Q&A
Q: Are your lights Compatible with dimming systems
A: Many of our lights are dimmable , and we can definitely provide a dimming solution if you need one. Please check with us about compatibility with your specific dimming controller.
Q: What type of light colour should i choose for different areas?
A: The best light colour depends on the room’s function and the atmosphere you want to create. Here are some common recommendations:
Outdoor Areas: We recommend warm white ( approx 3000K) for a coazy and welcoming ambiance. which is the standard for most outdoor lighting .
Bathrooms: Cool white (4000K - 6000K) is often preffered. It’s clear, bright light is excellent for tasks like reading or applying makeup.
Q: Why is it easy to choose the wrong light colur?
A: A Terms like “cool white” or Daylight can be confusing because their meaning isn’t standardized worldwide. For example “cool white” in Singapore typically 4000k, but it could mean over 6500k in another country. To get the exact colour you want, always refer to the colour temperature in Kelvin (K) or check with us for advise
Q: I’m not sure what i need how do i choose the right lights?
A: We’re here to help ! The best starting point is to think about the effect or mood you want to create. For a functional workspace like an office, we’d suggest lights with a wide beam angle
(like panel lights or T8 tubes) for even illumination. Just tell us your space and your goals , and we will recommend the perfect lighting solution for you.
Q: What types of lighting is best for a retail store?
A: The ideal lighting depends on the type of store and the atmosphere you want to create. For example, while crisp white light is best for reading , while some book store use cool white 4000k for a cozy relaxing enviroment and not too dim, Every retail space has unique needs so please feel free to talk to us. for a tailored lighting solution.
Q: What lighting do you recommend for a boutique or jewelry store?
A: For boutiques and jewelry stores, we highly recommend using spotlights or track lights with a narrow beam angle. This focused lighting creates dramatics highlights, draw attention to specific products, and makes materials like gemstones and fabrics sparkle. There are various options available, each with its own advantages, so please contact us for more details.
Q: I’m not sure what i need, how do i choose the right lights?
A: We’re here to help! The best starting point is to think about the effect or mood you want to create. For a functional workspace like an office , we’d suggest lights with an wide beam angle (like panel lights or T8 tubes) for even illumination. Just tell us about your space and your goals, and we’ll recomend the perfect lighting solution for you.
Q: How do i know if a light will be bright enough for my rooms? (wattage vs lumens)
A: For a comfortable home enviroment, we aim for a brightness level of around 250-300 lux. For an office setting, 400 lux is more suitable. when choosing a light , focus on lumen efficiency ( Lumen per watt), which tells you how efficiently the light produces brightness. We recommend products with at least 85lm/w , Be cautious of lights that promise extremely high lumens at a very low wattage, as poor quality components can shorten lifespan. For expert advise on balance brightness and quality, feel free to chat with us.
Q: i want to Purchase lights for use in another country. what should i take note of?
A: Please be aware that singapore electrical standard is 230V , 50Hz. Countries like the USA , Japan , Canada , and mexico use a different standard (typically 110v-220V , 60Hz). our lights existing stock is 220v-240v please highlight to us if you need 110V lighting
Q: Can i use these lights in my bathroom or on an outdoor balcony?
A: For any area exposed to moisture, it is essential to use a light with the correct IP rating .
Bathrooms: While normal water vapour may not immediate damage, we recommend using lights with an IP44 rating for splash protection and long term durability.
Outdoor Balconies: If the light is exposed to rain, it must be rated IP65 or higher to be waterproof and safe. using an outdoor light outdoors is a safety hazard. we can certainly help if you need recommendations for the right outdoor lighting.
Q: How is it that the lifespan and brightness efficiency of lights bought from the same seller differ when used in two different locations?
A: The performance of LED lights can be affected by the operating environment, particularly temperature. For commercial applications, such as installations at Changi Airport which required 24 hours non stop lighting usage where lights run continuously for long periods, we typically adjust the voltage to be about 10% lower. This is especially effective in well-ventilated areas. If the lights are in a less-ventilated space, we recommend a lower voltage setting, as power supplies can often be adjusted. We carry several brands with this capability, so please contact us if you are facing this issue.
For retail use, we always advise clients to lower the voltage. This is because heat buildup can cause the voltage to increase, which in turn boosts brightness. However, a higher operating temperature also accelerates the natural light deterioration of LED components. By slightly lowering the voltage, you can maintain a more stable brightness and extend the lifespan of the lights.
As the authorized distributor for ESENCO in Singapore, we also offer a series of smart drivers with an adjustable wattage panel. Our drivers are compatible with all sizes of lights. Please contact us or visit our driver section for more information.
Q: I see many waterproof grades, like IP65, IP66, and IP67. What is the general use for each?
A: The IP (Ingress Protection) rating for lighting is similar to "water-resistant" and "waterproof" for watches.
