BuenoLED’s meticulously curated lighting parameter manual, crafted to equip you with the expertise needed to make informed decisions when selecting lamps. Our manual is the culmination of extensive collection and verification efforts, presenting a comprehensive array of professional parameter descriptions from the lighting industry. Bid farewell to the frustration of uninformed purchases and embrace a new era of enlightened lighting choices. With our manual as your guide, unlock the intricacies behind each parameter, empowering yourself to create spaces that seamlessly blend artistic allure with optimal functionality. Elevate your sensory experience and transform your living environment with confidence and precision.
Read BuenoLED’s lighting parameter manual today and illuminate your world with sophistication and finesse.
LIGHT INTENSITY
The lighting design has light and dark, and choosing the appropriate brightness of the light source can properly set off the atmosphere. Whether the light is on or not, the relevant parameters mainly include the following points;
1.Luminous Flux (LM)
Luminous flux is the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source within a specific time frame, measured in lumens (lm). When we mention that a light isn’t bright enough, we’re typically referring to its luminous flux.
As a general rule, lamps with higher power outputs tend to have greater luminous flux.
For instance, a 40W incandescent bulb typically produces a luminous flux ranging from 350 to 470 lumens.
In comparison, a 40W fluorescent tube can emit approximately 2800 lumens, which is about 6 to 8 times brighter than an incandescent bulb.
Furthermore, a 40W LED lamp can achieve an average luminous flux of 4000 to 6000 lumens, making it approximately 10 times brighter than an incandescent bulb and twice as bright as a fluorescent lamp.
Understanding luminous flux is essential for selecting the appropriate lighting solution to meet your brightness requirements and enhance the ambiance of your space.
2.Luminous Efficacy (LM/W)
In addition to luminous flux and illuminance, another crucial parameter to consider when purchasing lamps is luminous efficacy, often referred to as light efficiency.
Luminous efficacy, measured in lumens per watt (lm/W), indicates a lamp’s ability to convert electrical energy into light. Essentially, it measures how many lumens of light a lamp can produce per watt of power consumed. Higher luminous efficacy means greater luminous flux and improved energy efficiency.
Note: High power ≠ high brightness. This is because different light sources have varying levels of light efficiency. Generally, LED lamps boast the highest luminous efficiency, followed by energy-saving lamps and then incandescent lamps.
Understanding luminous efficacy enables consumers to make informed decisions, ensuring they select lamps that not only provide sufficient brightness but also optimize energy usage for a more sustainable lighting solution.
3.Light Intensity (CD)
The luminous flux emitted by a light source within a unit solid angle in a specific direction is known as the luminous intensity of the light source in that direction, measured in candelas (cd). 1CD=1LM/SR (SR is the steradian unit of solid angle).
For instance, directly below a 40W incandescent lamp, the luminous intensity is approximately 30 cd. Conversely, above the lamp, where the light is blocked by the lamp holder, the luminous intensity is zero.
When an opaque porcelain umbrella cover is added, it reflects the upward luminous flux downward, with minimal absorption. This results in an increase in downward luminous flux while maintaining the same solid angle under the lampshade. Consequently, the spatial density of the luminous flux increases, leading to an increase in luminous intensity from 30 cd to 73 cd.
Adding such accessories can effectively manipulate the distribution of light, optimizing the illumination of the space according to specific needs and preferences.
4.Illuminance (LX)
The luminous flux received by the unit illuminated area is called the illuminance (the unit is LX (lux)), that is, 1LX (lux) = 1LM/㎡.
In general, the illuminance is as follows:
- Summer sunshine outdoor: 100000LX;
- Cloudy outdoor: 10000LX;
- Indoor fluorescent lamp: 100LX;
- Desktop 60cm away from 60W desk lamp: 300LX;
- Indoor at dusk: 10LX;
- Night without light source: 0.1LX;
- Candlelight (20cm distance): 10~15LX;
5.Luminance (NT)
Luminance, measured in nits (nt), refers to the luminous flux emitted by a light source within a unit projected area and a unit solid angle in a specific direction.
When considering each object as a light source, brightness describes the intensity of the light emitted by the object, while illuminance refers to the amount of light incident upon the object. To illustrate, let’s take a piece of wood: when a light beam strikes the wood, the illuminance of the wood is determined by how much light it receives. Meanwhile, the brightness of the wood is determined by how much light it reflects to the human eye, calculated as the illuminance multiplied by the reflectance of the wood. Therefore, even though the illuminance may be the same for a white cloth and a black cloth in the same position within a room, their brightnesses would differ due to their different reflectance properties.
LIGHT QUALITY
The primary factor in evaluating the quality of lighting is its ability to provide comfortable visual enjoyment. When selecting lighting solutions, it’s essential to consider not only aesthetics but also safety, aiming to create a light environment that is both comfortable and conducive to health.
1.Color Temperature (CCT)
Color temperature (CCT) refers to the perceived color of light, measured in Kelvin (K).
- Red light sources typically have a color temperature of about 800K to 900K.
- Yellow and warm-colored light sources are around 3000K.
- White light sources are approximately 5500K.
- Blue light sources range from 8000K to 12000K.
The choice of color temperature depends on individual preferences. For those who prefer warm colors, a color temperature of around 3000K is suitable. If you prefer daylight colors, opt for a color temperature between 5000K and 6500K. For those who favor cool colors, LED lighting with a color temperature of 8000K to 12000K is ideal.
When it comes to outdoor lighting, selecting different color temperatures based on specific usage scenarios can enhance lighting effects and create desired atmospheres.
2.Color Rendering Index (CRI)
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures a light source’s ability to accurately render the true colors of objects, with a perfect score being 100. A higher CRI value, denoted as “Ra”, indicates that the colors of objects appear closer to their true colors.
In general:
- A CRI of 80 to 100 signifies excellent color rendering.
- A CRI of 50 to 79 indicates average color rendering.
- A CRI below 50 suggests poor color rendering.
Opting for lamps with a high color rendering index not only enhances the reproduction of object colors but also contributes to a more comfortable lighting environment overall.
3.Light Decay
Luminous decay refers to the gradual reduction in the luminous flux emitted by a light source over time until it eventually fails, leading to a decrease in the lamp’s brightness after prolonged use.
The luminous maintenance rate is a measure of light attenuation. It is calculated by taking the luminous flux measured after the lamp has been illuminated for 100 hours as the initial value and then comparing it to the luminous flux measured after the lamp has been illuminated for 2000 hours. The result is expressed as a percentage, with a minimum threshold typically set at 80%. Essentially, it indicates how well the light source maintains its brightness over time.
In simpler terms, it means that the brightness of a lamp will diminish after a period of use. For different light sources, within the same specified time frame, a higher luminous flux maintenance rate indicates less light attenuation of the light source.
4.Glare Control
“Glare” can cause discomfort to the eyes and prolonged exposure may impact eyesight health. Indoor lighting fixtures typically have stricter requirements to mitigate glare. Here are three tips for selecting anti-glare lamps:
- Opt for LED surface light sources with a soft light emission to prevent eye strain.
- Choose lamps with PC lampshades as they effectively diffuse light, ensuring uniform illumination.
- Position the light source to emit light as vertically as possible in relation to the horizontal direction of the human eye. Examples include up and down lights or angled strip lights.
Summarize
These tips aim to enhance visual comfort and minimize the adverse effects of glare. For further assistance tailored to your specific needs, feel free to reach out to us directly. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality solutions to meet your lighting requirements.
If you have any more questions about LED, please feel free to contact us. We can provide professional customized services.
E-mail: wade@langylights.com or phone: +86-18670113026.
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