Learn More About A19 with These Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is A19?

A: A19 is a woman-owned and operated ceramic lighting manufacturing company based in Ontario, California. While our name comes from the common household light bulb, our business is unique. Our pride in ownership can be seen in each handcrafted fixture, as is our dedication to your total satisfaction. We enjoy being a part of every aspect of the business– from creating original designs to delivering those fixtures to you.

Q: Is every fixture from A19 truly handcrafted in the United States?

A: Yes. Every ceramic pendant and wall sconce is designed, molded, fired, sanded, finished, assembled and shipped from our Southern California studio.

The Basic Details

Q: Can I purchase A19 products directly from the factory?

A: Yes. We are happy to work with you. A19 products are also sold through a network of knowledgeable lighting showrooms and distributors. If you are a distributor and are interested in providing A19 products, please contact us.

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Q: How long are A19 products warranted?

A: A-19, Inc. warrants to the original consumer purchaser for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns their home, that the ceramic fixture will be free from defects in material and workmanship when properly installed and under normal conditions of use. Other purchasers (including purchasers for industrial, commercial and business use) are warranted for a period of 5 years from the original date of purchase.

Why Ceramic Light Fixtures Are Unique

What Makes Ceramic Light Fixtures Special?

A: Ceramic fixtures are versatile and very, very durable. For example, we can create the look of corroded copper without you having to worry about deterioration. And because ceramic is resistant to rust and corrosion, it’s the perfect material to use in any environment, especially salty and moist areas. They are opaque so you will not see any cobwebs or dead insects illuminated through the shade. The shade is also glare resistant.

What Makes A19 Light Fixtures Unique

Q: Are A19 fixtures ADA compliant?

A: A19 fixtures with a depth of 4-inches or less meet the projection requirements set forth by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). You may only be concerned about ADA if you’re selecting fixtures for a public space.

Q: Can fixtures be installed upside down?

A: Most A19 wall sconces may be installed in any orientation. Some of our fixtures are shown flipped as “downlights” specifically to be used in exterior Wet Locations.

Q: Can I order custom cord lengths on pendants?

A: A19 pendants are supplied with 6 feet of cord to be cut to the desired length upon installation. Longer lengths are obtainable for an additional charge. Contact us for availability

Q: On what side do your corner wall sconces mount to the wall?

A: Our corner wall sconces are able to mount on either the right or left side.

Customization Of Your Light Fixture

Q: Can I customize my fixtures?

A: Absolutely! We are happy to make our light fixtures ANY color. If you don’t see something in the wide variety of choices that we have suitable for your application, just ask and we’ll create it for you! As a result, you’ll find that A19’s pendants and wall sconces will add beauty to any décor.

See our page A19 Signature Finishes for more details.

Q: Can I paint my fixtures?

A: Yes. If you would like to paint your fixtures, choose any style from the Islands of Light collection without specifying a finish. You will receive your fixture in unfinished bisque. You may easily paint bisque with any latex or acrylic paint. No primer is necessary unless you are using an oil-based paint.

See more options at A19 Signature Finishes Page.

Q: How do I paint a Bisque fixture?

A: Painting a bisque fixture is simple. You may paint any of our fixtures with most indoor or outdoor grade wall paint. For the ease of clean-up, etc. we recommend water based paint. Should you choose oil based paint (e.g. a can of spray paint), seal the outside of the fixture first with an appropriate primer. We do not recommend painting the interior. Painting instructions are included with each fixture.

Q: Do I have to paint my Bisque fixture?

A: While bisque is beautiful and completely usable in its natural state, you may choose to paint or lacquer your fixture to seal the ceramic surface and to make cleaning easier (recommended for exterior applications). If you choose to leave the ceramic bisque unfinished, you may clean it by gently sanding the surface with fine-grained sandpaper. Care and maintenance instructions are included with each fixture.

Diffusers For Your Light Fixture

Q: What are diffusers?

A: Normally, sconces are mounted above eye level so that the bulb and socket are not visible; however, in the instance that you may see down into your fixture, you may want to order a sconce with a diffuser. Diffusers are frosted lenses attached to the top of the fixture to conceal the view of the bulb. Diffusers are for cosmetic purposes; they do not protect the fixture from water. Diffusers are not sold separately.

