Phantom Contour Projector Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Phantom Contour Projector?
The Phantom Contour Projector is the premier low voltage accent lighting instrument on the market today! The Contour Projector is primarily used for illuminating fine art. Phantom Lighting is about featuring the art – not about washing the walls.

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How difficult is Phantom Contour Projector to install?
It is really quite simple if you understand the concept and follow the instructions. Selecting the right housing and focal lenses is the most important part of the installation. Send us some drawings or a picture and we will be able to discuss your needs!

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Is Phantom Contour Projector UL or ETL listed?
Yes, Phantom Lighting has been tested by ETL and meets all the requirements for luminaries to UL standard 1598 & CSA C22.2 No. 250.0-00 First Edition.

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Will a dimmer work on the Phantom Contour Projector?
Yes, Phantom Contour Projector can be dimmed by the use of a dimmer. All models are equipped with an electronic transformer that will operate with most standard commercial grade dimmers.

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Do you offer both Incandescent and Halogen lamps?
No, all models are equipped with 75-watt MR16 halogen lamps.

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What is the average lamp life of a Halogen MR16 lamp?
The lamp manufacturer has given these lamps an average life of 4000 hours.

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How do I know which Phantom Contour Projector Housing is right for me?
Phantom housings are divided into four mounting types: New Construction, Remodel, Float Finish and Top Access. Once you have determined the proper housing the rest is easy! Send for a catalog today!

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What makes your Phantom Contour Projector different form others?
The Phantom Contour Projector has three light confinement methods: Locking Shutters, Brass Slide and Glass Slide. The Locking Shutter assembly allows for easy adjustment without the worry of slipping. The Brass Slide is designed for irregular shaped objects and multiple objects. The Glass Slide is used for floating applications such as logos.

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Do Phantom transformers have overload protection?
Yes, all Phantom transformers have internal fusing and short circuit protection.

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How much clearance do I need for Phantom Contour Projector Housings?
You will need a minimum of 9 ½” of clear space. All housings are designed to fit in standard 2” X 10” framing.

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Will the light from the Phantom Contour Projector fade my art?
No, almost all of the infrared heat is contained within the projector itself. Most of the ultraviolet light is filtered out as it goes through the lens. Special UV filters are available by request for sensitive pieces of art.

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What is the normal lead-time for delivery?
Phantom Contour Projectors are available for immediate delivery. Our normal lead-time is one to five days from receipt of order. Need something faster, just give us a call!

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How do you ship Phantom Contour Projectors?
All orders are shipped United Parcel Service. Other shipping methods are available if requested!

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What is the warranty on Phantom Contour Projectors?
We offer a limited two year guarantee on fixtures (excluding lamps) and transformers.

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I am in the process of building/remodeling a house. How do I know where to install my Contour Projector in the ceiling if I haven’t purchased the art yet?
The safe bet is to plan for something large and the projector can always be adjusted to something smaller. I would recommend that you position the projector back from the wall to center approximately 36” on an 8’ ceiling, 42” on a 9’ ceiling, 48” on a 10’ ceiling, and 60” on a 12’ ceiling.

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What is the angle of incidence and how does it effect my placement of the Contour Projector?
The angle formed by a ray incident on a surface and a perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence. In other words, when light is pointed at a reflective surface the light or glare is reflected at the exact opposite angle. By moving the projector forward or back, left or right you can redirect the glare out of your viewing angle. This is very important for viewing enjoyment!

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Will my Contour projector work properly if it is not installed exactly perpendicular to the art?
Yes, by design our three various confinement methods allow for offset installations. The shutter method for example, has curved blades, which corrects for distortions created by the curve of the focal lenses.

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Can the Contour projector be used to illuminate a three dimensional sculpture?
Yes, the custom template can be trimmed to follow the exact contour of the object within reason. This type of installation requires prior knowledge of the equipment and is generally intended for trained lighting professional.

