Sales & Specification Support: 800-428-5367 A Division of American Lighting Brands 941 Cernan Drive, Bellwood, IL 60104  ·  Handcrafted since 1905
Framburg handcrafted brass lighting technical specifications background
Technical & Specification Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Dimensional Guidance

Measurement & Sizing Specifications

Accurate measurements are critical for architects, interior specifiers, and electrical contractors. Below are standard technical guidelines used for catalog products and custom fixture engineering.

How do you measure the extension of a swing arm fixture?

The total extension of a wall-mounted swing arm fixture is calculated from the mounting wall surface directly to the outermost edge of the shade or socket assembly when extended fully at a 90-degree angle.

This measurement allows specifiers to clear adjacent architectural millwork, headboards, and bedside tables accurately.

Diagram showing measurement of swing arm fixture extension from wall surface

How are lamp shades dimensioned in the Framburg catalog?

All lampshades are standardly specified in order of: Top Diameter × Bottom Diameter × Side Slant Height.

For example, a shade marked 6" × 12" × 8" has a 6-inch top opening, 12-inch bottom opening, and an 8-inch diagonal slant length.

Diagram illustrating lampshade dimensioning method: top, bottom, and slant

How do you measure the height of a desk or piano lamp?

The fixture height for task and piano lamps is measured vertically from the table seating base to the highest point of the shade body or arm joint when held in its normal operating position.

This ensures proper sightline clearance and optimal task illumination across desk surfaces and music stands.

Diagram detailing task lamp height measurement from base to apex

What size picture light should be specified for fine artwork?

To ensure even glare-free light distribution across canvas and framed artwork, follow these industry sizing rules:

Classic Picture Lights: Select a shade width approximately 50% (one-half) of the total artwork width.
Slim-Line Picture Lights: Select a shade width approximately 67% (two-thirds) of the total artwork width.
Electrical & Installation

Wiring, Plugs & Mounting Guidelines

Framburg fixtures are built to strict UL standards. We provide flexible wiring solutions for both hardwired commercial installations and plug-in residential applications.

Can I modify cord lengths and install a polarized plug?

Yes. Framburg provides UL-approved snap-on polarized plugs compatible with standard UL-approved SPT-2 electrical cords.

Each plug shipment includes step-by-step wiring instructions for safe field customization without compromising safety certifications.

Illustration of cord length modification with UL approved snap plug

What methods exist to conceal surface-mounted power cords?

For installations where surface wiring cannot be chased into drywall, we recommend four professional solutions:

Recessed Clock Outlets: Install a recessed junction box behind the framed artwork.
Metal Cord Covers: Fit color-matched brass or painted wire raceways.
Color Matching: Paint the electrical cord to match the surrounding wall paint.
Strategic Decor Placement: Conceal drop cords behind furniture or decorative accents.
Recessed wall electrical outlet installation diagram behind artwork

How do you install traditional style picture lights?

All picture lights include mounting hardware capable of securing directly to the wooden artwork frame or wall studs. Installation requires only basic hand tools such as a screwdriver and pilot awl (Bracket sizes: 2 ½” or 3”).

Diagram showing traditional picture light bracket mounting to frame

How do you install Slim-Line picture lights?

Snap the fixture arms firmly into the supplied mounting brackets. Slide the arms vertically to achieve the desired shade position relative to the picture frame (Bracket sizes: 1 ½” or 2 ¼”).

Diagram illustrating Slim-Line picture light arm snap-in mounting mechanism
For B2B Buyers & Engineering Specifiers

Commercial Specification & Export Compliance

Framburg provides comprehensive support for commercial lighting specifiers, OEM partners, and overseas importers seeking handcrafted USA lighting manufacturing.

B2B Manufacturing Capabilities & Standards
Manufacturing Origin 100% designed, hand-rolled, hand-soldered, buffed, and assembled in Bellwood, Illinois, USA (Chicagoland area).
Quality & Standards Built with heavy-gauge solid brass and steel components; UL and cUL listed for dry, damp, and wet locations upon specification.
Voltage & International Use Standard 120V North American wiring. Custom 220V–240V E27/B22 socket configurations available for European, Asian, and Middle Eastern commercial export orders.
Custom Modifications Custom stem lengths, modified arm drops, bespoke finish sample matching, and drawing-to-production engineering support available.
Trade & Procurement Direct support for architects, interior specifiers, hospitality procurement teams, and authorized global distributors.

Need Custom Specifications or Project Quotes?

Our engineering team in Bellwood, Illinois is available to review your drawings, lead times, and custom project requirements.

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