Glossary of Lighting Terms

Finish: This is the actual appearance of the surface of the item, or it's color.

Powder Coated Finish: A painted finish that is sprayed on as a powder and baked to form an extremely hard and durable finish.

Composite: A type of material made primarily of plastic with other materials added to improve strength and resist corrosion.

Standard Lead: This is the length of wire included with the fixture.

Sockets: This is the portion of the fixture that actually receives the lamp or bulb.

UL Listed: This means that the fixture has been inspected and approved by the Underwriter's Laboratory, a neccesary step for complience to some local building codes.

Shroud: The shade or cover of that actually covers the lamp portion of the fixture, used to concentrate and direct the light output.

Lamp: The replaceable part of the fixture, also known as a bulb, which emits the light.

Bulb: The replaceable part of the fixture, also known as a lamp, which emits the light.

Stake: A part that is hammered or pressed into the ground and provides a secure mounting location for the fixture to be attached.

J-Box or Junction Box: The box that the electrical connections are made in, usually includes a cover to match the finish of the fixture.

LED Lamp: An LED lamp uses semiconductor chips treated to release light when charged with electricity. LEDs have an average lifespan of 50,000 hours, and LED bulbs last up to 10 times longer than other bulbs while using 1/3rd to 1/30th the electricity of a standard incandescent bulb. A 6 watt bulb produces as much light as a 40 watt incandescent, while producing little heat.