LED stands for Light emitting diode, LED lighting is very energy efficient and provides instant light at full brightness when switched on.
Compact Fluorescent Lamp, also referred to as energy saving light bulbs.
These are abbreviations for common light bulb bases:
Cool white and warm white refer to the colour temperature of the light being produced by the Led or a globe. Colour temperature is measured in a unit called kelvin (k). The warmer or yellow light have a low kelvin rating (2700k-3200k), whereas the cool white or daylight have a higher kelvin rating (4000k- 6500k).
Lumen is a unit of measurement. It measures the amount of light from a light source.
Lux is a unit of measurement. It measures the amount of light that falls on an object.
Colour Rendering Index (CRI) is defined as a light source’s ability to render colour using a number between 0-100. The higher the CRI, the better the light source renders every colour in the visible spectrum. To have what is generally considered good colour rendering, a source must be greater than 90 CRI.
A watt is a basic unit of electric, mechanical or thermal power. The strength of a light bulb or fitting is measured in watts. A 25w globe uses 25w of power. Light fittings have a maximum wattage that can be used, it is generally on a sticker located near the lamp holder. It is recommended that you do not exceed the max wattage in any fitting.
There are many different types of light globes to suit all kinds of light fittings from lights on the ceiling, on the wall, on the table and in the garden. The most common types of light bulbs are incandescent, halogen, compact fluorescent or LED.
Incandescent light globes are being phased out and replaced with more energy efficient globes, which will lower the cost of your power bill. Halogen globes are energy reducing and use approximately 30% less power than the incandescent globes; unfortunately they don’t last very long and have to be replaced frequently.
Compact fluorescent lamps and LED globes are the most efficient lighting option as they consume less power while still providing a good source of light. The benefits of LED globes as opposed to the compact fluorescent is that they turn on instantly whereas fluorescents take a few moments to get to full brightness.
If you are looking for a replacement globe the safest thing to do will be to bring along the light globe with you when you come in for the replacement.
When selecting light bulbs for your fittings, it’s important to think about what the light fitting is going to be used for. Is it task lighting? Or mood lighting? Will it be used often? These things will influence the type of globe you will need. Remember to always stay with the maximum wattage for the fitting as to not burn out the lamp holder.
If it’s being used often you could use an LED globe as they provide great light and are energy efficient. If the light is a touch light or has a built in dimmer you can’t use a fluorescent globe, your best bet is to stick to a halogen globe. You can always seek advice from Milton Lighting if you are unsure as to what type of globe you need.
Yes converting to LED fittings or globes in your home is a great thing to do. LEDs are very efficient, using much less power than halogen or even fluorescent fittings/globes. If you are renovating or building or just want to retro fit your light globe LED is the way forward.
Most LED downlights can be dimmed, however there are a few factors to consider. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure they are dimmable
The most important thing is to see the product before you commit to anything and you take the above factors into account.
If you have existing light globes in your house, whether they be halogen, compact fluorescent or incandescent, there may be a suitable LED replacement globe available now.
By simply changing over your light globes, you can save money on your power bill, have a globe that requires changing less often and is better for the environment. Just a few things to consider when retrofitting LED globes.
If your existing lights are on a dimmer, it’s always a good idea to ensure the LED globe is dimmable and compatible with your current dimmer. Not all retrofit globes are dimmable.
If you are replacing 12v halogen dichroic globes with LED, ensure your transformer in the ceiling (this runs you’re your existing 12v halogen globe) will also run the LED globes. Not all led globes will run with any transformer.
Like the quality, the cost of LED globes can vary greatly. There can be a number of factors that influence the cost of an LED globe or fitting.
These can be the quality of the light output, the materials it’s made from, where and how it has been quality control tested, the length of the warranty and the type of fitting.
The old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ springs to mind with LED globes and fittings. The upfront cost of LEDs can be a little more than we would like but the benefits long term far outweigh the initial cost when a good quality fitting is purchased.
Yes - LED fittings and globes should have a minimum warranty period of 12 months. Always Check the length of the warranty being offered. The length of the warranty can be a good indicator of the quality of the LED. Some of the LED fittings stocked at Milton Lighting have a 7 year warranty.
You should always keep your receipt when purchasing LEDs as you will need it if you need to make a warranty claim. Also, get the name of installing electrician and their electrical license number.
It is always wise to purchase from a reputable retailer or wholesaler. There are lots of LED products being imported and they may not be been tested or have a warranty.
