Wall Lighting Guide — LED Wall Lights Design & Placement

1. Introduction: Why Wall Lighting Makes the Difference

Wall lighting is not a decorative touch. It is a design tool that affects proportions, materials, safety, and the overall atmosphere of a space — interior or exterior.

A properly lit wall makes a space appear larger, brighter, and safer. This principle — vertical illuminance — forms the basis of every proper lighting design. Our eyes perceive space primarily through vertical surfaces: we look at walls, faces, and objects 80% of the time — not floors or ceilings.

This guide is designed for three categories of readers:

Property owners: Practical rules, mistake avoidance, proper communication with your electrician
Contractors & electricians: Installation checklists, minimum IP/IK, technical comparisons, rules of thumb
Architects & lighting designers: Design principles, layering, CCT/CRI, decision trees, photometric considerations

Figure 1 — The 4 main thematic blocks of the guide (ch. 1)

What makes wall lighting so important?

Unlike ceiling lighting that casts light downward, wall lighting creates vertical illuminance — it illuminates what we actually see. Studies show that vertical illuminance improves the perception of brightness by 30-50% compared to the same number of lux on the floor only. This means:

Greater sense of space: Illuminated walls "open up" even narrow corridors
Safety: Facial recognition, proper orientation, sense of movement
Architectural enhancement: Textures, materials, colors — revealed at night
Atmosphere: Warm, soft wall lighting vs cold, "clinical" ceiling light

TipVertical illuminance improves the perception of brightness by 30-50% compared to the same number of lux on the floor only. This is why a space with proper wall lighting "appears" brighter — even with fewer watts.

2. Wall Lighting Design Principles

Before selecting a luminaire, you need to understand the 6 fundamental principles that govern every proper wall lighting design. Ignoring even one will lead to a disappointing result — regardless of the luminaire's quality.

2.1 Vertical Illuminance

Human vision perceives space primarily through vertical surfaces. An illuminated wall improves visual comfort, reduces fatigue, and enhances spatial perception. The basic principle is simple: we illuminate what we look at. We look at walls, faces, and objects 80% of the time — not floors or ceilings.

This is why a space with good wall lighting "appears" brighter even with fewer watts. The perception of brightness does not depend solely on lux at floor level — it depends primarily on the luminance perceived by the eye on the vertical axis.

2.2 Uniformity & Contrast

The uniformity-contrast relationship determines whether a space "reads" as calm or dramatic. High uniformity (wall washing) creates serenity, spaciousness, and order. High contrast (grazing, accent lighting) creates depth, mystery, and character. There is no "right" answer — the choice depends on the purpose of the space.

Figure 2 — The 3 basic wall lighting effects

2.3 Glare Control

Glare is the most significant factor in poor lighting quality. Three simple rules eliminate 90% of the problems:

The LED source must not be visible — deep recessed optics, frosted lens, or cut-off design
The beam is directed at the wall — not toward the space or the eyes
The eye line (~1.60 m) does not intersect the beam — the source is always placed above or below

Figure 3 — The source must always be above or below the eye line (~1.60 m)

WarningIn spaces with children or seated users (waiting areas, restaurants), the eye line drops to 1.10-1.30 m. Adjust the heights or use luminaires with deep recessed optics.

2.4 Lighting Layers

Wall lighting is part of a three-layer system. No layer works on its own — proper design combines them:

Figure 4 — The 3 lighting layers: Ambient → Wall → Accent

In practice, this means: do not install only downlights in the ceiling (ambient). Add wall lighting (wall layer) for a sense of space. If there are paintings, shelves, or objects, an accent layer highlights them. The combination of all three creates a professional result.

ExampleHome living room: Ambient: 4 downlights dimmed to 40%. Wall: 2 Up/Down (2700K) on either side of the TV wall. Accent: 1 picture light above a painting. Result: warm, elegant, versatile — with 3 separate dimming zones.

