What is color temperature and how to check it

What is color temperature?

color temperature: the temperature at which a blackbody emits radiant energy competent to evoke a color the same as that evoked by radiant energy from a given source  (such as a lamp).

It is a comprehensive expression of the spectral characteristics of the lighting source that can be directly observed by the naked eye. ​

The unit of measurement for color temperature is Kelvin, or k for short.

In the realm of residential and commercial illumination, the color temperature of practically all lighting fixtures ranges between 2000K and 6500K.

In our daily lives, we categorize color temperature into three types: warm light, neutral light, and cool white.

Warm light primarily consists of red light, with a color temperature ranging approximately from 2000K to 3500K. This type of lighting creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere that exudes warmth.

Neutral light achieves a balance among red, green, and blue light, with a color temperature typically falling between 3500K and 5000K. The soft glow of neutral light brings about feelings of comfort, pleasure, and tranquility.

Cool white light has a color temperature above 5000K and is predominantly composed of blue light. It gives off an austere and chilly vibe. The light source closely resembles natural daylight, providing a brightness that enhances concentration and focus.

What is the optimal LED lighting color temperature?

I believe that through the above introduction, everyone canI believe that through the above introduction, everyone can understand why most residential applications (such as bedrooms or living rooms) use warmer light, while office clothing stores generally use cooler light.

This is not only due to visual effects, but also based on scientific principles.

Incandescent or warm LED lights stimulate the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the circadian rhythm (the body’s natural wake-sleep cycle) and promotes sleepiness.

During nighttime and sunset, the use of blue and bright white lights should be minimized, allowing the body to naturally drift into sleep.

Fluorescent or cool LED lights, on the other hand, promoteFluorescent or cool LED lights, on the other hand, promote the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that typically makes people feel more alert.

This reaction is why sunlight can make people feel more awake and active, and why it’s so difficult to fall asleep after staring at a computer monitor for some time.

Therefore, any business that needs to create a comfortable atmosphere for customers should provide warm lighting in certain areas. For example, homes, hotels, jewelry stores, restaurants, etc.

In our previous discussion about what kind of lighting is suitable for jewelry stores, we mentioned that gold and jewelry are best illuminated with warm light with a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K. This is a comprehensive consideration.

On the other hand, colder lighting is more suitable in environments that require productivity and high contrast. These include offices, classrooms, living rooms, design studios, libraries, display windows, etc.

How to check the color temperature of the LED lamp you have?

Generally, the Kelvin rating is printed on the lamp itself or its packaging.

If the bulb or packaging does not have it, or if you have already thrown away the packaging, you can simply check the model number of the bulb. By searching online based on the model number, you should be able to find the color temperature.

The lower the Kelvin number, the more “yellow-orange” the white color appearsThe lower the Kelvin number, the more “yellow-orange” the white color appears, while the higher the Kelvin number, the more blue and cool the white color becomes.

Warm light, which is considered to be more like yellow light, has a color temperature of around 3000K to 3500K. A standard incandescent bulb has a higher color temperature of approximately 5000K.

Low CCT lamps start from red and orange and then progress to yellow, with a range below 4000K. The term “warm” used to describe low CCT light may have been derived from the feeling of burning orange-toned fire or candles.

Cold white LEDs are also more on the blue side, with a color temperature around 5500K or higher, which is associated with the coolness of blue tones.

For a pure white appearance, you would need a color temperature between 4500K and 5500K, with 5000K being the optimal value.

Summarize

You already know the color temperature information and know how to choose lamps with the appropriate color temperature.

If you want to buy LED, chiswear is at your service. Schedule your free lighting consultation today.

Note: Some of the pictures in the post come from the Internet. If you are the owner and want to remove them, please contact us.

/ledlightinginfo.com/different-colors-of-lighting//www.ledyilighting.com/led-light-colors-what-they-mean-and-where-to-use-them///www.ecolorled.com/blog/detail/led-lighting-color-temperature//www.ledspot.com/ls-commercial-lighting-info/led-lighting/led-color-temperatures/