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How does the Phantom Contour Projector compare with the Wendel Optical Projector?
The two projectors are very similar in design except for the light source, housings and mounting techniques. Utilizing a 75-Watt MR16 lamp our custom lenses collect, condense and focus the light to levels exceeding the 150-Watt lamp used in the Wendel. This has allowed us to reduce the size of the housings by 50% and design five different mounting methods to handle any installation condition. The remodel housing, a first in the industry, if perfect for applications where drywall repairs are not practical or desired.

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How does the Contour Projector compare with the Halo® Projector?
The two projectors are close in design but vastly different in optics, flexibility and performance. The Halo projector has a fixed optical system, which limits the performance and prohibits mounting the projector off center to compensate for key stoning, glare or frame shadows. The large housing is designed for new construction or installation where attic access is available. The Contour Projector on the other hand, has a lens system that can be adjusted to accommodate most art. The simple mounting techniques and multiple confinement methods make even a novice look like a lighting professional.

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How does the Contour Projector compare with the Lightolier® Projector?
The two projectors are close in design but vastly different in optics, flexibility and performance. The Lightolier projector has a poor optical system, which limits the performance and prohibits mounting the projector off center to compensate for key stoning, glare or frame shadows. The shutter system cannot be locked into position and is always out of adjustment. The large housing is designed for new construction or installation where attic access is available. The Contour Projector on the other hand, has a lens system that can be adjusted to accommodate most art. The simple mounting techniques, optical system and multiple confinement methods blow the Lightolier projector away!

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What is a soft focus installation and when should I consider using it?
A soft focus is typically used on art or sculpture when a sharp line is not desirable or practical. Illuminating contemporary art without frames, traditional art with ornate frames, or three-dimensional sculptures are several examples where a soft focus can minimize spilled light or spectral effects.

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Why would I use the Contour Projector instead of a low voltage pinhole light?
The primary reason to use a framing projector is to shape the light exactly to the contour of the object of art without illuminating the wall or floor around it. The art takes on a three-dimensional, lighted from within look, which is spectacular in the right environment. Framing projectors are considered the most dramatic form of art illumination on the market today!

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Why is there a blue or red line around the edge of my painting?
The blue or red line on the edge of the confinement is a byproduct of the optical system and is present in all projection equipment. Most of the time this colored edge can be minimized or eliminated by adjusting the focus or trying a different combination of focusing lenses.

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Why is the light on the edge of my artwork fuzzy?
Try adjusting the focus first, then check to see that the lamp and condensing lenses are properly seated in the lens cradle. If this doesn’t work than try a different combination of focusing lenses to alleviate the problem.

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Why do you offer three different wattage lamps for your Contour Projector?
Not all artwork requires the same light levels. You may want use a 50-watt lamp on a light colored painting and a 75-watt lamp on a darker one, particularly if they are in the same room.

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Is your Phantom Contour Projectors UL Approved?
Yes! The Phantom Contour Projector is ETL Approved in the United States to UL Standard 1598 and to Canadian Standard C22.2 NO. 250.0

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I just calculated where to locate my Contour Projector in the ceiling but there is something in the way. Should I move the housing towards or away from the wall?
If in doubt, always move away from the wall! If your angle is too steep the light will not be evenly distributed and a frame shadow can be disastrous. The optimum aiming angle is 45 degrees unless the art is positioned above eye level. You can test for shadows and glare by using a flashlight or temporarily connecting the projector and holding it in position.

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Can I use two Phantom Contour Projectors to illuminate a large piece of art?
Yes! Depending on the size of the art and the ceiling height conditions may vary. The two projectors are usually positioned at oblique angles to cross light the art. By overlapping the fields of light you can create a blending effect which can be adjusted to fit the exact contour of the art.

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The frame of the art is causing a shadow from the light. What can I do to correct the problem?
Unfortunately, the only way to remove a shadow from the art is to change the angle of the projector, adjust the mounting wire on the art or reframe the art. Occasionally you can shim out the bottom of the art to minimize this effect.

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What kind of dimmer should I use to control the Phantom Contour Projector?
We recommend that you use a dimmer that is designed to control an electronic transformer. Some dimming systems such as Lutron Grafik Eye may require the use of an electronic interface. Consult the manufacturer or you local lighting professional for information regarding dimmer controls.

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