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Why MODULIGHTOR fixtures work aesthetically

September 28, 2014

The reason MODULIGHTOR fixtures work so well aesthetically is because Paul Rudolph didn't just make a sketch of some beautiful fixture and then figure out how to make it work. Rather, the function was determined first - how to solve a particular problem or set of problems - and the visual language of the fixture lines evolved from their necessary components. 

Because they were never intended to be a 'style statement' per se, the fixtures fit into any environment when specified thoughtfully. With finish and proportion a MODULIGHTOR fixture will look perfect in any environment.

Halogen versus Krypton Lamps

September 17, 2014

MODULIGHTOR extrusion based fixtures (Wall Washers, Art Lights, et cetera) have socket assemblies that use a JD Dual Contact / Bayonet style base. The socket can accept lamps up to 75 Watts. Remember that lamp selection is critical to your overall lighting scheme, so defaulting to the highest wattage for maximum brightness is not always the best choice. Please consider control options when specifying wattage in larger fixtures with a lot of lamps, for instance.

Our JD Halogen lamps come in two wattages, 50 & 75, and are 130 Volt lamps. When using with 110 / 120 Volt power supply (as is typical) a 130 Volt lamp will essentially be dimmed; therefore the lamp life will be extended and it will provide a warmer light color.

The JD Krypton lamps are available in 20, 40, & 60 Watt increments. For most purposes the 40 and 60 Watt lamps provide the right amount of light. As they are 120 Volt lamps, with 110/120 Volt power the light will be whiter than a halogen. Although the lamp life will not be extended due to the voltage discrepency, Krypton lamps have a longer rated life expectancy than the Halogens. Krypton lamps are not halogens so rather than being encased in quartz, they're in glass, giving them the added benefit of UV protection - perfect for art!

Remember that Wattage is an expression of how much energy is used, but is corolary to brightness within the same lamp type, so for the above bulbs it is correct to say that a 75W is brighter than a 60W and so forth.

What does Track mean

September 16, 2014

Some people use the word "track" in reference to fixtures that MODULIGHTOR would call Linear Pendants (LP & WW) or Linear Sconces (LS & AL). Be clear about the intended function of the fixture when specifying. Is the goal general, ambient illumination? - An even wash of light across a surface, whether it be art or architecture?

True track fixtures use spot lights which are great for getting a lot of light from point A to B, but will not produce an even wash of light over a large surface area. If one's perspective is between those points A & B, glare or shadow may hinder the desired light quality. 

Nine times out of ten when the word 'track' is used while browsing at MODULIGHTOR, the product selected will be one of our extrusion based linear fixture types cited above.

Potential for Glare - SQ versus HRL

January 16, 2014

Depending on how high or low a fixture is mounted on a wall and how the extrusion head of the fixture is rotated there is the potential for glare from the exposed lamps or LEDs on the underside of the extrusion.  To direct light where it's needed you may want to rotate the extrusion to point almost straight down.

In that instance we recommend the HRL shaped extrusion instead of the SQ or HR shapes. The 'lip' aspect of the HRL shape blocks glare from the light source until one is directly underneath the fixture looking straight up. 

If you must spec the SQ or HR shape based on aestethics a greater projection will help minimize the potential for glare as you will be less inclined to direct the light straight down.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

New Socket Assembly Design

September 05, 2013

It's been a great summer at MODULIGHTOR - the busiest yet. Beyond the steady stream of business, we also have some technical innovations to report.

Lamp replacement in our extrusion based products has been muchly improved with a new socket assembly design! Currently in production in our White and Polished Chrome fixtures, the new design will be introduced throughout the product line in every finish in 2014.

We are very excited to make life easier for everyone. It's a gorgeous and simple change that will improve the end-user's experience.

Happy Autumn!  We're on our way!

Lighting Terminology

April 04, 2013

LAMP is a bulb; we reference a Light Fixture when speaking about a "Floor Light" or an "Art Light" - not a 'lamp.' Lamps are the bulbs that give light.

A lamp is a LUMINARY - an object that gives light. An assembly of a lamp in a glass or metal shield is a luminary. Luminaries do not have to be electrical - a candle or a candle-in-candle-holder-assembly is also called 'luminary.'

A LUMINAIRE is an electric light fixture. Luminaires may contain one or more luminaries. A non-electric chandelier is NOT a luminaire, (but it would consist of several luminaries.)

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode (explained more fully later.) Not bulbs necessarily, though there are now many LED replacement lamps. An LED is always a 'luminary' though a strip of LEDs together or a constellation of LEDs in a single bulb should all be thought of as a luminary in total.

The definitive MODULIGHTOR light fixtures are made from EXTRUSION - a linear tube. Ours are open on one side, which allows for the insertion of modular componentry: luminaries that consist of lamps and reflectors, et cetera.