2.5 Beam Angle

The beam angle determines how wide the light spot is on the wall. There is no "right" angle — it depends on the application:

Figure 5 — Beam angles: from narrow (spot) to asymmetric (wallwashing)

Angle	Application	Advantage	Risk
5°–15°	Tall facades, columns, trees	Long throw, dramatic	Spots if there is no target
20°–36°	General use, Up/Down	Versatile, balanced	Somewhat "flat" at great heights
40°–90°	Ambient, small spaces	Large coverage, fewer luminaires	Intensity is lost
Asymmetric	Wall washing, lobbies	Uniform wall coverage	Less flexibility

RuleIn Up/Down fixtures, the beam must "end" before the ceiling-wall corner. If it "hits" the ceiling, it creates a spot instead of an elegant gradient. Solution: narrower beam angle or greater distance of the luminaire from the ceiling.

2.6 Dimming & Lighting Scenes

Modern wall lighting never operates at 100%. Dimming is not a luxury — it is a fundamental design tool: energy savings, extended LED & driver life, scene creation, atmosphere.

Protocol	Type	Ideal for	Advantages	Disadvantages
DALI / DALI-2	Digital	Hotels, offices, >10 luminaires	Individual control, scenes, addressing	Cost, requires dedicated bus
0-10V	Analog	Residences 4-8 luminaires	Simple, low cost	Group dimming, no scenes
Bluetooth / Casambi	Wireless	Renovations, small installations	No wiring, smartphone app	Range, network reliability
PWM	Analog	Strips, special applications	Precision, low cost	Poor implementation = flicker
Tunable White	Variable CCT	Hospitality, wellbeing	2700K–6500K, circadian	Cost, complexity

TipPlan conduit for DALI, even if you initially use simpler dimming. Upgrading without conduit is expensive. Conduit cost now: ~€2-5/m. Upgrade cost later: €50-200/point (chasing, plastering, painting).

3. Wall Luminaire Types

Each type of wall luminaire creates a different visual effect. The selection is not aesthetic — it is a technical decision that depends on the wall material, the purpose of the lighting, and the geometry of the space.

3.1 Up/Down

The most popular luminaire in architectural lighting. It emits light upward, downward, or in both directions. It creates rhythm on the facade, emphasizes height and geometry. It is mounted flush or very close to the wall (0-20 cm).

Symmetric Up/Down: Equal light up-down — classic rhythm on facades
Asymmetric Up/Down: E.g. 70% down / 30% up — less light pollution
Down only (or Up only): Unidirectional — wayfinding, stairs, safety
Adjustable: Adjustable beam angle — great flexibility in situ

3.2 Wall Washer

Designed to uniformly "wash" the wall with light. It uses asymmetric optics that direct the beam exclusively toward the wall. It is mounted 30-80 cm from the wall (or recessed in the ceiling). Ideal for large, smooth surfaces — lobbies, galleries, waiting rooms.

Linear: Long LED bars — the most efficient form of wall washing
Compact: Individual points — more versatile but potential non-uniformity
Recessed ceiling: Built into the ceiling — invisible, "clean" architecture

3.3 Wall Grazer

Mounted very close to the wall (5-20 cm) and directs the beam almost tangentially. It reveals every irregularity, joint, and texture. This is an advantage on stone, brick, concrete — but disastrous on smooth surfaces (reveals plaster imperfections, drywall screws, jointing compound seams).

WarningWasher vs Grazer is not an aesthetic preference — it is a technical decision based on the material. Wrong type = bad result, regardless of luminaire quality or cost. Always test with a phone flashlight before ordering.

Decision Tree: How do I choose the type?

Figure 6 — Decision Tree: How to choose the wall luminaire type

Type comparison table

Characteristic	Up/Down	Wall Washer	Wall Grazer
Uniformity	Medium	High	Low
Texture enhancement	Medium	Low	Very high
Shadows & Contrast	Medium	Minimal	Very strong
Rhythm on facade	Excellent	Subtle	Dramatic
Ideal material	Any smooth	Plaster, drywall	Stone, brick, concrete
Distance from wall	0–20 cm	30–80 cm	5–20 cm
Typical beam angle	12°–44° (symmetric)	Asymmetric	5°–15° narrow
Typical use	Facades, entrances, corridors	Lobbies, galleries, halls	Feature walls, stone

