Knowledge What is a luminaire?

Currently reading:
Knowledge What is a luminaire?

Splendor

Administrator
Staff member
A luminaire, more commonly known as a light fixture, refers to a complete lighting unit that controls and distributes light emitted from one or more light sources. Conventional light fixtures are lamp-based luminaires of which the light sources can be incandescent, fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), or retrofit LED lamps. The latest trend in luminaire design is that discrete LEDs, integrated LED arrays, or LED modules are used as the light sources for luminaires. These LED luminaires are referred to as integrated LED luminaires.

The principal functions of a luminaire are to aesthetically modify the appearance of light sources, to position and protect the light sources, to control the distribution of emitted light, and to connect the light sources to an AC or DC power source. It can contain optical elements to direct or spread the light emitted by light sources. These optical elements may include reflectors, diffusers, lenses, prismatic elements, waveguides, and louvers. A luminaire may incorporate electrical elements such as ballasts, drivers, sensors, and processors which are used to regulate power to the light sources and execute various sub-tasks.

A lamp-based luminaire is essentially a holder, with the ability to position and accept accessories to the light bulbs (or light tubes). The beam quality and optical delivery efficiency of lamp-based luminaires come from the manipulation of the lamp's light output by an optical system. Light quality and lumen output of these fixtures are derived from the lamps.

Integrated LED luminaires are typically built using a holistic approach which takes thermal management, optical control, electrical engineering, fixture volume and aesthetics into account. The multidimensional engineering work results in a lighting system that outperform lamp-based luminaires in many aspects, including lifespan, optical efficiency, light quality, feature diversities, and appearance.

A lamp is a light bulb or tube designed and constructed according to universal standards for easy replacement and substitution. Luminaires are available with a wide choice of styles, shapes, scales, and features. Luminaires include, but are not limited to, ceiling lights, pendant lights, chandeliers, sconces, downlights, track lights, troffers, street lights, flood lights, high bay lights, under-cabinet lights, desk lamps, floor lamps, and table lamps,.
 
Last edited:
Top Lighting Manufacturers Shaping the Industry Open Lighting Product Directory
Top