When it comes to lighting, understanding the technical aspects can make a significant difference in choosing the right bulbs or fixtures for your space. Voltage, wattage, and lumens are terms that frequently come into play. This article will break down what each of these terms means and how they impact your lighting choices:

WHAT IS Voltage?

Voltage measures the force or pressure of the electrical current flowing through a conductor (such as a wire) in a lighting fixture. The greater the voltage, the greater the flow of electrical current. Volts (V) are the most common way to measure voltage.

Why Voltage Matters: Voltage determines the compatibility of your lighting fixture with the electrical system in your home or building. In most residential settings, the standard voltage for lighting is 120V in North America and 220V-240V in many other parts of the world. It’s crucial to match the voltage requirements of your light fixture with the voltage supply to ensure safe and proper operation. To see the voltage for your location, view our map. Looking for Low Voltage lighting? Explore our Constellation Series.

 

 

WHAT IS Wattage?

Wattage (W) measures the amount of electrical power consumed by a light bulb or fixture to produce light. It indicates how much energy the light source will consume rather than how bright it appears.

 

Why Wattage Matters: While wattage used to be known as a measure of brightness, advancements in lighting technology have made it less relevant for brightness comparison, especially with the advent of energy-efficient LEDs. However, wattage is still significant for understanding energy consumption and ensuring your fixtures are compatible with the electrical capacity of your space. Wattage should never exceed the limits of the cord set for safety reasons. Lamping in our standard cord sets should not exceed 100 watts. For glass holder cord sets, included with our Minaret and Turret Series pendants, lamping should not exceed 60 watts.

 

 

WHAT ARE Lumens?

Lumens (lm) measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. Essentially, lumens are a measurement of brightness. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. This measurement is crucial for determining how well a light source illuminates a space and is directly related to its effectiveness in providing visibility.

 

Why Lumens Matter: Lumens provide a standardized way to compare the brightness of different light sources, regardless of their technology or wattage. For instance, an LED bulb with lower wattage can produce the same or even more lumens as a traditional incandescent bulb with higher wattage, making lumens a more accurate measure of brightness. We list the lumens for all of our modern lighting on our website.  Find out which of our lighting pendants are the brightest here.

Choosing the Right Lighting

Understanding the differences between voltage, wattage, and lumens empowers you to make informed decisions when selecting lighting solutions for your home, office, or commercial space. Make sure to consider these factors:

VOLTAGE: Ensure compatibility with your electrical system.

WATTAGE: Consider energy efficiency and power consumption.

LUMENS: Determine brightness levels based on your lighting needs.

Next time you shop for lighting fixtures or bulbs, keep voltage, wattage, and lumens in mind to make the best choice for your space. Understanding these fundamental concepts will guide you toward achieving the perfect lighting solution.

For more lighting insights and to explore a wide range of lighting options, visit our online store and discover Niche lighting options that work best for you and your space.

Additional Lighting Information

Voltage in your Location Map

Browse Lightbulbs and Cords Sets Accessories Collection

Energy-Efficient Options The Constellation Collection, LED bulbs

Find the Right Lighting with our LED & CFL Lamping Product Guide