3.4 Decorative & Special-Purpose

Beyond the 3 basic types, there are specialized categories:

Type	Description	Ideal for	Requirements
Picture Lights	Asymmetric beam, CRI ≥95	Paintings, galleries, art walls	CRI 95+, adjustable
Wall Recessed	Built into the wall	Stairs, wayfinding, corridors	Conduit before plastering, box
Backlit / Indirect	Soft halo around the body	Residences, hospitality, ambient	Smooth wall behind
Linear	Long LED bars	Large walls, efficient wash	Alignment, uniform power supply

3.5 Wall Reflectance

The color and texture of the wall dramatically affect the result. The same lighting gives a completely different feel on a white vs dark wall:

Wall Color	Reflectance	Result	What you need
White	~80%	Uniform, maximizes lumens	Base power — nothing extra
Light gray / Beige	~50–60%	Slightly reduced brightness	+20–30% power
Dark gray / Anthracite	~15–20%	Dramatic, but "absorbs" light	2–3× power vs white
Red stone	~25–30%	Warm CCT + red = very warm	Sample test essential
Dark wood	~10–15%	Very dramatic, almost only shadows	3× power + narrow beam

TipOn dark walls, always test with a sample luminaire before the final order. Ask your supplier for a sample unit — most reliable manufacturers do this for free or at low cost. 5 minutes of testing on the wall saves months of disappointment.

4. Placement Rules: Heights, Distances & Rules of Thumb

The right type of luminaire at the wrong height or distance gives poor results. This chapter contains the practical rules that lighting professionals apply — and that prevent 80% of common mistakes.

4.1 Mounting heights per application

The golden rule: the light source must be above or below the eye line (~1.60 m for a standing person). Never at the same height. Otherwise, the height depends on the application:

Figure 7 — Mounting heights per application (red line = eye line)

4.2 Table: Typical Heights & Distances

Application	Height (h)	Spacing between	Note
Residential corridor	1,60–1,80 m	2,0–2,5 m	Above eye line
Exterior wall / Entrance	1,80–2,20 m	2,5–3,5 m	In relation to door — pair on either side
Hotel corridor	1,60–1,80 m	2,5–3,5 m	Rhythmic, alternating or same-side
Office	1,80–2,00 m	2,5–3,0 m	Avoid reflections on screens
Garden wayfinding	0,40–0,80 m	3,0–5,0 m	Low, does not blind passers-by
Garden wall / Facade	1,80–2,20 m	2,5–3,5 m	Rhythm & material highlighting
Architectural facade	2,50–4,00 m+	3,0–5,0 m	Depends on building height & angle
Interior stairs (step lights)	0,20–0,30 m	Every 3rd step	Recessed, low level
Interior stairs (wall mounted)	0,80–1,20 m	Every 2nd–3rd step	Step lighting from above

4.3 Rules of Thumb

These practical rules cover 90% of applications. They are a starting point — each project may require adjustment:

Rule	Value	Explanation
Default interior height	1,70 m centre	Safe height that does not cause glare — above eye line
Corridor spacing	2,5–3,0 m between	Rhythm without "gaps" — if there are doors, align with them
On either side of door	~30 cm	Classic entrance placement — aesthetically balanced
Linear washers	~1/3 wall height from top	E.g. wall 3 m -> washer at 1 m from ceiling (=2 m from floor)
Step lights	Every 3rd step	Sufficient for wayfinding without excess
Max Up/Down spacing	≤ 1.5x height h	If h=2 m -> max 3 m between. Otherwise "dark zones"
Min. corner distance	≥15 cm from wall corner	Avoid "cut-off" beam at internal corners

4.4 Special cases

Certain applications require adaptation of the general rules:

High ceilings (>3 m): Raise the height proportionally — h=2,20–2,50 m. A stronger beam or narrower angle is needed.
Sloped walls / roofs: The slope changes the angle of incidence — requires adjustable luminaires.
Walls with recesses or protrusions: Every change in plane creates a shadow. Design each section separately.
Doors & windows: Do not light above or below a glass pane — it creates reflections. Place on the side walls.
Commercial spaces: In hotel corridors, align the luminaires with the room doors — not randomly.

