G - Glossary of lighting terms

G Lamp

Globe-shaped incandescent, generally for exposed use.

General Lighting

Also known as ambient lighting, general lighting provides an area with overall, non-specific illumination. General lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness, enabling one to see and walk about safely. It can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lighting or with outdoor fixtures. A basic form of lighting that replaces sunlight, general lighting is fundamental to lighting a home.

General Diffuse Lighting

General illumination from light cast evenly in all directions. Typical fixtures include pendant globes, chandeliers, and some table lamps.

General Service (A) Bulbs

General service bulbs are inexpensive and are readily available in a variety of wattages and shapes. They produce a yellowish white light that is emitted in all directions. Available in either clear or frosted versions.

Gimbal Lighting

An adjustable ring that holds the PAR or MR lamp by its rim. A gimbal ring track fixture has no housing.

Glare

Bright lighting that causes discomfort and impairs good visibility. Possible causes may be light sources that are too bright for the application, or fixtures that may not conceal bulbs sufficiently, among many others.

Grazing Light

Directional light at an acute angle, which emphasized texture. The sources of grazing light must be close to the surface. See also Wall Grazing.

Grill

On a ceiling fan, the lower part of the housing, which has many different designs.

Grounding

Connecting electrical components to earth for safety.

GU5.3

This base is found on MR16 glass shape for a GU5.3 socket. It has two round pins 5.3mm center to center apart.

GU10

This base is used for non-dichroic replectors for a GU10 socket. It has two found pins 10mm center to center apart.