2015 ktichen special

kitchen
lighting
 2015

Introduction
Maybe, it is because of the introduction of the dishwasher into the kitchen, which ensures that the dishes are cleared up immediately
after a meal. Or is it our hectic lifestyle that compels us to cherish cosy family moments such as having breakfast together? Or the
popularity of numerous cookery programmes in which lots of tasty dishes are cooked in beautiful open kitchens?

Fact is that the kitchen is turning ever more into the beating heart of our house and in new houses, this area often blends into the living
room. Today, the kitchen is a full-fledged living area and the time that this room was a separate area hidden somewhere in the furthest
corners of the house and completely out of the guests sight has long gone. The opposite is true: often, visitors are welcomed in the
kitchen and the evening is started at the kitchen island where guests can sharpen their appetite with some lovely drinks and nibbles and
if the host or hostess is confident enough, he or she might even surprise the guests with a small cooking demonstration.

However, the kitchen is not only a meeting place for residents and their guests, it is also the central place in the house where the family
comes together to eat and talk about their day and children can do their homework there while the parents are preparing dinner.
Working, cooking, chatting and eating - all these activities require adjustable lighting. In this TALzine, we will explain in detail how
kitchen lighting is best approached because, as we say at TAL, a house can become a home with the right lighting. Bon appetit!

Index
Kitchen lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P05
Lighting plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P07
Lighting according to areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P09
Lighting types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P10
Types of lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P13
Lighting equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P14
Model kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P18
General lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P19
Lighting of worktop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P21
Lighting of cooking and washing area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P23
Mood lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P25
Cupboard lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P26
Architectural lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P28
Quality of light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P29
LED lighting in the kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P30

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Kitchen lighting
Nowadays, the kitchen is the centrepiece of the house and, as such, lighting in this room is hugely important. Lighting must be practical
and efficient but it should also create the right atmosphere and thats why in the kitchen one always works with a combination of
several types of lighting. In a nutshell: solid general lighting forms the basis and supports the general atmosphere. This basic lighting
is complemented by accent lighting to highlight extra details or certain areas and to complete the design, you can choose some extra
mood lighting.

Open kitchens are very trendy nowadays and need additional requirements to the kitchen lighting. In this type of kitchen, lighting
should ensure that the kitchen blends harmoniously into the rest of the house. The purpose should be to turn the kitchen into an inviting,
cosy place to be.

TIPS

Select for the specification of the luminaires the same finishes as, for instance, the kitchen appliances (e.g. brushed stainless steel), this creates one harmonious whole.
Different light sources on separate circuits can create a variety of atmospheres but do make sure that all switches are concentrated in one place or opt for a home
automation system.
You may also consider specific lighting positioning, i.e. for getting something out of the fridge in the evening.
Make sure that you choose luminaires that match the atmosphere of the kitchen, e.g. square luminaires in kitchens with a sleek design.
Also the luminaires material can boost the atmosphere, think for instance of Black+Gold or copper (CU29) to make the kitchen extra snug.

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 Virtual lighting simulation

Project picture

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Lighting plan
A proper lighting plan is indispensable for good kitchen lighting and it is highly recommended to call upon a lighting expert for this
task. Start from the kitchen plan and divide the kitchen into different areas according to their respective functions.

A properly lit kitchen should facilitate the preparation of meals, support the right atmosphere during meals and enable children to do
their homework. With attractive lighting, the kitchen also becomes the ideal place to relax after a long day at work.

Apart from the different activities for which the kitchen is used, the right lighting also depends of course on the size of the kitchen. For
spacious kitchens, one always uses a combination of general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting.

When planning the lighting, you should also consider the colour of the kitchen. A dark kitchen, for instance, may require twice as much
light than a lighter kitchen. A lighting expert can establish these values according to the colour and the reflection of light on cupboards,
ceiling, walls and floor.

