For luminaires, cove installations must allow for what important aspect?

When considering cove installations for luminaires, maintenance is a critical aspect that must be allowed for. Cove lighting, which is installed in recesses or on ledges, typically uses fixtures that may be difficult to access once installed. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that the design allows for easy maintenance of the luminaires.

This includes provisions for replacing lamps or servicing the fixtures without requiring significant effort or potentially hazardous situations, such as the need for ladders or scaffolding. If maintenance is not considered, it could lead to extended periods of non-functioning lights, which can disrupt the intended ambiance and functionality of the space.

Design flexibility, cost efficiency, and accessibility are also important considerations in lighting design but do not have the same level of critical impact on cove installations as maintenance does. Proper design that accommodates maintenance needs ultimately contributes to the longevity and effectiveness of the lighting solution, ensuring ongoing performance and safety.