Lighting Supply is proud to be the nation’s lighting leader since 1983. From LED lights and fixtures to older technologies, ballasts, drivers, ceiling fans and electrical accessories, Lighting Supply has a vast inventory of products and brands. As Lighting Supply celebrates their 35th anniversary, they are extremely excited about the ever-changing lighting industry and their continued role as a prominent lighting retailer.

​It all started with Lighting Supply’s founder, Eugene Sherizen, selling light bulbs out of his truck. Sherizen was able to grow his company over the next 34 years based on the concept of providing incredible service to all customers. Galco Industrial Electronics purchased the company in May 2017 and has continued to support Lighting Supply’s core principles.

“Our number one goal has always been excellent customer service,” states Eric Miller, VP of Sales and Marketing. “Our success over the past 35 years is a result of our customers. We are extremely thankful for their support and appreciate that they continue to choose Lighting Supply for their lighting needs. We look forward to serving them for another 35 years.”

As Lighting Supply looks to the future, excellent customer service will always still be their top mission. Lighting Supply will also focus on their huge selection, and will continue to provide fast shipping around the country while making sure the sometimes delicate (lighting) materials are extremely well-packaged.
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“Over the past year, we have gone from selling around 5,000 products to over 150,000, and we are adding thousands of additional products weekly,” states Lighting Supply’s President and CEO, Chris Hall. “We understand that the lighting industry is vast and changing at an extreme rate. Our goal is to offer an enormous selection that will meet our customer’s unique needs, along with providing exceptional service, so our customers can be confident they’re getting the best products for their applications.”

​Next, determine the layout and how you are going to power your system.
Track lighting is versatile in the sense that there are different lengths and shapes for track sections so you can create the perfect layout for your space. You can choose from curved and flexible track for a contemporary look or a straight section for long runs. When determining the placement of your track, install it about 18”-24” away from the wall you wish to light for the best illumination.
 
There are two ways to power your system – connecting the power supply to a junction box or using a power cord in a standard electrical outlet. A plug-in track light requires no wiring but may not have the cleanest look. The fixture must also be located near an outlet. Connecting to a junction box, or hard-wiring, offers a more finished look. However, if no junction box is available, you will need to install one which may require the services of an electrician.

We all want peace of mind when it comes to making sure our home and business are safe. As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fire safety products, Kidde can give you that peace of mind! Their mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and its related hazards. For over 100 years, industry leaders, the military, airlines, firefighters, businesses and millions of homeowners have turned to them to do exactly that.
 
Walter Kidde was driven not only by entrepreneurial instincts, but also by the never-ending effort to find the solutions to the world’s challenges. After opening his own construction office in 1900, Kidde went on to serve on the New Jersey State Highway Commission, however, his eagerness eventually led him down a different path. Founded in 1917, the company mostly focused on the needs and safety of ships and airplanes. In the early years, Kidde produced the first integrated smoke detection and carbon dioxide extinguishing system for use onboard ships and, along with the US Navy, designed a system to protect airplane engines against fires. From there, the company has grown into an industry leader with an expanded product offering. Kidde also strives to give back to communities through charitable programs and partnerships. They have donated more than 100,000 smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers to fire departments and non-profit organizations across the country!
 
Their product line includes smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, safety accessories (such as escape ladders) and key security – boxes, cabinets and locks. All these products let home and business owners rest easy knowing they are equipped to prevent or stop fires before major damage is done.
 
Visit LightingSupply.com to see over 150+ products from Kidde. Using a mobile device? Type “Kidde” in the search box. For more information, give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or email us here.
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Halloween is just a few short weeks away, and for those who celebrate, it’s time to finish up your Halloween decorating. For most, this means swapping your lights out for orange bulbs, a popular choice this time of year. Before you carve your pumpkins and set up your spooky décor, take a look at your lighting selection to see if you need any replacements. Whether you want to wow your neighbors with traditional lighting or upgrade to LEDs, Lighting Supply offers a great selection of Halloween lights perfect for decorating your home or event.
 
Traditionally used for Christmas, string lights are becoming more common in Halloween decorating with color choices like orange, purple and green. Use these lights to wrap around posts, drape on fences or lay over bushes with the netted options. You can even bring them indoors to set the mood for your Halloween party. Utilize them in non-traditional ways like coiling them under a cauldron, so they appear to be on fire!

​Fall has officially arrived! On November 4th we will turn our clocks back for Daylight Savings Time. Another chore everyone should add to that task – check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
 
Half of home fire deaths happen between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am when most people are sleeping. According to the US Fire Administration, it is recommended to have a smoke detector in each bedroom, outside of each sleeping area (such as hallways), and one on each floor, including the basement.
 
You should test your smoke alarms once a month and they should be replaced every 10 years. When testing your detector, just because the test button works, it doesn’t mean it is functioning as it should. It simply confirms that the battery and electronics are working properly. If you are unsure how old your detector is, it’s time to install a new one. Don’t rely on outdated or worn-out devices to protect your family. At this time, it’s also be a good idea to check your Carbon Monoxide detectors! The general lifespan for these devices is 5-7 years.
 