RuleSpacing between Up/Down ≤ 1.5x mounting height. If h=2 m -> max 3 m between. Greater spacing creates dark zones even with a wide beam.

TipIn long corridors, consider alternating placement (zig-zag) instead of same-side. It creates a more interesting rhythm, reduces the number of luminaires by ~30%, and gives a more uniform result in narrow spaces. In hotels this is used almost always.

5. Surface Materials & Interaction with Light

The wall is not a passive recipient of light — it is an active co-designer. The texture, reflectance and colour of the material determine whether you should use a washer, grazer or something entirely different.

Figure 8 — Material to luminaire type mapping

5.1 Detailed materials table

Material	Texture	Ideal lighting	CCT	Notes
Plaster / Drywall	Smooth	Wall Washer	Depends on use	Grazer reveals plastering imperfections — avoid
Natural stone	Textured	Wall Grazer	2700–3000K	Warm CCT highlights the hues — test on-site
Brick (exposed)	Textured	Wall Grazer	2700–3000K	The joints create an impressive shadow pattern
Exposed concrete	Medium	Grazer or Washer	3000–4000K	Grazer for industrial aesthetic, Washer for a "clean" look
Wood (dry)	Medium	Washer / Up-Down	2700–3000K	Warm CCT enhances warmth — cool light "kills" wood
Metal (inox, corten)	Smooth/Polished	Washer / Up-Down	3000–4000K	Watch for reflections — polished metal = glare
Glass / Marble	Smooth/Polished	Indirect / Backlit	3000K	Tangential light = stains. Prefer backlight or indirect
Tile / Ceramic	Varies	Depends on texture	3000K	Matte tile -> washer / Polished -> indirect

5.2 Practical guide: How to check the wall

You do not need laboratory equipment. Two simple tests are enough:

Touch test

Touch the wall — if you feel irregularities, joints, roughness, the Grazer will highlight them. If it is perfectly smooth, choose a Washer.

Phone flashlight test

At night, place the phone flashlight in 2 positions: 5 cm from the wall (grazing) and 50 cm (washing). See which result you prefer. This 30-second test prevents mistakes costing thousands of euros.

WarningThe interaction of wall colour x CCT can produce unpredictable results. Warm 2700K on red stone = excessively warm. Cool 5000K on wood = dead, grey. Always test the combination on-site.

6. CCT & CRI: Colour Temperature & Colour Rendering

Two numbers that completely change the feeling of a space: Colour Temperature (CCT, in Kelvin) determines whether the lighting "feels" warm or cool. The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) determines whether colours appear natural or "washed out".

6.1 Colour Temperature (CCT)

Figure 9 — CCT scale: from warm (2700K) to cool (5000K+)

In architectural lighting, the choice of CCT is not only aesthetic — it affects the psychology of the space. Warm light (2700–3000K) creates intimacy, relaxation, luxury. Neutral (4000K) creates alertness, professionalism, clarity. Cool (5000K+) creates a sense of security but also a "clinical" atmosphere.

RuleDo not mix CCT in the same space. If the general lighting is 3000K, the wall lights must also be 3000K (±200K max). Mixing temperatures creates a "dirty", restless result.

6.2 CRI: Colour Rendering Index

CRI (0–100) measures how naturally colours are rendered under a light source compared to natural light. Low CRI = "washed out" colours. High CRI = vivid, true. The difference is particularly noticeable on skin, wood, stone and fabrics.

CRI	Quality	Suitable for	Cost
CRI 80	Acceptable	Outdoors, gardens, industrial, parking	Basic
CRI 90	Very good	Residences, hospitality, retail, lobbies	+10–15%
CRI 95+	Excellent	Galleries, museums, premium retail, fine dining	+25–40%
CRI 97+	Top-tier	Photography studios, conservation, art	+50–80%

ExampleIn a hotel room, the difference between CRI 80 and CRI 90 is immediately visible on people's skin — in the bathroom mirror, on the bed. CRI 80 makes faces look "yellow" or "faded". CRI 90+ shows them naturally.

