Terminology

• Projection: distance the fixture extends from the wall
• ADA sconce: low-projection fixture designed to meet protruding object limits
• Uplight / downlight / bi-directional: light distribution directions
• Wall pack: exterior utility fixture on building walls
• Full cutoff: exterior fixture with no light emitted above horizontal
• Wall wash from sconce: distribution that lights the wall surface
• Backbox: junction box behind the fixture; position set before wall finish
• BUG rating: backlight, uplight, glare rating for exterior units

Standards

Ratings

• Exterior wall packs rated by IES TM-15 BUG ratings; full cutoff for dark-sky goals
• Damp or wet listing for exterior and bathroom applications
• Low-glare optics for corridors and stairs

Test standards

• UL 1598 and UL 8750
• IES LM-79, LM-80, TM-21
• IES TM-15: BUG ratings for exterior luminaires

Components

• Body and shade: metal, glass, or acrylic
• Backplate and backbox: mounting to structure or blocking
• LED module and driver: dimmable; some with integral emergency battery
• Optics: diffusers, reflectors, cutoff shields for exterior units

Detailing

• Check projection and mounting height in circulation paths for protruding object limits
• Set backbox heights before drywall; coordinate with wall finishes and mirrors
• Use full cutoff exterior wall packs to limit glare and light trespass
• Provide blocking for heavy decorative fixtures
• Coordinate emergency battery sconces at exterior exit discharge

Uses

Specific uses

• Corridors and stairwells
• Hotel guest rooms and bathrooms
• Building entrances and exterior walls
• Restaurants and lobbies
• Residential vanities and halls

Pros and cons

Pros

• Lights walls and faces at eye level
• Adds decorative character
• Reduces ceiling clutter
• Exterior wall packs are efficient site lighting at building edges

Cons

• Projection limits in circulation paths
• Glare if sources are visible
• Backbox locations fixed early
• Exterior units can cause light trespass if poorly shielded

Manufacturing and cost

Construction

• Bodies formed, cast, or extruded; mounted to backboxes and blocking
• Wired and aimed after wall finishes

Main manufacturers and suppliers

• Acuity Brands (Lithonia, Hydrel)
• Signify
• Cooper Lighting Solutions
• BEGA
• WAC Lighting

Trade association: Illuminating Engineering Society.

Sources

• Corada: 2010 ADA Standards Section 307 protruding objects, Protruding Objects: ADA Standard Section 307
• Landscape Forms: BUG rating system 101, BUG Rating System 101 - Landscape Forms
• TxDOT: cutoff and BUG rating, Cutoff and BUG Rating
• Wikimedia Commons: Sconce.jpg, by Diderot (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sconce.jpg