Skip to content

Guide to Technical & Electrical Terminology

This page provides definitions and supporting information to help you understand the technical terminology used on our products' specification sheets. It is currently a work in progress...

Protection Class
This refers to the insulation of an electrical appliance. There are two classes:
Class I: A Class I (Class 1) appliance is one that must have its body connected to electrical earth by a separate earth conductor. The earth connection is achieved using a 3-core cable.
Class II: A Class II (Class 2) or double insulated electrical appliance (light fixture) is one which has been designed in such a way that it does NOT require a safety connection to electrical earth (ground). An added layer of safety against electrical shock is achieved by using double layers of insulating material or reinforced insulation protecting any live parts of the fitting.

Other useful links
Guide to Product Certification
Guide to IP Ratings
Guide to Product Finishes & Colours