General Lighting Questions:

How do I install my new light fixture or ceiling fan?
Lights and ceiling fans come with detailed installation instructions. If you feel that you do not have enough electrical wiring knowledge or experience consult a licensed electrician.

How do I determine the right size for my chandelier?
A chandelier should be approx. half the width of your dining table and approx. 30" above the tabletop. Ceilings higher than 8', raise the height of the fixture about 3" for every additional foot in height.

What size chandelier should I get for my foyer?
For an approx. diameter, add the length and width of the room. Example: for a 10' x 12' room, you would add 10 + 12 = 22 for a diameter of 22"

What spacing should I use for wall sconces?
Install sconces approx. 60" from the floor and 8' to 10' apart.

How do I determine the amount of light I need for a certain size room?
Multiply the square footage of the room by 1.5 to determine the approx. wattage necessary. Example: for a 10' x 12' room, you would multiply 10' x 12' = 120 sq. ft. x 1.5 = 180 watts approx.

How much light do I need for my kitchen island work area?
Multiply the square footage of the island by 2.5 to determine the approx. wattage necessary. Example: for a 4' x 6' island, you would multiply 4' x 6' = 24 sq. ft. x 2.5 = 60 watts approx.

How do I make a room look bigger than it really is?
Using mirrors to bounce light from fixtures and windows will give the room an appearance of being bigger than it really is.

Why does my makeup looks different outdoors?
Bathroom and vanity lighting does not match the look of daylight. Suggestion, try replacing the bulbs with a combination of fluorescent and incandescent for a more natural light.

At what height should my swing arm lamp be installed?
Install swing arm lamps so the bottom of the shade is eye level.

Ceiling Fan Questions:

What height from the floor should my ceiling fan be for an 8' ceiling?
The blades of the fan should be no closer than 7' from the floor for both safety and best air movement.

What if my ceiling is lower than 8'?
Ceiling snugger models are available, but the blade height should be no closer than 7' from the floor for both safety and best air movement.

What about ceilings over 8' in height?
For ceilings over 8' in height, a downrod should be used in order to bring the fan to within 8' or 9' from the floor. The higher the fan is, the less air movement near the floor.

Landscape Lighting Information:

Low voltage / Line voltage systems
Low voltage systems are easy to install. Low voltage cable does not need to run through conduit, it can be installed in a shallow trench or run on the surface. With the use of low voltage cabling the risk of electrical shock is eliminated.

Line voltage systems are more complicated. The installation should be done by a qualified electrician.

How do I determine the correct size for my low voltage lighting transformer?
The size of the transformer is determined by the quantity and wattage of the lights used. Example: 12 lights at 24.4 watts would give you a total wattage of 292.8 which would require a 300 watt transformer. Do Not exceed the maximum wattage capacity of the transformer.

How do I minimize voltage drop?
Minimize the distance between the transformer and the first light fixture; the shorter the overall run, the less voltage drop will occur. Using a heavier gauge cable on a longer run will also help reduce voltage drop. A higher rated transformer could also be used.