Color temperature
Color temperatures are measured in Kelvin (1,000 - 8,000 K). Kelvin shows which light color a lamp has. A rough distinction is made between three light colors: cool white (daylight white), neutral white and warm white.
The light color is specified in increments of thousands. The lower the numerical value, the warmer the light. The higher the numerical value, the colder and bluer the light.
A candle has a light color of 1,500 Kelvin. Daylight, on the other hand, is a cold light. Sunlight, for example, has a light color of 5,500-7,000 Kelvin.
In our homes, we usually prefer warm, cozy light. In the study or at the workbench, on the other hand, we need plenty of factual light that is also suitable for demanding visual tasks.
COLOR EFFECT
| Designation | Color | Effect |
| warm white (ww) | below 3300 K | yellow-white light is perceived as cozy and comfortable |
| neutral white (nw) | 3300 to 5300 K | white light businesslike atmosphere, artificial light character |
| daylight white (tw) | above 5300 K | light similar to daylight appears technical, stimulating, matches incident daylight |
The color rendering index (Ra) was introduced to accurately indicate the color rendering quality of a lamp. The best value with the most natural color rendering is Ra=100. Incandescent lamps have a linear color gradient and a very good color rendering of Ra=100. High-quality LEDs achieve a color rendering Ra=90.
- Warm white light creates comfort and coziness in living rooms
- Neutral and cool white light creates a businesslike and technical atmosphere
Knowing the color of light, luminous efficacy and efficiency allows them to make the right decision when choosing their new luminaire or light source. Depending on the application, the special advantages of the different technologies can be used optimally.