Lighting Supply carries a variety of different options when it comes to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You can choose a more traditional smoke detector like the Kidde i4618 Smoke Alarm. It’s easy to install and has user-friendly features. Or, you could go with a more modern option. Check out the Kidde 900-0102-02 that functions as a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. It also features a voice alarm that clearly lets you know what hazard has been detected.
 
Visit our website to see our full offering of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. For more information, give us a call at 877.231.2852 or leave a comment below. 

Do you have a broken or outdated glass shade you are looking to replace? Changing the glass shades on your fixtures may seem fairly straight-forward, however, there are a few important details to consider; shade dimensions and holder type.
 
How do I determine the size of my glass shade?
There are three measurements you should gather to find the correct glass shade for your fixture: fitter size, width and height.
 
First, measure the fitter size. What’s the fitter, you may ask? It is the lip which is inserted into the fixture’s shade holder to keep it in place. To get this dimension, measure the inner diameter of the shade holder. This number will be slightly smaller than the fitter size so it can sit inside the shade holder. The most common diameters for shade holders are 2 1/4", 3 1/4", 4", 6", 10" and 12".
 
Next, measure the width across the widest part of the shade, which may be the top, middle or bottom – depending on the shade type and style.
 
Last, measure the height from the base of the fitter lip to the bottom of the shade.

​What type of holder do I have?
Now that you’ve determined the dimensions of your glass shade, you’ll have to figure out if your shade holder is a fixture, also known as lip type, or straight type.

​Washtenaw County Road Commission recently worked with Lighting Supply to upgrade their intersection lighting to LED and the project results were exceptional.  The new LEDs save more than 60% of energy costs which is a utilities savings of about $10,500 per year. Including maintenance and product costs, this translates to $75,000 per year or about $480,000 over the life of the bulbs. That’s about a half a million dollars that can be reallocated to other road projects!
 
“Lighting Supply worked with us on trying to find the best product for our solution and provided the data that us engineers really thrive on and those numbers and charts really helped us understand how much better of a product we would get,” commented Jeff Young, a Washtenaw County Signal Operations Engineer.
 
Washtenaw County will not only save on energy, but they will also see dramatic savings in maintenance costs. The new LEDs will last about 11 years, compared to 2-3 years with the old technology – that’s over 1,900 bulb changes eliminated!
 
“If you’re thinking about holding off on a project because you don’t have current funding, my recommendation would be to get with Lighting Supply. They’ll run through the numbers, specifications, and different manufacturers and really narrow it down on your return on investment. That really brought a lot of light to me and this project,” Young added.
 
Interested in how a lighting upgrade can work for you? Check out the video below to hear more about this case study. For further information or to speak with a representative about upgrading your current lighting, give us a call at 877.231.2852 or email us here.

​Traditionally, we replace our light bulbs based upon wattage. As incandescent bulbs are being phased out, replacing them with CFL or LED bulbs has become trickier. We can no longer base our decisions on wattage, or the amount of energy needed to power a light bulb. Manufacturers are now labeling their products based on lumen output, or the amount of visible light a bulb emits. This is a more accurate way to compare brightness levels between lighting technologies.
 
Most people are familiar with the light output that a 60W or 100W incandescent bulb offers. We’ve become accustomed to thinking “the higher the wattage, the brighter the bulb”. However, an LED that uses 60 watts is in no way comparable to an incandescent bulb that uses 60 watts. We can no longer rely on comparing wattages and must change our way of thinking to “the higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb”.
 
Rule of thumb when comparing lumens:
Lumens allow you to buy the amount of light you want. You may have a wide variety of light levels in your home, based on the room or application. Below is a quick chart to help you find the perfect replacement bulb based on your brightness preference.
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​If you’re having difficulty finding the best option, our website offers a helpful tool when searching for bulb replacements based on lumens. Simply use the "Filter" option on the left-hand tool bar to narrow down your choices by selecting your preferred lumen output level.
 
Still a bit unsure? Contact our knowledgeable Customer Service team with any questions at 877.231.2852 or email here.

​Lighting a warehouse can become very daunting to building owners. It is a financial investment, requires maintenance and takes planning, yet, it is crucial. Warehouse lighting isn’t so much about décor as it is functionality and efficiency. In order to maintain a productive warehouse, it’s important to have the proper lighting systems in place. Since this space typically has few windows, high ceilings and shelving units, it’s important to consider all aspects when outlining your lighting layout – including lighting objective, fixture type, lamp type, color temperature and more.
 
First things first, what is your lighting objective?
 
It’s essential to understand what purpose each lighting fixture will serve and what is needed in different areas to accomplish your lighting goals. Three concepts to consider include your lighting layout, the energy and maintenance costs and how the lighting will play a role in the efficiency and safety of your employees.
 
LIGHTING LAYOUT
Whether new construction or remodel, it is imperative to have a good layout for your warehouse lighting system. Lighting is ideally done before setting up racking units and fixtures placed directly over shelving lose value and serve little purpose. Spacing of fixtures is also critical – positioned too close together and hot spots and/or glare are created; positioned too far apart and you’ll have dark areas.
 
