Lighting
To make shopping for lights and bulbs a little easier, we’ve put together some useful information on Lighting and Halogen Bulbs.
What is Halogen?
Halogen is an efficient source of light using small compact bulbs. Halogen light fittings may only be dimmed using a Next halogen specific dimmer. Please note that not all halogen lights are supplied with bulbs.
Bathroom lighting
Some lighting products are suitable for use in bathroom ‘zones’, this means that the light fitting has the required water protection needed for your bathroom. This diagram shows how a bathroom is split up into zones.
As with all electrical work, please consult with a qualified electrician if you’re in any doubt as to how to proceed. Light fitting must be installed in accordance with Part P of the Building Regulations.
How should I deal with a broken CFL (Compact fluorescent lamp)?
Although the accidental breakage of a lamp is most unlikely to cause any health problems, it’s good practice to minimise any unnecessary exposure to mercury, as well as risk of cuts from glass fragments. Vacate the room and ventilate it for at least 15 minutes. Do not use a vacuum cleaner, but clean up using rubber gloves and aim to avoid creating and inhaling airborne dust. Sweep up all particles and glass fragments and place in a plastic bag. Wipe the area with a damp cloth, then add that to the bag and seal it.
Mercury is hazardous and the bag should not be disposed of in the bin. All local councils have an obligation to make arrangements for the disposal of household hazardous waste at a civic amenity site or household waste recycling centre. Alternatively contact your local council direct.
How should I dispose of unwanted CFLS, e.g. at the end of their life?
From 1st July 2007, waste CFLs have been subject to the requirements of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. Those who sell items such as energy efficient bulbs must provide information to the public about where they can take waste bulbs and other WEEE. Next helps to fund Designated Collection Facilities, situated in local authority civic amenity sites. From this point, producers of the equipment fund the transport, treatment and recycling, where most of the mercury can be recovered.