Fixture

The lighting unit which contains one or more electric light sources and all the parts necessary for its operation is called a fixture.

When a lamp is installed inside the body or casing; this whole is called a luminaire. Lamp, power supply, ballast, driver, optics and connection equipments are included in the definition of fixture. Mounting feet, carrier feet or holding apparatus are also located on the fixture.

Fixture provides necessary protection to light source and other equipments and controls light distribution.

Light fixtures are divided into three main groups: fixed, portable and special purpose.

Surface mounted or recessed ceiling lights, chandeliers, street lights, garden lights are fixed light fixtures.

Table lamps, night lamps, floor lights, floor lamps can be shown as portable light fixture examples.

Highlight illuminations, emergency exit illuminations, safety lights, flash lamps and traffic lights are special purpose light fixtures.

In traditional light fixtures, the lamp can be easily replaced with the help of a lamp socket. However, in solid state lighting, the light source may be fixed in place. In such fixtures, professional support must be obtained for the replacement of the light source.

Light fixtures generally needs electrical connection to work. However, emergency lightings, camping lights and lanterns can be operated with the built-in battery.

In light fixtures that will work in outdoor conditions, attention should be paid to IP rating for protection against water, dust and moisture.  For outdoor lighting applications, light fixtures with IP65, IP66, IP67 or IP68 protection class should be preferred. Fixtures in all these grades are dust-proof and water-resistant.

IP65 is sufficient if the fixture is only required to provide protection against rain effects, but IP68 protection class should be preferred if it is required to operate underwater.