Do-it-yourself Home Lighting Projects

The Lighting Research Center: Advancing the Effective Use of Light for Society and the Environment
This homepage for the Lighting Research Center is divided into three sections: LRC Programs, Research Topics, and Education. The LRC Programs section offers detailed information about the different projects on which the LRC is currently working. Current projects include: Light and Health; Lighting Futures; Lighting Metrics, Lighting Transformations; and Outreach Education. The Research section of the site offers comprehensive information about the different research projects that are currently taking place at the LRC. Many of the reports are available for free in a downloadable .pdf format. Current research subjects include ballasts, controls, daylighting, lamps, architectural, commercial, institutional, residential, outdoor, and security lighting. The Education section of the site details the country's first and only university-accredited program leading to a master of science in lighting. Topics in the Education section include information about the graduate program; admissions and financial aid information; student life and alumni information; lighting seminars; and their online education program.

Lighting Systems Control by Electronic House Magazine
Planning lighting concepts is easy with this informative guide that includes directions on how to prewire, route low-voltage cables and understand keypads. Add-ons noted include occupancy sensors or lighting motion detectors and photocell detectors. Installation via low-voltage wiring or electrical wiring is also noted. A section on wireless lighting control tops off the narrative, and includes information about lighting dimmers.

"Lighting with Energy and Efficiency in Mind"
Aticle from the Mississippi State University Extension Service focuses on designing interior lighting and home lighting to meet the specific needs in a given area to reduce lighting costs by 30-60% while both enhancing quality and reducing impact on the environment. The facts on incadescent lighting, flourescent lighting, high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting and low-pressure sodium lighting is outlined, along with the basics on using dimmers, occupancy sensors, timers, photo cells or snap switches. Tips on designing a space to make better use of daylight is included, along with instructions for proper maintenance of interior lighting fixtures to improve output.

Energy Star Light Bulbs
Energy Star makes light bulbs that lower electric bill costs and help the environment. Site includes Energy Star retailers for those interested in environmentally-friendly lighting. Links to a lighting fixture guide and a lighting buyers guide are also featured, and include light bulbs, ceiling fans and lighting fixtures