Linear Lighting

LED linear lighting delivers continuous, efficient illumination for commercial and residential settings. From lighting warehouses and workshops to creating continuous runs for office spaces, car parks and coastal washdown areas, these fixtures ensure consistent visibility. This guide helps you select the right IP rating, colour temperature (like 4000K or tunable CCT) and special features for your specific environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right linear lighting for my space?

To choose the right linear lighting, match the lumen output, CCT, IP rating, and controls to your space. Aim for 3,000-6,000 lumens per fixture (or 300-500 lux for offices), a 3000-4000K CCT for general commercial use, a CRI of 80-90+, and drivers rated for over 50,000 hours. You should also consider efficiency (100-140 lm/W), the dimming protocol (DALI or 0-10V), mounting type (surface or recessed), and a 3-5 year warranty. Factor in the physical length and lumen-per-metre to ensure even illumination, and confirm the IP rating is suitable for the environment to avoid premature failure.

Which IP rating do I need for linear lighting in wet environments?

Use IP65 or IP66-rated linear lighting in wet environments to ensure protection against dust and water. IP65 defends against low-pressure water jets, while IP66 resists powerful water jets. For installations that may be briefly submerged, IP67 is preferable. Always confirm the quality of the gasket and end-cap sealing and opt for corrosion-resistant materials to extend the fixture's life. Choosing the correct IP rating prevents water ingress, electrical faults, and premature failure, saving on replacement costs and downtime.

Consider the installation details: ensure sealed cable entries, IP-rated connectors, and stainless steel or polymer end caps. For high-pressure washdowns or chemical exposure, combine an IP66 rating with corrosion-proof housings, such as 316 stainless steel or marine-grade coatings.

Which colour temperature (CCT) should I choose for linear lighting?

Select the CCT based on the application: use 4000K (neutral white) for most commercial and industrial spaces, 3000K (warm white) for hospitality and residential areas, and 5000K (daylight) for inspection, medical, or precision tasks. You should also specify a CRI of ≥80 for general work and ≥90 for colour-critical applications. If a space has mixed uses, choose tunable CCT fixtures (e.g., 3000-5000K) and implement scene control to switch between presets. The proper CCT improves comfort, task performance, and perceived brightness without increasing energy consumption.

Should I choose dimmable or non-dimmable linear lighting?

Choose dimmable linear lighting if you need flexibility for energy savings and scene setting, as dimming can cut energy use by up to 30% during periods of low occupancy. If you only require a fixed output and a lower upfront cost, non-dimmable fixtures are a suitable alternative. When selecting dimmable fixtures, confirm protocol compatibility (DALI, 0-10V, or Triac), specify minimum flicker levels, and ensure the drivers support your control system. For large or future-proofed installations, DALI provides scalable control and zoning.

What are the benefits of corrosion-proof linear lighting?

Corrosion-proof linear lighting extends a fixture's life to 5-15 years in aggressive environments by using 316 stainless steel or marine-grade powder coatings and sealed gaskets. These fixtures resist salt spray, chemicals, and high humidity, reducing maintenance and replacement costs by 20-50% over time. Specify IP66 or higher, combined with a corrosion-resistant housing, for coastal sites, food processing facilities, chemical plants, and washdown areas. Corrosion-proof fittings maintain their lumen output and safety for longer than standard aluminium housings.

How does a microwave sensor work in linear lighting and when should I use one?

A microwave sensor detects motion by emitting low-power microwave signals and measuring changes in the reflected signal. Typical detection ranges are 5-12 metres, and coverage can be 360°, depending on the mounting. Use microwave sensors in corridors, high-ceiling areas, and spaces with obstructions where a PIR sensor may fail, as they can sense through thin partitions. They can deliver energy savings of 20-40% by switching or dimming lights when areas are unoccupied but require careful placement to avoid false triggers from external movement.

What's the difference between IP20, IP40, IP65, and IP66 for linear lighting?

IP ratings indicate the level of protection against solids and liquids: IP20 and IP40 are for dry indoor use, while IP65 and IP66 protect against dust and water jets. Specifically, IP20 blocks objects >12.5 mm and offers no water protection; IP40 blocks objects >1 mm but provides no water protection; IP65 resists dust and low-pressure water jets; and IP66 resists dust and powerful water jets. To optimise cost and longevity, choose the lowest rating that meets the environmental demands and pair a higher IP rating with corrosion-resistant materials where required.

Choosing the right IP rating for linear lighting

Selecting the correct Ingress Protection (IP) rating is essential for the longevity and safety of your installation. IP ratings indicate how well a fixture resists dust and moisture. For dry indoor spaces, an IP20 rating is perfectly sufficient. If your environment is prone to splashes or dust, look for IP40 options. However, for exterior applications, exposed canopies, coastal workshops or heavy-duty washdown areas, you will need reliable waterproof linear lighting. In these demanding environments, always opt for IP65 linear lighting or IP66 linear lighting to prevent water ingress and electrical failures.

Avoid under-specifying your IP rating for wet or exposed environments. When in doubt for exterior or wet areas, choose IP65 or IP66 and carefully check the gasket and gland details. You can easily spot these ratings in our product titles, but always confirm the specific cable entry and sealing details on the manufacturer's datasheet before making your final decision.

Wattage vs lumens: selecting the best colour temperature and light output

When specifying LED linear lighting, focus on lumen output and efficacy (lumens per watt) rather than just wattage. While you can use wattage variants visible in our product names - such as 9W/18W, 30W/60W, or 50W - to estimate energy use, specifying by wattage alone without checking lumen data can lead to poor lighting. Always request the exact lumens and lm/W from suppliers so you can accurately convert them to your target lux for the room.

Beyond brightness, selecting the right colour temperature (CCT) significantly affects the feel and function of a space.

Office and retail environments typically benefit from neutral linear lighting 4000K.
Hospitality settings often require a warmer 3000K to create an inviting atmosphere.
Workshops, warehouses and high-task areas need higher lumen targets and cooler CCTs, usually between 4000K and 5000K.

Look for 4000K or CCT linear lighting labels in our product names, and remember to check the datasheets for precise efficacy figures.

Emergency, sensor and dimmable linear lighting

Matching your fixtures to site requirements ensures safety and operational efficiency. You can easily identify specialised solutions by looking for specific terms in our product names:

Escape routes and stairwells: Choose linear lighting with emergency features (often marked 'C/W Emergency') to meet egress requirements. Always confirm the emergency duration and test type on the datasheet.
Corridors and continuous runs: Opt for linear lighting with sensor capabilities. Microwave sensors provide excellent coverage for long runs compared to standard PIR.
Coastal or chemical exposure: Select corrosion-proof linear lighting (often paired with IP65 or IP66 ratings) to withstand harsh washdown environments.
Networked control: When selecting dimmable linear lighting, it is crucial to verify that the dimming protocols are compatible. While triac is acceptable for simple retrofits, specify DALI or 0-10V drivers for networked commercial control.

Always contact the supplier to verify driver specifications and dimming compatibility.

Use the available filters to narrow down your LED linear lighting choices by brand, colour, colour temperature, IP rating and dimmable options. Product names indicate common lengths - from 600mm up to 1530mm - and special features like 'C/W Emergency', 'Microwave Sensor', or 'Corrosion Proof'. Check the manufacturer datasheets or contact our team to confirm specific driver details, emergency durations and technical specifications before finalising your order.