TIPS
Project 1
27.10.2015

TAL
NVKitchens are used for multitasking, make sure you have a flexible lightingOperator
plan. TOM VANDE GHINSTE
Telephone 003251464341
JOOS DE TER BEERSTLAAN 33 Fax 003251464342
8740 PITTEM BELGIUM e-Mail tom@tal.be

Room 1 / Calculation Surface 1 / Isolines (E, Perpendicular)

Values in Lux, Scale 1 : 42

Position of surface in room:
Marked point:
(0.206 m, 0.224 m, 0.940 m)

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Lighting according to areas

In the kitchen, we distinguish several areas with different functions. Always start with the basic lighting and combine it with other lighting
types according to the function of the specific areas.

No doubt, task lighting is the most important light in the kitchen but it should never be the only light as this would ruin the atmosphere.
In fact, mood lighting is increasingly used because today the kitchen is part of the overall living area, in other words, the boundaries
between the different living areas are blurred.

Make sure that the (task) lighting has no blinding effect and that, particularly in the working areas, as little shadow as possible occurs
as the lighting must ensure that you can work safely.

Areas that require sufficient direct light are the food preparation area, the sink and the cooking range. Lighting above the kitchen island
(or kitchen table) should above all be multifunctional as it is used for much more than for having a meal.

COMMON MISTAKES:

An example of incorrect lighting

Central downlights create unwanted shadows and can even be dangerous (cutting of fingers)
The only lighting is positioned in the centre of the room.
Downlights with a narrow light beam above the food preparation area
Only indirect lighting

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Lighting types
Every properly lit kitchen is equipped with a combination of several types of lighting and every type has its own features and
benefits. Some lighting types can be dimmed so that (with different lighting intensities) they can be used for various applications.
This way, task lighting may already suffice as basic lighting in a smaller kitchen, however, one single luminaire can never integrate
all different functions.

A good example: you can suspend a TAL 2U Lighting Profile

above the worktop as task lighting, but this profile can also
be used as general lighting. Thanks to the lower lighting
intensities, you can make the kitchen a lot cosier by using
a dimmable profile. This way, one profile can be used as
general, task and mood lighting, however, the profile cannot
be used for accent lighting.

Basic lighting Task lighting

This type of lighting forms the basis of every lighting plan
and makes sure that there is sufficient light everywhere so
that everything can be seen and this way, people get a
good overview of the entire space. Basic lighting is in fact
an alternative for daylight, the main feature is that this lighting
illuminates the whole kitchen. As a kitchen often holds sharp
knives and other dangerous appliances, the lighting intensity
must be sufficiently high. If you choose recessed downlights
as basic lighting (for the atmosphere), make sure that these
can be adequately positioned or that the downlights have
a sufficiently wide light beam (> 36). Also consider using
surface-mounted downlights, which usually can be better
aligned than their recessed counterparts.
This lighting is very important in a kitchen and supports all
kinds of activities such as the preparation of meals. Proper
task lighting is targeted on the object to be illuminated and
should always be glare-free so that no disturbing or even
dangerous shadows could occur so, here we must opt for
diffused lighting. Always choose lighting with a good colour
rendering (Ra > 90) as task lighting is an indispensable part
of every well-considered lighting plan.

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Accent lighting Mood lighting

Accent lighting is featured by a (narrow) beam (< 40) and Mood lighting is used above all to create a pleasant
the light is concentrated within this beam. The width of the atmosphere rather than lighting output, therefore, this type of
beam depends on the radiation angle of the light and is lighting is often used in open and spacious kitchens. By using
determined by the optic instrument (lens or reflector) in the dimmable lighting and warm light colours, you can create a
light fitting. This lighting is ideal to highlight and emphasise an pleasant atmosphere that suits the atmosphere in the adjacent
extra detail, such as an espresso machine, a design toaster, living room. Usually, indirect lighting (with the light source itself
a lovely houseplant... being invisible) is used as mood lighting as this type of lighting
is not so bright and preferably dimmable.
The light is hard and sets a sharp contrast, causing the
illuminated objects to be clearly depicted and shadows to be
equally clearly visible. A mistake frequently made is that this
lighting predominates so make sure that the accent lighting
is well-proportioned. The purpose of this type of light is to
highlight a few objects or specific areas in a subtle way and
accordingly, it is better to use three spotlights of 400 lm than
two of 600 lm.

