Exterior 'Cutoff' Light Distribution 
Exterior Light fixtures, in line with the dark sky initiative we often use the term "cut off" to describe light fixtures and the beam. Cutoff/cut-off/cut off fixtures can also be referred to as shielded or unshielded and may then refer to the level of shielding the fixture offers.


There are 4 main types of "cut off"
1. Non-Cutoff
2. Semi-Cutoff
3. Cutoff
4.  Full Cutoff

This is to "cut off" the beam of light for some exterior fixtures and ensure less light is emitted upwards towards the night sky, which is where we get the term "dark sky" as we are reducing light pollution into the night sky in the interest of animal, stargazers and more. 


Some areas are mandated as dark sky and the fixtures installed in these locations will need to be compliant with local legislation, some of our customer prefer to install 'full-cutoff' or 'dark sky' compliant, especially in more rural locations. 


If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for more information.



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