Diverse strategies set to boost demand of indoor lighting fixtures

	Ningbo Rayco’s model RT013 LED ceiling light is RoHS-compliant.

Suppliers are exploring new lines and destinations to increase revenue.

China’s indoor lighting fixture industry is gearing up for another challenging year as consumption in North America and Europe, its two largest overseas markets, remains weak. At several companies, export volume and value have yet to rebound to precrisis levels.

Further, price competition has intensified, reducing margins to less than 10 percent of sales. Some suppliers are even accepting orders at zero profit to attract buyers and keep factories operating.

Amid this business environment, makers are spending more time and resources on studying end-users in the two destinations to ensure salability.

Encouraged by the trend for low-carbon living, many are expanding their selections of CFL- and LED-based designs. The two technologies are considered more energy-efficient than incandescent lamps, use of which is already restricted in the US, Canada and the EU.

For additional growth opportunities, a number of enterprises are exploring emerging economies in Asia, Africa and South America. Several are paying more attention to the domestic market as well.

Some suppliers are expanding into or strengthening other product categories seen as having better prospects. Guangdong Gangfeng Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd, which previously had 16 production lines assigned to fluorescent indoor luminaires, re-allocated a number to solar road lights and other outdoor fixtures.

	The model TMFZ06-Y258 fluorescent light fixture from Guangdong Gangfeng has an IP65 rating.

China offers indoor lighting fixtures for homes, schools, office buildings, and commercial and industrial establishments.

Models can come with or without the compatible bulb or tube, which can be a fluorescent, halogen or LED type. Overseas-bound units are generally compliant with CE, UL, GS, EMC, VDE and RoHS requirements. Those that are also sold domestically have CCC certification.

Ceiling lamps are among the best-selling indoor lighting fixtures. The selection includes recessed, surface-mounted and hanging constructions.

Recessed types are typically in plastic-coated cold-rolled steel sheets. Depending on buyers’ requirements, their reflectors may be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Units can be bundled with magnetic or electronic ballasts.

Models are available starting at $6.50. Quotes increase based on the materials and components adopted.

In downlights and spotlights, steel and aluminum alloy are the common options for the housing material. Stainless steel and brass are also employed, although adoption is limited to upscale designs. In the low-end, cast iron and plastic designs are available.

For reflectors, midrange and upscale fixtures utilize high-grade aluminum alloy, while entry-level models employ aluminum or steel. Powder coating is the preferred surface treatment.

Prices of downlights and spotlights start below $2. Quotes are forecast to remain relatively stable in the months ahead if there is no surge in the cost of metals.

In pendant lights, the selection ranges from basic constructions with plain housings to complex designs employing multiple bulbs or tubes.

Raw material options include plastic, glass, metal and natural materials such as bamboo and wood. Some upscale fixtures also employ synthetic crystal.

Compared with other types of indoor illumination, pendant lights require more manual work because of their decorative nature. Intricate patterns often need to be done by hand, although streamlined constructions that can be manufactured via blow molding or die casting are also available.

Edixeon (Xiamen) Opto Electronics Technology Co. Ltd

Model: ED-T047
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 25 days
Description: Downlight; aluminum housing; three LEDs; 2,700 to 7,000K color temperature; 220 to 240VAC; CE, RoHS

Edixeon (Xiamen) Opto Electronics Technology Co. Ltd

Model: ED-T058
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 25 days
Description: Downlight; aluminum housing; three LEDs; 390 lumens; 2,700 to 7,000K color temperature; 220 to 240VAC

Guangdong Gangfeng Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd

Model: TMQP18-Y632
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Recessed light; cold-rolled steel frame; 6x32W; 120 to 277V, 50/60Hz; UL

Guangdong Gangfeng Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd

Model: TMFZ26-Y258
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Ceiling light; plastic cover; 2x58W; 220 to 240V, 50/60Hz; dust-resistant; CE, ENEC

Neo-Neon LED Lighting International Ltd

Model: B0611
MOQ: 240 units
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Recessed downlight; 10 1W LEDs; 575 or 650 lumens; 3,000 or 4,000K color temperature; 85-degree beam angle; 12W; 120VAC, 60Hz; UL, Energy Star

Ningbo Rayco Light Electric Technology Co. Ltd

Model: RT201
MOQ: 500 units
Delivery: 15 days
Description: Ceiling light; aluminum housing; LED; 75 lumens; 3,000 to 6,500K; 110 to 240V; 50,000hr service life; RoHS

Soben Lighting Co. Ltd

Model: 10-AB1APB31-A
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Recessed spotlight; zinc alloy housing; 35 to 50W; 12V

Soben Lighting Co. Ltd

Model: MX-Y22
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Surface-mounted ceiling light; steel housing; 22W; 220V; white

Yongkang Xingguang Electrical Manufacture Co. Ltd

Model: XG-LED001W-TA
MOQ: 30 units
Delivery: 15 days
Description: Ceiling light; aluminum housing; LED; 100 lumens; 3,000 to 7,000K color temperature; 85 to 240VAC; 50,000hr service life; CE, RoHS