Are you wondering what a fully shielded light fixture is? Nowadays, light pollution is a big problem especially in cities where there is excessive use of outdoor lights. Light pollution does not only affect the environment but the animals and humans as well. The good thing is that fully shielded lighting fixtures are now available to help reduce light pollution. What is it and what does it do? Let us find out the answer below.
What is a fully shielded light fixture? A fully shielded or also known as a full cut-off light fixture is designed to have a solid barrier at the top of the fixture where the bulb is located. This helps prevent the light from going upwards. Moreover, it is angled so that the lamp is not visible below the barrier.
Fully shielded light fixtures come in a wide array of choices and can be used in different lighting situations. It is ideal for both commercial and residential properties. The good thing about fully shielded lights is that the light is directed to the ground so it reduces light pollution. Moreover, it is designed with various technologies like sensors, timers, and dimmers.
What Are Fully Shielded Light Fixtures For?
Fully shielded light fixtures are designed to help reduce light nuisance and pollution. It helps prevent light trespass and glare which can be a problem for neighboring properties. Unshielded lighting fixtures emit light that travels further and can cause a problem to the neighbors. Take note that glare can cause discomfort or even temporary blindness. Furthermore, a fully shielded light fixture helps reduce sky glow.
Are Fully Shielded Light Fixtures Ideal?
Fully shielded light fixtures are ideal because they are dark sky friendly. It is designed so that light is directed to the ground. A fully shielded light fixture features a light source that is recessed from the bottom of the fixture. It has an opaque top and sides. Aside from making sure that the light is only directed into the ground, it prevents light from escaping upward or outward. We have also written this article that discusses what is considered light pollution. Check out the article for more information about the topic.
What is a Good Exterior Lighting?
Good exterior lighting should have the right color, brightness, and shielding. When shopping for exterior lighting, make sure that you check if it is dark sky friendly. There is a wide array of fully shielded lighting fixtures sold on the market. Compare one product to another so that you can make the best choice.
- Shielding – A good exterior light should have the right shielding. The bulb should be recessed so it does not hang down from the bottom of the fixture. Aside from that, the light emitted by the bulb should be directed downward.
- Brightness – You also need to consider the brightness of the light fixture. A good exterior light should have a dimmer. Make sure to choose a bulb with less lumen.
- Timing – Another factor that makes up a good exterior light is a timer. Choose a light fixture that has a timer or motion sensor. This way, the light will not turn on all the time.
- Color – You also have to choose the right color for the bulb. It is recommended that you choose a bulb that emits a warm color temperature of about 3000 Kelvin or less.
Difference between Full Cutoff and Fully Shielded
The full cutoff is often used to refer to fully shielded lighting fixtures. On the other hand, take note that both are not equivalent. For starters, fully shielded lights do not give off light upwards, but they do not have any limitation when it comes to the intensity in the region between 80 and 90 degrees. Moreover, light fixtures that fall under the IESNA definitions of cutoff, full cutoff, semi cutoff, and non cutoff can be considered as a fully shielded light
The full cutoff is used to describe light fixtures that do not have direct uplight. On the other hand, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America or IESNA requires light fixtures to comply with the glare requirement.
Cutoff Lighting Classifications
The four classifications of cutoff lighting are full cutoff, cutoff, semi cutoff, and noncutoff. Let us learn more about each classification below.
Full Cutoff
The full cutoff is a classification of cutoff lighting with a luminous intensity of zero at or above an angle of 90 degrees above nadir. Moreover, it has a luminous intensity that does not exceed ten percent of the luminous flux of the lamp in the lights at or above a vertical angle of 80 degrees above nadir.
Semicutoff
Semicutoff has a luminous intensity that does not exceed five percent of the luminous flux of lamps at or above an angle of 90 degrees above nadir. It has a luminous intensity that does not exceed twenty percent of the luminous flux of lamps at or above a vertical angle of 80 degrees above nadir.
Cutoff
This cutoff lighting classification has a luminous intensity that does not numerically exceed 2.5 percent of the luminous flux of lamps at or above an angle of 90 degrees above nadir. Aside from that, it has a luminous intensity that does not exceed ten percent of the luminous flux of the lamps at or above a vertical angle of 80 degrees above nadir.
Non cutoff
For this cutoff lighting classification, there is a candela limitation in the zone above the maximum candela.
How to Have Dark Sky Lighting
To have dark sky lighting, you need to use shielded lights, install LED lighting, and reduce light waste by using motion sensors, timers, and dimmers. The Dark-Sky movement is led by the International Dark-Sky Association or IDA. They aim to lessen the damage caused by light pollution. Below are some of the ways that you can implement dark sky lighting into your outdoor property.
Shielded Lights
One way to have dark sky lighting for your property is by using shielded lights. Make sure to choose dark Sky outdoor lighting fixtures that are designed to point the light toward the ground. Shielded lights do not only reduce light pollution by preventing light to travel above, it also reduce glare and provides better vision at night.
Reduce Light Waste
Another way to have dark sky lighting is to choose lights that have timers, dimmers, and sensors. These features reduce light waste by turning it on only when it is needed. This is ideal because it also helps reduce energy waste and can also lower your energy bills.
LED Lighting
Another way to have dark sky lighting is to choose LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes. They are more environmentally friendly as compared to other types of lighting because they are energy efficient. As a result, it lowers energy waste.
✅ Video – Dark Sky Lighting (Low-Pressure Sodium) Documentary
Parrot175 shared the video below on YouTube. It is a documentary of dark sky lighting. Check out the video to learn more about the topic.
What is Outdoor Dark Sky Lighting?
Outdoor dark sky lighting is designed so that the light is directed light into the ground and not into the sky where it can cause light pollution. Take note that even if you do not live in an area where there is a dark sky ordinance, you can still apply dark sky lighting to your outdoor lights. You can also check out this article titled, are there lights that don’t cause light pollution? We have shared helpful tips and ideas that you can refer to.
What Does Light Shielding Do?
Light shielding is an effective and ideal way to block the rays of your outdoor lights so that it does not contribute to light pollution. It is a shield that prevents the light from scattering in all directions. Meaning, the light will be directed downward. You can choose from a wild array of outdoor shielded light fixtures that best suits your needs and preferences.
Where Can You Purchase Shields for Street Lights?
You can purchase shields for streetlights from streetlight manufacturers. If you think that your street lights are too bright which causes glare, you can get in touch with your local streetlight manufacturers and request a lighting shield. This will direct the light toward the ground. Read this article to find out how to block your neighbors motion sensor. We have shared tips and ideas that you can refer to.
What is Dark Sky Compliance?
Dark sky compliance is a designation that is provided to outdoor lighting fixtures. This is defined by the municipality where lighting is installed. Dark sky compliance has specific requirements that you need to meet so that you can help reduce light pollution and the issues that come with it. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses how to make light dark sky compliant. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses what a fully shielded light fixture is. We have found out that a fully shielded light fixture helps reduce light pollution by directing light to the ground so that it does not travel upwards and contribute to light pollution. You can choose from a wide array of fully shielded light fixtures that you can install on your outdoor property. Thank you for reading!