6.3 CCT x CRI table per application

Application	CCT	Min. CRI	Ideal CRI	Note
Bedroom	2700K	80	90+	Dimming essential — "night" scene at 10%
Living room	2700–3000K	80	90+	Layering: ambient + wall + accent
Bathroom	3000K	90	95+	Correct skin rendering at the mirror
Hotel lobby	2700–3000K	80	90+	Warm = welcoming, luxurious
Restaurant	2200–2700K	80	90+	Very warm = intimate, flattering skin
Garden / Outdoor	2700–3000K	80	80+	CRI less critical outdoors
Office	3000–4000K	80	80+	EN 12464 requires ≥80 — 4000K for alertness
Gallery / Museum	2700–4000K	90	95+	Depends on exhibit — painting requires 95+
Retail	3000–4000K	80	90+	CRI 90+ highlights merchandise colours

TipIf you are unsure between 2700K and 3000K, choose 3000K — it is the most versatile temperature for architectural lighting. It works indoors and outdoors, on warm and cool materials. If you need "warmth", you can always dim to 50% — dimming naturally shifts the tone towards warmer (warm dim effect).

7. Applications per Space Type

Each space has different requirements — brightness, temperature, IP, dimming, CRI. This chapter provides specific recipes per application, with examples, tables and product recommendations.

7.1 Architectural Facades & Elevations

Lighting architectural surfaces aims at highlighting form — materials, volumes, geometry — at night. Design in zones: base -> main body -> crown -> entrance. Each zone can have a different type, intensity or angle.

Facade zone	Lighting type	Purpose
Base (0–1 m)	Grazer or Up-only	Material highlighting, building "weight"
Main body (1–3 m)	Rhythmic Up/Down	Rhythm, geometry, identity
Crown (>3 m)	Up-only or narrow beam	Completion, building "termination"
Entrance	Up/Down pair + accent	Welcome, security, wayfinding

ExampleDetached house, smooth plaster: 4 Up/Down (IP65, 3000K, 24°) at h=2,20 m, every 3 m. Rhythmic reading without glare. Pair on either side of the door at 30 cm. Dimming to 40% in the evening.

TECHLUMEN for Architectural Facades

CALTO-60-S2 — Up/Down, IP66, IK09, 12°–84°, CRI 80/90
CALTO-100-S2 — Up/Down, IP66, 12°–86° + adjustable, CRI 80/90/97, 27W
QUADRO-W-S2 — Up/Down, IP66, IK09, 5°–44°, DALI
BILUX — Up/Down cylindrical, IP65, 12°–50°
GLIM series — Linear, IP66/67, wallwashing, up to 23.400 lm

7.2 Residences

Wall lighting creates atmosphere, guidance, aesthetics. Key applications: corridors, staircases, living rooms, bedrooms, entrances, exterior walls. Dimming is essential — "day" vs "evening" vs "night" scene.

Residential space	Type	CCT	Height	Note
Corridor	Up/Down compact	2700K	1,70 m	Every 2,5 m, night dimming 10%
Staircase	Step light + Up/Down	2700K	0,20 + 1,70 m	Step lights every 3rd step
Living room	Up/Down or Backlit	2700K	1,70–2,00 m	On either side of TV wall or feature
Bedroom	Indirect / Backlit	2700K	1,20–1,50 m	Lower, reading position
Exterior entrance	Up/Down IP65	3000K	2,00 m	Pair on either side, sensor

ExampleCorridor 8 m: 3 compact Up/Down (2700K, 9W, DALI) h=1,70 m, every 2,5 m. Night: 10% dimming = safe movement without waking anyone.

TECHLUMEN for Residences

UP — 9–16W, Tunable CCT, DALI/0-10V/Bluetooth
WALLY — Slim, DALI/Tunable, Emergency 1h/3h
ALBA-40/80 — Panel wall wash, 6–20W, 2700K–5000K
ROI-W — Elegant with stripes, soft lighting
CONTORNO-W — CRI >95, halo effect
ARTIFILO/MIROFILO — Picture lights, CRI 95

7.3 Outdoor Spaces & Gardens

Three goals: safety, orientation, aesthetics. Requirements: IP ≥65, CCT 2700K–3000K, proper optics against light pollution (cut-off, shielded). Light pollution is not only an environmental issue — in many municipalities there are regulations.

