In the world of lighting, understanding how to measure the light intensity of lamps and bulbs is essential to choosing the most suitable solution for various needs. But how do you read technical data or labels full of abbreviations and symbols? In fact, there are different units of measurement and parameters that describe the intensity and quality of light, each with a specific role. In this article, we will explore key concepts such as watts, lumens, lux, luminous efficiency, color rendering, and color temperature.
Watts (W)
The watt is a unit of measurement for electrical power. When we talk about lamps, wattage indicates energy consumption. However, it is not directly correlated with brightness. For example, a 10-watt LED lamp can emit more light than a 60-watt incandescent lamp. For this reason, it is important to consider other measurements besides watts to evaluate the effectiveness of a light source.
Lumens (lm)
The lumen is the unit of measurement for luminous flux, representing the total amount of light emitted by a source. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light emitted. To compare two light sources, the lumen parameter is more indicative than watts, as it indicates the actual lighting capacity.
Lux (lx)
Lux is the unit of measurement for illuminance, or the amount of light that strikes a surface. One lux is equivalent to one lumen per square meter. Measuring lux is essential to determine if an area is sufficiently lit for certain activities. For example, offices need about 500 lux, while warehouses may require only 100 lux.
Candela (cd)
The candela is the unit of measurement for luminous intensity in a specific direction. One candela represents the luminous intensity emitted by a source that radiates uniformly in all directions. This parameter is now less commonly used but is particularly relevant when considering focused lighting, such as spotlights or directional lamps, where it is important to know how much light is emitted in a specific direction.
Luminous efficiency (lm/W)
Luminous efficiency measures how effectively a light source converts electrical energy into visible light. It is expressed in lumens per watt (lm/W). Modern technologies, such as LEDs, offer high luminous efficiency, providing more light with less energy compared to traditional lamps. For example, an LED lamp can have a luminous efficiency of 100 lm/W, while an incandescent lamp may only reach 15 lm/W.
Color rendering (CRI)
Color rendering, indicated by the Color Rendering Index (CRI), measures a light source’s ability to faithfully reproduce the colors of objects compared to natural light. The CRI ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 representing the ideal color rendering of natural light. A high CRI is crucial in environments where accurate color perception is important, such as photo studios, hospitals, and stores.
Color temperature (K)
Warm or cool light? Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), describes the visual appearance of light emitted by a light source. Low color temperatures (around 2700K) produce warm, yellow light, similar to incandescent lamps. High color temperatures (above 5000K) produce cool, blue light, similar to daylight. The choice of color temperature is subjective and depends on the environment and intended use.
Fandis Lumeis range
Fandis offers a complete range of lighting solutions for electrical panels with its Lumeis line. These lamps are designed to ensure optimal lighting inside electrical panels, improving visibility and safety during maintenance operations. Lumeis lamps combine high luminous efficiency, excellent color rendering, and a wide choice of color temperatures to suit any need. Additionally, thanks to LED technology, they offer long life and low energy consumption.
In conclusion, understanding the different measures of light intensity and their practical applications is essential for selecting the right lighting solution. Fandis, with its Lumeis line, is committed to providing high-quality products to ensure optimal visibility and increased safety in electrical panels.
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