The best lighting has four simple qualities: it's energy efficient, reliable, appropriate for the purpose and simple to manage. Here are some little-known lighting tips to keep in mind when it comes to your lighting and bulbs.
- Before buying low-voltage lights that you plan to dim, consult an electrician or specialist lighting retailer to check for compatibility. The correct choice will help cut down on buzzing noises from the lights and the possible premature failure of either the dimmer or the transformer.
- Kitchen wall cabinets are great for storage, but tend to shadow the workspace below. Fluorescent tubes or a series of spotlights will provide enough light to read cookbooks and labels. Install lamps towards the front edge of the cabinets so your entire countertop is lit. Use frosted bulbs if the walls are tiled or benchtops are reflective, to reduce glare.
- If you're fitting lights in a ceiling with floorboards above, make sure there is at least 15 centimetres (6 inches) clearance between the ceiling and floor to prevent overheating.
- If you're fitting lights in a ceiling space, ensure adequate separation between roof insulation and the transformer or fitting. A minimum clearance of 20 centimetres (8 inches) is required for halogen lights fitted into a ceiling space. If your insulation is the loose-fill type, fire-resistant barriers must be installed.
- Avoid touching halogen bulbs except at the base, as they can become extremely hot while they're in use, and the oil from your fingers can cause hot spots that will weaken the glass and cause the bulb to fail prematurely.
- Get a grip on track or recessed bulbs with a duct tape 'handle'. Wrap your thumb and first two fingers in tape, with the sticky side out, then grip the bulb and turn it anti-clockwise. Wearing rubber gloves can have a similar effect.
- Is a broken bulb stuck? Shut off the power, force a wad of newspaper into the broken socket, and twist counter clockwise. Wear thick gloves and goggles, especially when the bulb you're trying to remove is overhead.
- The solution to flickering bulbs may be a quick clean. Shut off the power, remove the bulbs and sand the socket's surface with fine sandpaper or steel wool until it shines. Blow away the sanding dust and wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth. Finally, reinstall the bulb and restore the power.
Keep these little-known lighting tips in mind and you'll be able to maintain lighting that's energy efficient, reliable, appropriate for its purpose and easy to manage.
