Woven pendant shades: shade only or complete light?

A woven pendant shade can be sold on its own, or as a complete light with a cord set, lamp holder and ceiling fitting. The look is the same, but the compliance work is very different.

Shade only

A shade without electrical parts is sold as a home decor item. The customer fits it to an existing pendant. Product pages and packaging should still state the fitting size, the recommended bulb type and a maximum wattage. With natural fibres, recommend LED bulbs, which run much cooler than incandescent bulbs.

Complete light

Once the product includes a cord, lamp holder or plug, it is an electrical product. Typical requirements include:

• EU: CE marking under the Low Voltage Directive, with testing to the EN 60598 luminaire standards, plus RoHS and WEEE obligations.
• UK: UKCA marking, or CE marking where current rules still accept it.
• United States and Canada: a listing from a recognised test lab such as UL or ETL.

Requirements depend on the exact product and market, so confirm them with an accredited test lab before you order.

What to ask for

• The inside diameter of the top ring and the fitting it suits.
• The distance between the bulb and the weave.
• Whether the ring and hanger come off for flat packing.
• Fire-retardant treatment, if your market or customer asks for it.