​Have you noticed how some light bulbs appear more yellow or orange and others a bright white? This can be explained by what’s known in the lighting industry as color temperature. Color temperature refers to how warm or cool a bulb’s color appears. Try not to get caught up on the word “temperature” since this has nothing to do with the actual heat the bulb produces. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (k) – a thermodynamic temperature. The lower the Kelvin rating, the warmer the bulb will appear; the higher the rating, the cooler, and seemingly brighter, the bulb.
 
Color temperatures range from warm white to daylight; and even full spectrum beyond that. When you imagine your typical household incandescent bulb, you’ll think of the warm glow it emits. Incandescent bulbs have a color temperature of around 2700K, or warm white.  When most people think of LED bulbs, they picture a bright white; or daylight (5000K). However, it’s a common misconception that LED bulbs are only offered in this bright white, which most people find too harsh or blue for use in common areas of homes. CFL and LED bulbs can actually come very close to the warm color of incandescent bulbs, while still offering a wide range of other color temperature options.
 
Let’s take a look at the different color temperatures and their best uses.

​WARM WHITE
Warm white bulbs will have a Kelvin temperature of 2700K; again, picture any incandescent bulb in your home. These bulbs promote a warm and cozy environment and are best utilized in restaurants, hotel lobbies and homes. Quickly growing in popularity, LED Edison bulbs mimic the look and warmth of vintage incandescent bulbs with unique filament designs. Try them in your living room or bedroom!

​SOFT WHITE
Soft white bulbs have a Kelvin temperature of 3000K. They will have a slightly more white appearance than its warm white counterpart. Use these in libraries, office areas and retail stores to create an intimate and personal space. This color temperature is also great for homes and is interchangeable with warm white color tones.

​NEUTRAL WHITE
Neutral white bulbs have a Kelvin temperature of 3500K. They have a mostly white appearance with a subtle yellow tint. This color temperature is ideal for public reception areas, showrooms, bookstores and office areas where you want it to feel friendly, inviting and non-threatening. 

​COOL WHITE
Cool white bulbs have a Kelvin temperature of 4000K-4200K. Cool white bulbs have the appearance of pure white and make a room feel neat, clean and efficient. They are commonly used in conference rooms, classrooms and hospitals. Cool white bulbs are known to help with concentration in classrooms and productivity at the work place. Studies show it reduces the brain’s production of melatonin, a hormone that plays a role in our sleep, reducing daytime sleepiness.

​DAYLIGHT
Daylight bulbs have a Kelvin temperature of 5000K and higher. Museums, jewelry stores and print shops commonly use daylight bulbs because they are great for exacting coloration. They are also very bright and promote alertness, making them great for use in medical exam rooms. You can also use them in warehouses because, similarly to cool white bulbs, they also encourage higher productivity and ensure your employees can see well – cutting back on workplace injuries.

FULL SPECTRUM
Full spectrum bulbs have a color temperature of 5700K and higher. Full spectrum light most closely simulates the light we receive from the sun. Humans rely on sunlight for not only Vitamin D, but it’s also thought to produce serotonin, a hormone associated with happiness and focus. For those who aren’t exposed to the sun very often, it can often leave us feeling down in the dumps – especially in the wintertime. Full spectrum lighting helps alleviate these feelings and has shown to boost moods and a feeling of calmness.
 
When deciding which color temperature is best for you, consider what feeling you are trying to evoke in each room. Do you want all of your rooms to have the same lighting, or are you going to base the lighting in each room on a preferred ambiance and tasks completed in those rooms? Many people prefer a brighter light in the bathroom or at a vanity where make-up is applied, whereas they may want a warmer light in their living room or bedroom for relaxing. This is an individual decision based on preference.
 
In any situation, if you have questions, our Customer Service team is happy to assist! Give us a call at 877.231.2852 or contact us here.

If you’re looking for a lighting brand that cares about quality products and the needs of their customers, Sunlite is the brand for you! Morty Kohn founded his company, Sunshine Lighting, in 1980 as a one man show that has quickly grown into an internationally trusted company. Years later in 1996, the company began to mass-produce the Sunlite brand. Their product line includes many types of bulbs and technology – such as LED, CFL, Incandescent, Halogen and stylish light fixtures.
 
According to Sunlite, their dedicated team of technical and product specialists ensure that their products are designed with safety and the environment in mind. Many of their products carry the EnergyStar certification and Sunlite is also partnered with the Department of Energy (DOE) Lighting Facts program, the American Lighting Association (ALA), along with many others.
 
