Interior Lighting for Designers

ment coil or lamp phosphors. Although this
slight diffusion of the reflector surface yields
a reflector of greater luminance than a spec-
ular one, the semi-specular reflector still
appears to be of low brightness when viewed
in the ceiling plane.
Specular and semi-specular aluminum
reflectors should be treated like fine glass-
ware. Dirt, fingerprints, and scratches spoil
the appearance and diminish the perfor-
mance of reflectors. It is advisable to handle
reflectors carefully during construction; once

installed they may be cleaned with a soft

cloth and glass cleaner or removed and

cleaned in a dishwasher or industrial wash-

ing machine.

Rectilinear fluorescent downlights

Fluorescent downlights are based on the

same principles as the incandescent down-

light. They typically use either rapid-start T8,

T12, or long compact fluorescent sources.

Common sizes for rapid-start fluores-

cent downlights, also called “troffers,” are 1

INTERIOR LIGHTING FOR DESIGNERS

Figure 12.16Parabolic, open-reflector downlight with flush-flange reflector.