INTERIOR LIGHTING 10-43

Wherever fixed luminaires are not installed, portables are needed. Wall-
mounted luminaires over the bed and tall bed-side table luminaires will
provide illumination for reading. Portables at the dresser, desk, reading,
or sewing chair are recommended. A small 6-watt night lamp plugged into
a low convenience outlet is desirable, especially in nurseries.
Bathrooms
The most important illumination in the bathroom is that at the mirror.
The face of the person in front of the mirror, not the mirror, should be
illuminated. The ideal method is to provide a luminous area around the
entire mirror circumference. Two brackets, one at each side of the mirror,
mounted approximately 5 feet 6 inches above the floor, also provide good
coverage. Either incandescent or fluorescent lamps may be used as in
Figs. 10 31e and
g.
The length of the fluorescent tube distributes more
light over the face and neck. Where the budget permits only one lighting
outlet in the bathroom, a shaded-lamp over-mirror luminaire can be used,
lamps are shaded.
Unless a bathroom is less than 60 square feet in area, it should have a
ceiling luminaire. If a small budget necessitates a choice between a ceiling
luminaire and mirror illumination, the room should be illuminated from the
mirror area. A wall switch inside the bathroom door should be used to
control all luminaires.
Enclosed showers should have a vapor-proof ceiling luminaire such as
that shown in Fig. 10-3 Id, controlled by a switch outside the compartment.
In large bathrooms a recessed element over the tub also is a convenience.
It should be switch controlled at the door.
For safety and convenience, a night light in the switch plate at the door
or one in the baseboard is recommended.
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FIG. 10-31. Typical recommended bathroom^luminaires. a. General diffuse en-
closing globe, b. Semidirect, ceiling-mounted, for incandescent-filament lamps,
c. Semidirect, ceiling-mounted, for fluorescent lamps, d. Vapor-proof, for shower,
e. Semi-indirect, bracket with lens. f. Semi -indirect, bracket, g. Wall bracket.