MacAdamEllipse
A region on the CIE chart where all colors are indistinguishable to human vision. Some regions are referred to as multiple "step" MacAdam Ellipses. These regions contain colors, which can be distinguished by a given amount to the human eye. A two-stepMacAdam Ellipse contains colors that are only slightly different to human vision, a three step more so, etc. |
Motion Sensor
A device that senses motion, can be used to control power to a light source |
MR LAMP
Multi-facet reflector lamp, of which the most popular is the MR16. |
MSCP (Mean Spherical Candle Power)
unit of measure that represents the average output of a light source measured in all directions. |
Nanometer (nm)
Unit of measurement equivalent to about 1 billionth of a meter. The wavelength of visible light ranges from 400 to 700 nanometers |
NEC National Electrical Code
Sets standards for wiring and electrical devices. The NEC requirements are widely followed by local jurisdictions. |
Network
A system of dimming controls that are wired and programmed to respond together, usually to link controls in several rooms. |
Optics
The science that deals with the properties of light; specifically dealing with the way light changes directions when it is either refracted and dispersed by a lens or reflected from a mirror |
PAR Lamp (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector)
A standard in directional, screw type lamps; the number following PAR indicates eighths of an inch in diameter |
Phosphor
A chemical compound designed to absorb light and convert it into other wavelength(s); used in white LEDs to convert the single emitted wavelength into a broader spectrum |
Photo Cell
Light-sensitive device used to control the output of a fixture based upon ambient lighting conditions. |
Photometry
The measurement of quantities associated with light; useful in selecting or comparing lighting products |
Pixel
Term used in video applications to denote one-color controllable element in an image |
Power Supply
A power supply is an enclosed component that supplies and regulates power to an electrical device. It receives power from an electrical source and regulates the output voltage and current |
PWM (Pulse width modulation)
A method of dimming control achieved by varying the duty cycle of the power supply |
Radiant Flux
Total radiant energy per unit time, unadjusted for eye sensitivity; standard unit for radiant flux is a watt (W) |
Reflector
An optical device used to control the directionality of a light source |
Resolution
The number of pixels contained in a display, expressed in terms of the number of pixels on the horizontal axis and the number on the vertical axis; the sharpness of the image on a display depends on the display’s resolution and size |
Retrofit
Upgrading a fixture, room or building by installing new lighting fixtures, parts or equipment. |