Q: Is a diffuser sufficient to make an open-top fixture suitable for a wet location?

A: No. A diffuser’s purpose is cosmetic only. The function is to prevent one from seeing down inside of an open-top fixture (e.g. in stairways). Diffusers are not sold separately and will not waterproof your fixture. For Outdoor/Wet locations, you must select a fixture that is available with the Outdoor/Wet location option.

Q: Can I order a diffuser for a fixture I already have?

A: No. A diffuser must be specified at the time you order your fixture. We custom build and attach the diffuser to the fixture. You will also notice that the maximum wattage and lamp type usually changes with the addition of a diffuser. Diffusers cannot be added later.

Lamping Options And Meanings

Q: What lamping options are available?

A: Most of our standard fixtures, with some exceptions, come with E26 medium base screw shell sockets and accept standard incandescent, halogen and LED light bulbs. We also offer a GU24 base socket and Energy Star Rated LED bulbs. If you don’t see an option you’re looking for and/or have a specific request, please contact us.

Damp, Outdoor and Wet Meanings

What is the difference between Damp, Outdoor, and Wet?

A damp location

is periodically subject to condensation of moisture. A covered outdoor location exposed to condensation and humidity requires a light fixture suitable for damp locations. All of our ceramic lighting is suitable for damp locations standard and therefor is ideal for damp environments like indoor bathrooms and outdoor patios. Ceramic doesn’t rust or corrode.

A wet location

is directly exposed to the elements. An uncovered outdoor location where water will come into contact directly with your lighting requires a wet-rated fixture. In other words, if you will be installing our light fixtures outdoors where they will be rained on directly, you will require our Outdoor/WET lamping option. If not, our standard damp location fixtures are sufficient.

Ceramic for the WIN!

Nothing beats ceramic lighting for both damp and wet locations like coastal climates and installations on decks and patios, or near pools and fountains pools and fountains.

While we make ceramic lighting fixtures designed to withstand harsh climates and rain, our wet-rated lighting fixtures are not fully waterproof and sealed for water submersion. For water submersion, you would need to look for products that have specific IP ratings for your application.

Q: Are A19 finishes suitable for Outdoor/Wet Location fixtures?

A: All A19 finishes are suitable for exterior use. Our acrylic and faux finishes start with a durable cross-linked acrylic foundation. Additionally, each faux finish is sealed with a clear cross-linked acrylic coating to protect the finish.

Q: Is a “Damp Location“ fixture suitable for a bathroom, pool area or exterior environment?

A: All A19 fixtures suitable for damp locations standard. You may use them in any sheltered setting indoors or outdoors as long as no water directly touches or enters the fixture. Because ceramic is resistant to rust and corrosion, our fixtures are ideal for a variety of environments. Many of our wall sconces are available with an Outdoor/Wet location lamping option for installations exposed to rain.

Q: Can I install a fixture in the shower?

A: Please consult your electrician for your local building codes.

Standard Light Fixtures

Our standard light fixtures are great for bathroom installations. However, there are typically safety restrictions for placement of electrical fixtures within a shower or bathtub electrical safety water zone. Our wet-rated lighting fixtures are designed for outdoor exposure to rain. They are not fully waterproof or sealed for water submersion.

Water Submersion

A somewhat commonly asked question is about water submersion. You would need to look for products that have specific IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for your application. For example, Zone 0 lighting that is installed directly inside the bath or shower, may require submersion fittings rated IP67.  Our lights would not be suitable for this scenario. Our wall sconces and pendants could work beautifully however over a vanity without any special requirements.

Cleaning of A19 Light Fixtures

Q: How do I clean my A19 fixture?

A: For bisque, smudges can be removed by lightly sanding with 150-grit sandpaper. Do not use liquid cleaners on the highly porous bisque surface. For fixtures with a finish, you may dust or wipe clean with a non-abrasive damp cloth or sponge.

Q: Do you offer custom cut-outs on all fixtures?

A: The possibilities at A19 are virtually limitless. Cut-outs can add character and effect. They are a relatively simple customization. Contact us for more information.

Did you find your answer in our list of commonly asked questions?

If not, Contact Us and we will be happy to help you!