Light fittings are pretty much standardised these days. Since 1998, all new-build houses have had to be constructed with earthed lighting circuits. And the same applies to any homes that have been rewired in the last 25 years. So, most lights produced today are designed to work with earthed circuitry.
But what if you live in an older property? What if your wiring is 30 or 40 years old? Or older still? Well, that’s where double insulated lights come in.
Everything You Need to Know About Double Insulated Lighting
What are double insulated lights?
As the name suggests, double insulated lights contain two layers of insulation. This is built into the body of the lights to help isolate the live parts. So, when used on unearthed lighting circuits, the lights help to provide their own electric shock protection. It’s not quite the same protection provided by an earthed lighting system. But it is the safest alternative.
Where can you use double insulated lights?
There are double insulated lights available for every room in the home.
The kitchen
Industrial chic and steampunk are still hugely popular styles for the contemporary kitchen. And with lights like the Josefine collection, you combine that industrial aesthetic with a sense of the organic, which is deeply pleasing to the eye. But you still need something little more practical for your work areas, which is where the Lotus ceiling spotlight might come in.
The bathroom
Wall lights can look wonderful in a bathroom. And with designs like the Camden stainless steel louvered wall lights, it doesn’t matter if your wiring is older than you are. Combine with stainless steel downlights and a Saxby strip light above the mirror, and you can make a beautiful, contemporary space to relax and unwind in.
The sitting room
Sitting room lighting can be hard to get right. It needs to be practical and appealing. That’s why a combination of ceiling/pendant lights and wall lights are usually preferred. The Endon Longshore collection provides that cohesive finish, and is very much in keeping with the current trend for natural textures. While the Nordlux Notti range provides a more sculptural alternative. Curvaceous, contemporary, and appealing. And yet double insulated – ideal for use in older properties.
The bedroom
Softer lighting, like the Nordlux Milford, often works well in the bedroom. While for the little ones, the Nordlux Trio plug-in wall light can provide a fun feature to bring the space to life. At the same time as providing a reading light or nightlight, depending on your bulb type and position.
The porch or patio
If you are looking for wired outdoor lighting for a property with unearthed lighting circuitry there are a number of options available. From the purely practical, like the Saxby PIR security detector. To the entirely ornate, like the Endon Bayswater. And everything in between.
Double insulated lighting is an essential and sensible precaution for any older building. But it doesn’t mean that it has to look ‘sensible’ too. With a wealth of designs available – from the ultra-modern to the classically inspired – there are double insulated lights to help you create the aesthetic you want for your home.
Check out the full collection of double insulated lights available from First Choice Lighting.
