Light fixtures share the same basic components.
Light fixtures can transform a room, set a mood or simply produce light. Contractor-grade light fixtures are usually plain, but upgrades are available in possibilities that are only limited by your budget. Although styles of light fixtures may appear radically different, they share the same critical components. Understanding the framework of light fixtures allows you to make repairs, restore vintage pieces and even create your own artistic designs.
Electrical Wiring
Wire nuts connect wires inside a light fixture.
Electrical wiring is the most obvious of all parts of a light fixture, but it is also the most important. Without it, your light fixture wouldn't carry electricity to produce light. Wired incorrectly, light fixtures are fire hazards and may flicker or not work at all. Some fixtures have yellow or transparent gold wires that connect to the house wiring at the installation box on the ceiling or wall. Others, especially flush-mount ceiling fixtures have color-coded wiring that coordinates with the house wiring, with red, black and white carrying electricity and green or bare for ground wires. Wires are connected with wire nuts, which are insulated plastic caps with metal threading inside that tighten over the ends of bare wires. Older light fixtures may not be safe to wire into your home, so ask an electrician first. Rewiring a fixture to meet current code is not complicated, but it is very important.
Lamp Holder
Lamp holders are metal, sometimes with a ceramic coating.
The lamp holder is the part of a fixture where lamps are installed; it's the light socket you screw the light bulb into. Lamp holders may be metal with a cardboard sleeve or ceramic with a threaded metal lining. Some light fixtures have only one lamp holder, and others, especially large fixtures, may have several. Old or antique light fixtures may consist only of wiring and a lamp holder with a button, lever pull-chain switch to turn the fixture on and off. Always inspect lamp holders to be sure internal parts are not loose or rusty before installing a light bulb. Rusty metal indicates moisture, which creates a fire hazard.
Lamp
Lamp is the proper name for a light bulb.
A lamp is not just a light fixture that sits on a table; it is the official name for a . Lamps control the amount of electricity your light fixture consumes and determines the brightness of the fixture. Although it is removable, it is part of a complete light fixture. Traditional incandescent lamps are phasing out due to federal energy conservation regulations. CFL fluorescent bulbs are recommended by the federal government as energy efficient, but some LED lamps offer more energy savings than CFL lamps. CFL lamps contain mercury, but LED lamps do not.
Reflector
Reflectors direct and amplify light.
Many light fixtures have reflectors. A reflector may be as simple as a sheet of metallic foil situated behind the lamp holder or it may be a metal shade, but all are intended to reflect and increase the amount of light projected into the room. Some light fixtures are made of shiny metal, which removes the need for an additional reflector.
Coverings
Decorative globes and lenses are optional.
Decorative lighting has elements that are not required, but add beauty or protection. A lens protects the lamp, and it is usually a clear piece of glass as seen in recessed or canister lights. Decorative coverings are the primary difference among all light fixtures. They may be flowers, crystals, globes or numerous other materials, but they are not imperative to the function of the light.
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