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By Jason Tran, Lighting Specialist | In2Lighting Australia
Last updated: August 2026
Not sure what IP44 means? Confused about lumens vs watts? This glossary covers the 15 most searched lighting terms in Australia in plain English — so you can shop with confidence and choose the right fitting for your space.
What is an IP rating in lighting?
An IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) tells you how well a light fitting is protected against dust and water, using a two-digit number. The first digit covers dust protection, the second covers moisture.
For standard indoor rooms (living rooms, bedrooms, hallways), IP20 is fine. For bathrooms, you need at least IP44 — and for shower zones or outdoor exposed areas, IP65 is the minimum. Always check the IP rating before buying a bathroom or outdoor light. Getting it wrong is both unsafe and non-compliant with Australian electrical standards.
→ Shop Bathroom Lighting at In2Lighting
→ Shop Outdoor Lighting at In2Lighting
What is the difference between IP44 and IP65?
IP44 means a light fitting is protected against water splashes from any direction — suitable for bathroom zones outside the shower area. IP65 means the fitting is fully dust-tight and protected against direct water jets, making it suitable for shower zones and outdoor areas exposed to rain.
Use IP44 for bathroom wall lights, vanity lights, and general bathroom ceiling lights. Use IP65 for lights inside or directly above the shower, outdoor wall lights, and garden lighting exposed to weather. When in doubt, go higher — IP65 works anywhere IP44 does.
→ Shop IP44 Bathroom Lights at In2Lighting
→ Shop IP65 Outdoor Lights at In2Lighting
What is the difference between lumens and watts?
Watts measure how much power a globe uses. Lumens measure how much light it actually produces. With LED lighting, watts no longer indicate brightness — a 10W LED can produce the same lumens as a 60W incandescent globe.
Always shop by lumens, not watts. For a dining table pendant, aim for 300–500 lumens. For a bedside pendant, 200–300 lumens is usually enough. For task lighting over a kitchen island, 400–600 lumens per fitting gives adequate brightness without glare.
→ Shop Pendant Lights at In2Lighting
What does colour temperature mean in lighting?
Colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), describes how warm or cool light appears. Lower numbers produce warmer, more amber light. Higher numbers produce cooler, bluer light.
2700K–3000K (warm white) is best for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms — it creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. 3500K–4000K (neutral/cool white) suits kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces where clarity matters. 5000K–6500K (daylight) is rarely used in Australian homes — it's too harsh and clinical for residential spaces. When in doubt, choose 3000K for living areas.
→ Shop Pendant Lights at In2Lighting
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What is CRI in lighting?
CRI (Colour Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source renders colours compared to natural daylight, on a scale of 0 to 100. A CRI of 100 means colours look exactly as they would in sunlight. A low CRI makes colours appear washed out or distorted.
For most homes, look for CRI 80 or above as a minimum. For spaces where colour accuracy matters — such as walk-in wardrobes, art displays, or makeup areas — aim for CRI 90 or above. Most quality LED products sit between CRI 80–95. If a product doesn't mention CRI, that's often a sign it's on the lower end.
→ Shop High-CRI LED Downlights at In2Lighting
What is a gimbal downlight? (also called a gimble)
A gimbal downlight (also commonly spelled "gimble" in Australian searches — both refer to the same fitting) is an adjustable downlight where the light head can tilt and rotate to direct the beam exactly where you want it. Unlike fixed downlights that only point straight down, a gimbal can be angled to highlight artwork, kitchen benchtops, or architectural features.
Gimbal downlights are ideal for accent lighting, highlighting artwork or joinery, and kitchen bench lighting where directional control matters. They typically tilt 20–30 degrees from vertical. If you want a standard ceiling light that illuminates a room evenly, a fixed downlight is simpler and usually more cost-effective.
→ Shop Gimbal Downlights at In2Lighting
What is the difference between dimmable and non-dimmable lights?
A dimmable light fitting or globe can have its brightness reduced using a compatible dimmer switch. A non-dimmable light will only operate at full brightness — connecting it to a dimmer switch can cause flickering, buzzing, or permanent damage to the fitting.
If you want mood lighting in a dining room or living room, make sure both the fitting and the globe are marked as dimmable — and that your dimmer switch is LED-compatible. Most modern dimmer switches are LED-compatible, but older ones may not be. If a product listing doesn't mention dimmable, assume it isn't.
→ Shop Dimmable Pendant Lights at In2Lighting
What does RCM approved mean in Australia?
RCM stands for Regulatory Compliance Mark. In Australia, all electrical products sold to consumers must carry the RCM mark, confirming they have been tested and comply with Australian electrical safety standards. Selling or installing non-RCM-approved lighting in Australia is illegal.
