Indoor Lights, Lamps and Lighting Parts

Start with where the light goes, then how bright it is

This aisle is organized by position and by job: ceiling fixtures such as pendant light fixtures, flush-mounts and chandeliers; wall and bathroom lights; lamps for tables, desks and floors; and accent lights and nightlights. Decide the position first, because a ceiling fixture needs a junction box and a lamp only needs a socket. Then judge brightness in lumens, not watts, and color temperature in kelvins: around 2700 K is warm white, 4000 K neutral, 5000 K or more daylight.

Mains, low-voltage and the parts that must match

Rated voltage is the second check, because this aisle holds mains fixtures at 120 V and low-voltage products at 5 V, 12 V or 24 V. A 12 V LED strip or puck light needs the right driver, a USB light runs from 5 V, and a mains lamp plugs into a wall socket. Supporting parts have their own departments, including lamp ballasts and drivers, sockets, shades and glass globes, and should be matched to the fixture they replace.

Questions about Indoor Lights, Lamps and Lighting Parts

What is the difference between lumens and watts?

Lumens measure light output; watts measure power use. An LED bulb giving about 800 lumens, roughly what an old 60 W incandescent produced, may use around 9 W. Compare lumens when choosing brightness and watts when checking a fixture's limit.

Can I use a smart bulb in any lamp?

Smart bulbs fit most standard sockets, but they need constant power to stay connected, so a wall switch that cuts the current also cuts the connection. Check the base and the shape, avoid enclosed fixtures unless the bulb is rated for them, and use a dimmer only if the maker says it is compatible.

Can I use an LED bulb in a fixture marked for incandescent bulbs?

Usually yes, provided the base matches and the fixture is not on an incandescent-only dimmer. LEDs run cooler and use fewer watts; in enclosed fixtures check the bulb is rated for enclosed use, and use a dimmable LED on a dimmer.