Facet
Side of a prism, seen most often in crystal glass chandeliers and other wall fixtures.
Fan Blade Screws
On a ceiling fan, screws that hold the blade irons to the blades.
Faux Stone
Plaster and other material can be moulded and textured or finished to look like real stone. Genuine stone is usually too heavy for the body of a light fixture, but is popular for the bases of portable lamps, where weight is an advantage.
Figure Lamps
A staple of Art Deco design and lighting. From this period most figure lamps portray a female figure, often holding a globe shade. Victorian figure lamps often involve cherubs or young maidens. Animal and Cartoon figures in children’s lighting are more modern examples.
Filament
The tightly coiled tungsten wire of an incandescent lamp; glows to produce light when electricity flows through it.
Fill Gas
In incandescent lamps, usually argon or krypton with trace nitrogen. In fluorescent lamps may be argon. Halogen is used in halogen incandescent lamps.
Finial
Screws in the top of the harp to keep a shade secure on a lamp, and also serves a decorative purpose.
Fitter
Part of a fixture that accepts a glass or plastic globe. The diameter of the fitter determines the size of the neck or opening in the globe.
Fixture Types
Fixtures are described by their mounting and lighting qualities. Types include chandeliers and lanterns, diffusing and shaded pendants, wall-mounted lighting, close-to-ceiling fixtures, outdoor fixtures, portables and ceiling fans.
Flood
The wide distribution of a reflectorized lamp, abbreviated FL. Also a fixture with a widespread light throw.
Floodlights
Floodlights create a widespread distribution of light, perfect for illuminating a wall, sign or large object. A floodlight should be well shielded with an accessory louver or shield to avoid stray light and glare. You can also use
plants to block unwanted light.
Fluorescent Lamps
Lamps which operate by creating an electric arc inside a gas-filled tube. The colour of the light is determined by the type of phosphor coating used in the lamp.
Fluorescent Troffers
Recessed fluorescent fixtures for 2 foot and 4 foot lamps, generally in modular sizes; used commercially.
Flushmount
A type of ceiling fan that mounts directly to a junction box, and do not have a down-rod to maintain maximum clearance from the floor.
Footcandles
Unit of illuminance (light falling on a surface). One lumen falling on one square foot equals one-foot candle. Also, a measurement of the amount of light reaching a subject.
Flame-In Kit
Part of a recessed downlight connected to the electrical circuit and generally installed when the ceiling is open. The electrified mounting form or housing which supports the optical assembly of a recessed fixture. Frame-In Kits are of various types according to the nature of the construction and the lamp.
Framing Projector
Fixture with lens and shutters, creating an adjustable, sharp-edged beam to outline pictures and other objects.
French Country
The French country style relies on the warm tones of the Provencal countryside, golden yellows, pure blues and deep reds. Lamp materials can be in wrought iron or antique finishes and the rooster theme is seen frequently.
