Specialty and Architectural Lighting

There have been several studies in the last few years documenting the positive affect of daylight on student alertness and academic performance in classrooms. Today, daylight harvesting is a major component of integrated lighting designs for newly built schools. For existing schools and universities, expensive remodels to bring more natural light into the classroom may not be feasible. The next best option is to upgrade existing fluorescent lighting with the goal of improving lighting quality....

Can certain types of light keep you awake at night? Obviously, too much light of any type WILL prevent you from falling asleep, but a little light from the streetlights outside, your television, or even your cell phone can also make it difficult to fall into a deep sleep. This can result in waking up feeling groggy and tired, despite having "slept" for 7 or 8 hours straight! Let's look at the science behind light...

It's a warning sign that many consumers never expect to see on their screen: "Please Replace the LAMP." The LCD or RPTV projector lamp is reaching the end of its life, and it is time to replace it. As you reflect back on all those episodes of The Simpsons, Seinfeld re-runs, and Super Bowls dating back to the mid-1990s, you wonder how difficult it will be to replace. Thankfully, the tools necessary to start replacing...

Do bug lights really work? How can using a yellow light bulb keep insects away? Discover all of that and more in this article on bugs, light, and wavelength. Also read about alternatives to yellow insect lights that you can try today.

With the arrival of Spring and sunnier skies, it is worth a reminder about the power and harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Sunlight contains both UVA and UVB radiation. These are invisible wavelengths beyond the blue end of the electromagnetic spectrum. UVA, the tanning (and skin wrinkling) portion of the spectrum, is often mistakenly regarded as less harmful than UVB rays. It is true that UVB packs more energy than UVA. Unprotected skin will burn,...

The sounds of Spring. Rain and thunderstorms, birds that are finally coming back after a long winter, and ZAP! That's right, it's time to talk about bug zappers, an invention that has come a long way since it was first patented in 1934. How Bug Zappers Work Bug zappers, despite many improvements in safety and insect luring potential, are basically the same as they were when first invented. An ultraviolet emitting light bulb attracts insects...

For fighting off bugs during the summer months, learn about two lighting options: bug zappers and yellow bug lights. Discover the pros and cons of each. Which one is right for you?

Lighting manufacturers are pushing back against widespread rumors that the federal government is banning incandescent light bulbs. Talk show hosts and some members of Congress are calling for the repeal of a 2008 law signed by President Bush that sets tougher standards for light bulbs beginning in 2012. They claim consumers would be forced to use less popular compact fluorescent bulbs for their general lighting needs. But bulb manufacturers say that claim is false. The...