When you're ready to transition to LED lighting, it can feel a bit daunting. There are various terms and performance metrics that can make a seemingly simple task more challenging.
Let me assist you in navigating through some of the most common specifications and provide you with a straightforward solution!
For a more extensive list of lighting terms, you can refer to Brimax's online Lighting Glossary. Here are some common LED lighting terms related to efficiency and reliability:
1. Wattage
What does it mean?
Wattage is simply the measure of the energy required to illuminate a lamp.
Why is it important?
The wattage of an LED lamp is often its most advertised feature. Although LED lighting offers other advantages over traditional lighting, its reduced energy consumption remains its most significant benefit.
2. Lumens
What does it mean?
Lumens measure the amount of light emitted by a bulb.
Why is it important?
Lumens are essential for comparing an LED bulb to a traditional light source. By comparing the lumen output of an LED bulb to that of a traditional bulb, you can determine if the LED bulb will provide sufficient brightness as a direct replacement.
3. Color Temperature (CCT)
What does it mean?
Color temperature, officially known as Correlated Color Temperature, is a numerical value that indicates the color appearance of light emitted by a particular fixture or bulb.
A lower number represents warm light, reminiscent of the hues seen in fireplaces or candlelight (reds and oranges). A higher number indicates cooler light, such as daylight or hospital lighting (whites and blues). The standard range is approximately 2700K on the warm side to over 5000K on the cool side.
Why is this important?
Cooler color temperatures (higher numbers) tend to give the perception of "brightness," and LED manufacturers may use lower wattages at higher color temperatures to create the illusion of greater brightness.
If you are replacing bulbs in standard household lamps, restaurant lighting, or hotel settings, selecting a cooler color temperature may create a harsh environment and fail to set the desired ambiance. Knowing the approximate color temperature range of your existing lighting will help you find a suitable LED replacement.
4. Color Rendering Index (CRI)
What does it mean?
CRI stands for Color Rendering Index. This measurement evaluates a light source's ability to accurately render colors. CRI values range from the 40s (low) to 100 (perfect).
Why is this important?
Have you ever walked through a parking garage with yellowish lighting (refer to color temperature above)? Or encountered old streetlights that made everything appear orange? These light sources have low CRI ratings, causing your blue shirt, red pants, white hat, or purple socks (no judgment!) to appear yellow, black, or dull.
While this may not matter in a tunnel you drive through, it can significantly impact retailers trying to showcase attractive products or parking garages where security is crucial. Imagine describing someone's clothing to law enforcement when all the colors look gray!
5. Dimmable
What does it mean?
Does the LED have a dimmable driver? The packaging will typically indicate whether it is dimmable or not, as well as the compatible dimming system.
Why is this important?
LED technology doesn't always integrate seamlessly with dimmers. Ensure that the lamp you purchase is labeled as "dimmable" and compatible with the specific dimming system (0-10V, 3 phase, etc.).
