Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Electrical Basics for Lighting
30
Flashcards
0/30
Lumens (lm)
Lumens measure the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source. The brightness of a light in a space is determined by the number of lumens the lighting fixture produces.
Conductor
A conductor is a material that allows electric charge to flow easily. Wiring for lighting is typically made of good conductors like copper to efficiently transport electricity to lights.
Circuit
A circuit is a complete closed path through which electric current can flow. In lighting, it is essential for creating a path for electricity to power light fixtures.
Ohm's Law
Ohm's Law states the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit: . In lighting, it guides the design of circuits to ensure proper functioning of lights.
Resistance (R)
Resistance is the opposition to current flow in a material. High resistance in lighting circuits can reduce the current and dim the lights.
Voltage (V)
Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points. It's crucial for lighting as it determines how much electrical energy is available to power a light source.
Ballast
A ballast is used to regulate the current through a fluorescent or HID lamp to ensure it doesn't draw too much power. It contributes to the stability and efficiency of lighting systems.
Photometry
Photometry is the science of measuring visible light, perceived by the human eye. In lighting, it's used to quantify light intensity, distribution, and color, which are crucial for proper lighting design.
Illuminance
Illuminance is the amount of light falling onto a surface, measured in lux (lx). It's essential in lighting design to ensure that spaces are adequately lit.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LEDs are energy-efficient light sources that work when an electrical current passes through a semiconductor material. They are widely used in modern lighting design due to their low power consumption and long life.
Wattage (W)
Wattage is the rate of energy consumption. In lighting, it is used to specify the power consumption of light bulbs and fixtures.
Neutral
Neutral is a reference point within an electrical distribution system which is at 0 volts. It's often connected to the ground at the main electrical panel and completes an electrical circuit in a lighting system.
Insulator
An insulator is a material that resists the flow of electric current. Insulators are used in lighting to coat wiring and prevent unintended current flow that could cause shorts or fires.
Luminous Efficacy
Luminous efficacy is a measure of how well a light source produces visible light, expressed in lumens per watt. It's significant for lighting to evaluate energy efficiency of different light bulbs.
Current (I)
Current is the rate of flow of electric charge. In lighting, it determines the luminous intensity of a bulb, influenced by the voltage and resistance in the circuit.
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
CRI is a metric rating the ability of a light source to reveal the colors of objects faithfully in comparison to natural light. Crucial for ensuring colors appear natural and vibrant in a space.
Dimmer
A dimmer is a device used to lower the brightness of a light. It works by altering the voltage waveform applied to the lamp, it is essential for changing the mood in lighting design.
Ground
Grounding is the method of connecting electrical circuits to a reference ground point, usually the earth, for safety to help prevent shocks from unintended current paths.
Hot/Wire
In electrical terms, 'hot' or 'live' wires carry the electrical supply from the source to the load. In lighting, it's the wire through which current flows into the fixture.
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is a safety device that automatically stops the flow of current in the case of an overload or short circuit, protecting wiring and preventing fires, critical for lighting systems.
Fuse
A fuse is a safety device that protects circuits from overcurrent by using a wire element that melts when current exceeds a safe level, effectively breaking the circuit.
Foot-Candles
Foot-candles measure the illuminance, or amount of light received by a surface, and are equal to one lumen per square foot. This measurement helps in specifying lighting for interiors such as theaters or galleries.
Driver
An LED driver is a device that provides power to LEDs, regulating the necessary current and voltage according to the LEDs' needs. It's essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of LED lights.
Electrical Load
An electrical load is any device or appliance that uses electrical energy. In lighting, the fixtures and bulbs represent the load that consumes power to create light.
Color Temperature
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), describes the warmth or coolness of a light source's appearance. Lighting designers use different color temperatures to create mood and atmosphere.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
A GFCI is a device that shuts off an electrical circuit when it detects that the current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person.
Luminance
Luminance is the intensity of light emitted from a surface in a given direction and is measured in candela per square meter. It is used in lighting design to describe how 'bright' a light source or surface appears to be.
Transformer
A transformer is used to change the voltage level in an electrical system. It can be used in lighting to step down the voltage for low-voltage bulbs like those used in landscape lighting.
Parallel Circuit
In a parallel circuit, multiple components are connected across the same voltage source. In lighting, it allows for several fixtures to operate independently; if one bulb fails, others continue to work.
Series Circuit
A series circuit has components connected end-to-end, sharing the same current. In lighting, if one bulb fails, the circuit is broken, and all lights will go out.
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.