FAQ's

Alex Light FAQ's

• Your lights are more expensive than others I have seen - why should I choose yours over a cheaper model?

  Like everything, you get what you pay for, and our lights are of a very high quality. Our lights are hand made in the UK, built to last, and come with a 5 year guarantee. They are designed as tools specifically for people who read regularly.

• I don't know whether to buy a Book or Reading Light - can you help?

  What you read most will determine which light would suit your needs. The Book Light has a beam of focused light and will not disturb others. The Reading Light has a wider beam and is 50% brighter so is better for reading larger publications like newspapers.

• I want to use my light for sewing and embroidery work, which light would you suggest I buy, and why?

  For sewing we would recommend the Book Light. We are infact the world leader in halogen lighting for industrial sewing machines. For embroidery work we would suggest the Reading Light as it has a wider spread of light covering a larger area and a brighter light that will show up the colours you are working with.

• Why do I need a dimmer?

  A dimmer can assist when reading glossy magazines or photographs as it cuts out the glare. If more than one person uses the light they may find they have different light requirements so will be able to adjust the light accordingly.

• Can I have the Bedhead light with a dimmer?

  No. The light is fitted with a 20w bulb as standard. If you are finding this too bright we can offer you a 12w bulb to try instead.

• I ordered a dimmable light but think I have been sent the incorrect one?

  Dimmable lights are fitted with a spring-loaded switch. Hold the switch down for the dimmer to run through the cycle - dims down half way and back up again. You can tell if you have a dimmer switch or not by the switch markings - on/off switch is marked 1 and 0, no markings = dimmer switch.

• Can you tell me which type of bulbs the Reading and Book Lights use?

  The Booklight bulbs are Halogen Dichroic 12v 20w. The Reading Light bulbs are Halogen Dichroic 12v 20w 38 degree IRC - the IRC stands for infrared coating and this technology gives the equivalent of 35w from the 20w bulb - thus reducing the heat output. Halogen provides extremely good colour rendition. This means the colours you see under the light are very close to how the eyes see them in daylight.

• I have a Reading Light but I still need a wider spread?

  We can offer a 60degree bulb for a free of charge trial (15173A). No brighter but wider spread.

• What is the difference between a Halogen Dichroic bulb and a normal household bulb?

  A Halogen bulb emits a crisp pool of near daylight. Unlike a normal household bulb it will not dim over its life. It is more energy efficient, brighter, has good colour rendering, and is smaller so it can easily direct light.

• What is the equivalent of a 20w Halogen bulb/Halogen wide beam bulb?

  A 20w Halogen bulb is the equivalent of a 60w household bulb and a 20w Halogen wider beam bulb is the equivalent of 100w household bulb.

• The head on my lamp gets hot - is this normal?

  The halogen lights we use have a glass reflector so only light is projected forward, not heat. This means the head should get no warmer than a mug of tea, and the grab area will stay cool, unlike other makes of halogen lights that can get very hot.

• How long do the bulbs last?

  On average the bulbs will last for 3,000 hours. 5-6 times longer than normal bulbs.

• Where can I get spare bulbs?

  You can get similar bulbs elsewhere that will fit but they are unlikely to provide the same light colour, pattern or light quality so although you don't have to come back to us, we would recommend it. If you take a spare bulb when you purchase your light, you should be covered for around 5 years or more.

• The 3metre cable is not long enough and I don't want to buy an extension lead. Can I have a longer cable?

  Yes. Delivery on orders may take longer as we need to modify the cable. The normal length cable comes with a moulded plug that we need to remove. We can then extend the cable to the required length and refit with a regular plug.

• How moveable is the head of the light?

  The head of the light can be moved around in both directions. You can easily direct the light to wherever you need it by moving both the head and the arm.

• What are the lights made from?

  Designed and built in U.K. German engineering. Made of plastic, wood and metal. The flexible arm is manufactured from a steel spring and a brass wire that is wound round the spring. This is what gives it the flexible stay-put characteristics. In terms of the finish of the lights they are as follows:
  
  Black - A powder coated finish - a type of paint finish.
  Nickel - A galvanising process - it is actually a metallic coating and not just a paint finish.
  Brass - This is the natural finish of the arm. It is polished and then sealed so that it does not tarnish.
  Handle - stained beech.

• Can the pen & glasses holder on the table light be removed?