IP65: This rating is suitable for locations with frequent splashing, such as an uncovered porch or a bathroom. However, it is not designed for continuous submersion.
IP66: This is meant for areas with more continuous or powerful water exposure, like a high-pressure hose-down in an industrial setting.
IP67: This rating is for temporary submersible use. Fixtures with an IP67 rating are suitable for applications like swimming pool lights that require temporary submersion. For our underwater lights, we add an additional inner gasket and a water sealant for enhanced protection.
Q: How do I replace the lights without removing the swimming pool water?
A: It is generally possible to replace swimming pool lights without draining the water. We advise our clients to have their contractor drill a slightly larger inner hole. This allows for more wire to be pulled out, so when it is time to replace the light, you can easily pull the fixture out of the side of the pool and complete the replacement.
Q: Why do professional art galleries and museums still use visible track lights instead of modern, recessed downlight?
A: A: This is a fantastic question that gets to the core of professional lighting design. While recessed downlights create a clean, minimalist aesthetic, their "V-shape" light throw is often a gentle, diffuse effect. This is perfect for general ambiance in a home or retail space, as shown in the image you provided.
However, for a museum or art gallery, the goal is to create a perfect, dramatic "V-shape" of light with razor-sharp precision. This effect is achieved when the light source is a dedicated, focused fixture with a very narrow beam angle, like a high-quality track light. These lights are designed to be intentionally aimed directly at an object, ensuring a perfect, shadow-free throw that highlights the item with unparalleled clarity. It is the ability to precisely control this light beam, not the fixture's aesthetic, that makes track lighting the professional's choice for accenting art and displays
Q: I see some people use a U-channel holder for LED strips, and some don't. Should I buy one?
A: That's an insightful observation. From a technical and performance standpoint, we always strongly recommend using an aluminum U-channel for LED strip installations. While it might seem like a simple accessory, it serves several critical functions.
The U-channel, or profile as it's also known, provides robust physical support for the LED strip. Many standard strips come with a low-profile adhesive backing, which is generally not a permanent solution, especially in certain environments. Over time, factors like temperature changes, dust, and moisture can compromise the adhesive's bond, leading to the strip peeling off. The aluminum channel ensures the strip remains securely in place.
Furthermore, the aluminum U-channel is crucial for heat dissipation. LED strips generate heat, and while it might not feel hot to the touch, this heat, if not properly managed, can significantly shorten the lifespan of the LED chips and degrade the light output over time. The aluminum acts as a heat sink, drawing heat away from the LEDs and allowing them to operate at a cooler, more stable temperature. This is key to ensuring the longevity and consistent performance of your lighting.
Regarding the acrylic cover: some U-channels come with a removable acrylic diffuser. This cover is primarily designed to protect the LED strip from dust and moisture, making it ideal for spaces like kitchens. It also helps to create a more diffused, even light output, reducing the appearance of individual LED dots—a key benefit for achieving a clean, professional aesthetic.
However, a glossy or highly reflective surface below the light strip can cause a mirrored effect on the diffuser, which is why we sometimes advise clients to remove the cover in such applications, especially on non-glossy, matte, or painted surfaces.
In short, while an aluminum U-channel might look like a simple holder, it's an essential component for ensuring the long-term performance, reliability, and professional finish of your LED strip lighting project. It's an investment in the longevity and quality of your lighting solution.
Q: I own a jewellery shop. Other people's shops look great, but mine looks so plain. What should I do?
A: If you own a jewellery shop, especially one that sells gold and diamonds, you have to be very mindful of your lighting. For diamonds, the non-negotiable color is pure white. You should never use a warm white light to illuminate diamonds. A diamond's natural body is transparent with a slight bluish tint.
While using white light is a step in the right direction, the correct way to make diamonds truly sparkle is to use an LED diode with a color temperature of 9000K to 10000K. You should not exceed 12000K, as this can make the diamonds appear too blue. If you can't find a light in the 9000K to 10000K range, a 6500K light would be a better choice than anything over 12000K. For the best results, it's always a good idea to consult
UnderStanding the use of Battery Pack and Motion Sensor
In the context of condominium installations, battery packs typically serve two primary functions:
Motion sensor functionality only.
Motion sensor integrated with a battery pack.
Standard emergency lighting requirements dictate that during a power outage, the system must maintain at least 30% brightness for a minimum of one hour. If 30% brightness can be achieved during a power failure, an effective strategy involves implementing an alternating layout. This configuration utilizes an interval of standard battery pack lights interspersed with battery packs equipped with motion sensors.
Motion-sensor-equipped battery pack lights generally come in two physical formats: These units are available either as tubes or downlights. Downlights are further categorized into surface-mounted and recessed (non-surface mount) types. Furthermore, there is a specific model prevalent in the local market commonly referred to as the "UFO" light.