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Types of lighting
DIFFUSED LIGHT
Diffused light is light that can be distributed in all directions. This effect can be reached
by using a matt light source such as a fluorescent lamp, or by using a light diffuser such
as matt glass or a matt, translucent plastic (PC or PMMA). A downlight with a very wide
beam (> 70) may in some cases also act as a diffused light source.

Features

Even distribution of light

Details are more difficult to detect
Often acts as basic lighting and task lighting in the kitchen
Shadows are soft

DIRECT LIGHT
Direct light emits the light beam directly onto the surface to be illuminated e.g. the light has
a direction. Mostly, a direct view of the lamp is possible, which may lead to glare effects
thats why often lower outputs are used. In modern lighting fixtures, the lamps position in the
light fitting is slightly recessed to protect against glare or this can be avoided also by using
a glare control ring or louvre.

Features

Details become much clearer

It creates a more intimate atmosphere
Clearly defined shadows
Highlighting of objects and areas

INDIRECT LIGHT
With indirect light, the light first reflects against a wall or ceiling. To achieve a good
effect and an acceptable lighting intensity, the walls and ceiling must be finished in a
light colour. To obtain proper lighting levels and effect, a higher light output is required.

Features

Widens the room optically, i.e. lighting above kitchen cupboards makes the ceiling look higher
Creates a cosy atmosphere
Softens shadows and contours
Atmospheric basic lighting

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Lighting equipment
CEILING-MOUNTED LUMINAIRE SUSPENDED LUMINAIRES (PENDANTS)

Ceiling-mounted luminaires Suspended luminaires have

are mounted directly onto an important decorative
the ceiling and emit direct, function and should therefore
functional light. These be treated as such. These
appliances usually contain light fittings help to define the
an integrated LED driver so interior, both by their light and
Domino
that the luminaire can be their design (and finishing). A
directly connected to 230V. Luzien
suspended luminaire adds
extra flavour to the kitchen
Always check if the ceiling is high enough because with a low and makes sure that a separate space can be created.
ceiling, you will optically lower the room even more and also
check that all cupboard doors can still be opened. A mistake
WALL-MOUNTED LUMINAIRES
that is sometimes made is to select only one ceiling-mounted
luminaire in the kitchen and as a result, people have to choose These lighting fittings are
a light source that is too bright to be able to illuminate everything used as wall lighting. Wall-
with just the one luminaire, which in turn creates glare effects mounted luminaires are
and devastates the atmosphere. Always try to distribute the light available with direct and
to the maximum extent possible by using several luminaires with indirect lighting and a
a moderate light source. beautiful effect is created
with indirect lighting that
Tip: Iit should not be possible to touch the luminaire with your arms Dartling sheds light onto the wall and,
stretched, otherwise, you will intuitively bend over when walking under as such, creates a highlight.
the light fitting. These light fittings ensure a subtle light perception and are very
suitable for creating a sense of space and add a cosy touch
to the kitchen.

