Latest Articles

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    Lighting the Way: Addressing Common Emergency Lighting Challenges & Solutions

    Emergency lighting is often a silent but necessary component in the commercial building industry, not just as a code requirement but as a critical life safety system. Despite its importance, many emergency lighting (EM) systems fail due to maintenance oversights, outdated components, and design flaws. As power outages can be unpredictable, having a reliable emergency lighting system installed is crucial for reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring occupants evacuate safely and orderly. As an OEM lighting manufacturer, a clear pattern of preventable missteps emerges time and again, especially when integrating emergency components. The encouraging part is that modern technology holds the key to avoiding these failures. This piece will explore those recurring issues and offer tangible solutions to improve performance, safety, and compliance.

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    How Daylight Harvesting Works in Hospitals

    Sunlight is abundant and universally appreciated—so why not put it to work indoors? That’s exactly what daylight harvesting does. By automatically adjusting electric light in response to the natural light streaming in through windows, this strategy helps hospitals reduce energy use, lift patient and staff comfort, and stay ahead of evolving energy codes. The catalyst is compact yet powerful photosensors that continuously monitor a space and signal adjustments as conditions change. In practice, these sensors measure the amount of daylight entering patient rooms, corridors, lobbies, or other hospital zones. That data is fed into a lighting control system. When daylight is strong enough – that is, it fulfills the light levels of a space – the system dims or even switches off the electric lighting, and as natural light fades, whether from cloud cover or dusk, the fixtures brighten again. The seamless interplay ensures that spaces always feel evenly lit, no matter the hour.

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    How to Choose the Best Bathroom Vanity Lighting

    Think of your bathroom vanity light as the finishing touch that ties your entire bathroom design together. Just like the right piece of jewelry completes an outfit, the right fixture complements your mirror, faucet, and cabinet hardware, creating a cohesive and polished look. But it’s not just about style; it’s also about creating a flattering and functional glow. The wrong choice can cast unflattering shadows, while the right one makes your morning routine a little brighter. This guide will help you select the best lighting for bathroom vanity areas, covering everything from matching finishes to understanding scale, so you can confidently choose fixtures that look and feel just right for your space.

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    Light Bulb Sizes: A/B/C/CA/R/MR/BR/PAR/G/T Type Explained

    Whether you’re upgrading outdated incandescent systems or implementing new lighting solutions in residential or commercial buildings, understanding the different light bulb sizes is crucial. Light bulbs have different distinctive characteristics that help set them apart. The bulb sizes are identified by letters and numbers to indicate their features. In commercial applications, several common light bulb sizes are widely used to meet various lighting needs.  A type and T type bulb are often found in offices and retail spaces, offering a balance of brightness and efficiency. In high-ceiling or industrial settings, BR and PAR light bulb sizes are popular to support specific lighting needs.

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    Vyv vs. UV-C: The Future of Antimicrobial Lighting

    People have seen the headlines: hospitals deploying UV-C robots, schools increasing cleaning protocols, and businesses investing in new technologies to keep germs at bay. But while UV-C disinfection has proven effective, it’s far from perfect—it’s not built for everyday, continuous use around people. Enter Vyv’s visible light technology, a smarter and safer antimicrobial lighting solution that works 24/7 in occupied spaces—without UV, and without compromise.

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    Artika: Illuminated Ceiling Fans – The Best of Both Worlds

    Choosing a lighted fan can be a difficult decision, as you’re selecting a piece for your living space that will remain on the ceiling for years to come. The right fan can be a statement piece while also providing a comfortable environment and helping to lower energy costs. Here’s what you need to consider when selecting the perfect ceiling fan for your space.

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    What Makes the Snooker Special? Let’s Play with Prolicht

    As you may already know, Zaneen’s Austrian partner, Prolicht is located in the middle of the mountains in Innsbruck. And a balance of work and play is always at the core of their beliefs and way of life. And sometimes the concept of ‘play’ comes into their work, in the best way possible! Take a peek into the details of what makes the Snooker so special to them and many designers across the globe! The gravity lift system allows the designer to experience play with lighting like never before. The Snooker is available with a module geometric board system or a profile system, both systems offering dynamic flexibility to adjust the location and composition of the spheres. In addition, the 24 finishes, and multi-color rings, the Snooker spheres become both an art installation and lighting solution for your projects.

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    Lighting Trends 2025: Illuminate Your Canadian Home

    Looking for the best lighting trends 2025 in Canada? This year’s innovations bring smart lighting, eco-friendly materials, and layered lighting designs into homes across the country, combining sustainability with personal style. More than just a functional necessity, lighting is now a key element in interior design, setting the mood, highlighting architectural features, and reflecting your personal aesthetic. This year, trends show a shift towards sustainable materials, smart technology integration, and personalized lighting experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of natural textures or the sleek lines of modern fixtures, there’s a lighting trend to suit every taste. Let’s explore the exciting world of lighting trends 2025 and discover how you can transform your Canadian home with the perfect lighting scheme.

