[TheForge] re:lighting

[John Emmerling]

Roger

I've been making chandeliers, sconces and lamps for the design trade for 
about 10 yrs. I am not UL certified. Occasionally the question of UL 
certification comes up...generally initiated by the end client. My 
response, always truthful,  is that I am not UL certified, but use all 
UL parts. If the client wants the UL sticker of approval,  I will be 
happy to have a |UL certified shop wire the piece and simply pass on the 
additional cost. No one has yet to request that, but I do more 
residential as opposed to  commercial work. Most of the parts 
distributors...I use American DeRosa in LA... sell mostly UL approved 
parts  AD seems to have good prices and are reliable.

In OR, the inspection process can be somewhat varied as to location and 
individual preference...which is probably the same everywhere.  Some 
inspectors insist that a fixture be in place for the final, and some 
don't. It's kind of a crap shoot. I think the report  the builder has 
with the inspector counts as much as anything.
Most good electricians can tell immediately if a fixture is wired 
properly and its doubtful that they would install one that looks "iffy". 
I always try to 'overwire' by using a little heavier than code and 
always keep things neat/tidy. On the design end I try to allow for easy 
access/inspection of wiring...not always easy to do though. You can 
learn a lot by going to a lighting store and looking at how things are 
done. You might be surprised at how flimsy much of the lighting is, and 
how much of it is foreign. It's no wonder that there is so much demand 
for good lighting....feels kind of like being in the right spot at the 
right time.  I would be happy doing nothing but lighting as it is 
financially rewarding.

Hope this helps,

John Emmerling
Gearhart Ironwerks
Gearhart, OR.