We will be adding information frequently, so please check back often!
Resources on Portecolighting.com
Glossary of Lighting Terms
Arc Tube: A tube in which a current traverses a gas between two electrodes. Argon: Inert gas used in incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Ballast: A device used to provide the starting voltage and regulate the current to the lamp. Base: End (or ends) of the lamp that inserts into the lamp socket or holder. Beam Spread: The angle of a...
Applications and General Lighting Questions
How can I get more light in my space? You might not need more light; it may be that you just need the right light for the task at hand. Start by breaking down and evaluating the layers of light in your space; there are three basic layers. General Lighting (ambient): provides light to be...
Halogen Light Bulbs
What is a halogen bulb? A halogen bulb is an incandescent bulb with a tungsten filament that is surrounded by halogen gas and, often, is encased in a quartz envelope. How do they work? Halogen gas in the bulb mixes with vaporized tungsten from the filament and returns it to the filament before it settles...
LED
What is an LED? An LED is a light-emitting diode ~ a small solid-state semi-conductor chip, encapsulated in a silicon epoxy, which emits light when partnered with an electrical current. First introduced in the 1960s in red, yellow and green, they were used mainly in appliances and digital clock displays. The blue LED was developed...
Fluorescent
What is a fluorescent bulb? Introduced in 1938, a glass tube is coated with fluorescent phosphors and electrodes are placed at each end. When electrons flow from one electrode to the other, collisions cause the emission of radiation. When this radiation strikes the phosphors, they "fluoresce." How do they work? Fluorescent bulbs require a ballast...
Dimmers
What is a dimmer? The science behind a typical dimmer is relatively simple and hasn't really changed much. An electronic dimmer component, called a triac, turns the light on and off very rapidly - 120 times per second. The longer the triac is off, i.e. the more the lights are dimmed, the lower the light...
Transformers
What is a transformer? There are many type of transformers and they are used for numerous applications. In this article, we will be discussing low voltage transformers approved for lighting loads. A transformer is a device that transforms high-voltage electricity into a safer usable voltage; in this case, it changes the 120V in your home...
Choosing the Best Fan for Your Space
Aesthetics There are many brands to choose from, find one that offers a style and a finish that you like. Most fan manufacturers offer several styles from traditional to modern contemporary, and many offer outdoor models. Keep in mind the scale of the fan for the room in which it will be installed. Ceiling Heights...
About Chandeliers
How do I choose the right size chandelier? You want the size of your chandelier to complement the room that it is in. Finding the right size chandelier for your room does not have to be a difficult task. There are simple formulas that can help you. Ultimately, use your own discretion and taste when...
Light Pollution
What is light pollution? Before the 19th century, people used the moon, torches and oil lanterns to light their way at night. Our night vision was dramatically changed with the invention of electricity and so was our night sky. Light pollution can be defined as any modification to the natural light environment. The most common...
A Bit of History
Light is a fundamental part of human life, it enables us to see the world around us. Once our days were limited by the sun’s natural light, today artificial light sources allow us to live our lives 24/7. The first artificial light source was invented in 1879 by Thomas Edison – the incandescent light bulb....