A ceiling lamp is assembled from many parts.
Ceiling mounted lamps are a very popular category of lighting fixtures. They are available in several configurations such as swag lamps, pendant lamps, chandeliers, shop lights or the flush mounted ceiling lamps found in many kitchens. While the lamps themselves may be different, most are fashioned using many of the same components. Here are some examples of ceiling lamp parts.
Cords and Sockets
Every ceiling lamp requires some type of wire to connect the fixture to the power source. Every ceiling lamp also needs one or more sockets to hold the bulbs. They might be E26 medium base, E17 intermediate, E14 European, E12 candelabra or E11 mini-candelabra. All socket types accept bulbs with threaded bases. Shop lights and flush mounted ceiling lights often use twin-pin sockets to accommodate the fluorescent tubes typically used in these two fixture types.
Chains
A ceiling fixture suspended with chains.
Swag lamps and chandeliers are suspended from chains that hang from from the ceiling. Some pendant lights and many chandeliers use chains strictly as decorative accents. Chandeliers often use chains composed of glass beads. Many shop lights are also suspended from chains located near the ends of the fixture. The chains may be painted or finished in shiny brass.
Glass Parts
A ceiling fixture with glass globes
In addition to beaded glass chains, many ceiling lamps use glass shades, glass diffusers, covers, or globes to add decorative touches, reduce glare, or help direct light in a specific direction. The glass may be colored, frosted, cut and etched or clear. An example of a ceiling fixture with colored glass shades are the 3-light fixtures typically hung directly above a pool table. Their shades are made of green glass.
Switches
While wall switches control many ceiling lamps, some have switches built into the fixture itself. A small chandelier mounted above a dining table, or a swag lamp, might be controlled with a pull chain switch. Other swag lamps are equipped with in-line switches mounted directly on the power cord. They are usually near the power cord plug, which is plugged into a wall outlet.
Shades
A ceiling lamp with a colored glass shade.
Many ceiling lamps, particularly swag lamps, retro or antique chandeliers, may be equipped with shades made from paper, glass, plastic or fabric. If this is the case, the shade is supported from above on a metal frame installed above the socket(s). The bottom of the shade is open and directs the illumination straight down.
Decorative Touches
A crystal chandelier adorned with hanging prismatic crystals.
In addition to beaded glass chains, many fancy chandeliers are equipped with hanging clear glass crystals, prisms or pendalogues. These components are faceted to both catch and reflect the light coming from the bulbs. As the light is bent while passing through the ornamentation, it may also create a rainbow effect on walls or the ceiling as the white lamp light is split into the colors of the visible spectrum.
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