Spot lights are one of the few lighting products that will fit into just about any situation. They can work as a source of task and accent lighting, and when working in coordination with similar products, can even produce ambient light. Technically, spot lights are lamps with beams focused at an angle lesser than 30 degrees.

Traditionally, spot lights have found application in concerts and figure skating events. However, all this has changed now. Modern spotlights can be used just about anywhere in the house and have even carved a space for themselves in the bathrooms and kitchens of a house. They are often confused with flood lights, when in fact they are completely different and are used to serve different purposes. Flood lights are used to spread the light to cover a large area, whereas spot lights are used to narrow down the beam to focus on smaller surfaces.

The best way to fit spotlights indoors is on the ceiling. This can be done by placing up tracks along the surface, which will allow the placement of lamps in any combination you want. This offers the functions of rotation and repositioning in any direction required.

The common bulb choices include halogen and LED lights, both mains voltage and low voltage. For those who require extremely bright light, Parabolic Aluminized Reflectors can be used. These bulbs contain various reflectors and prisms, which help them produce extremely focused high intensity light.

Spot Lights for Bathrooms

Bathroom lights are not too prone to experimentation. This is due to the various electrical safety laws that accompany these products. All such products need to be protected by Residual Current Devices (RCD) not exceeding 30mA. These products are marked on the basis of the level of mechanical and moisture protection they have. These are quoted in the form of Ingress Protection (IP) numbers. The common format is IPXY, where X signifies the mechanical protection and Y implies the moisture protection level. The higher the numbers, better will be the protection.

Spot lights are a preferred product for bathroom lighting. This is because they often consume little power and provide high security. They are designed keeping safety in mind, while not downplaying the quality of the light produced. They have a base rating of IP44 and can be readily installed in Zone 1 and Zone 2 of a bathroom, as defined by the IEE Wiring Regulation of the UK. This means they can be placed anywhere in the bathroom, barring the shower itself.

Spotlights for Outdoors

A lot of work goes into designing the outdoors of a house. This is because it is the first thing that any passerby or guest sees of your home. This is why a lot of emphasis is laid on making it as appealing as possible. One sure shot way of doing so is with the use of outdoor lights.

Outdoor lights come in various shapes and sizes, although the most preferred product is the garden spot light. These work because they readily blend into the overall ambience of the garden and enhance it from within. This makes the garden glow during the night. These spot lights come in multiple colours and designs, and some even have properties that can do more than just illuminate the garden.

Even safety is a factor with such outdoor lights. By highlighting the pathways, entry and exit ways, and food areas, these spot lights can make sure that constant vigilance can be maintained. Some of these products even contain motion sensors. These devices light up only when a trespasser unknowingly triggers the motion detectors hidden in the garden. This way they help to cut back on electricity bills.

Be it bathroom lights or ceiling lights; spot lights have definitely earned their position in the lime light.