Batten light fittings come in all shapes and sizes and are used in a variety of different settings, depending on requirements.
Batten fittings typically house one or two tube lights and are commonly used in public areas such as car parks, toilets, and train stations. These versatile units are popular because of their durability, long lifespan, and ease of maintenance, as well as providing a good light output.
Public places such as car parks often require robust, enclosed lighting units as they can not only be subject to wear and tear from elements like weather and vandalism, but also provide safety. As a result, batten fittings are perfect for these types of installs.
Traditional fluorescent tube lights generate heat and are hot to touch – anyone who has tried to change a traditional halogen light bulb at home once it has been on for a while is a testament to this, and as you can imagine exposure is not ideal.
Furthermore, fluorescent tube lights are often made from glass, which again, is hazardous to have in public places for the exposure of broken glass when damaged.
Tri-Proof and non-corrosive
Batten fittings used in public places must be tri-proof or non-corrosive. This means they are more durable and robust than normal tube housing. Tri-proof units can withstand heavy impact, exposure to dust and water, and exposure to extreme temperatures.
- An IK chart measures impact. Tri-proof units have a rating of IK08 or IK10.
- An ingress protection (IP) rating measures water and dust exposure. Tri-proof units are typically is IP65 or higher.
- Tri-proof rated products can withstand temperatures from -20ºC to 40ºC.
In addition, tri-proof fittings are built to last by using non-corrosive, high-grade plastic, and stainless steel.
Ease of Installation
Another reason for batten fittings’ popularity is the ease of installation. Fitted by chain or bracket or fixed to a surface, often a few screws are all that is needed.
The lights themselves can be linked to each other with ease or connected to a power supply like a house light.
LED tri-proofs, come with a long lifespan, typically anywhere between 20,000 and 50,000 hours, meaning they can last years without any need for maintenance or replacements.
