Search all WA Government Sites Print this page	Light fittings are used for many purposes including directing light, controlling glare and aesthetic appeal. There are light fittings to suit all types of globes and the number and type suitable for compact fluorescent lamps is growing. Poorly maintained light fittings can reduce the performance of a lighting system, with dusty or dirty fittings reducing light output by up to 50%. Many new fittings are not particularly efficient so care needs to be taken when making a purchasing decision. Try to avoid dark or heavily tinted lampshades and diffusers as they reduce light output. (a) Pendants hang from the ceiling bringing light down into a room. They are recommended for general lighting. (b) Downlights or recessed lights are concealed in a hole in the ceiling and provide bright pools of light. They're a poor source of general lighting, with up to six downlights required to light a large room to the same level as one pendant. Recessing can increase energy costs during winter as heated air from the room may be lost to the ceiling space. A clear gap is also required between ceiling insulation and recessed lighting for fire safety, which further reduces the energy efficiency of your home. Recessed lights are best for task lighting. A surface mounted light is more effective where general lighting is required. (c) Multiple globe fittings are an inefficient form of lighting. Around six 25W (a total of 150W) are required to produce the equivalent light output of a single 100W globe.
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