Garden application	Type	Height	IP	Note
Stone-built wall	Grazer	Ground or h=0,50 m	IP66	12°–15°, 15 cm from wall
Wayfinding path	Step light / bollard	0,40–0,80 m	IP65	Every 3–5 m, low intensity
Perimeter wall	Up/Down	1,80–2,20 m	IP65	Rhythmic, security + aesthetics
Pool / near water	Sealed fixture	Varies	IP67–68	Inox 316L, extra resistance to chlorine

ExampleVilla stone-built wall: Grazer (IP66, 3000K, 12°) every 2,5 m, 15 cm from wall. Dramatic, warm, without light pollution — the beam "ends" at the top of the wall.

TECHLUMEN for Outdoors

CALTO-60/100-S1/S2 — IP66, IK09, 12°–84°
BILUX — IP65, Up/Down, elegant
QUADRO-W-S2 — IP66, IK09, 5°–44°
CRYPTO — Wall recessed, DALI/Bluetooth

7.4 Hotels & Hospitality

Lighting as part of the hospitality experience. In hotels, lighting is not a technical issue — it is part of the brand. Corridors: rhythmic placement, 2700K–3000K, DALI, emergency. Rooms: 2700K, dimming, CRI ≥90. Lobbies: layering, focal points, atmosphere.

Hotel space	Type	CCT	Dimming	Special
Corridor	Up/Down compact	2700K	DALI + scenes	Emergency every 3rd, alternating
Room	Indirect / Backlit	2700K	Bedside switch	CRI ≥90, reading mode
Lobby	Wall wash + accent	2700–3000K	DALI zones	Feature wall, art lighting
Restaurant/Bar	Indirect + accent	2200–2700K	DALI scenes	Very warm, intimate
Exterior	Up/Down IP65+	3000K	Timer/sensor	Rhythmic facade, security

ExampleCorridor 4-star 30 m: 10 compact WALLY (DALI, 2700K, 6W), every 3 m, h=1,70 m, alternating right-left. Night: 20% scene. Emergency 3h every 3rd luminaire. Snap-fit = replacement in 30 sec without tools.

TECHLUMEN for Hospitality

WALLY — Snap-fit, DALI, Emergency 1h/3h
UP — Tunable CCT, DALI
AXIS/AXIS-2 — Backlit ambient, CRI 95
NODO — Fabric-covered, boutique hotels

7.5 Safety & Wayfinding

In safety: uniformity > intensity. A little light everywhere is better than a lot of light somewhere and darkness elsewhere. Low placement (0,20–1,20 m), optical cut-off, emergency function. In staircases, step lighting reduces accidents by ~70% (hotel chain statistics).

TECHLUMEN for Safety

WALLY — Emergency 1h/3h, slim
WD-17 — Wall recessed, compact
TRUCCO — Stair step light
THIN-IP68 — IP68, 8mm, CRI 95, DALI

7.6 Offices & Professional Spaces

In offices, wall lighting complements the general lighting: it reduces luminance contrasts (luminance ratios), improves visual comfort on screens, and enhances professionalism. According to EN 12464-1, vertical illuminance must be ≥50 lux at 1.2 m in work areas.

WarningIn offices, wall lights must not create reflections on screens. Place them behind or beside the user, never opposite. The "danger zone" is ±30° from the viewing axis.

TECHLUMEN for Offices

ALBA-40/80 — Panel wall wash, DALI
PARATO — Linear, CRI >95, DALI/Emergency
PI — 400–2100 mm, DALI, IP66 version
THIN-P — Trimless linear, CRI 95

8. IP/IK & Resistance to External Conditions

IP and IK ratings are not "marketing" — they are critical technical specifications that determine whether the luminaire will withstand its environment. Wrong IP = failure in months. Correct IP = decades of operation.

