Installation Advice
INSTALLATION AND TECHNICAL NOTES
INSTALLATION RESPONSIBILITY
With many new and innovative lighting fittings available today it is essential your electrician follows the manufacturers installation instructions. We cannot be held responsible for any faults caused by the negligence of the builder or electrical contractor. Where appropriate we can liase with your electrician should there be any technical queries.
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
All our lighting design recommendations are based on information we are provided at the time of our meeting(s). We will always try to accommodate your wishes should you change your mind, however please be aware there could be cost implications if an order needs to be cancelled or changed. We will advise you of this at the time. In addition, should any element of the building or interior design change which will affect the lighting, it is important we are informed at the earliest stage so that any alterations can be made. We cannot be held responsible for unforseen changes outside our control.
DELIVERY
We will always try to meet your delivery expectations and can advise you of the expected lead time prior to an order being placed. As we source all our fittings directly from manufacturers, there are occasionally unforseen delays due to production difficulties. If we are aware of delay in manufacture we will keep you informed should this be necessary. We always recommend you allow a reasonable timescale for us to order your fittings, especially if you have arranged an electrician to install fittings on a particular date. Should you need an express delivery we can arrange this. In most instances we are also able to arrange delivery to your home or place of work. There would normallly be an additional charge for this service which can be agreed in advance.
RETURNS
Please note that if lighting fittings have been specially ordered for you it is not normally possible to return them for a refund or credit once we have taken delivery. It is your responsibility to check our quotation meets with your requirements.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All halogen light fittings become hot to the touch in operation. Consideration must be given to a child when installing fittings used at low levels,eg step lights, spotlights and in-ground uplighters.
LOCATION OF PICTURES AND FURNITURE
Where the location of a light fitting is specified relevant to the position of a piece of furniture or picture, the client must confirm these positions on site with the electrician to allow accurate placement of fittings.
DIMMING
Low voltage downlights can be dimmed, however, great care should be taken when selecting the dimmer switch. All our electronic low- voltage transformers can be dimmed using a standard resistive dimmer. All dimmers will produce some noise at either the dimmer or the fitting. Excessive noise or pulsations indicate the incorrect dimmer choice or interference within the ceiling void. Amos Lighting accepts no responsibility for the compatibility of transformers and dimmers other than as specified. Mains voltage downlights can be dimmed using a standard resistive dimmer. Your electrician should check the total wattage to avoid overloading the dimmer switch. Fluorescent and cold cathode lighting normally require a 1-10 volt dimming signal.
RECESSED DOWNLIGHTS
Halogen downlights should be fitted into a ceiling with a minimum depth of 150mm. All insulating material surrounding the fitting and transformer should be cleared to a diameter of at least 300mm. The fitting and transformer could fail if there is excess heat build up within the ceiling void. The construction, quality and thickness of your ceiling or wall must be checked prior to selecting any type of built in or recessed light fitting. It is your responsibility to advise us of any construction limitations which might limit our design.
LOW-VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS
All our individual transformers will fit through the cut-out of a fitting and should be placed in the ceiling space 300mm from the fitting. Where remote transformers are to be used, the electrician should find a discreet accessible location calculating cable lengths and diameter to avoid a voltage drop. This should be confirmed on site once low-voltage lighting has been selected for your project. Problems are likely to occur if the incorrect cable is used. Traditional wire wound 'heavy' transformers might require a higher rated circuit breaker as the initial starting load can cause the lighting circuit to 'trip' out. It is your electrician's responsibility to make adequate provision for this.
BURIED EXTERNAL FITTINGS
Buried external fittings and transformers require drain away material such as gravel to be placed below and around the fitting. Failure to allow for this situation means that the fitting/transformer could become totally submersed in water and its IP rating does not allow for this. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines as poor connections are likely to lead to water entering the fitting. Prior to selecting recessed outdoor lights, you should first check with your builder it is possible to locate them within the masonry or stonework. We are unable to give advise on the specific construction of stone or block walls.
FIRE RATING AND ACOUSTIC PROTECTION
New regulations state that in certain instances, fire boxing or fire hoods should be installed if the integrity of the ceiling is broken. Please check this at the earliest opportunity with your electrician or builder as compliance is entirely his responsibility. We can provide fire and acoustic rated fittings or fire hoods should they be necessary.