LED strip lighting is a very efficient and effective way to create lighting features in kitchens, bars, bathrooms and more. LED strip is available in several different colours – warm white, cool white, red, green, blue and of course the colour changing combination. It was discovered a few years back that the life of LED strip can be extended when used within a piece of Aluminium extrusion. The aluminium acts as a heatsink and draws the heat away from the LED’s. The cabinet maker/joiner will rout the aluminium strip into the underside of the cabinetry to ensure it sits flush. When you are looking to install LED strip lighting there are a few things to consider:
LED strip is generally sold per meter and it is always confirmed on site rather than measured off a plan to ensure the correct length of strip is supplied.
If you have some features in your home that you want to draw attention to then pendant lights can be a good option. How many pendants are needed, the drop from the ceiling and the style of support will be matters your retailer can advise you about once they understand the location for the installation. Pictures of the location, on your phone may help to communicate what you would like to achieve.
Pendant lights come in innumerable variants whether it be a particular period, say Art Deco or Federation.
While it may be a period in time, using similar lights from the Cape Cod/ Hamptons to update or change your Queenslander is often construed as contemporary. Some Scandinavian styles in bygone days, would have been considered quite modern but now are present-day.
We then come to modern pendants. This can be a slippery slope of definition, as lighting can be quite idiosyncratic. They can range from an iron filigree sphere with multiple lamp holders within, which will create a beautiful pattern on the wall to a cloth cord holding a single globe. A good rule of thumb could be to imagine the practicality of the fixture, for instance, how much light is required in the area and ease of changing globes or cleaning the fitting.
Wall lighting can be a lovely feature just as pendant lighting. It can be an interesting accent to light a hallway, maybe additional lighting in your dining room. They could be used as bedside fixtures, saving room on your bedside cabinet, keeping clutter clear. There are options for both period and contemporary.
Milton Lighting can have custom shades made. If you have a table or standing lamp, a new shade is a delightful way to update the piece. We have fabrics available to choose, colossal quantity of sizes with variants down to an inch. Hard back or soft backing (frequently used for silks), both types of lamp holder as well adjustments to recess height and finale fit. You can provide your own fabric and have it made to the size of your choice.
Light fittings are frequently available in different metal finishes. Remember to ask, as sometimes the alternate colours may not be displayed.
Table lamps are an elegant addition to any sideboard, bedside cabinet or sunroom setting. They have the capacity to create erudite expression of ones’ taste. They enable you to have additional lighting or produce a warm ambiance for dining or conversation.
Just like pendant or wall lighting there are many types of table or desk lights. Ranging from alluring ceramic bases with exquisite silk shades to an adjustable arm lamp that will provide plenty of clear light for work or study.
In a similar way to table lights, floor lights can produce a more comely atmosphere then general overhead lighting. Is it not romantic to think of the blurred shadows a handsome shaded floor lamp could make in the corner of you living or lounge room?
Perhaps with your next build or renovation contemplate having a GPO wired to a wall switch, so as to switch the lamp on/off from the wall. It will be much easier to control all of you lighting from one point rather than all over the room.
Your yard and garden is not a landing field. There is no need to use large quantities of fittings. A small number, judiciously used, can sire a wonderland of shadows and splendour that will make your outdoor, pagola, deck or exterior entertaining area an excellent space to utilise in the evening.
Like the interior there are different types of exterior lighting. Attached or not attached to the house fittings could be 240 volt (mains), 24 volt or 12 volt (both low voltage) generally speaking. Fittings range from wall mounted coach/lantern light in 240v; a small LED 2w ground spike which can be used on a 12v or 24v system; a PVC bollard which uses 240v; a bunker in 240v. It comes down to what you want the fittings/light to accomplish.
If you intend to purchase lights to add to an existing low voltage system you will need to know what type of transformer you have and what you currently have running on it. This way we can work out if there is space on the transformer for the additional lights.
Does the law require me to engage an electrician to install my fittings?
Yes, it does. If you install the light fittings yourself or you use products that don’t meet Australian Standards you may be taking the risk that your insurer will not cover any losses should one of your light fittings cause fire.
If you are doing a minor refurbishment, you may need to consider the benefit gained compared to potential outlays. Remember, there may be other associated costs: the cost of the electrician to install may be greater than the cost of the fittings; will you need to engage a plasterer or a painter if you change the position of the lights? Consider to retrofit LED globe to replace halogen globes. You may be able to do this change yourself.
Speak to your electrician, they maybe be able to provide you with a quote beforehand and outline the scope of works required.
Before buying and installing light fittings, besides determining where lights are needed, also consider ceiling height, room size and how you intend to use the room. What you need in work areas will be different to what you will need in a bedroom or garage. See us at Milton Lighting for more information and see what options are available.
