Phantom Lighting System

Up until a few years ago, very specific types of kitchen cabinet lights were used for either in cabinet or under cabinet lighting needs. Most people preferred puck lights for under the cabinet applications because they cast bright circles of light onto counter tops and provided great visibility and clarity for work. Back then, of course, most counter tops were made of cheaper materials that absorbed light without reflecting it back into the eyes.

People in the 60’s, 70’s also used a lot of fluorescent under cabinet lights because they helped conserved electricity. Their lower heat output also made them everyone’s favorite under cabinet/ over the stove light for cooking.

This, of course, is all changing now. Increasingly large numbers of people are replacing generic counter top materials with custom, more ornate granite and marble. These surfaces are highly reflective and introduce an entirely new element into the lighting equation. Kitchen cabinet light manufacturers must now shield the eyes from reflective glare in addition to providing the same levels of light as they did before.

While it is a fact that fluorescents are normally housed in frosted fixtures that minimize glare, they do not render color with enough detail to do justice to the subtle shades and variations that custom counter tops feature. Puck lights, that use halogen lighting, render color very well in most cases, but they are simply too intense and will almost always throw reflected light back into the eyes.

In this type of kitchen, it is almost always better to go with custom linear strip lights such as those manufactured by Phantom Lighting. This is due to both their low profile design and the unique qualities of glare free light they produce.

Each Phantom lighting strip is custom pre-fabricated to exact cabinet or shelf dimensions. It will install seamlessly to either a horizontal mount or vertical shelf mount and remain virtually invisible to the casual eye. It also contains patented lamping designs and features special shielding that reduces reflective glare to near-undetectable levels.

Phantom strips can be fitted with a variety of festoon bulb types. Our most popular bulb type for under cabinet kitchen lighting is xenon. Xenon will render colors at a level almost equivalent to that of sunlight. When xenon low voltage lamps are installed in conjunction with a low voltage transformer and dimmable lighting strip, they will bring out the subtlest red of granite and the multi-dimensional hues of marble like no other form of light—at a fraction of the cost of competing in cabinet and under cabinet LED strip light fixtures.

Incandescent festoon lamps produce the “warmest” form of light and make everything within the cubic interior of the cabinet clearly visible. Unlike pucks, they consume virtually no cubic space within cabinets, and leave more room for storing larger cookware items. Phantom strips also make cleaning the shelves much easier they require little external wiring. You can even remove shelves fitted with our lighting strips without risk of shock or fixture damage.

Restaurants should consider retrofitting their existing kitchen cabinet lights strips with one of Phantom’s newest innovations—LED replacement festoon lamps. These lamps produce a lumens output equivalent to that of incandescent and fluorescents, but they use 80% less electricity. Although a restaurant kitchen requires little, if any, aesthetic consideration, employee comfort and cost consciousness are of vital importance. Fluorescent under cabinet lights emit UV radiation that is never good for anyone’s eyes, and incandescent lights left on for long hours will result in expensive light bills. The one-time procurement cost of replacement LED festoons will immediately begin returning investment through lower monthly power bills.

To learn more about Phantom Lighting, contact us at 713-863-1133 or ask one of our United States lighting agents to show you first hand the many benefits of Phantom Strip Lights and the Phantom Contour Projector.

Answers.com defines a Phantom as "Something apparently seen, heard, or sensed, but having no physical reality; a ghost or an apparition." We chose the word Phantom to illustrate the function and essence of our patented technology with an archetypal symbol whose universal appeal speaks to all ages and intrigues even the most analytical and skeptical of minds. Phantoms almost never appear as tangible forms to the viewer, but their activities and tangible presence is the stuff of both legend and documentary. On film they often appear as brilliant flashes of light that emanate from another dimension. Phantom projectors and strip lights produce light around artwork and within displays in much the same manner, making them the ghosts of the lighting machine that create magical effects and spatial fields of eminent light that appear sourceless and timeless.