Always buy lighting with the RCM mark. If a product — particularly from overseas marketplaces — doesn't display RCM compliance, don't buy it. Every product at In2Lighting is RCM approved. It's a non-negotiable part of our sourcing criteria.
→ Shop All RCM-Approved Lighting at In2Lighting
What is the difference between a pendant light and a chandelier?
A pendant light is a single fixture suspended from the ceiling on a cord, cable, or rod. A chandelier is a branched or tiered decorative fixture with multiple arms and light sources radiating from a central body. Chandeliers are typically larger, more formal, and need ceiling heights of 2.7m or more.
For most Australian homes with standard ceiling heights, a pendant is the more versatile and practical choice. Chandeliers suit formal dining rooms, high-ceiling entries, and Hamptons or luxe interiors. Multi-arm pendants can deliver chandelier-scale visual impact without the full formality commitment.
→ Read our full guide: Pendant vs Chandelier for Dining Rooms
→ Shop Pendant Lights at In2Lighting
What is an oyster light?
An oyster light (also called a flush mount or close-to-ceiling light) is a ceiling fitting that sits flat against the ceiling with minimal drop — typically 5–15cm. It provides broad, even ambient light and is the most practical ceiling light option for rooms where height is limited.
Oyster lights are the go-to choice for bedrooms, hallways, laundries, and bathrooms with ceilings under 2.7m. Look for a diameter of 28–40cm for most rooms, and 3000K for a warm residential feel. Avoid very small oyster lights in large rooms — undersized fittings look lost and provide insufficient light coverage.
→ Shop Oyster Lights at In2Lighting
What is a batten light?
A batten light is a long, linear ceiling fitting — typically a rectangular LED strip or tube mounted directly to the ceiling surface. Batten lights provide high-output, even light across a wide area and are among the most energy-efficient ceiling light options available in Australia.
Batten lights suit garages, laundries, workshops, and commercial spaces. They're also increasingly used in kitchens and modern interiors as a minimalist alternative to multiple downlights. Look for integrated LED battens with no tube replacement needed, and tri-colour (3CCT) options if you want flexibility between warm and cool light settings.
→ Shop Batten Lights at In2Lighting
What is a downlight?
A downlight (also called a recessed light or can light) is a fitting that sits flush inside the ceiling and projects light downward. Downlights are cut into the ceiling during installation, giving a clean, minimal look with no visible housing below the ceiling surface.
LED downlights are the standard choice in Australian new builds and renovations. Look for dimmable options, a beam angle of 36–40 degrees for general lighting (narrower for accent work), and 3000K for living areas or 4000K for kitchens and bathrooms. Always check the IP rating — IP44 minimum for bathrooms, IP65 for shower zones.
→ Shop LED Downlights at In2Lighting
What is Hamptons style lighting?
Hamptons style lighting draws from the relaxed coastal aesthetic of the Hamptons, characterised by white or off-white finishes, classic silhouettes, natural materials like rattan and linen, and warm layered light. In Australian homes, it typically means multi-arm pendants with white fabric shades, lantern-style fittings, and antique brass or aged metal hardware.
Key Hamptons lighting signatures include white drum or barrel shades, multi-light pendants with white globes, coastal-inspired lanterns, and aged brass or bronze metal finishes. Always pair with 2700K–3000K warm white globes for the characteristic warm, welcoming glow. The Hamptons look is always light, bright, and airy — avoid dark or industrial finishes.
→ Shop Hamptons Lighting at In2Lighting
What is Japandi style lighting?
Japandi lighting blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth, characterised by clean lines, natural materials, muted earth tones, and functional simplicity. Japandi lighting tends to be understated rather than decorative, with organic shapes and natural textures like linen, rattan, concrete, and timber.
For Japandi interiors, look for pendant lights with linen or woven shades, concrete or stone pendants, simple black or natural-finish metal fittings, and warm globe pendants with a visible filament. Avoid anything overly ornate, shiny, or geometric. Always use warm white (2700K–3000K) to complement the earthy palette.
→ Shop Japandi Pendant Lights at In2Lighting
→ Shop Modern Pendant Lights at In2Lighting
What does 3CCT mean in lighting?
3CCT means a light fitting has three selectable colour temperatures built in — typically warm white (3000K), neutral white (4000K), and cool white (5000K or 6500K). You switch between them using a wall switch sequence or a dedicated switch on the fitting, without needing to change globes.
3CCT fittings are a practical choice if you want flexibility between warm evening ambience and brighter task lighting in the same room. They're particularly useful in kitchens and living areas. At In2Lighting, 3CCT products are clearly labelled in the product title and specifications.
→ Shop 3CCT LED Downlights at In2Lighting
→ Shop 3CCT Pendant Lights at In2Lighting
Still have questions? Email our team at info@in2lighting.com.au — free expert advice, no obligation.
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