ENERGY & MAINTENANCE COSTS
Unfortunately, when it comes to lighting your building, the warehouse is a must and is sometimes used 24 hours a day – becoming very costly. If you’re still using HID or fluorescent lamps, you are incurring unnecessary maintenance costs which include frequently replaced bulbs and ballasts and renting a lift to change hard to reach bulbs. Switching to LED lamps and installing motion sensors can decrease energy costs and maintenance fees. Don’t forget about the exterior of your warehouse – install photocells on your outdoor wallpacks and floodlights as well.
 
EFFICIENCY & SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES
Never skimp on the amount of lighting needed to effectively illuminate your space. If you have too little light, this can create safety concerns for your employees. This can also cause more employee mistakes. If you rely on staff to pull items from your warehouse, it can be the difference between them reading an “8” or a “3” on a box – resulting in returns and re-pulling the order. You also don’t want to have too much light in your warehouse, causing your employees to have to squint when looking up at the racks for items. One way to avoid glare is by using diffused shields and lenses on your fixtures.
 
What type of fixtures and lamps are going to help you accomplish your lighting objective?
 
FIXTURE TYPE
The most common fixture types in warehouses are high/low bays, vaportight and strip fixtures. Any time you are lighting an area that has a ceiling height of twenty-five feet or higher, choose a high bay fixture. For lower ceilings, low bays and strip fixtures are popular choices. Strip fixtures are ideal for large spaces that need high-quality light without a bulky fixture. If you are working in an area where moisture levels are high or hazardous chemical vapors are present, opt for a wet location rated or vaportight fixture.
 
LIGHTING CHOICE
There are three popular choices for warehouse lighting that each have their pros and cons: LED, Fluorescent and HID.
 
LED is the most versatile type to choose from with options that include lamps, complete fixtures and retrofits – making remodels quick and easy! Although perceived by many as having a high price point, LED has come down in price over the years and are more affordable than ever! Not only do they use less energy, they can also be paired with lighting controls to save you even more. LEDs have a long-life expectancy, some lasting up to 100,000 hours, and work great in colder temperatures. It’s important to note that LEDs can be negatively affected by high heat. On average, the life of LED lamps and fixtures begins to depreciate if used in higher temperatures - be sure to always check the specifications.
 
Fluorescent lamps are a great alternative for those on a tight budget, while remaining more energy efficient than HIDs. They offer a wide range of color temperatures from 2700K-6500K (warm white to daylight). Fluorescent lamps also come in different sizes, providing more options. Their downfall – they do not operate well in high heat or extreme cold which can have a negative impact on the life of the lamp. Also, if the lamps are in an area where they are frequently turned on and off, the life expectancy will depreciate. Fluorescent lamps typically have a life expectancy of 25,000 hours, whereas LED tubes have an average life of 50,000 hours.
 
HID, or High-Intensity Discharge, lamps have been around the longest and are a common choice for those on a budget since they have the lowest initial costs. However, they do not offer much variety when it comes to color temperature; only warm white or cool white. They also require a warm up time and cool down time after the lights have been turned off before they can be turned on again. Even though they have a lower initial cost, they have an average life of only 15,000 hours and will need to be changed often – including changing the ballasts which adds up.
 
COLOR TEMPERATURE
Choosing the color temperature of your lamp can make or break your warehouse lighting. The most popular choice for warehouse lighting is 4000K, or cool white. Cool white light reduces eye strain and improves concentration, thus providing a productive environment. This color temperature also makes your space appear cleaner and more professional.

​Next time you’re in the market to upgrade your warehouse lighting, remember these key factors when making decisions. Reach out to the pros here at Lighting Supply with any questions. As one of the most widely known and respected lighting distributors, we have all of the products and answers you need – and we’re always happy to help!
 
Contact us here or leave a comment below.

​Our customers asked, and we delivered – Lighting Supply now offers more product categories that support the needs of electricians. We are excited about the opportunity to carry products from the “Electrician’s Champion,” IDEAL Industries, including connectors, hand tools, power tool accessories, testers and much more! IDEAL has been serving electricians for over 100 years and with more than 6,000 tools and supplies in the IDEAL product line, they have everything the professionals who power our world will need.
 
IDEAL was founded in 1916 by J. Walter Becker where he started out in his mother’s kitchen! In 1929, they introduced their first wire connectors, which would go on to become a cornerstone of IDEAL Industries’ product line. According to IDEAL’s website, they contributed components used in the lunar landing module and made the journey to the moon! IDEAL wire strippers were specifically requested for the mission because of their reputation for quality and precision, even in the most extreme environments. Over the years, IDEAL has acquired many different companies while expanding their product line to include hand tools, power tools, datacom tools and measurement tools for the global communication market.
 
Visit lightingsupply.com to see over 2,500 products we now offer from the IDEAL line. Using a mobile device? Type “IDEAL” in the search box. For more information, email us here or leave a comment below!