In almost every mythology, a Phantom remains invisible, and if it is seen at all, it appears as a luminous aura that surrounds a place of significance. Legends often equate visitations to sacred locations or areas within an old mansion or castle where significant events occurred. Man has always placed special significance on certain places and events, and man has always recorded that significance either has history, myth, or some form of art. We developed our LED technology specifically to enhance art with a timeless and mythic sense of eternal lighting. We created fixtures that the eye cannot see and special photometric lenses that hide the beams of light radiating from bulbs and lamps. Just like the ghosts of legend and popular documentary, it is almost impossible to see a Phantom Projector or Strip Light, but you always see and feel the effects of its presence.

When you look at a painting illuminated by a Phantom Projector, you actually see a field of light surrounding both the picture and the frame. This effect is known as "lighting from within," and it adds a third dimension to any two dimensional artwork that creates a living presence around the canvas, oils, and ornately carved wooden frame. Private collectors of art and commercial art galleries alike concur that this is the best way to light a painting, as it eliminates the physical obtrusion of traditional picture lights and does away as well with a visible beam of light produced by standard projectors. The eternal nature of art is also best revealed in the preserving light of Phantom. Our technology filters all infrared and ultraviolet light from the beam prior to it touching the canvas. With a color-rendering index equivalent to natural light, but exponentially safer to use with delicate and antique paints and surfaces, Phantom brings the past into the present and extends it without harm or degradation into annals of continued, future fame. Phantom is much more than just a lighting manufacturer. We are lighting scientists.

Understanding the unique properties of light is what enabled us to develop our breakthrough patents in display and showcase lighting technology. Light is the only phenomenon in the Universe that fills a space without consuming space. By applying this absolute law of physics with a less-is-more approach to fixture design, Phantom developed a wireless strip light that conducts either low voltage or standard voltage signals safely and invisibly through metal shelf standards using LED lamps. The lighting strip hugs the surface so well it actually blends into its surroundings invisibly. Small, tiny lamps along the strip radiate light into the enclosed space, filling every cubic centimeter with a balanced luminosity that enshrouds and accents books, jewels, porcelain, ornate carvings, and photography; and adds beauty to the function and form of fine cabinetry and vaulted ceiling coves.

Mystique defines the essence of Phantom, bringing eclecticism, advanced technology, mystery, and sophistication into a synthesis of light that makes art become alive and life itself a work of art now made visible in a whole new light. Click here to read informative articles that contain a world of information on how to apply this revolution in both physics and aesthetics, and click here to learn more about the lighting technology itself.

Phantom Lighting manufactures light strips to your exact specifications to provide hidden, smooth illumination for cabinets, bookcases, furniture, indirect cove lighting and kitchen under cabinet lighting. Phantom is about lighting creations - not about seeing light bulbs. Therefore, we have taken care in our engineering design to ensure that the light source is concealed from each viewing angle, no matter how severe.

Our exclusive patented adjustable shelf lighting system allows for easy movement of individual shelves without tools or hassles. This is accomplished by using exposed metal standards or concealed buss bars to conduct the electricity without exposed wiring. Now with LED lamps you got to see it to believe it!

Designed for both residential and commercial applications our Phantom Lighting Strips are available in seven painted finishes including premium metals such as stainless steel, solid brass and natural copper. Our painted finishes include (left to right) paint grip galvanized steel, flat white, gloss white, light beige, almond, medium brown, flat black and gloss black. Our premium metal LED lighting strips are (Left to right) natural copper, polished stainless steel, satin stainless steel, polished brass and satin brass.

To learn more about Phantom Lighting products such as the Contour Projector or Lighting Strips please contact a lighting agent in your city or state for more information. You may also request a quote online using our handy order form. Thank you!

Phantom Lighting recently received formal approval for the New York City Electrical Advisory Board granting approval for the use of Phantom Strip Lighting products and Phantom Contour Projectors in New York.

