Any questions?
Welcome to our FAQ section
here you will find clear answers to common questions about apl and the LTwo lighting system. From product identity and performance optics to technical specifications, application guidance, and sales terms, this resource is designed to support your decision-making at every stage.
Content overview
1. Brand and product identity
What does the brand name apl® stand for?
Our company name apl stands for All Purpose Lighting. The products of apl AG are no longer limited to special applications but can be used almost everywhere and in all areas / architectural light for everyone.
All Purpose Lighting – All People Lighting – A professional Light!
What does the brand name LTwo® stand for?
LTwo® stands for Light Tube with Optics.
What does the brand name Lumami® stand for?
Lumami® is apl’s own luminaire series that uses the apl LTwo® as a light source. The word was inspired by the Japanese word ‘umami’.
L(light, lumen)umami® – unique, genuine, unmistakable, simple.
2. Product Overview and USPs
What is LTwo®?
LTwo® is the world’s first lamp / luminaire system. LTwo® is reminiscent of a T5 fluorescent tube, with a diameter of just 16.4 mm. Unlike the fluorescent tube, LTwo® is available in 13 different optical variants for light control.
What are the USPs of LTwo®?
- The world’s first lamp/luminaire system. Simple accessories that can
- be combined again and again turn the lamp into a luminaire – for a high degree of material and building integration.
- Patented magnetic luminaire holder system for easy installation and Maintenance
12 different optics from one form factor (16.4mm), offering the right optics for almost all lighting tasks.
Architectural lighting plug & play for everyone – for holistic lighting concepts.
3. General Sales information and terms
Where can I buy the products?
Depending on the region, you can purchase apl products from our sales partners and international distributors, or from apl itself. Just get in touch with us. In future, apl products will also be available via the apl online shop and the Conrad shop, as well as via wholesalers.
Use Cases per Optic
- 10°: Wall-grazing, high bay
- 13°: Narrow, object highlighting
- 25°: Focused, exhibition/task
- 40°: Area zone lighting
- 60°: General office/retail (UGR <16)
- BWW/BWN: Desk lighting, shelving, aisles
- WW: Uniform wall illumination
- OVL: Surface texture highlighting
- CL, DF, OP: Various degrees of diffusion/glare reduction
Light Colors
- 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
- Tunable White: Planned
Dimming & Control
- Dimmable? Yes.
- Methods:
- CC: Linear current dimming
- CV: PWM dimming
- Protocols: 1–10V, DALI, CASAMBI (Matter coming)
- UGR value defined per optic (UGR <19 or <16 for comfort)
- Conforms to DIN-EN 12464-1
Glare Control
4. Available optics for LTwo and optical performance
What is a light distribution curve (LDC) and how is it used?
A light distribution curve (LDC) shows how the light from a luminaire is distributed in different directions, shown for example in a polar coordinate system. It is read in a polar diagram, with the angles representing the directions and the radiated the luminous intensity in candelas. We show the LDCs of the LTwo® in the technical data sheets and the LTwo® brochure, as well as on our website, where the corresponding ldt files are also available for download, which can be used with specialized lighting design software to calculate the optimum position and number of luminaires. The LDCs are an essential tool for ensuring efficient and effective lighting. It helps to select the right luminaire to achieve the desired light quality and distribution, avoid glare and comply with applicable standards and regulations.
A UGR value is specified for some optics/LDC. What does this mean?
The UGR value (Unified Glare Rating) is used to assess the glare emitted by a light source / luminaire to be able to judge the comfort provided by the lighting. To achieve this, the UGR should be low. This low UGR is particularly important wherever people need to work productively, efficiently and comfortably, for example at office workstations, schools, etc.
The UGR is regulated in the DIN-EN 12464-1 standard for the lighting of workplaces, among others.
What light distribution curves/optics are available for LTwo®?
LTwo® is available in 12 optics/light distribution curves with the same form factor/cross-section of 16.4mm. The available light distribution curves/optics are:
- 10° Narrow Spot
- 13° Architectural Spot
- 25° Narrow Flood
- 40° Flood
- 60° Wide Flood UGR <16
- BWW Batwing Wide
- BWN Batwing narrow (linear)
- WW Wall wash
- OVL Oval (15×40°)
- CL Clear
- DF Diffuse
- OP Opal (Lambertian)
5. Which light distribution curve fits which application best
When do I use the 10° LDC/optics?
In general, 10° optics can also be used for wall-grazing effects. Our apl 10° optic is a high bay version. Ideal for lighting from a great height.
When do I use the 13° LDC/optics?
The 13° optic is a narrow-beam optic with excellent glare control. Ideal for emphasizing individual objects and accentuating structures in architecture.
When do I use the 25° LDC/optics?
The 25° optic is used when focused, pinpoint lighting is required, e.g. for accent lighting to highlight objects or in exhibition rooms. It is also suitable for areas where precise light control and low diffusion are required as well as for general lighting with higher ceilings.
When do I use the 40° LDC/optics?
The 40° light distribution is ideal for illuminating specific areas without scattering the light too much. It is used to create accent lighting and to illuminate specific zones without illuminating the entire room.
When do I use the 60° LDC/optics?
The 60° optic provides uniform general lighting in medium-sized areas, offices, conference rooms and retail spaces to illuminate the entire room evenly. Our 60° optic fulfils the requirements of DIN standard 12464-1.
When do I use the OVL LDC/optics?
The oval optic is ideal for grazing light applications to emphasize surface structures, for example on walls or facades. The elongated shape of the oval light distribution makes it possible to illuminate a wide area evenly, while the light beams are aligned to emphasize the desired structures.
When do I use the BWW LDC/optics?
