Linear Luminaires Selection Guide
Linear luminaires come in three types: surface-mounted, flush-mounted and decorative; mounting style, suspension hardware and dimension data are considered in selection.
This guide explains what to look at when choosing products in the Linear Luminaires category.
Types of linear luminaires
The product data distinguishes three types:
- Surface-mounted linear luminaire: the body stays outside the ceiling; it is mounted directly on the ceiling or hung as a pendant with a suspension kit suited to its series. For ACK LED linear luminaires, the suspension kit, canopy and surface-mount kit are sold separately in the LED lighting accessories category.
- Flush-mounted linear luminaire: recessed into a channel cut in the ceiling; the body stays inside the ceiling.
- Decorative linear luminaire: a group whose size is given not as a single length but also as several dimensions, such as 40 cm x 40 cm or 50 x 60 x 70 cm; verify the shape from the product image and the dimension field.
Shaped models such as square, hexagon and waterway are also found in the decorative linear luminaires category, and square, triangle and drum types in the custom LED linear luminaire lighting category. The luminaires for damp and dusty spaces are in the LED tri-proof luminaires group.
Length, cross-section and run layout
Build the total length of the run from multiples of the available luminaire lengths. If an uninterrupted single line is wanted, verify from the manufacturer's data whether the chosen series is suitable for end-to-end joining and which joining piece to use; not every series is suitable for this.
For some products, the body cross-section is also written in the name (for example 38x82 mm or 81x34 mm). For a flush-mounted model, the width of the channel to be cut in the ceiling and the depth required, and for a surface-mounted model how far the body protrudes from the ceiling, follow from this dimension. Check in the manufacturer's data which value is the width.
Lumens per meter and luminous efficacy
A quick way to compare luminaires of different lengths is to divide the luminous flux by the length. An example from product names: a 60 cm luminaire giving 2160 lm and a 100 cm luminaire giving 3600 lm both give 3600 lm per meter; that is, their light per unit length is the same.
Luminous efficacy is the ratio of luminous flux to power: 2160 lm at 18 W is 120 lm/W. A luminaire that gives the same lumens per meter at lower power has a higher efficacy.
Target values for meeting rooms and corridors
The indoor workplace standard EN 12464-1 gives a maintained illuminance of 500 lx and an upper UGR limit of 19 for meeting and conference rooms, and 100 lx for circulation areas and corridors inside buildings. The number of lines and the distance between lines are determined in the lighting calculation together with the luminous flux of the luminaire. UGR is not a fixed value carried by the luminaire alone, but a value calculated together with the layout; for workspaces with screens, ask the manufacturer for the UGR table.
Driver, dimming and options
In the ACK surface-mounted and flush-mounted series, DALI and DIM, and in some of them also an emergency kit and sensor, appear as manufacturer options. DALI is a digital lighting control protocol defined in the IEC 62386 standard. Options may not come installed on the standard product; if needed, they must be specified in the order and their compatibility with the control system verified from the manufacturer's data.
Brands in this category
- ACK: surface-mounted, flush-mounted and decorative LED linear luminaires; white and black housings on the surface-mounted and flush-mounted models.
- İnoled: flush-mounted and surface-mounted linear LED luminaires in 60 cm and 100 cm lengths and 3000 K, 4000 K and 6500 K light colors.
- MAS: linear luminaires in lengths such as 80 cm, 120 cm, 180 cm and 250 cm.
Order notes
Products are sold per piece; length is a property of the model, not a sales unit. A portion of them, notably the decorative models, are listed as made-to-order, and for these products the lead time is confirmed before ordering. You can reach the model directly by typing the manufacturer code (for example AL01-01210) into the site search.
Comparison and selection table
| Selection Criterion | Surface-Mounted / Suspended Linear | Recessed (Drywall / Flanged) Linear | Continuous-Row Linkable Linear System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounting Method | Direct ceiling bracket or adjustable wire suspension kit | Recessed into gypsum/grid ceiling cutout (flanged/trimless) | Mechanically & electrically linked (straight, L, T, X joints) |
| Profile Width & Length | 40–70 mm extrusion width; 60, 120, 150, 240 cm lengths | Matched to ceiling slot width and recessed depth | Modular extruded aluminum lengths for continuous runs |
| Optics & Driver | Frosted opal diffuser for dot-free illumination | Uniform light line, On/Off or DALI dimmable driver | Internal through-wiring bus, glare-controlled diffuser |
| Typical Application | Open-ceiling offices, conference tables, retail spaces | Executive corridors, reception lobbies, architectural coves | Supermarkets, showrooms, galleries & long hallways |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a linear luminaire and an LED tri-proof luminaire?
Both have long bodies, but their purposes differ. In this category, the linear luminaires with a recorded IP rating are IP20 and IP40; they are used to create a visible line of light in dry indoor spaces such as offices, stores and corridors. A tri-proof luminaire has a sealed housing and is made for damp or dusty spaces such as car parks, warehouses and workshops. If the environment is wet or dusty, look at the tri-proof group.
Can linear luminaires be joined end to end to make a continuous run?
It depends on the series. Some linear series are designed to be joined end to end with a joining piece to form an uninterrupted line, while others are made with closed ends to be used as a single piece. Since this information is not included in the product data for every model, if you are planning a continuous run, verify from the manufacturer's data before ordering whether the series can be joined and which joining pieces are required.
How do you choose a high-lumen linear luminaire?
Look at the luminous flux, not the wattage, and divide the lumens by the length to compare different lengths. For example, a 100 cm luminaire giving 3600 lm gives 3600 lm per meter. As luminous flux rises, the glare risk may increase; for work areas, ask for the manufacturer's UGR data. For halls with high ceilings, look at LED high bay luminaires, which are a separate category.
Can a linear luminaire be hung as a pendant?
Surface-mounted linear luminaires can be used as pendants if a suspension kit suited to the series is available. In the store, the suspension kit, canopy and surface-mount kit for ACK LED linear luminaires, and the MAS-brand double suspension kits, are listed as separate products in the LED lighting accessories category. Check the compatibility of the kit with the series you chose and the suspension length before ordering.
How much space is needed in the ceiling for a flush-mounted linear luminaire?
The channel width and depth required depend on the cross-section of the luminaire. For some products the cross-section is written in the name; for example, there are flush-mounted models with an 81x34 mm cross-section. For other models, the dimensions on the product page and, where available, the cross-section dimensions are the basis. Since space may also be needed in the ceiling void for the driver and supply cable, compare the mounting depth with the manufacturer's data.