The request was submitted for consideration to the Advisory Board during it's May 23, 2007 meeting together with supporting laboratory reports, pictures and a sample. Here is a listing of those Phantom Lighting Products that were approved by Frank Coluccio, Board Chairman:

Phantom Low Voltage Lighting Strips

HM Series, Horizontal Mount Lighting Strips

AC Series, Adjustable Concealed Lighting Strips

AE Series, Adjustable Exposed Lighting Strips

VM Series, Vertical Mount Lighting Strips

TL Series, Task Lighting Strips

CM Series, Cove Lighting Strips

Phantom Low Voltage Contour Projectors

NC Series, Optical Framing Projector with New Construction Housing

RM Series, Optical Framing Projector with Remodel Housing

FF Series, Optical Framing Projector with Float Finish Housing

TA Series, Optical Framing Projector with Top Access Housing

SM Series, Optical Framing Projector with Surface Mount Attachment

Phantom Lighting is a Houston based manufacturer that was established in 1981 to service the lighting and design community. Over the years we have enjoyed and earned a loyal following of satisfied customers and now our products are available nationally through traditional distribution channels and lighting representatives. We specialize in high performance lighting products designed for low voltage adjustable display lighting and precision optical framing projectors for the illumination of art. The unique design and unparalleled performance of our products, makes it a favorite choice of architects, builders, interior designers and homeowners who expect only the very best money can buy.

For more information regarding this matter, Contact Frank Coluccio at 212-566-4427.
Reference: Advisory Board Submission #07A0270
Calendar: 47957

Contact us at 800-863-1184 X 125, or one of our fine lighting agents today and come see what magic we have in store for you.

We recently purchased an antique corner cabinet similar to the one you have in your gallery section. The antique cabinet has two glass front doors and solid wood sides. The shelves are fixed and the back is covered in a dark fabric. Is it possible to illuminate the cabinet with strip lighting and not destroy the integrity of the cabinet?

Phantom strip lighting fixtures are custom made to fit just about any cabinet, bookshelf or indirect cove. Whether you are mounting Phantom strip lights horizontal or vertically, the custom trims can be fabricated to perfectly fit. The low profile metal trims completely hide the light even from the most severe angles because each trim has a glare shield to hide the source. A small low voltage transformer is also required to power the lights and can be hidden either above the cabinet or below the cabinet.

I recently acquired a large antique corner cabinet for my home that desperately needs some kind of internal lighting. I have placed the cabinet in a dark wood room which gets very little natural lighting. My home is fairly traditional so, I do not have overhead lighting to wash the cabinet like they did at the antique store. Can you help me?

PHANTOM STRIP LIGHTS, particularly the VM Series strip lights are perfect for illuminating antique corner cabinets or any kind of furniture for that matter. The corner cabinet on the left shows our VERTICAL MOUNT STRIP LIGHTS hidden inside the cabinet on both sides as well as a horizontal strip on top to provide an indirect light source. The low voltage transformer was hidden in the base cabinet along with the dimmer control.

This antique corner cabinet pictured above has fixed shelves with scroll fronts. We custom fabricated eight small vertical Phantom light trims to fit between the shelves and connected them together with small wire jumpers to create a continuous light source. All Phantom light trims have a glare shield which prohibits you from seeing the light source from any viewing angle. The internal strip lighting in this corner cabinet is striking at first glance.

Phantom light strips are the Cadillac of low voltage festoon strip lighting. Other manufacturers of linear lighting products, such as rope light, fail to hide the light source. Other strip lighting products would require more intrusive wiring methods which would devalue the cabinet. PHANTOM LIGHTING is all about hiding the source and seeing the light. It's Simple. It's Easy! It's Effective!

For more information on PHANTOM STRIP LIGHTS for display lighting or the PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR for art lighting visit one of our knowledgeable LIGHTING AGENTS for a color brochure. Or you can contact customer service at 800-863-1184 for technical information or specifications.

We are more than happy to help you design and supply a custom cabinet lighting system for your antique cabinet.

The main reason Phantom display lighting is so popular with design professionals is really quite simple. It works!

