Hospitality Grade Vs. Residential Grade

What are the differences between Hospitality Grade Products and Residential Grade products? See the most common differences below:

Hospitality Grade Table Lamps, Nightstand Lamps and Desk Lamps

• All Hospitality grade lamps must be UL/CUL or equivalently certified. Residential products on the other hand can but are not required to be.
• The base metal thickness is 18 gauge. Residential products typically start at 19.5 or higher (a thinner gauge). The thinner the base, the more flimsy the product can be.
• We put extra weight in the bases of Hospitality Grade lamps. This dramatically reduces the risk of tipping over. While most residential grade products are weighted to stand firmly, they are not actually required to use a weight at all.
• Hospitality Grade products have ADA approved switches like Rocker Switches. Residential products typically use pull chains or plastic turn switches on the socket. These cheaper switches do not hold up well under heavy use.
• Electrical Outlets and USB ports in the bases have high enough amperage to charge most smart phones and tablets. Our Hospitality Grade products start with 11 AMPS between two outlets and at least 2 AMPS per USB. Residential products can use any amperage they choose, most commonly 3.2 AMPS between the outlets and USB ports, which can result in as little as 1 AMP per port or less. These will not stand up well to regular hotel use.
• We use neoprene padding on the bottom of our lamps to help prevent slipping. Residential products typically use a thin layer of felt which can be more slippery on slick surfaces.

Hospitality Grade Floor Lamps

• All Hospitality grade floor lamps must be UL/CUL or equivalently certified. Residential products on the other hand can but are not required to be.
• The base metal thickness is 18 gauge. Residential products typically start at 19.5 or higher (a thinner gauge). The thinner the base, the more flimsy the product can be.
• We put extra weight in the bases of Hospitality Grade floor lamps. This dramatically reduces the risk of the lamp tipping over. While most Residential grade products are weighted to stand firmly, they are not actually required to use a weight at all.
• Hospitality Grade products have ADA approved switches like Rocker Switches placed between 44" and 48" off the floor. Residential products typically use pull chains or plastic turn switches on the socket. These cheaper switches do not hold up well under heavy use.
• Electrical Outlets and USB ports in the bases have high enough amperage to charge most smart phones and tablets. Our Hospitality Grade products start with 11 AMPS between two outlets and at least 2 AMPS per USB. Residential products can use any amperage they choose, most commonly 3.2 AMPS between the outlets and USB ports, which can result in as little as 1 AMP per port or less. These will not stand up well to regular hotel use.
• Whenever possible we ship our floor lamps completely assembled in one piece. Residential floor lamps are usually shipped in several pieces, requiring assembly in the field. These assembly joints are most susceptible to failure through regular room housekeeping and handling by guests. Plus, the added cost of assembly makes a Residential grade floor lamp higher in price than Hospitality grade product.

Hospitality Grade Ceiling and Wall Fixtures

• All Hospitality grade fixtures must be UL/CUL or equivalently certified. Residential products on the other hand can but are not required to be.
• The base metal thickness is 18 gauge. Residential products typically start at 19.5 or higher (a thinner gauge). The thinner the base, the more flimsy the product can be.
• Product should be wired to accept either CFL or LED light sources only. Residential grade products can utilize Halogen or Xenon based bulbs which run very hot and potentially melt sockets. CFL and LED lights are also dramatically more energy efficient.
• Hospitality Grade products have ADA approved switches like Rocker Switches. Residential products typically use pull chains or plastic turn switches on the socket. These cheaper switches do not hold up well under heavy use.
• Electrical Outlets and USB ports in the bases have high enough amperage to charge most smart phones and tablets. Our Hospitality Grade products start with 11 AMPS between two outlets and at least 2 AMPS per USB. Residential products can use any amperage they choose, most commonly 3.2 AMPS between the outlets and USB ports, which can result in as little as 1 AMP per port or less. These will not stand up well to regular hotel use.

Hospitality Grade Ceiling Fans

• All Hospitality grade ceiling fans must be UL/CUL or equivalently certified. Residential products on the other hand can but are not required to be.
• Hospitality grade ceiling fans cannot contain a radio frequency control module or handheld radio frequency remote. Radio frequency controls can create interference with other fans, resulting in one room's control operating another room's fan. These controls can also sometimes produce a high-pitched whine. Instead of radio frequency controls, we recommend utilizing pull chain switches, which do not need to be installed in the field, or hardwired wall controls.
• Ceiling Fans with Light kits should be wired to accept either a CFL or LED light source only. Residential grade products can utilize Halogen or Xenon based bulbs which run very hot and potentially melt sockets. When installing a ceiling fan matched with a light kit, be sure the ceiling junction box contains a third wire (Hot). This will ensure that both the light and fan will function properly when used together.