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RECESSED DOWNLIGHTS 3-CIRCUIT TRACK SYSTEM

Downlights are very popular Particularly for renovation

as mood lighting, basic projects or in multi-functional
lighting and also as accent kitchens, a track (or rail)
lighting. Often, these light system may be a very
fittings blend discretely into practical solution. The track
the interior, which is certainly can be used to relocate an
true for trim-less variants, and existing power source so that
Intana they are frequently used in Spina elbow track you have your light exactly
modern interiors. Recessed where you want or need it.
downlights are available in various forms and with various types The major benefit of a track system is that it makes it easy to
of finishing and must always be integrated into the ceiling. Some adjust the lighting as both adjustable spotlights and suspended
downlights are also available as surface-mounted luminaires, luminaires can be mounted on (one) track. Besides, it is also
which allows continuity of design wherever recessing is not possible to control three different circuits through one track,
possible or to add another decorative touch. However, it is ideal as an easy way to create different atmospheres.
not recommended to light a kitchen with downlights only (with
a narrow beam < 36) because you would create a lot of
shadow. Besides, you will have a properly lit floor and worktop
but the walls (and cupboards) will remain rather dark plus the
exclusive use of downlights will also narrow the room.

Tip: Do not position downlights with a narrow beam above the food
preparation area as they would create hazardous shadows.

LIGHTING PROFILES

Lighting Profiles are linear

luminaires based on LED
lamps (LED strips) or slim
fluorescent lamps, making
them easy to mount or to
integrate them into a recess.
Lighting Profiles can also be
used along a wall, creating
2U a subtle wall-washing effect
(e.g. on top of a splash wall) or concealed by integrating them
into a recess, causing the light to fall discretely into the kitchen.
Usually, Lighting Profiles can be cut to size so that you always
have sufficient light in the intended position, highlight certain
architectural shapes or to delineate an area with light.

Tip: For a kitchen island, youd best choose a Lighting Profile with the
same length as the length of the table to create a nice, balanced unity.

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 Directional recessed downlights as general lighting
and for highlighting some additional details

Diffused lighting as task lighting

above the food preparation area

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Suspended luminaires ensure a cosy

atmosphere and create a separate area

Lighting Profile along the wall for

functional wall-washing effect

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General lighting
The basic lighting may consist of different types of lighting. It may be a diffused light source or downlights when the atmosphere is the
most important objective. Another possibility is to work with indirect lighting that is mounted on top of cupboards. If the kitchen is also
used as living space, suitable suspended luminaires may also qualify as general lighting.

Definitely consider LED lighting as well as it has the longest life span and is extremely energy-efficient.
To create a pleasant atmosphere, it is always better to work with several light sources with a lower lighting intensity instead of using
only a few light sources with a higher lighting intensity.

Complementary to general lighting, a wall can be highlighted by indirect wall-washers or a number of well-positioned recessed
downlights or recessed downlights with an asymmetric reflector.

Obviously, the boundaries between general lighting and mood lighting are somewhat blurred here.

TIPS

Equip the basic lighting with a dimmer so that you can adjust the lighting intensity to your wishes.
Indirect lighting on top of kitchen cupboards makes the ceiling look higher.

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Lighting of worktop
To have sufficient light while cooking, basic lighting does in most cases not suffice; for this, we need specific task lighting as well.
The lighting of the worktop is very important and must be functional because cutting vegetables and fruit with a sharp knife, checking
whether the frying pan has the right temperature, studying a recipe, cleaning the cooking pots... require the right lighting.

Task lighting must be sufficiently diffused but at the same time it must be glare-free and offer sufficient lighting intensity.
Larger surfaces therefore require several diffused light sources, or in one continuous line e.g. Lighting Profile.

TIP:

Use fluorescent lamps or LED lamps with a good colour rendering (Ra > 90).

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Lighting of cooking and washing area

Obviously, lighting of this area is very important as well. When planning the lighting for this area, you should also consider the
adjacent areas and their functions.

In the cooking and washing area, you can work with downlights for a warm atmosphere or direct diffused light if this area is also
used, for instance, for cutting vegetables. In some cases, it may be possible to mount the lighting below the top cupboards. Make sure,
however, that this lighting is not too strong and that it is sufficiently diffused.

The best result is obtained by mounting diffused, symmetrically positioned light sources against the wall emitting direct light to the
cooking area and wall-washing the wall. (This wall must be sufficiently reflective.)

