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Frequently Asked Lighting Questions

Union is here to answer all your questions regarding lighting fixtures, bulbs, and so much more! Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If your question is still not answered, please email us at serviceweb@unionltg.com.

Are all your fixtures certified?

All of our fixtures are either cUL, CSA or ETL approved (Safety certification from Canada and/or the United States. 

What if I need extra chain or rods to extend the height of my fixture?

In order to meet your height requirements, we can specially order extra chain or rod for most fixtures. To find out if it's possible and the additional cost, please feel free to contact us. 

Will the marble match if I order multiple identical products?  

No two pieces of marble are the same, that is the beauty of the natural stone! It is important to keep this in mind if you are ordering more than 1 wall sconce, table lamp, table, etc., that they will not be 100% the same color/veining.  

Can I hang a wall sconce in any direction?

Most wall sconces can be hung up or down, and the light needed and the desired light effect in a space determines if a wall sconce is up or down. Sconces should be facing up when you’d like to achieve more of a diffused, ambient light, but still brightens up the entire room. Sconces that are facing downwards create a stronger, more directional light. This is usually ideal for bathrooms and bedside sconces. 

Can I hang my wall sconce as a flush mount, and vice versa?

For most wall sconces and flush mounts, the answer is yes! We do, however, recommend reaching out to our design team before placing your order just to confirm! 

What type of light bulb is better, LED or Incandescent/Halogen? 

In our professional opinion, LED is the way to go! These bulbs generate almost no heat, and require much less energy to create the same amount of brightness as incandescent and halogen bulbs, and last much longer. 

Can an LED bulb be used in any fixture?

You can use an LED bulb in any existing fixture provided the socket is the same size and type. 

What type of light bulb should I use for a shaded fixture/lamp?

We strongly recommend using a frosted LED light bulb for any shaded fixtures/lamps. This will prevent the light bulb from burning the shade as LED light bulbs do not give off much heat.

What is the difference between a single pole and three pole dimmers?

Single pole dimmers are typically used in home lighting circuits to control one or more lights or fixtures from a single location, such as the entrance to a room. One or more lights or fixtures can be controlled by three pole dimmers from multiple locations, such as the top and bottom of a flight of stairs.

Does Wattage matter?

The answer is no! When it comes to how much brightness you get from a light bulb, wattage does not matter. Most people used to think that the brightness of an incandescent/halogen bulb was measured in watts because the amount of energy it consumed was directly related to the amount of brightness it created. 

Wattage is simply how much energy a bulb uses over time. Brightness isn't measured in watts; it's measured in lumens. So, nowadays, if you are looking for a bulb or fixture with a lot of light, you will need to focus on the lumens output.

Is my light fixture dimmable?

Almost all fixtures can be dimmable. You will just need to choose the correct dimmer depending on what kind of bulb you will use (halogen, incandescent, or LED), or if it is LED integrated. 

What are the different color temperatures (Kelvins)?

2,700K: Warm and Cozy | Ideal for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms  

3,000K: Welcoming and Relaxing | Ideal for bathrooms, entryways, outdoor  

3,500K, 4,000K, 5,000K: Vibrant and Crisp | Ideal for commercial/industrial spaces, garages, basements, workshops 

What are the different bases and shapes of a light bulb? 

Types of Bulb Shapes: 

  • A (Standard): Most used bulbs when it comes to household lighting (A-19, A-21). These bulbs can be used in almost any fixture.  
  • C (Conical): Cone-shaped bulbs, often used in chandeliers due to their candle-light appearance.  
  • G (Globe): Round, full bulbs which come in numerous different sizing depending on the size of the fixture.  
  • T (Tube): Tubular-shaped bulbs that range hugely in size. These bulbs are often used in pendants, wall sconces, chandeliers, and picture lighting.  

Keep in mind the type of base your light fixture requires. The following are the three most frequent screw bases:  

  • Standard/Medium Base: E26  
  • Candelabra Base: E12 
  • European Bulb Base: E14 

Do you provide repair and refresh services for lighting fixtures?

Yes, we offer repair and refresh services for lighting fixtures. If you have lighting fixtures that need repairs or could use a refresh, feel free to email us at serviceweb@unionltg.com for more details and assistance.