Introduction
LED lighting has revolutionised the way we illuminate our homes and businesses. However, for those new to the world of lighting, the terms can be confusing and overwhelming. That's why Brite has come up with a comprehensive guide to help explain the terms that everyone should know before getting their lighting:
Key Terms and Definitions
Lumen: The unit of measurement for luminous flux, which represents the total amount of light emitted by a source. The higher the lumen, the higher the brightness. Higher =/= better, it is important to find lighting with the brightness that is just right for your space.
Luminous Efficacy: The ratio of luminous flux (lumens) to power consumption (watts). A higher luminous efficacy indicates more efficient light output. E.g. 130lm/w vs 100lm/w, the LED light source with 130lm/w is able to provide 30% more brightness per wattage consumed.
Kelvin: The unit of measurement for color temperature, which is also knowns as correlated colour temperature (CCT). It determines the perceived "warmth" or "coolness" of the light. Lower Kelvin values produce warmer (reddish) light, while higher values produce cooler (bluish) light. Hence, 3000K lights are warmer/orange, 6000K are whiter and more bluish, and 4000K is a comfortable colour between the 2. This is why 4000K is gaining in popularity as the preferred colour temperature for home, offices and retail stores.
CRI (Color Rendering Index): A measure of how accurately a light source renders the colors of objects compared to natural sunlight. CRI is important when you need the colours to be accurately represented by the light source, especially for museums and art galleries. Industry standard lighting has about 80+ CRI rating. For photography, exhibitions and showcases, lights with a CRI of 90+ are required.
Watt: The unit of measurement for power consumption. Lower wattage LED lights typically consume less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.
Beam Angle: The width of the light beam emitted by a fixture. Narrow beam angles are ideal for focused lighting, while wider beam angles provide more diffuse illumination for general lighting applications. The design of the lighting greatly influences the beam angle.
Lifespan: The expected lifespan of an LED light, typically measured in hours. LED lights generally have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs of minimally 25,000 hours
UGR (Uniformity Grade of Illumination): A measure of how evenly light is distributed across a surface. The level of UGR ranges from 40 (high glare) to 5 (low glare). The lower the UGR, the better as it indicates more uniform illumination.
IP Rating (Ingress Protection): A two-digit code indicating the level of protection a fixture offers against ingress of solids (dust) and liquids (water). The first digit represents protection against solids, while the second represents protection against liquids. Here are some common IP ratings and their applications:
IP20 - An IP20 rating means the product is touchproof and will be resistant to dust or objects that are over 12mm in size. Commonly used for indoor purposes without exposure to water.
IP54 - This rating indicates that an electrical enclosure is protected from limited dust ingress and water spray from any direction. IP54 lights are widely used for indoor applications such as lamp post lighting. They should not be exposed to rain.
IP64 - It indicates protection from total dust ingress as well as water spray from any direction. IP64 lights are hence suitable for areas where you do not expect a situation with more than splashing water.
IP65 - Total protection against dust intrusion and against low-pressure water jets from any direction. They are ideal for bathroom and outdoor lighting. They can withstand rain and harsh outdoor weather conditions.
IP67 - Total protection against dust ingress and also protection against immersion 15cm to 1m in depth. IP67 LED lights are ideal for outdoor lighting as they are resistant to rain and harsh weathers, but should never be submerged in water for extended periods since they are not waterproof.
IK Rating: A two-digit code indicating the level of protection a fixture offers against mechanical impact. A higher IK rating indicates greater resistance to impact.
Choosing the Right LED Lighting for Your Needs
By understanding these common LED lighting terms and concepts, you can make informed decisions when purchasing and installing LED fixtures. With their energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility, LED lighting offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for various applications. If you have any lighting needs or questions, our team of lighting specialists are always ready to assist you 😉
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