Lighting Installation and Safety Tips

The safe installation of lights might not be at the top of your priority list. But whether you're in charge of a large industrial facility's operations or simply keeping your home well-lit, you need to know a few key points about safety and light fixture installation.

The pros at TCP have tons of experience installing ceiling lights, wall packs, recessed lighting and more. Our 30-plus years of industry expertise have brought us unique insight into saving time, money and worry on lighting projects big and small, from quick-install commercial lighting for contractors to stress-free LED upgrades for homeowners.

We put together this guide to help you stay safe while leveling up the brilliance of your home or business. Read on for our expert tips on electrical safety and light fixture installations that are efficient and well planned.

The Importance of Electrical Safety

Electricity can be dangerous. Whether you're just changing out bulbs or attempting new light fixture installation, staying safe is the most important part of the process. TCP provides safety data sheets for all the bulbs we manufacture to help you handle and store them safely.

Prioritizing safety around electrical systems during the installation of lights helps you:

• Prevent Electrical Shocks - Touching a live wire or incorrectly connecting wires can cause electrical shocks, which can be fatal.
• Reduce Fire Hazards - An overloaded circuit, ungrounded wiring or incorrect bulb type can lead to an electrical fire.
• Protect People and Property - A faulty light fixture or careless wiring job can damage inventory and buildings or hurt the people in those buildings.

Safety Measures Before Installation

Before installing a ceiling light, wall pack or any other light fixture, you need to take some initial safety measures. These three steps can help you and your family or team stay safe:

1. Check State and Local Codes

All 50 states have adopted the minimum standards of the National Electrical Code. But you should contact the building departments in your state and municipality to determine their specific requirements.

2. Switch Off the Power

Turning off the power to the circuit you'll be working on is crucial for safety. Do this by either turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse that controls that circuit. Then use a voltage tester to make sure there's no residual current flowing before you begin work.

3. Use Insulated Tools

Tools designed with non-conductive shafts and handles help prevent electricity from flowing into the body of the person using them - and causing dangerous electrical shock. Verify that your tools are insulated for non-conductivity before using them for the installation of lights.

Additional Tips for Light Fixture Installation

With safety measures in place, you're ready to begin your light fixture installation project. Use these tips from the TCP experts to ensure things go smoothly and efficiently:

Make a Plan

A little bit of planning goes a long way toward ensuring success for any project. Get a head start on a seamless installation with our user-friendly lighting layout tool! From deciding how to install ceiling lights for maximum retail floor coverage to determining the most cost-effective configuration for exterior commercial industrial lighting, this handy tool helps you save time and money with a solid plan.

Read Instructions Carefully

Every light bulb and fixture comes with installation instructions. Even if it's a product you've used before, read through the instructions carefully to make sure all the necessary parts are included and you fully understand how the product works. This is particularly important with commercial industrial lighting fixtures, which often link to digital control systems, like TCP's SmartStuff.

Enlist an Assistant

Most electrical light fixture installation projects require a minimum of two people, especially if you're installing ceiling lights. These fixtures can be heavy and awkward. With one person to hold the fixture steady, the other can focus on making sure the wires are attached correctly and the mounting is solid. Also, take extra care with installation of lights on high ceilings. Use an appropriately sized ladder, place it on a stable surface, and never stand on the highest two rungs.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Each circuit in the electrical panel of a building can handle a specific amount of load. Overloading a circuit causes a fire hazard, so it's important to distribute an extensive light fixture installation across multiple circuits. One of the major benefits of switching to LED lights is that they use far less wattage than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs - which lowers the risk of an overloaded circuit. If you're unsure about circuit loads in your facility, it might be time to seek expert guidance (more on that in a moment).

Dispose of Old Bulbs Properly

Learning how to properly dispose of light bulbs is as important as knowing how to install ceiling lights. Some used light bulbs can go right into your regular trash - namely, incandescent and halogen bulbs. Others, like CFLs and fluorescent tubes, contain hazardous substances that should be disposed of more carefully. LED bulbs are recyclable, but they require some special handling. Contact your local waste management agency for legal requirements and recycling options, and check out these resources, as well:

Seek Expert Guidance

Sometimes, calling in a pro is the right choice. If you're inexperienced at installing a ceiling light that's directly wired to a junction box, uncertain about your facility's circuit loads - or simply overwhelmed by a large-scale installation of lights - don't hesitate to reach out to a licensed electrician. Their expert guidance can avoid potential problems and deliver valuable peace of mind.

Choose TCP for Your Commercial Lighting Solutions

Ready to light up your home or workspace with the brilliance of TCP's top-quality lighting solutions? Contact us today for help finding a distributor, pricing your project or getting your order started. We'll guide you to the right lighting solution and ship it without delay!

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