The phrase "commercial lighting" implies a focus on lighting up the non-residential buildings of the world. Industrial facilities, professional office spaces, historical landmarks, decorative embellishments, and sporting venues nearly always hire a lighting contractor to illuminate their physical domains. However, this phrase is also used to describe professional lighting techniques and fittings used in residential settings. Thus, this professional field today is synonymous with all high-quality, stylish lighting set ups.
Lighting Sources
Professional lighting relies on a number of sources of light. Historically, incandescent lighting has been the most prevalent. Before the green energy movement entered the public's conscious, incandescent light bulbs were the most common light bulbs sold in stores. These are now quickly being replaced by fluorescent sources of light. Fluorescent lighting is superior to incandescent in that it generates little heat and is much more energy-efficient to own and operate, even with the higher retail price tag. LED lights, which have been mostly used as indicators on electronic devices, are now being used more often for lighting showcases and displays. LED lights use very little energy and have a long lifespan. However, they are relatively expensive. Finally, the high-intensity discharge (HID) family of lighting devices can project substantial amounts of light without occupying substantial amounts of space. Halide lamps, which are part of the HID family, are commonly found at outdoor sporting venues.
Types of Lighting
There are numerous lighting setups used throughout the industry. In addition to using halide lamps for sporting events as mentioned above, smaller versions of these lamps can be used for retail displays and for accent lighting. Mid-sized halide lamps are popular for billboards and other outdoor advertising. These lamps are also great for illuminating public roads and parks. Recessed lighting is commonly used in new homes and for renovations. These sleek lighting fixtures are set into a wall or ceiling so that the top of the light bulb does not protrude beyond the wall or ceiling. Small-scale outdoor and garden lighting can be accomplished by using electric luminaries, solar lighting, and directional lights.
Pendant commercial lighting, where a single fixture containing an incandescent or fluorescent bulb is suspended from a ceiling, are used for both decor and for providing light to a specific location. Some lighting companies have developed lighting sources with photosensitive receptors which can adjust their light output in accordance with the light already entering a room naturally. For buildings with partially-glass ceilings, these devices can result in significant cost savings. Less light is produced during the day while the maximum amount of light is produced at night.