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 us