Sparks Electrical News August 2019

LIGHTING

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LIGHTING SOLUTIONS FOR COMPACT BATHROOMS W ith more people moving into urban en- vironments, compact living is becoming increasingly common. City dwellers are all

applying makeup, styling our hair, shaving, and brushing our teeth. Well-considered lighting around your mirror and basin should be a priority to maximise the functionality of your bathroom, especially in a small bathroom where natural lighting is limited. If you have the space, sconces placed at eye level on either side of the mirror will provide shadowless illumination. If there simply isn’t any available wall surface area on either side of your mirror then investing in a mirror with integrated lighting is the way to go. A mirror and lighting combo is a practical solution for illuminating small bathrooms as less wall space is required. If your bathroom lacks storage, then take this solution to the next level by opting for a lighted medicine cabinet. This 3-in-1 fixture is a space-saving must as it combines a mirror, lighting, and cabinet in one. Extractor fan Small bathrooms usually have small windows, and sometimes they don’t have a window at all. An extrac- tor fan will combat the issues that are caused by a poorly ventilated bathroom. Steam generated from a hot shower or bath settles on your bathroom surfaces and promotes the growth of mould and bacteria. An extractor fan works to draw the moisture out of the air so that your bathroom does not remain damp, preventing mould from forming. Extractor fans also eliminate any unpleasant odours and improve the general air quality of the room.

too familiar with the space restraints that go hand in hand with living in tiny apartments, especially where the bathroom is concerned. A small bathroom can be incredibly frustrating to use and two of the most frequently heard complaints are poor lighting and lack of airflow. Luckily, there are solutions to these issues and two simple changes to this space can make your daily routine a lot more pleasant. Mirror with integrated lighting The bathroom mirror is used daily for tasks such as

Enquiries: www.eurolux.co.za

SPOTLIGHTS VS DOWNLIGHTS

L ighting is an important element of any interior project. Whether you’re planning a space from scratch or simply making updates, having a strategy will result in lighting that enhances the inte- rior and complements the decor. Spotlights and downlights are two popular choices for interior lighting but are often con- fused. To make matters even more compli- cated, each of them is known by an alternative name too. If you’re unsure which of these light- ing options will work best in a space, the follow- ing explanations should assist you in deciding. Spotlights Spotlights are mounted on a mounting plate or fixed bracket. However, when two or more spotlights are arranged along a narrow track, they are sometimes referred to as track lighting. This track is mounted to a junction box which provides power to the lights. Because spotlights are mounted directly to the ceil- ing, there’s no need for structural remodelling and the installation process is minimally invasive. Spotlights are usually used to showcase certain objects in a room, whether it be artwork, a cabinet or an unusual architectural feature. The lamps are adjustable and can be positioned at the desired an- gle to emit a narrow beam of light in the direction of your chosen object. Downlights While spotlights highlight a specific object or area in a room, downlights are used for general illumi- nation as they offer an even spread of light over a wide area. Downlights are sometimes referred to as recessed lights because they are installed above the ceiling line. This requires multiple holes and re- wiring and it’s advisable that a qualified electrician carries out the installation. Although the positioning and spacing of downlights are dependent on the amount of light required in the room, it’s generally agreed that they should be installed 1 m from the walls and spaced 1 m to 1.5 m apart. In terms of de- sign,downlights are farmore subtle than spotlights and don’t demand attention because they seemingly blend in with the ceiling. This makes them a great option for small rooms or rooms with low ceilings where large fixtures would not fit the scale of the room.

Enquiries: www.radiant.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

AUGUST 2019