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All mains powered LED bulbs require a transformer. Depending on the bulb type, the transformer/driver may be built in to the bulb casing or may be located externally. The purpose of the transformer is to reduce mains voltage (240V) to the desired level relative to the bulb being powered (e.g. 12V or 24V).

Lumens give an accurate measure of perceived light output at a given distance from a light source. Unlike the antiquated Wattage system (which measures the power required to light a bulb), Lumens indicate the true brightness of a bulb regardless of the power required to light the bulb in Watts (please see table below). How Much Light is One Lumen?...

Adhesive LED strip lights offer tremendous versatility in creative home lighting. The strip may be cut to size, with different lumens (brightness) and colours available as desired. Creative ways to use LED strip lights in your home include. Uplighting - e.g. cornice Downlighting - e.g. kitchen cabinets Splashback lighting - e.g. TV/mirror/picture frame LED Strip Lights - Creative Home Lighting...

Wiring a Light Switch To wire a light switch, consider whether the circuit is ‘one-way’ (one light switch operating one light) or ‘two-way’ (two light switches operating the same light). In addition, the light switch will either be 'one-gang' (one switch on the plate) or 'two-gang' (two switches on the plate) or higher. This is an overview of how to...

What are Bathroom Lighting Zones? There are three bathroom lighting zones highlighted in ‘BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations’: Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2. The purpose of each zone is to establish definitive safety ratings (referencing the IP rating system) that must be observed regarding electrical installations (e.g. lights, power sockets). What is an IP Rating? In order...

Deciding to take on the challenge of carrying out home renovations yourself can be an incredibly rewarding and cost-saving solution for updating your property. However, the key to pulling off a seamless home makeover is all in the planning and preparation - and we’re here to show you how. In today’s post, we’re on hand to share our insights on...

The humble light bulb has been a driving force behind technological innovation throughout modern history. Despite this, its role in our day-to-day lives - particularly in our homes - is often taken for granted. In this report we aim to lift the lid on the nation’s understanding of the importance of lighting in everyday life, and understand how a seemingly...

The short answer to this question is: Yes, you can use dimmable LEDs without a dimmer switch, just like normal light bulbs. This is handy to know because many retailers are reducing the number of non-dimmable LED bulbs that they stock. Historically, dimmable LEDs have been much more expensive to manufacture than their non-dimmable counterparts. However, as LED technology has...

Owning your own home offers a great opportunity to stamp an individual sense of style to its interior. Whether you’re a sucker for slick modernism or retro and vintage themes are more to your taste, today we break down how to create a unique style statement through interior design that will make your home stand out from the rest.  1....

Sustainability is a buzzword these days, and with good reason, as the Earth becomes increasingly stricken by the effects of climate change. Opting for products with less of an environmental impact is something everyone can do to reduce the harm caused to our planet, and in some cases, reduce the strain on our wallets. In today’s post, the organic skincare...

From the end of this month, halogen light bulbs will be banned in the UK as a result of EU legislation coming into effect on 1 September. The legislation is designed to push consumers and businesses into switching to energy efficient LED lighting, reducing Europe's carbon footprint and saving people money in the process. Here's everything you need to know...

How to install recessed lighting: Determine appropriate ‘recess’ locations using stud finder Use drill attachment to cut circular hole(s) Install surface sockets near to hole(s) Install housing(s) where applicable* Insert fixture & connect to socket *Depending on the style of recessed lighting, the installation of a separate housing may be required - once screwed into place, the housing insulates the...

How to Replace a GU10 Bulb How to replace a GU10 bulb: Squeeze the clip (or use sucker provided) to release the bulb from the fitting* Turn bulb counter clockwise to ‘unhook’ from the power supply Twist new bulb clockwise into position Replace clip *Where the bulb doesn’t automatically drop from the fixture, some maneuvering may be required. NOTE: In...

LED Strip Lights provide a flexible means of both indoor and outdoor illumination. Strips are typically up to 5m in length but may be cut at designated regular intervals. Chains of strips may be achieved given the correct power supply. The adhesive backing allows LED strips to be attached to all surface types. How to Install LED Strip Lights Installing...

Farmers and other agricultural businesses are under increasing pressure. The demand for cheap produce in increasing numbers has resulted in farmers doing everything they can to reduce costs while increasing yields, and one of these cost-reduction methods is raising animals indoors. Keeping animals indoors gives farmers more control over how their animals are raised, and therefore more accurate predictions about...

A light emitting diode (LED) contains a semiconductor. The semiconductor acts as a junction through which electrical energy is filtered, releasing light as a by product. Light is therefore emitted directly from the source input, without first powering a separate light emitting load (e.g. filament). In this way, LED consumes less power than rival technologies. In comparison, other light emitting...

A lot has been said about smart home devices in terms of making life easier and more enjoyable, but today we will be looking at how smart home technology can be used to make your home more secure. When it comes to our homes, security is often our greatest concern. Nobody wants their home to be violated in any way,...

As summer fully kicks in, now’s the time to evoke a sense of holiday calm in your home, whether you’re counting down the days to a hot weather getaway or simply ‘staycationing’ for the duration of the season. Spanish home style can help you easily achieve this, and the Lanzarote specialists from Optima Villas are here to share some quick...

Having a bathroom that epitomises a sought-after aesthetic such as minimalist luxury can really revolutionise an entire home’s design. The bathroom is meant to be a space where you can unwind and luxuriate in the bath or during a long shower, and having a stripped-back, minimal style can add to this sense of escape massively. Our guide will help you...

“The atmosphere is simply electric,” Clive Tyldesley will belt out in a week’s time as Russia 2018 kicks off with a game between the hosts and the almighty Saudi Arabia. The energy will be palpable with the sparks flying as the Russians begin their quest to conquer football’s most prestigious trophy. Or at that’s least how the commentary team will...