T-Lamp
Tubular Lamp; may be incandescent, halogen or fluorescent.
Task Lighting
Lighting directed to a specific area or surface that provides illumination for visual tasks, such as reading, sewing or cooking. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, portable lighting or pendant lamps. Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and should be bright enough to prevent eyestrain.
Three-Way Dimmer
Dimmer that works with a three-way switch for control from two locations; turns on/off and dims at the dimmer, but only turns on/off at the switch.
Three-Way Lamp
Incandescent lamp with two filaments that provides three levels of light when sequentially switched.
Three-Way Switch
Operates a fixture from two locations. Also called a three-pole switch. Also called a “three-pole switch” because it is connected to three wires; “hot” in, “switched” out and a “traveller” to the other three-way switch.
Tiffany Lighting
Based on original designs by American Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany lighting relies on cut stained glass and ornately detailed bases, often in bronze. Tiffany was heavily influenced by Japanese art forms in which nature was front and centre.
Tilt
The upward inclination of a light source from a level horizontal position.
Timer
Device that turns lights on and off at pre-programmed times.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is clear glass with a pigment or colour added. This produces colour throughout the piece, which will not chip or peel. Also clear or opal glass with a thin film of coloured glass or plastic coating.
Toggle
Lever used for control as in the common toggle switch or toggle dimmer.
Torchiere
Indirect floor lamp that sends all, or most, of its light upward.
Track Connector
Part that joins sections of electrified track.
Track Lighting
Any lighting system that utilizes individual lamps or lamp housing which operate
off a track or strip mounted to the wall or ceiling. Track lighting can provide general, task or accent lighting all at once in a very flexible system. You can move, swivel, rotate and aim the individual fixtures in any direction along the track, giving you the flexibility to change your lighting scheme as the need arises. You can also hang chandelier and pendant lighting fixtures from some types of track.
Transformer
A device used to raise (step up) or lower (step down) the electric voltage. For example, many halogen ceiling fixtures require a transformer, most commonly hidden in the wall during installation, to function properly. Step down transformers reduce household voltage (120 volts) to low voltage used in accent and landscape lighting. Larger transformers reduce high voltage used for efficient power distribution to safe and flexible household voltage. Input voltage is on the primary tap; output voltage on the secondary tap.
Trim
Sometimes the edge or visible part of a recessed downlight; as in “white trim”. Sometimes the finishing section of the recessed fixture; as in “housing and trim.”
Troffer
Recessed fluorescent fixture for use in a suspended ceiling; derived from the words “trough” and “coffer.”
Tungsten-Halogen Lamp
A gas filled tungsten incandescent lamp containing a certain amount of halogens that intensifies the light source. More commonly referred to as “Halogen” lighting.