Phantom Lighting has been manufacturing custom cabinet lighting fixtures for over 20 years. Our patented ADJUSTABLE SHELF LIGHTING FIXTURE for bookcases, display cabinets and shelf systems are miniature, low profile and very effective. Imagine seeing each shelf in your library individually illuminated and being able to move each shelf anytime you want without having to disconnect any wires. That's right, no wires. It's that simple. Phantom Lighting is all about hiding the source and seeing the results.

The concept of adjustable Phantom Lighting is to eliminate exposed wiring by using existing metal shelf standards or buss bars to conduct a safe low voltage current. A remote transformer transmits energy through the shelf standards, buss bars and mounting clips. A lighting fixture, fitted with festoon lamps, lead wires and a conducting plate, is affixed to each shelf. Once the shelf is in position, the circuit is complete and the lamps energized. The results are dramatic!

In addition to our custom adjustable wiring methods, we have many other techniques and custom light trims for LED strip lighting. Over the years we have illuminated everything from antique furniture to custom cove lighting applications. Every Phantom fixture is hand crafted in our facility to your exact specifications to insure a perfect fit every time. Phantom lighting is truly a flexible and unique lighting fixture for display lighting and accent lighting.

Contact one of our LIGHTING REPRESENTATIVES or visit http://www.phantomlighting.com/ for more information on display lighting. Want to see some of our cabinet lighting installations? Check out the LIGHTING GALLERY. Have a question on low voltage display lighting? Call us toll free at 800-863-1184.

It's Simple! It's Effective! It's Phantom display lighting!

I am trying to calculate loads and select a transformer for a cove lighting job using your strip lights. I want to be sure that I am using the right size wire and fuses. Can you give me some pointers on what to do?

If you are not an electrician calculating wire size, amperage and fusing can be quite confusing. Let's take a look at calculating wire size first. All PHANTOM STRIP LIGHTS are fabricated with 16 gauge wire and have a maximum feed through capacity of 13.33 amps in a free air environment. In other words, it is not in a conduit with other wires that can entrap heat and affect the ampacity of the wire.

What amperage a wire can handle is decided by the wire size. Here are some examples:

Amperage is calculated by dividing the wattage by the voltage. So if you have 300 watts operating at 24 volts that equals 12.50 amps. So, for every 300 watts of lights you should install a home run wire from the low voltage festoon lighting strips back to the transformer.

Another wiring method would be to combine two 300 watt loads using a 10 gauge wire back to the transformer. The maximum size fuse on any PHANTOM TRANSFORMER is 25 amps. You might have several of these 25 amps circuit breakers depending on the size of the transformer. Refer to our transformer information page for more specific information and suggested wiring layouts.

To play it safe, ask the professionals at Phantom Lighting System to help design, specify and engineer your project. We are here to help and want your project to be safe and successful. It is always best when installing our lighting system to consult with a qualified electrician or handy man. Contact one of our lighting agents, call us toll free at 800-863-1184 or visit our lighting blog for more technical information or to just get some help with your order.

Phantom Lighting System is an original equipment manufacturer of FINE ART LIGHTING FIXTURES and LINEAR LIGHTING STRIPS.

See The Light - Not The Fixture!

I am interested in lighting an antique cabinet. However, I do not want to see the lights or modify my cabinet to fit the lights. Can the lights be mounted vertically without damage to the cabinet?

PHANTOM STRIP LIGHTS can most certainly be installed in a vertical mounting position without having to modify the cabinet.

We have a special vertical trim that has a custom glare shield designed for just this type of application. The glare shield blocks your view of the light bulbs from angles up to 90 degrees. That means even from the most severe angles, you will not see the lamp but, enjoy the objects that are being illuminated.

The VM Series or Vertical Mount Series is a custom built low voltage lighting fixture that can be installed in cabinets with fixed or adjustable shelves. Whether you have wood shelves or glass shelves, the lights can be fabricated for a perfect fit. The metal trim can be field notched to clear the shelves and the lamps can be custom spaced for uniformity and even illumination. Small low voltage transformers power the lights and can be hidden either above or below the cabinet and used in combination with a dimmer control, the lighting is magical.

VM SERIES FEATURES