8.1 What IP & IK Mean

IP (Ingress Protection) — two digits: the 1st = dust protection (0–6), the 2nd = water protection (0–9). E.g. IP65 = full dust + water jets. IK (Impact Protection) — resistance to mechanical impacts (00–10). E.g. IK09 = resistance to 10 kg from 20 cm = 10 Joules.

Figure 10 — IP/IK Selection per Environment

8.2 Detailed IP/IK Table

Environment	IP	IK	Body Material	Examples
Indoor dry (living room, corridor)	IP20–IP33	—	Aluminium, plastic	Residences, hotel interiors
Indoor wet (bathroom, kitchen)	IP44–IP54	IK05+	Aluminium	Bathroom Zone 2, indoor SPA
Sheltered outdoor	IP54–IP65	IK07+	Aluminium powder coated	Verandas, arcades, pilotis
Exposed outdoor	IP65–IP66	IK08+	AL die-cast + silicone gasket	Facades, gardens, parking
Coastal / Island	IP67–IP68	IK10	Inox 316L or marine grade AL	Seafront, pools, near the sea
Industrial / Public	IP65–IP66	IK10	Die-cast AL, anti-vandal	Parking, schools, parks

WarningCoastal areas: do not use plain steel screws — they rust in months. Request A2/A4 stainless steel. Even IP66 aluminium without proper coating deteriorates in salty atmosphere. Request marine grade or inox 316L.

TipWhen in doubt, always go up one IP class. The cost difference is 10–20%, but replacing a failed luminaire on a facade costs 5–10x the difference (scaffolding, electrician, time).

9. Reliability: Driver, Flicker-Free, Surge Protection

The driver (power supply) is usually the first point of failure — not the LEDs. An LED can last 100,000+ hours, but a bad driver will die in 15,000. Driver quality, surge protection and the absence of flicker are the "invisible" characteristics that make the difference.

Characteristic	What It Means	Minimum	Ideal	Why It Matters
Driver brand	Power supply manufacturer	Known (Osram, Meanwell, TCI)	Osram, Tridonic, Inventronics	Branded = spare parts, reliability, warranty
Lifetime	L70B10 in hours	>50,000h	>100,000h	L70 = 70% luminous flux, B10 = max 10% failure
Flicker-free	Elimination of flickering	<3% flicker	<1%, IEEE 1789	Flicker → fatigue, headache, stress
Surge protection	Resistance to voltage surges	2 kV	4–6 kV + external SPD	Lightning, fluctuations — critical on islands
lm/W	Luminous efficacy	80 lm/W	120–180 lm/W	Higher = fewer W, less heat
Tc (driver temp)	Maximum driver temperature	—	Tc point < 85°C	Overheating = premature driver failure

RuleAlways request lm/W, beam angle and CRI — not just wattage. Two luminaires at 10W can produce entirely different results if one has 90 lm/W x 24° and the other 130 lm/W x 60°.

10. Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Most problems are caused by wrong selections or installation, not bad luminaires. This table covers the 9 most common mistakes — if you learn to recognize them, you will avoid them.

Symptom	Cause	Solution
Spots (scalloping)	Narrow beam or wrong type	Wider beam / Washer instead of Grazer
Visible LED — glare	Wrong height / no cut-off	Higher ≥1.80 m / cut-off luminaire
Dark zones	Large spacing between fixtures	Reduce to ≤1.5x h
"Dirty" wall	Grazer on smooth surface + imperfections	Washer / correct surface before installation
"Clinical" feel	CCT >5000K in residential	Reduce to 2700K–3000K
Light pollution	Uplight without target	Narrow beam + full cut-off
Flicker	Bad driver / dimmer incompatibility	Replace driver / compatible dimmer
Premature outdoor failure	Insufficient IP or poor sealing	IP≥65 + reliable manufacturer
Screen reflections	Luminaire opposite screen	Behind or to the side, never opposite

11. Procurement Specifications Checklist

Before ordering, make sure you have answered all of the following. This checklist prevents ordering mistakes — replacement after installation = 3–5x cost.

