Rhode Island § 42-136-3 - Outdoor Lighting Control

§ 42-136-3. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Direct light” means light emitting generally in a downward direction by a lamp, off a reflector or through a refractor of a lighting unit.

(2) “Fully shielded lighting unit” means a lighting unit that is constructed in such a manner that all light emitted, either directly from the lamp or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the lighting unit, is projected below the horizontal.

(3) “Glare” means direct light emitted by a lighting unit that causes reduced visibility of objects or momentary blindness.

(4) “Lamp” means the component of a lighting unit that produces light.

(5) “Lighting unit” means a complete lighting unit, including a lamp or lamps together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and to connect the lamps to the power supply.

(6) “Light pollution” means a general sky glow caused by the scattering of artificial light in the atmosphere.

(7) “Lumen” means a specific standard unit of measurement of luminous flux.

(8) “Outdoor light fixtures” means outdoor artificial illuminating devices, installed or portable, used for flood-lighting, roadway and area lighting, general illumination or advertisement.

(9) “Partially shielded lighting unit” means a lighting unit that is constructed in such a manner that more than zero (0) but less than ten percent (10%) of the light emitted, either directly from the lamp or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the lighting unit, is projected above the horizontal.

(10) “Permanent outdoor lighting unit” means any fixed lighting unit or system of lighting units that is outdoors and that is intended to be used for seven (7) days or longer.

(11) “Roadway lighting” means permanent outdoor lighting units that are specifically intended to illuminate roadways for automotive vehicles.

(12) “Unshielded lighting unit” means a lighting unit that is constructed in such a manner that more than ten percent (10%) of the light emitted, either directly from the lamp or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the lighting unit, is projected above the horizontal.