Visit LightingSupply.com to check out the almost 2,000 Sunlite products we now offer. For information, give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or email us here.
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Trying to determine which light bulb you need can send your head spinning. It can be very confusing with so many different shapes and sizes to choose from. You may even be questioning why there is such a wide variety of choices. Light fixtures are generally specific about which light bulb can be used so it’s important to know exactly what you are looking for. Luckily, of all the shapes offered, there are only eight that you’ll typically need to worry about in any given home.
 
MOST COMMON HOUSEHOLD BULBS
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​Arbitrary (A): When you picture a light bulb, you’re likely thinking of an arbitrary shaped light bulb. It’s the most common and well-known bulb shape. You can find them in table lamps, wall sconces, ceiling fixtures and more.

​Bulged Reflector (BR): BR bulbs are known for their conical shape and rounded lens. They are most often used in floodlight fixtures and recessed downlights.

​Candle/Candelabra (C): Candelabra light bulbs are shaped just like, you guessed it, candles! They can have a teardrop, torpedo or flame shape and are used in chandeliers and accent lighting.

​Globe (G): Globe light bulbs are decorative and round in shape. They are commonly seen in bathroom vanity fixtures, ceiling fans and other decorative fixtures.

​Multifaceted Reflector (MR): MR bulbs provide a polished look in your track lighting systems. They are offered in different flood degrees – spot, narrow, and flood – and are used to highlight artwork, architectural elements, and task areas like your kitchen island.

​Parabolic Aluminized Reflector (PAR): PAR bulbs are very similar to BR in shape but are more robust. They are used in your outdoor floodlights and landscape fixtures. Although similar in shape, compared to BR bulbs which provide a more general area light, PAR bulb beams are more focused.

​Tubes (T): The three most common fluorescent tubes are T5, T8 and T12. Tubes are generally used in undercabinet fixtures, laundry rooms, garages and basements. Fluorescent tubes require an additional power source, or a ballast.

​Twist: CFLs, or compact fluorescent, are described as a twist. These bulbs are a popular choice for replacing A-shaped incandescent bulbs as they are more energy efficient. CFL bulbs are also commonly referred to as spiral shaped.

​Now that we’ve established the different shapes to look for, it’s time to address the varying sizes of light bulbs. With each shape offered, there are multiple sizes to choose from. The size of a light bulb is measured in eighths of an inch at the widest point of the bulb – or the diameter. A bulb’s code is created using a letter followed by the measurement. For example, an A19 bulb is arbitrary in shape and is 19/8ths of an inch in diameter. A-shaped bulbs come in a few different sizes including A15, A19, A21 and A23.

​When in doubt, try to bring your existing bulb with you to the store for reference. If you no longer have the bulb, try to get as much information from the fixture itself to help narrow down your choices. Important information to note would be the max wattage your fixture can handle, the voltage and the base type. If you’re still having trouble, give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or visit our local sales counters in Ferndale and Wixom Monday through Friday from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm EST.

Are you looking to add some interest to your home’s interior? LED tape light is growing in popularity in modern interior design concepts. With its versatility, the possibilities are endless! It’s perfect for indirect lighting, task lighting and accent lighting in practically every room of your home.

​Indirect lighting can bring focus and layers to a room by making sure the tape is hidden but still adds an ambient glow. Try putting tape lights in bookshelves, bay windows and architectural elements like ceiling coves. American Lighting Trulux Single Color Kits are fantastic for creating these lighting effects in your home. The kit includes everything you’ll need and is cuttable to fit perfectly into your design. The STL-UWW-5MKIT is 16.4’ long and is cuttable every 6.56” to fit into your specific layout and is dimmable with most electronic low voltage dimmers. Try this kit in your living room or bedroom.

Task lighting is a very important aspect when planning out your lighting layout. Tape light is a popular choice for undercabinet lighting in the kitchen. Add more light than you think you’ll need – brighter lights help you focus and concentrate better on the task at hand. When installing your tape lights, place them near the front of your cabinets so the light is in the middle of your countertops to optimize the light output. Try the American Lighting Trulux High Output Tunable Tape Light (HTL-TW-5MKIT) and choose the color temperature that fits your needs, from warm white to daylight.
 
When it comes to accent lighting, the combinations, colors and options are endless! Try adding LED tape lights under your bathroom cabinet for an easy and trendy night light for the kids or behind your bed’s headboard or mirrors in your bedroom for a warm, cozy look. You can also take it up a notch and add colored LED tape lights to steps and stairways or your home’s architecture to add extra flair or to coordinate with holiday décor. The American Lighting Trulux RGB Tape Light (HTL-RGBW-5MKIT) allows you to select different colors to set the mood you are trying to achieve. ​

​With so many options to choose from, tape lighting can be tricky when trying to figure out what will work best for your application. Reach out to the pros at Lighting Supply with any questions. Our Customer Service department can be reached at 877.231.2852 and will be happy to assist you.

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.