Cooker hood lighting: there are many types of cooker hoods with integral lighting that sufficiently illuminates the cooking area. Be
careful however because the quality of the integral lighting may vary considerably. When in doubt, you can always consult a lighting
expert.

TIP:

Choose a Lighting Profile with the same length as the length

of the cooking and washing area to tie everything together.

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Mood lighting
Mood lighting brings extra cosiness into the kitchen and can also support and/or complement the basic lighting. This lighting creates
a cosy atmosphere in the kitchen when the rest of the kitchen lighting has been switched off. It is especially recommended for open
kitchens because otherwise the whole kitchen would remain hidden in an unattractive, dark corner as opposed to the rest of the living
area that is being lit.

Mood lighting makes sense, particularly in spacious kitchens, as it may highlight a decorative element in the kitchen.

TIPS

Mood lighting can also serve as specific task lighting, e.g. for getting
something out of the fridge at night.
Make sure the mood lighting remains subordinate to the overall lighting plan.

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Cupboard lighting
Cupboard lighting is available in two types, both with the same function: highlighting the content of the cupboard so that you can
quickly and easily find what you need at that moment. The lighting may be built in into the cupboard but it may also be mounted at
the ceiling or below the cupboard. Light in the cupboard can also act as mood lighting.
Usually, a LED downlight (with a limited recessed depth) or LED Light Profiles are used here.

OVERVIEW DOWNLIGHTERS WITH LIMITED INSTALLATION HEIGHT technical info

NO INTERFERENCE WITH THE VAPOUR BARRIER: IDEAL FOR SUPER ISOLATED HOUSES
CUT OUT ROUND DOWNLIGHTS CUT OUT SQUARE DOWNLIGHTS TRIMLESS
Min. Min.
Min. Fixture Page Recessed Fixture Page Recessed Fixture Page
Recessed Height Height Height

60

60 MINI HELAX 40 129 60

57
MINI TOMMY 1 110 x 110 187 60 MINI TOMMY 1 112 x 112 104
1W - 3W - 4,5W PASCAL 55 TRIMLESS PASCAL
120 120
49 104 104

55
57
4 MINI TOMMY 1 MINI TOMMY 1
60 B1 3W - 4,5W 40 128 60 BEAUFORT 110 x 110 188 60 55 TRIMLESS BEAUFORT 112 x 112 100

56 56 120 120
104 104

57
55
MINI TOMMY 2 55 MINI TOMMY 2
60 4 MACCHIA LUX M 40 128 60 PASCAL 210 x 110 187 60 TRIMLESS PASCAL 213 x 112 104
222,5
120 206,5
56 104

57

65 HELAX SML 55 130 60 MINI TOMMY 2 210 x 110 188 60 55 MINI TOMMY 2 213 x 112 100
63
TORSION BEAUFORT TRIMLESS BEAUFORT
222,5
120 206,5
64 104

55 HELAX SML 55 130

(70 for solid) 53
LEAF

64

98

55 SIMPLON HALO 82 151

16
TORSION

78

98
55 SIMPLON HALO 82 151
(70 for solid) 16
LEAF

78

40
SIMPLON BEAUFORT
45

92
TORSION 82 150
TIPS

40
45
(60 for solid)
SIMPLON BEAUFORT
LEAF
82 150
Light in glass cupboards is both practical and decorative. A disadvantage though is that the
92

entire content is visible, which may be a bit of a problem if the area is prone to dust.
724
A LED Lighting Profile at the bottom of a series of cupboards can be installed over the
entire length and be perfectly suited as mood light.

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Architectural lighting
The luminaires may be chosen in such a way that they highlight the architecture
of the kitchen. Luminaires can, for instance, be positioned according to a certain
pattern or Lighting Profiles can reiterate the shape of the kitchen for an extra
architectural effect. By using LED lamps in such profiles, you give yourself plenty of
freedom; it also makes it easier to create corners so that you can imitate the shape
of the kitchen up to the smallest detail. When the lighting is completely integrated
in the kitchen, it becomes part of the kitchen.