Item	Question	Example
Type	Up/Down, Washer, Grazer, Decorative?	Up/Down
IP Rating	Indoor, outdoor, coastal?	IP66
IK Rating	Mechanical stress?	IK09
CCT	Warm, neutral, cool?	3000K
CRI	What colours does it render?	CRI ≥90
Beam	Narrow, wide, wallwashing?	24°
Power / Lumens	How much light?	9W / 1,500 lm
Dimming	DALI, 0-10V, Bluetooth?	DALI
Emergency	Backup operation?	Em 3h
Material / Colour	RAL, body?	AL, RAL 9005
Dimensions	Do they fit the space?	60×60×200 mm
Warranty	How many years?	5 years
Lifetime	L70B10?	>100,000h
Spare parts	Available driver/LED module?	Yes, 10+ years

12. Installation Checklist

Proper installation is equally important as proper selection. Follow these 7 steps in the correct order:

Electrical Preparation

Conduit, junction boxes, correct supply. Before plastering — any change after = chiselling. Plan conduit for DALI even if you initially use simpler dimming.

Mounting Check

Wall strength, anchors (plasterboard: toggler/molly — plain plastic anchors cannot hold >3-4 kg). On stone: appropriate drill bit + heavy-duty anchor.

Position Marking

Height, spacing, alignment. Laser level — a spirit level over >5 m produces unevenness. Mark with pencil before drilling.

Base Installation

Level, correct depth. Recessed: exactly at depth — neither deeper nor protruding. Surface: ensure the base is perfectly flush with the wall.

Connection & Testing

Polarity, dimming test, flicker test (smartphone camera slow-mo). Test each luminaire before closing up — replacement after painting = expensive.

Final Adjustment

Beam direction, angle (adjustable), dimming scenes. DALI → addressing, grouping, scene programming now.

Quality Check

Uniformity, glare, shadows. Look from the user's angle — not from below. Check nighttime appearance. Photograph for records.

WarningPosition marking must be done before plastering. Plan the lighting at the design stage, not at the end. Cost of changing position before plastering: ~€5. After plastering + painting: ~€80–150/point.

13. Summary

Wall lighting is not a simple installation — it is a design process that starts from purpose and material, and results in atmosphere.

The 5 key takeaways:

Type → material: Grazer for textured surfaces, Washer for smooth, Up/Down for rhythm
Position → glare: always above or below eye line (1.60 m)
CCT → use: warm (2700K) for relaxation, neutral (4000K) for work, 3000K as default
IP → environment: IP65+ outdoors, IP67+ coastal, IP20 indoors
Quality → longevity: driver, flicker, sealing — do not cut costs on the invisible

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many watts per luminaire?
It depends — 6W with 12° appears more "powerful" than 12W with 60°. Request lumens + angle, not just wattage.

IP20 outdoors?
Never. Minimum IP54 sheltered, IP65 exposed, IP67 coastal.

DALI or 0-10V?
>10-15 luminaires + scenes → DALI. Small residence 4-6 → 0-10V/Bluetooth. Always install conduit for future DALI.

CRI 80 or 90?
Indoor spaces with human presence → CRI 90+. Outdoors without critical colour evaluation → CRI 80 is sufficient.

How many luminaires do I need?
Rule: spacing between ≤1.5x mounting height. Corridor 10 m with h=2 m → max 3 m between → minimum 4 luminaires.

Summary Table: Application → TECHLUMEN Models

Application	Models	Key Characteristics
Architectural facades	CALTO-60/100-S2, QUADRO-W-S2, BILUX, GLIM	IP65–IP67, 5°–86°, CRI 80/90
Residential interiors	UP, WALLY, ALBA-40/80, ROI-W, NODO, CONTORNO-W	2700K–4000K, DALI, CRI 80–95
Outdoor / Gardens	CALTO-60/100, BILUX, Monolux, QUADRO-W-S2	IP65–66, IK09, 2700K–4000K
Hotels	WALLY, UP, ALBA, ROI-W, NODO, AXIS	DALI, Emergency, CRI 90–95
Safety	WALLY, WD-17, TRUCCO, THIN-IP68	Emergency 1h/3h, IP66–68
Offices	ALBA, WALLY, PARATO, PI, THIN-P	3000K–4000K, DALI, CRI 80–95

View the TECHLUMEN wall lighting range →