Here you will find answers to many Frequently Asked Questions about No. 8 Lighting products. Answers to FAQs are by necessity generalized and provide only general guidance and should not be assumed to be necessarily definitive since actual conditions will vary depending on the particular circumstances.

If you have a question that does not appear here, please contact your local sales representative or No. 8 Lighting Customer Support.

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What control devices are compatible for use with the dimmable low voltage transformers?

What control devices are compatible for use with the dimmable fluorescent ballasts?

Do we offer ballasts with emergency back-up battery power?

Do all housings accept all trim types?

Do all housings accept all lamp & power module types?

Can I replace the lamp & power module from below after the fixture has been installed?

Does the Q-Tran magnetic low voltage transformer make noise?

When wiring the Q-Tran dual-tap transformer, which “hot” wire do I use?

What are the primary differences between the Q-Tran magnetic and the electronic low voltage transformers?

Are your trims rated for use in wet locations?

Are your trims rated for use in steam shower applications?

Are your trims rated for use in dry sauna applications?

What fixture/spacing do you recommended for wall washing?

What fixtures/spacing do you recommend for art lighting?

What is the maximum ceiling thickness for drywall and wood ceilings?

Will integral color plaster finishes work with your “P-Series” trims?

Can W-Series trims be installed into a sheetrock ceiling?

When installing a P-Series trim, does the black ring need to be installed prior to sheet rock installation?

What control devices are compatible for use with the dimmable low voltage transformers?

Magnetic low voltage transformers should be dimmed with dimmers labeled for use with magnetic low voltage loads. Electronic low voltage transformers should only be dimmed with dimmers labeled for use with electronic low voltage loads.

What control devices are compatible for use with the dimmable fluorescent ballasts?

Our standard fluorescent dimming ballast is an Advance Mark X two-wire type. This fluorescent dimming ballast should be dimmed with dimmers labeled for use with two-wire fluorescent dimming ballasts. Please check with the dimmer manufacturer to determine compatibility with the Advance Mark X two-wire dimming ballast.

Do we offer ballasts with emergency back-up battery power?

No, not at this time

Do all housings accept all trim types?

Yes

Do all housings accept all lamp & power module types?

Yes

Can I replace the lamp & power module from below after the fixture has been installed?

Yes

Does the Q-Tran magnetic low voltage transformer make noise?

All low voltage transformers produce some audible vibration. When used with the appropriate control device (dimmer) the Q-Tran transformer produces a maximum of 19dB, which is nearly silent, even when listening right next to the trim opening.

When wiring the Q-Tran dual-tap transformer, which “hot” wire do I use?

When wiring the Q-Tran dual-tap transformer to a switched load, use the black input wire and cap the un-used (red) wire. When wiring the Q-Tran dual-tap transformer to a dimmed load, use the red input wire and cap the un-used (black) wire.

What are the primary differences between the Q-Tran magnetic and the electronic low voltage transformers?

The Q-Tran dual-tap transformer features dual input taps to compensate for the loss in incoming voltage resulting from the use of a dimmer. Whether using a switch or a dimmer, the Q-Tran transformer produces an output of 12 volts, which translates into 100% light output. In addition, the Q-Tran transformer features a built-in choke to reduce noise, resulting in a maximum of 19dB (nearly silent). The electronic transformer is less expensive and very quiet. It does not have the dual tap feature, resulting in an output of 11.8 and 10.8 volts respectively when used with a switch vs. dimmer. While the lower output voltage translates into longer lamp life, it also results in lower light output.

Are your trims rated for use in wet locations?

Yes, as long as the trim plate includes one of our factory installed lenses.

Are your trims rated for use in steam shower applications?

No

Are your trims rated for use in dry sauna applications?

Yes

What fixture/spacing do you recommended for wall washing?

For flat ceilings we recommend either housing with the type H or L lamp modules with the standard small aperture trim plate and “WW” wall wash accessory lens. For sloped ceilings we recommend either housing with the type B or M lamp modules. Spacing and distance from the wall is dependent on the ceiling height. In general you can use the following as a guideline:

TYPE H & L MODULES — USE WITH “WW” LENS AT TRIM

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CEILING HEIGHT	DISTANCE FROM WALL	FIXTURE SPACING	BEAM SPREAD	LENS	AIMING ANGLE
8-9 feet	24″	24″	40º Flood	Clear	30-35º
9-10 feet	30″	30″	40º Flood	Clear	35-40º
10 feet or more**	36″	36″	40º Flood	Clear	45º

TYPE B & M MODULES

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CEILING HEIGHT	DISTANCE FROM WALL	FIXTURE SPACING	BEAM SPREAD	LENS***	AIMING ANGLE
8-9 feet	24″	24″	40º Flood	LSF/None	VARIES
9-10 feet	30″	30″	40º Flood	LSF/None	VARIES
10 feet or more**	36″	36″	40º Flood	LSF/None	VARIES

*Note: Recommendations are provided as a general guideline and should not be used in place of consulting with a qualified lighting designer. Actual conditions may vary and should be field verified or mocked-up.

**Note: 36″ x 36″ is the maximum distance/spacing we recommend for wall washing.

What fixtures/spacing do you recommend for art lighting?

For flat ceilings, we recommend either housing with the type A or J lamp modules with the standard small aperture trim plate. For sloped ceilings, we recommend either housing with the type B or M lamp modules. Note, for certain artwork lighting applications, use of beam modifying accessory lenses (“SF”, “LS”, or “LSF”) may be required. The primary factors affecting spacing and distance from the wall are ceiling height and size/shape of what is being illuminated. In general you can use the following as a guideline*:

CEILING HEIGHT	DISTANCE FROM WALL	FIXTURE SPACING	BEAM SPREAD	LENS**	AIMING ANGLE
8-9 feet	24-30″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES
9-10 feet	30-36″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES
10-11 feet	36-42″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES
11-12 feet	42-48″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES
12-13 feet	48-54″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES
13-14 feet	54-60″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES
14-15 feet	60-66″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES
15-16 feet	66-72″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES
16-17 feet	72-78″	18-24″	VARIES	VARIES	VARIES

*Note: Recommendations are provided as a general guideline and should not be used in place of consulting with a qualified lighting designer. Actual conditions may vary and should be field verified or mocked-up.

What is the maximum ceiling thickness for drywall and wood ceilings?

P-Series trims are designed to accommodate sheetrock thicknesses of 1/2″-1″with finish thicknesses of 1/8″ or 1/4″ (note: must specify P-1 for 1/8′ finish or P-2 for 1/4″ finish). W-Series trims are designed to accommodate ceiling thicknesses of 1/2″ – 11/2″.

Will integral color plaster finishes work with your “P-Series” trims?

Yes; however, we recommend researching the plaster manufacturer’s application guidelines to determine finish requirements, including thickness tolerances (specify P-1 for 1/8″ finish and P-2 for 1/4″ finish). In addition, a mock-up should always be prepared to test for color uniformity and consistency.

Can W-Series trims be installed into a sheetrock ceiling?

While the (flanged) FL-W Series trims can be installed into sheetrock ceilings, we recommend the use of the P-Series trims with sheetrock ceiling systems.

When installing a P-Series trim, does the black ring need to be installed prior to sheet rock installation?

No it does not; however, (with conventional installations) contractors are familiar with installing the sheetrock around a “flange” protruding down from the ceiling. With all Number Eight Lighting trims, the trim assembly can be installed after the rough ceiling material has been put in place.

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