Home :: Flush Fittings

The tips and pitfalls listed below and for each category of fitting are not an  exhaustive list and it is worth thinking through your lighting requirements and how you use your rooms before deciding on a particular style of fitting.

1. Ensure you know how much depth you have available for the ceiling fitting and, if there is insufficient, try to think of alternative types of light fittings that will enhance your room.

2. These fittings are very useful in almost all types of rooms from, bedrooms and bathrooms to sittings rooms with low ceilings, utility rooms and under mezzanine galleries.  Some are designed as part of a range of fittings that include both low and high ceiling styles.

3. Enclosed fittings, such as traditional flush fittings with glass shades secured to a ceiling gallery, are very prone to a build up of heat within the light.  This often shortens the life of the filament lamps and of the lamp-holder.  It is worth trying to use low energy lamps in your flush fitting, if possible.   These give off very little heat.  If the fitting has significant gaps around the glass or between glass and gallery, air can circulate preventing the build up of heat.

4. Fittings in bathrooms are now regulated by Zones and the IP rating.  For example, directly over showers or baths, the Zone 1 fittings must have a minimum IP44 rating.  The IP rating describes the degree of protection from ingress of dust, liquids etc.  Ensure you choose fittings with the correct Zone or IP rating.

5. In bathrooms, most electricians will not install open fittings, such as spotlights with bare lamps/bulbs whatever the Zone or IP rating.  There are risks associated with water being splashed onto hot naked lamps/bulbs.