  Yes, pull both arms at once - this will release the clip.

• What is the chrome handle on the Alex Reading Light for?

  This is a handle for easy positioning - can be removed by pulling out gently.

• Can the light be fitted with a different plug for use overseas?

  Yes - you just need to request at the time of ordering.

• I am struggling to open the head on the Reading Lamp to change the bulb.

  Try a crosshead screwdriver PZ1 - approx £2.50 from local hardware store.

OTT-Lite FAQ's

• Why should I choose the OTT-Lite?

  The OTT-Lite lamps are specifically formulated to simulate natural light. It is energy efficient and bulbs last up to 15 times longer than standard bulbs. The Ott-Lite is unlike standard lamps, which are full of heat and glare, which often causes tiredness/headaches and eyestrain. The OTT-Lite has low heat/glare, which makes text/colour and contrast clearer, allowing you to read/craft more comfortably. They give the right amount of light/wavelengths which the eye responds best to, so less straining of eye muscles.

• Is the OTT-Lite energy efficient?

  Yes - The Ott-Lite is the equivalent of up to 75w (Flr-18w) and 60w (Task-13w) compared to standard household bulbs.

• How long do the bulbs last?

  The bulbs typically last 10,000hrs.

• What sort of bulbs does the OTT-Lite use?

  The OTT-Lite uses fluorescent tubes.

• Where do I find replacement bulbs?

  You will need to get replacement bulbs directly from us, as they are unavailable in shops. The reason for this is because they bulbs are specially formulated with 7 different phosphors, which simulate the ideal amount of natural light, needed to enhance visual acuity without the glare.

• Will the bulb/head get hot?

  No - The OTT-Lite bulbs/head will not get hot. All fluorescent bulbs run at a cool temperature.

• How long is the flex?

  Floor lite - 2m approx.
  Task lite - 1.7 m approx.

• What finishes are available?

  Dove grey.

• Does the OTT-Lite come with a warranty?

  Yes - The OTT-Lite comes with a one-year warranty.

• Is there a magnifier for the OTT-Lite?

  Yes - a magnifier attachment is available for both floor and table light models.
  
  Floor - 3 x Magnification
  Task - 1 x Magnification

• What is the OTT-Lite made of?

  Floor - Shaft and neck is made of plastic covered metal and the head is plastic.
  Task - The task light is made of plastic.

• Where is the OTT-Lite manufactured?

  China.

• Will I need to assemble my light?

  Floor light requires simple assembly and instructions are included.

• Why is my light fixture making a humming noise?

  If noise is coming from your light fixture it is usually a loose or malfunctioning ballast. Try moving the lamp to another outlet or away from any electrical items.

• My light is not working correctly, what could be the problem?

  Make sure the bulb is inserted into the lamp head properly - it will make a clicking noise, which indicates it is in the correct position.

Lightwedge FAQ's

• What Is the Lightwedge?

  The LightWedge is a portable reading tool allowing you to read on the move. It is side lit by 2 LED's and the plexi glass panel projects the light.

• What is the best environment to use the LightWedge?

  The LightWedge is designed to work only in the dark and does not give the same amount of light as one of our reading lights. Therefore it is not ideal if your eyesight is poor, but is great for reading in bed without disturbing others, or while traveling ie: on a plane.

• What does L E D mean?

  L E D stands for Light Emitting Diode. This is a means of producing light without needing a bulb.

• What material is the Lightwedge made with?

  The Lightwedge is made with a distortion free acrylic lens. The casing is plastic.

• How do I turn the Lightwedge on?

  There is a button on the side of the black casing; there are 2 brightness settings for eye friendly reading in different environments. Just press the button once or twice depending on setting required.

• How can I clean the Lightwedge?

  The lens cleaner, available from us, is the best and safest way to clean the LightWedge. If you wear glasses you can also use the same fluid.

• There are lines on my Lightwedge - is this normal?

  Your Lightwedge has been designed to light only your page. The internal structure of the plexi glass on your Lightwedge helps to do this by refracting the light generated down on to your page. You may therefore be able to see some lines in certain conditions.

• What is the clip on the top of the Lightwedge used for?

  The clip that slides onto the top is used to rest the Lightwedge on top of the book enabling you to read without holding the Lightwedge in place.

• How thick is the lens?

  The thickness of the Perspex lens narrows from 5mm-2mm.