Restoration lighting is the process of upgrading old light fittings and fixtures to increase their safety and energy efficiency, instead of discarding the old fittings and buying new. In today’s economic and environmental climate, restoration lighting is a wise move for businesses, but before you start, be mindful of these common mistakes.
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False promises
Business decision-makers must exercise caution and conduct thorough research when selecting a company for lighting restoration work. There are lots of companies overpromising and underdelivering, resulting in substandard workmanship, missed deadlines and subsequent project fines, minimal warranties, and little to no aftercare or maintenance. Lighting restoration is a specialised skill that requires expertise, experience, and attention to detail. Choosing a reputable company with a proven track record is essential to avoid costly setbacks and ensure the longevity and quality of the project.
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Safety issues
Old fixtures and fittings may have unsafe wiring. For example, electrical wires may be poorly insulated, not have an earth connection or have come loose from their protective coatings, all of which create an increased risk of electric shocks.
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Incorrect lamps
Integrating old fixtures with new lamps can be a challenge, especially if you want to stay true to the style of the property and secure lamps that match the appearance of those originally fitted. Installing the wrong lamp merely because it fits increases the risk of electrical arcs, overheating and fires, so make sure that the wattage of whatever lamp you install matches the fixture’s rating. It should also have an appropriate IP rating for the space.
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Ignoring functionality
Many restoration lighting projects aim to preserve the period aesthetic of the building above all else, but this comes with the risk of losing functionality. Old lighting is, by its very nature, inefficient and modern advances now mean that we can have brighter, more welcoming spaces than was previously possible. You may need to consider what areas you are willing to compromise on in order to benefit from your planned upgrades. This may mean installing additional lights or replacing original parts with modern replicas to achieve the result you are seeking for your business.
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Ignoring aesthetics
In contrast to the previous point, some people are so focused on improving the functionality of the lighting in their home or office that they forget to make it look good. You need to live with the upgrades that you install, so make sure that your choices are in keeping with the period and style of the property, suit its decor and room size, enhance the space, and offer improved functionality.
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Incorrect disposal of old lamps
One major pitfall to avoid when incorporating restored lighting into your construction project is the improper disposal of old or outdated fittings, particularly incandescent and fluorescent lights. These older fixtures can contain hazardous materials such as mercury, which pose serious environmental and health risks if not handled correctly. Under the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, businesses are legally required to dispose of electrical waste responsibly, ensuring it’s collected, treated, and recycled through approved channels. Failing to comply can not only lead to environmental harm but also legal and financial consequences for your project. It’s essential to work with lighting specialists who understand these regulations and can manage the safe and lawful removal of obsolete fittings.
A restoration lighting project is an exciting opportunity to enhance your business, making it more energy efficient while preserving its unique character. To ensure that you are delighted with the result, it is crucial that you have chosen the right company for the job, and this is particularly important when it comes to historical fixtures, which may be delicate and tricky but have historical value and significance.
At DRK Lighting, we have worked on some of the largest remanufacturing projects in England. We specialise in large-scale LED conversions, which we can even do in situ, but we have such highly skilled remanufacturing technicians that we are confident with historical light fittings as well; see our work on the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich.
We provide a detailed breakdown of the scope of our work, information on our materials used and their energy efficiency and the energy savings made by choosing restoration lighting, and we offer a full 5-year warranty on all of our restored fittings and aftercare support covering installation and post-installation services.