Named for its resemblance to a disc-shaped unidentified flying object, this unit features a distinctive central protrusion.
UFO lights are frequently installed as primary lighting in pathways or near downlights. Local authorities, such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), conduct inspections to ensure these emergency lights are functional. This testing is typically performed by pressing a designated red test button on the unit.
Determining the appropriate estate planning strategy involves deciding between tube lighting and downlights based on specific requirements.
Tube-style sensors are often preferred for older estates where management wishes to retain existing batten fixtures. This option is approximately 25% to 30% more cost-effective than other alternatives, making it the preferred choice for budget-conscious projects.
While the tubes themselves are not inherently weatherproof, they can be housed in outdoor-rated batten casings, making them suitable for external use. Conversely, adapting downlights for outdoor environments presents more significant challenges.
Although some manufacturers claim their surface-mounted downlights are suitable for outdoor installation, we generally advise against this practice.
The internal components of these downlights—such as the battery pack, driver, and soldering points—are often exposed. While they may be shielded from direct rainfall, they remain vulnerable to humidity and water vapor, which can compromise the electronics.
In contrast, outdoor-rated tube fittings are specifically engineered by manufacturers for external conditions. When a casing is designated for outdoor use, it offers a level of protection that is significantly superior to standard downlight structures.
Whereas for the tube type of outdoor fitting, even though it looks the same, from the manufacturing side the casing is actually designed for outdoor use. So when we see that it can be used for outdoor, we really use it for outdoor. It's a totally big difference
Downlights and surface-mount units offer distinct advantages, particularly in terms of sequence customization. For estates requiring a longer response time during emergencies, these units allow for more flexible operational sequences.
Our standard proposal follows a guideline where lighting is reduced to 50% during an emergency, maintaining illumination for a duration of two hours.
In Singapore, a one-hour emergency cut-off is generally acceptable to most clients. This is due to the SCDF's efficient emergency response protocols, with arrival times typically averaging eight minutes.
However, equipping every light with a battery pack can be prohibitively expensive and labor-intensive. The cost is significantly higher than installing units that only feature motion sensors.
Consequently, we recommend an alternating arrangement for walkways and staircases. This involves placing a motion-sensor-only light followed by a unit equipped with a battery pack.
Downlight and surface-mount fixtures are particularly well-suited for this type of emergency lighting design.
These fixtures utilize acrylic covers that act as highly effective diffusers. This allows for a wider beam angle and greater light throw, ensuring better coverage over large areas.
As every lighting solution involves certain trade-offs, we recommend providing us with your floor plans and drawings. This enables our team to advise you on the most appropriate proposal for your emergency lighting strategy.
While tube lights have a more limited light throw, they excel in narrow-angle applications. Therefore, they are best utilized in high-activity areas, such as in front of doorways, during emergency situations.
We have successfully implemented integrated designs using both tube and downlight fixtures within a single estate. Such results are achievable through meticulous planning and expert advice.
Condo / Estate Signages Lighting Colour
White , 6500K-9000K
White is the standard color for front-facing signage due to its high visibility. This choice facilitates easy identification for individuals who may be unfamiliar with the area, such as taxi drivers. Consequently, white is the predominant color utilized for external signage.
Cool White , 4000K-5000K
Cool white illumination is rarely utilized in condominium signage for the following reasons:
Visibility: While it provides sufficient brightness for signage to remain visible, other alternatives are often preferred.
Resident Comfort: Implementing 4000K lighting in outdoor areas—such as gardens, directories, and residential blocks—can negatively impact residents. Although acceptable for those on higher floors, individuals residing on the first floor may find this color temperature uncomfortable. Consequently, it is seldom incorporated into condominium signage.
Recommendations for 4000K Usage: The use of 4000K cool white is typically only advised when a condominium environment requires maximum brightness to compensate for dimness in internal areas like gardens or parking facilities. While corporate parking structures frequently use white light, residential condominiums aim for a more domestic atmosphere, where white light is definitely avoided In outdoor area. scenarios where existing lighting is insufficient, 4000K may be deployed to enhance visibility.
Warm White , 2300K - 3500K
Warm white, typically specified at 3000K, is the most prevalent color selection for residential environments, encompassing both interior and exterior applications. Its popularity stems from the cozy, inviting atmosphere it fosters. Consequently, warm white is frequently implemented in walkways and various communal spaces. High-end condominium developments almost exclusively utilize 3000K warm white to maintain this domestic aesthetic.
Despite the general preference for 3000K in outdoor areas, alternative color temperatures—such as white or cool white—may be deployed for specific functional requirements. This is particularly common at entry points, where enhanced brightness is prioritized to facilitate security operations and improve camera visibility. In scenarios where a project necessitates a brighter setting for arrivals, signage and ambient lighting may be tuned to these higher color temperatures to ensure optimal clarity.