Electrical Systems and Lighting 

22 October, 2023

In interior design, electrical systems and lighting play an important role in shaping the functionality, environment, and overall feeling of the space. Electrical systems encompass the placement of wiring of outlets, switch, electrical devices. Lighting design is more than illuminating a space, however, it can create energy efficient rooms if done correctly, and can add to the spaces design. 

Some different components of electrical systems are; connection to the building, cable types, electrical systems, and energy management devices. The image to the left are electrical symbols often used in electrical plans. Some resemble telephone outlets, switches, 15 AMP duplex, etc... These symbols are used in electrical plans to help decipher which outlets are which and marking the specific electrical systems are used  in the room. 


Moving onto lighting, lighting can change the way we perceive of a space. Behavior lighting depends on the material of the surface the light may be reflected, refracted, transmitted, diffused, or a combination. Lighting not only illuminates a space but also good lighting can improve worker performance in the workplace. 

Different types of lights include incandescent, fluorescent, high intensity discharge, light emitting diodes. Incandescent lights are usually seen in residential spaces. These lights are usually warm lights and tend to be inexpensive. Incandescent lights give off more heat than light which can cause sustainability issues. Fluorescent lights are usually used in a commercial setting, and are energy efficient, however, these lights can cause waste when thrown away. High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights can be seen in parking garages, factories, industrial places. These lights can also be used outdoors because they are rather powerful lights that are sustainable. The last type of lights are light emitting diodes (LED). These lights are interior lights that aim to be an energy efficient solution. LED lights are long lasting, however, one concern is the color inconsistency in the lights. 


Sustainability in light design is incredibly important because this can determine how energy efficient a building can be. Lumens per watt (LPW) is the energy needed to produce light outputs in lumens. LPW can be used to determine the sustainability of a light. Another sustainability factor is light trespass which is light from one building that spreads to the adjacent building and light polution is light that directs into the sky which can disturb the nature. 

Light Study:



The room that I did the study on used LED lighting on the ceiling as a hidden light that still subtly illuminates the room. The goal of this room in the context of lighting is to create a warm and relaxing feeling while complementing the warm colors used throughout the room. The use of can lights also illuminate the wall to create a secondary light that complements the LED lights on the ceiling. Table and Floor lamps with dark shades are another use of warm and subtle light in the room. 














Comments

  1. Jay CallentineOctober 23, 2023 at 9:06 AM

    Eva,

    Your blog on electrical systems and lighting was great and really showed how it incorporates the use of interior design with the potential to transform a space's functionality and ambiance. It was cool to see how you elaborated on electrical planning and the placement of outlets and switches and how it enhances both aesthetics and practicality. You also showed how lighting design extends beyond mere illumination as it can promote energy efficiency and positively impact the environment. Your section on the selection of lighting types, such as LEDs for sustainability, informed us all on how it plays a crucial role in creating the desired atmosphere. Nice job!

    ReplyDelete

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