Welcome To
The CopperCabin Lighting Company

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Fixture Selection: Selection should be based upon coordination with architectural style, desired illumination, and project budget. Lighting design should be performed concurrent with building design so that selection and procurement may be finalized as early as possible. This will allow electrical rough-in to be performed in the correct sequence and location with other elements of the project. Late decisions can lead to interferences and difficulties with wiring access to the desired location.

Mounting Location: Entry door fixtures should be mounted with the centerline approximately six feet from the finished floor, and at least 2 feet from the edge of the door frame. If the fixture is available at the site prior to rough-in, it should be held or temporarily hung to determine the optimum location. If the fixture is not available, a cardboard cut out or other mock-up should be made to simulate the size. It is critical that the fixture mounting box size and its relative location on the fixture be considered so the rough-in can be made directly behind the mounting box (Specification sheet showing the fixture and mounting box dimensions will be provided with the order confirmation). Avoid letting the electrician decide where the fixture will be located with an uncoordinated rough-in.

Mounting Surface: The wall surface should be flat and vertical. If the surface is irregular, as is the case with log structures or bevel siding, the mounting surface should be blocked out rather than recessed into the structure. The contoured block need only be slightly larger than the fixture box and be firmly fastened to carry the weigh of the fixture, especially if the cross-bar fasteners will not penetrate through the block and into the structure.

Electrical Rough-in: CopperCabin wall-mount fixtures will cover the standard 4 x 4 inch electrical junction boxes. However, a J-box of this size is not necessary or desirable. We recommend a small, single gang box, in plastic or steel, mounted vertically. This allows the mounting cross bar to straddle the J-box and the attachment screws can be driven directly into the structure (not into the J-box). The small machine screws which fit J-boxes are not adequate to hold the weight of CopperCabin fixtures (5-7 pounds). The post mounted fixtures should have a 3 x 3 inch steel J-box recessed and firmly attached in the post structure. Here, with the fixture weigh downward, the mounting cross bar is attached directly to the J-box. The hardware kit supplied with each fixture includes all necessary parts for mounting to wood structures. Fasteners for other materials must be provided by the installer and be suitable for the particular material.

Fixture Mounting: The fixture should be trial fit to check for any interference. Install according to instructions, and requirements of the local building and electrical codes. During installation, the one-piece fixtures should be temporarily supported by a helper or other means to avoid accidental damage and strain on the wiring. Two-piece fixtures may be installed similar to the one-piece but are more easily mounted when disassembled. The back plate with mounting box is installed and the fixture is reassembled.

Lamp Wattage: CopperCabin fixtures are supplied with the recommend lamp indicated on the specification sheet provided with each fixture. It is recommended that lower rather than higher wattage be used to avoid undesirable glare, particularly in fixtures with clear, seeded glass. Various wattages should be tested to determine the desire illumination. Lanterns styles with visible chimney can be lamped as low as 4 watt to simulate the soft glow of an oil lamp.

Fixture Cleaning: When cleaning or dusting is needed, use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge dampened with plain water. A small paint brush dipped in water works well in removing accumulated dust in the hard to reach areas. Avoid using abrasive materials, harsh cleaners and aggressive scrubbing action.

Glass Removal & Installation: CopperCabin fixtures are designed to allow glass removal and installation without retainer tab bending. Unlike fixed tabs that can break off after a bend or two, the glass in CopperCabin fixtures is pushed up to clear lower retainers, and then down and out of the upper retainers. The retainers can withstand several lifetimes of glass removal and installation.

Electrical Component Service: CopperCabin fixtures are equipped with UL listed lamp holders of the type and rating listed on the fixture specification sheets. While these holders are the highest quality with long service life, they are easily removed and replaced in the event of a failure.

Metal Texture: CopperCabin fixtures are extensively peened to enhance the texture, contrast, and color of the copper materials. The product description will indicate the extent of peening on standard models, and the availability of optional peening (e.g.: Full peening of top where the standard texture is smooth with peened edges).

Metal Finish: CopperCabin fixtures are available in five finishes; Raw or Patina in one of four shades.

Raw Finish: This is as-manufactured condition direct from the work bench. The appearance is that of new copper with substantial highlights in varying shades of yellow, brown, blue, and black. These color variations result from the soldering heat and flux. Natural aging will cause the bright areas to darken to a dull amber color in an overall mottled pattern.

Patina: The fixtures can be chemically darken to four, progressively darker shades; 1) Amber, 2) Amber –Blue, 3) Blue-Black, and 4) Black. To achieve this patina finish, the fixtures are lightly cleaned to remove excess flux followed by a timed immersion in a chemical bath which reacts to progressively darken the copper material. Some variation and mottling will occur in shades above and below the general shade. Fixtures ordered as a matching set will be finished as closely as possible to desired shade.

Note on Preserving the Metal Finish: The coloration of copper caused by heat, flux, chemical treatment and natural aging is only a few molecules thick and can be removed by abrasives and aggressive cleaning efforts. To preserve the finish, copper should only be cleaned using water and a soft brush to loosen and then rinse away any accumulation of dirt and dust. A small paint brush and plastic spray bottle is a perfect combination to keep your fixtures clean and looking better with time.

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