Not necessarily. Speak with your retailer and explain your circumstances. Take along some pictures on your phone to show them. The better they understand your environment the broader the options they should be able to suggest to you.
Yes, Milton Lighting offers an on-site consultation service, there is a $100.00 charge for us to come out on site. This involves us coming out and talking to you about your existing lights, what you would like to see in their place, what style and type of lights you want and whether or not it’s achievable. After our visit, we then send through a quote and images of the suggested light fittings.
Just like anything else in your home, dust will settle on your light fittings. From week to week a light dusting will keep these fittings looking fresh, but at longer intervals a wash with a moist cloth will help to remove any dust build-up. Before cleaning ensure the lights are turned off and avoid excessive moisture. Allow time for any dampness to evaporate before using the light fittings again. With chandeliers, spraying a fine water mist over the crystals using a spray bottle will help remove loose dust particles, but then use a hair dryer to dry the remaining moisture allowing sufficient time for all moisture to evaporate before the chandelier is switched on.
RubGum Lampshade Cleaner. Use this dry cleaning sponge to clean your fabric lampshades. Rubgum brand dry cleaning "puff" is excellent for silk, rayon, cotton, parchment, suede, etc. and is harmless to colours, materials, and hands. No chemicals needed.
Your ceiling fan selection will be influenced by ceiling height, room size and the type of ceiling fan you prefer. You will need to consider whether to have a metal or timber bladed fan, whether an extension rod will be required, whether wiring necessitates a remote control, etc. Here at Milton Lighting we can offer you the necessary advice.
As well as being a retail showroom, Milton Lighting also offer a consultation service for people who are building or renovating and require a lighting/electrical plan. We work from your architectural plans and look at each room/space and work out how you want it lit and what feature lighting you might want – i.e. pendants over an island bench. Our lighting plans are tailored to the light fittings we supply as we are familiar with the light output and function.
Once we have walked through the house with you, we provide you with a quote and if required a marked lighting plan complete with a legend.
It is important to remember that not all lights are created equal and that the lighting plans we offer are only for use with the lights that we can supply and if alternative fittings are used you may not get the same effect or light output.
When you proceed with your lighting plan & quote, we like to know when the lights will be required on site as we like to ensure we have the lights here and ready for you a few weeks beforehand. We mark each light with where they are going so there can be little or no confusion on site and if we deliver your order to site we have a delivery docket system where each light is crossed off and signed for by someone on site.
Garden lighting is a great way to create an ambient atmosphere.The best way to demonstrate the effects of garden lighting is at night, it is always surprising how few lights are needed. Milton Lighting offers a garden consultation service where we come out just before sunset with a range of garden lights that have been wired and can be plugged in on site to show the light output and effect on the trees/garden/statues. We test different garden light fittings with different wattages or beam angle to work out which is the right light for each feature within your garden. There is a $100.00 charge for us to come out on site. This includes a written quotation of the suggested garden light fittings.
It is important to establish whether you have access to 240v power somewhere outside before we visit. You may need to speak to your electrician as well. If it is not possible to have a switch inside to operate the lighting, you could ask the electrician to install a timer so your lights come on automatically of a night.
When it comes to lighting up your bathroom, there are several key things to consider.
These questions will help with the selection of the light fittings.
For general lighting you have the option of using LED downlights or a central surface mounted light. This may depend on your ceiling as to what option you go for. Sometimes units/apartments have concrete ceilings, which will mean you have touse something surface mounted as opposed to recessed.
It is important to ensure that you light the bathroom mirror so that the light is in front of you rather than behind you as not to get shadows when applying make-up or shaving.
If you wish to make a feature out of your mirror lighting, you have several options to consider. You can put wall lights either side of the mirror or you can have a light centred above the mirror. These can be switched separately at the vanity to provideadditional lighting when necessary.
To light the vanity/mirror area without using wall lights you can use an LED downlight and have it installed directly over the plughole of the vanity sink. This ensures that the light source is in front of you. At Milton Lighting we have a variety of bathroom lighting on display and we are more than happy to go over your options in store with you.
Another thing to consider when doing your bathroom lighting is whether or not you would like an exhaust or a heat/light/fan unit.
It is vital to ensure exhausting capacity and whether it is suitable for the size for your room. Each type/brand of exhaust has its own capacity and formula for working out which model suits the room size. Some exhaust fans have an IP rating which enables them to be installed directly above the shower cubicle.
The function of the Heat lamps in a 3 in 1 is to warm the body not the room, so the best place to have it installed is where you envision you will be drying of after bathing.
The selection of your heat/light/fan unit can sometimes be limited to the ceiling space you have as each model requires clearance above it. ome like the IXL Neo unit needs to be framed in and are required on site
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