The apl BWW optic was specially developed for use with the LTwo® in the apl Lumami® DESK desk luminaire to ensure uniform illumination of the workplace. In general, and therefore also in other applications, the wide batwing optic ensures that the light is distributed at a wide angle, but the intensity is reduced in the center and increased towards the sides. This creates uniform brightness across the entire surface without any annoying glare. Our BWW optics fulfils the requirements of DIN standard 12464-1.
When do I use the WW LDC/optics?
The wallwash optic is used to illuminate walls evenly and over a wide area. It is particularly suitable for applications where uniform brightness is to be achieved across the entire height and width of the wall: no shadows or uneven areas of light, to visually enlarge rooms and to make rooms appear brighter and more inviting. A wallwasher distributes the light in such a way that a wall is evenly illuminated from the top to the bottom edge.
When do I use the CLEAR LDC/optics?
Clear optics are used when direct and uniform light distribution is required. It ensures high light transmission and high luminous efficacy as well as direct, unobstructed light distribution. The clear cover minimizes light losses.
When do I use the DIFFUSE LDC/optics?
A diffuse cover is used when uniform light distribution without harsh shadows or glare is desired and high light transmission and light output are required.
When do I use the OPAL LDC/optics?
An opal diffuser is used to diffuse the light softly and evenly and reduce glare. It is ideal for areas where pleasant and decorative lighting is required.
6. Summary of technical features
In which lengths is LTwo® available?
LTwo® is available in 6 different standard lengths (140mm, 280mm, 560mm, 840mm, 1120mm, 1400mm).
In which light colors is LTwo® available?
LTwo® is available in the light colors 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K and 5000K.
Is LTwo® also available in Tunable White?
LTwo® will also be available in Tunable White in the future. We will keep you up to date via our website.
In which housing colors is LTwo® available?
The LTwo® is available in the housing colors black (RAL 9005) and white (RAL 9016), whereby the profile is an aluminum profile, and the antiglare is an injection-molded plastic part.
Is LTwo® also available in other housing colors?
For the time being, the LTwo® is only available in black and white. However, Custom solutions are possible:
- White profile with black glare antiglare or
- Black profile with white glare antiglare
In which power levels is LTwo® available and why/what for?
LTwo® is available in two operating systems (constant voltage = 12 Watt/m or 20 Watt/m and constant current 25 Watt/m @600mA). LTwo® therefore offers maximum freedom in the realization of electrical and lighting planning with regard to the desired output and quantity of light.
LTwo® is available in Constant Voltage (CV, 48V) and Constant Current
(CC, 600mA) operating modes. What is the difference between the operating modes? The main difference between constant current (CC) and constant voltage
(CV) lies in the type of power supply:
- Constant current: The current is kept constant, while the voltage can vary depending on the load.
- Constant voltage: Here the voltage remains constant while the current varies depending on the load.
In short, constant current regulates the current stably, constant voltage keeps the voltage stable.
When is Constant Voltage (CV) used?
Constant voltage luminaires are used when several luminaires are connected in parallel and a constant voltage supply is required. Several lights can be connected to one power supply unit and long rows of lights can be created.
When do you use Constant Current (600mA)?
LTwo® in constant current is used when a 1:1 combination of luminaire and power supply unit is required, especially for individual installations They offer higher efficiency and more cost-effective ballasts compared to constant voltage.
How does the operating current behave with constant voltage (CV)?
With constant-voltage lights, the voltage remains constant while the operating current varies depending on the load. This means that the current is adapted to the number and resistance of the connected lights or LEDs. For example, if the number of lights is increased or the load varies, the current is adjusted accordingly to maintain the constant voltage.
How does the operating current behave with constant current (CC)?
With constant current luminaires, the operating current remains constant, while the voltage varies depending on the load. This means that the luminaire supplies a fixed current, and the voltage adapts to the respective number and resistance of the connected LEDs or luminaires. This ensures uniform brightness and prevents overheating or damage due to excessive current.
In which lumen packages is LTwo® available and where is it normally used?
LTwo® offers lumen packages between 300lm – 5200lm (depending on length, optics and light temperature).
Lumen packages of 300 to 500 lumens are used wherever soft lighting is required. They are ideal for accent lighting. In museums, for example, to avoid reflections and orientation in small rooms or corridors.
Lumen packages of 500 to 1000 lumens are suitable for living rooms and bedrooms in the private sector as well as for accent lighting. In offices, they provide ideal individual workplace lighting and in hotels they ensure pleasant general lighting in rooms and corridors. In retail, they are used to emphasize products.
Lumen packages of 2000 to 3000 lumens are ideal for larger rooms such as living rooms or dining rooms, where they create a bright atmosphere. In retail, they are often used in shop windows, while in offices they are used to illuminate open-plan offices and meeting rooms.
Lumen packages of 3000 to 4000 lumens are well suited for hobby rooms and garages to provide a clear view of details. In the commercial sector, they are ideal for large shops or shopping centers, in museums for exhibition areas with high ceilings and in hotels for conference rooms or event halls.
Lumen packages of 4000 to 5200 lumens are used in areas that require very high lighting intensity, such as warehouses, sports halls and large auditoriums.
Can LTwo® be dimmed and if so, how?
Yes, the LTwo® is dimmable. Linear dimming with constant-current LTwo® is achieved by proportionally reducing the current, which reduces the brightness evenly. PWM dimming (pulse width modulation) in constant voltage operated LTwo® controls the brightness of a luminaire by switching the power supply on and off at fast, even intervals. By adjusting the on and off times (pulse width), the average power and thus the perceived brightness is changed without directly reducing the voltage.
What dimming protocols are available for LTwo®?
Dimming protocols for LTwo® are 1-10V, DALI and CASAMBI (depending on the PSU). Further dimming protocols will also be available in the future, such as Matter.