat loss and increase efficiency.

Halogen advantages include:

Inexpensive
Very crisp, bright-looking light (especially low voltage)
Dimmable by default
Maximum CRI 100 score for colour rendering, with slightly less red bias than original incandescent bulbs (i.e. better balanced for colour-critical applications)
Amount of light (in lumens) remains consistent throughout lifespan
Double the lifespan of original incandescent bulbs
Available in ‘capsule’ form for use in space-confined applications
Energy-saving versions use 20-30% fewer watts than original incandescent or regular halogen technology
Instant light

Fluorescent

Fluorescent lighting comes in tube or CFL form. The latter (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) includes spirals, sticks, 2D, Biax, and retrofit low-energy bulbs. Regardless of shape, fluorescent lighting works by exciting mercury atoms with an electric current. In turn, this produces a UV light that stimulates the interior phosphor coating, causing it to fluoresce and emit visible light.

Fluorescent light sources require a ‘ballast’ to regulate current and deliver sufficient voltage to start the lamp. Most CFLs include this in their base, allowing use as direct replacements for regular bulbs. Fluorescent tubes and some lamps require an external ballast, which is usually integral to the light fitting.

Perhaps the greatest disadvantage in fluorescent lighting is a generally inferior dimming capability (often non-existent), but there are various advantages:

Inexpensive by comparison to LED
High energy efficiency—typically 70-80% more efficient than incandescent or halogen
Very long lifespan compared to filament bulbs, reducing maintenance costs
Strong omnidirectional diffuse light that is especially useful as a main light source
Broad choice of colour temperatures
Low running temperature

LED

The LED, or Light Emitting Diode, has been intensely developed in recent years to become one of the greatest clean technologies of the early 21^st century. LEDs can produce a white light in a couple of ways, either by blending red, green and blue primary colours, or by use of a blue LED and yellow phosphor. The latter is a cheaper and easier way of producing bright white LEDs, and is behind most LED design.

Most modern LED bulbs use High Power LEDs, which can be surface-mounted to produce a bright omnidirectional light. A second type of LED is the COB (Chip-on-Board), which consists of LED chips packaged extremely densely into a single LED module. Allowing a fantastically smooth and intense light, COB LEDs are often used to closely replicate halogen spotlights.

LED bulbs generally require a greater initial investment than other technologies, but the expense is always likely to be recovered, and usually within a few months in commercial environments. Here are some of the numerous advantages:

Exceptional energy efficiency, usually superior to fluorescent and converting about 80% of used energy to light
Long lifespan that greatly reduces maintenance costs (up to 50,000 hours)
Negligible IR or UV radiation reduces degradation when lighting sensitive items (e.g. artworks, food)
Shock and vibration resistant (solid-state form of lighting)
Reliable cold-temperature performance
Extremely compact for design flexibility
Broad choice of colour temperatures
Very good dimming performance with compliant drivers and switches. Colour remains constant even when dimmed to low levels.
Directional form of light with very little spilled light outside of its specified beam
Unaffected by frequent switching
Instant light

Feel free to browse our full range of light bulbs.

Looking for inspiration or more information? Try our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

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