TIPS

Always try to select luminaires that have the same design language as the kitchen itself.

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 Quality of light
COLOUR TEMPERATURE
Light creates perception and therefore the colour of light is one of the major issues. Obviously, the most natural light colour is white but
also white light is available in many shades. White light may, for instance, have a rather reddish or yellow or even blue tone. This tone
is very important for our perception. Red tones are mostly associated with warmth and cosiness whereas blue tones appear rather cool,
efficient and clean. The difference between all these tones is indicated by the colour temperature, which is expressed in Kelvin (K).

candle light bright sunlight

sunrise fluorescent lamp standard daylight

1800K 4000K 5500K 8000K 12000K 16000K

2700K incandescent light

LED lamps, energy-saving lamps and halogen lamps have a colour temperature between 2700K and 6500K.

The higher the colour temperature, the cooler the light appears.
Warm white: < 3300K (typically: 2700K & 3000K)
Neutral white: 3300K - 5300K (typically: 4000K)
Cold white: >5300K (typically: 6500K)

For a kitchen with warm colours and a finishing such as wood, you should always use a light source with a warm colour temperature.
This contributes to the cosy atmosphere and feel of the kitchen. By working with golden reflectors, the colour temperature of a light
source can be reduced, which adds even more to the warm and cosy atmosphere.

Cold light is suited when the kitchen is finished in rather cold materials such as corian and chrome. This is recommended if one wants to
highlight the hygienic environment and clean look of the kitchen. In a (spacious) kitchen, you should never exceed a colour temperature
of 4000K, higher colour temperatures would ruin the atmosphere here. The main benefit of a colour temperature of 4000K is that the
textures of food are reflected perfectly.

You can combine different colour temperatures to create certain effects or to highlight a material. Be sure to create clearly defined
areas though.

COLOUR RENDERING
Not all light sources reproduce colours in the same way as we would see them in daylight. In sunlight, we see the exact colours of an
object. The colour rendering index varies between 0 and 100, 100 being the colour rendering of the sun itself, thus the best possible
score. A high value (>80) indicates that the colours are well reproduced. A low value (<50) indicates that colour recognition becomes
difficult or even impossible. For kitchen lighting, you should use a light source with a colour rendering index that is higher than 80.
We even recommend to use light sources with a colour rendering of more than 90 as task light (e.g. above food preparation areas).

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Led lighting in the kitchen

LED lights have become an indispensable part of our daily life and especially in the kitchen it is very useful to apply this energy-efficient
lighting as the kitchen is the place where lighting is used the most. Another major benefit of LED lighting is that this type of lighting hardly
emits any heat, which is much better for keeping fruit and vegetables fresh.

LED lighting also requires a smaller recessed depth compared to conventional light sources so that it is easier to integrate it in and
below kitchen cupboards.

Always make sure that the quality of the chosen LED lighting is sufficiently high. The main aspects to consider here are lighting intensity
and colour rendering. Also ensure that the colour consistency is sufficiently high (SDCM smaller than or equal to 3). This is particularly
important in white (glossy) kitchens.

LED lighting is available in many different colour temperatures, so choose the colour
temperature that fits with the kitchen.

2700K Wood Romantic, cosy

3000K Modern, contemporary kitchen Warm atmosphere

4000K Corian, stainless steel Hygienic, clean, efficient atmosphere

Main benefits of LED lighting:

Reliable
Very long lifespan
Energy-efficient
Can be touched (no high emission of heat)
Compact
Comprehensive offer

TIPS

At kitchen appliances, a residue tends to accumulate on luminaires. Therefore, choose LED luminaires
with a closed housing (IP43 or higher) as these devices are easier to clean.

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 33
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Joos de tem
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8740 P
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(0)51 4 2
T +32 )51 46 43 4
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info@ta lighting.com
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