Discharge lamps have specific advantages over tungsten halogen lamps: in addition to high luminous flux and outstanding energy efficiency, they have a long service life. In their basic form, downlights direct light downwards in narrow or wide beams. They are normally used to provide ambient lighting. The higher a room is and the larger the ceiling, the more anyone looking up is likely to be dazzled by light from the luminaires. It therefore makes sense to equip downlights installed in particularly glare-sensitive areas - say, over conference tables - with correspondingly high cut-off reflectors.

The Lightcast downlights have cast aluminium housings which are designed to provide optimum thermal properties according to their respective technical requirements. Other typical Lightcast features include the ceiling ring - in cast aluminium - and the four-point mounting for tool-free installation. The Darklight technology combines the maximum visual comfort with the maximum light output ratio. The upper part of all Darklight reflectors is enclosed with a diffuser or a Focal diffuser. Diffusers optimise visual comfort, remove high lamp luminances and obscure the view into the ceiling void. Luminaires with focal diffusers produce light distribution with increased brilliance in the centre - allowing effective highlights to be placed on merchandise and materials.