A
light fixture (US English),
light fitting (UK English), or
luminaire is an electrical device used to create artificial light by use of an
electric lamp. All light fixtures have a fixture body and a light socket to hold the lamp and allow for its replacement. Fixtures may also have a switch to control the light. Fixtures require an
electrical connection to a power source; permanent lighting may be directly wired, and moveable lamps have a
plug. Light fixtures may also have other features, such as
reflectors for directing the light, an
aperture (with or without a
lens), an outer shell or housing for lamp alignment and protection, and an
electrical ballast or
power supply. A wide variety of special light fixtures are created for use in the
automotive lighting industry,
aerospace, marine and
medicine.