Crimp or knot in wire or cord that prevents splices from pulling apart.

Sustainable design aims to satisfy the needs of this generation while preserving the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs to the same degree- essentially by minimizing the impact on the natural environment. With respect to lighting, sustainable design emphasizes the use of daylight, energy-efficient electric lighting, lighting controls, and avoiding elimination of light pollution. The use of recycled and non-toxic materials is also important.

Chain draped across the ceiling. A swagged pendant does not hang directly below its canopy.

Wiring that connects the switch or dimmer output to the fixture or load being controlled.

Part of a transformer or a ballast that connects to the input or output wires. Low voltage transformers may have multiple taps on a switch, so they can provide several secondary voltages or handle several wattages at the same voltage. Landscape transformers often have high and low taps. HID ballasts usually provide multiple primary taps so one ballast can serve in a variety of conditions. See Transformer.

Localized light for specific visual activities.

A device that shuts off when fixture overheats or is improperly buried in thermal insulation. Some thermal protectors react only to the actual temperature; some react to both temperature level and heat gain. Recessed incandescent fixtures and fluorescent ballasts must be thermally protected.

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.

Incandescent lamp with two filaments that provides three levels of light when sequentially switched.

Operates a fixture from two locations. Also called a three-pole switch because it is connected to three wires: “hot” in, “switched” out, and a “traveler” to the other three-way switch.