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    Artcraft Lighting: Modern Canadian Lighting for Every Space

    Artcraft Lighting is owned and operated in Canada and has been a trusted name in North American homes for over 70 years. In 1955, Albert Cohen and Samuel Bernstein started the company with very simple principles centred on pride and integrity. Their vision was to design residential lighting that combines quality, elegance and functionality for every space. That commitment continues today with ceiling light fixtures and collections that bring modern elegance to homes across Canada. The Artcraft story is built on integrity, pride and business honesty. What began as a small family business grew into a well-respected lighting company in North America. From the start, the brand has focused on craftsmanship, creative design and attention to detail. These values shape every fixture, ensuring homeowners can enjoy elegance and quality lighting that is made to last.

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    Lighting for Wellbeing: How Light Affects the Body, Mood & Space

    At LightForm, they believe lighting is a fundamental contributor to human health and wellbeing. It doesn’t just shape the spaces people live and work in, it influences how they feel, focus, and function. As lighting professionals with access to a wide array of decorative and architectural lighting brands, LightForm sees firsthand how thoughtful lighting transforms environments and elevates the lives lived within them. From homes to workplaces to hospitals, lighting impacts everything from mood and productivity to sleep quality and metabolic health. As science and design increasingly intersect, the role of light in wellness is no longer speculative, it’s measurable.

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    Spotlights vs. Floodlights: Lighting & Application Explained

    Lighting selection is never as simple as choosing bright or cheap ones. Among the most commonly used outdoor and task lighting options are spotlights and floodlights. Choosing the wrong type can leave you with either a blinding glare or a dim disappointment. Spotlight is known for its precise focus, while floodlight stands out for its wide coverage. However, they are often confused by enterprises when making purchases. This article will explore and provide a complete guide about spotlights vs floodlights to help you understand the differences between them, which can significantly impact your business’s operations, energy consumption, and even security posture.

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    Beyond Illumination: Why Canadian Architects Now Design with Shadow

    Canadian architecture is entering a new era where lighting is no longer defined by brightness alone. For decades, buildings were designed to eliminate shadows, replacing contrast with even illumination. That era is over. Today, architects are intentionally embracing shadow, designing spaces that feel more human, expressive, and immersive. This movement often referred to as beyond illumination lighting is shaping projects across offices, cultural venues, and urban developments in Canada. Shadows have shifted from being an unwanted byproduct of light to an essential architectural language. A well-placed shadow can soften a wall, dramatize a structure, or guide a visitor’s movement through space. In workplaces, shadows create subtle zoning, supporting focus and collaboration without physical barriers. In galleries and public spaces, they heighten drama, drawing people deeper into the experience. By using shadow deliberately, Canadian architects are no longer designing only for visibility. They are designing for atmosphere, memory, and identity qualities that resonate far beyond the walls of a building.

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    Leviton Launches ShieldCare Technology for Behavioral Health Lighting

    Leviton, through its Certolux lighting brand, announced the launch of ShieldCare, a patented, ligature-resistant inset door frame for lighting fixtures engineered for the specific needs of behavioral health environments. ShieldCare technology offers exceptional serviceability by allowing room-side access without disturbing sealant to reduce maintenance labor, downtime and long-term operational costs. ShieldCare technology includes a one-piece, precision die-formed and welded sloping doorframe that seals tightly to the housing, eliminating typical ligature points found in inset-door luminaires. This design helps to drastically reduce the risk of self-harm for patients and addresses the complex safety requirements of behavioral health facilities.

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    Cooper Lighting Solutions Recognized for 15th Year in IES Progress Report – Showcasing 6 Lighting Innovations for 2025

    Cooper Lighting Solutions has once again been recognized in the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Progress Report for the 15th time in 17 years. This year’s achievement celebrates six innovative products—each one advancing efficiency, adaptability, and design in ways that deliver tangible benefits for lighting professionals and the communities they serve. “Being recognized in the IES Progress Report is always an honor, and having six products selected this year is a true testament to our team’s unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Eric Jerger, VP/GM at Cooper Lighting Solutions. “These innovations go beyond incremental improvements — they solve meaningful challenges for our customers, from maximizing energy efficiency and streamlining installation to enhancing sustainability, improving connected control, and delivering superior lighting performance and design.”

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    Bollards+: Innovative & Versatile Solutions for Every Outdoor Space

    At Zaneen, they understand that outdoor lighting should do more than simply illuminate – it should inspire, guide, and enhance. Their bollard+ collection offers a thoughtfully curated range of lighting solutions that balance functionality and design across a wide spectrum of exterior spaces. Whether you’re illuminating a serene garden path or defining the edges of a corporate walkway, their bollards provide the ideal combination of safety, style, and performance. From minimalist forms to bold architectural statements, these fixtures are suited to a variety of design styles and environments, including hospitality, corporate, public, and residential settings.

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    JDRF Autonomy Lighting Suite Has Been Recognized in the IES 2025 Progress Report

    JDRF is proud to share that the JDRF Autonomy Lighting Suite has been recognized in the IES 2025 Progress Report. The Autonomy Suite represents a major breakthrough in luminaire-level lighting control (LLLC) technology. It’s the first—and only—LLLC on the market today that uses AI to self-commission a system entirely without human involvement. The Autonomy Sensor eliminates the traditional trade-off between upfront cost and long-term savings. With autonomous commissioning, organizations can achieve meaningful energy reductions, cut carbon emissions, and maintain a sustainable total cost of ownership—all at a price comparable to the lowest-cost code-compliant alternative. By removing both technical and financial barriers, the Autonomy Sensor makes advanced lighting control effortless, affordable, and accessible for every project—not just spec grade applications.