Color temperature

The “apparent color” of a white light emitted by a source is not really pure white (day light). This “color” or hue is indicated by the temperature measured in kelvins (K). Why do we refer to temperature to determine light color? Let’s take melting iron as an example: the temperature of the metal is measured at any given color produced during heating; the higher the temperature (heat) the brighter the color, changing progressively from red in appearance and graduating to orange, yellow, white, and to blue as the heat increases. You can select the preferred lighting atmosphere according to the desired color temperature on a scale from “cool” blue (20.000 K) to “warm” red (1000 K).

Lighting types are divided into three primary categories:

Color perception

The human eye can adapt to a wide variety of types and levels of lighting situations. The IRIS and PUPIL, automatically adjust the eye to let the right amount of light into it and filter colors. The lens focuses on this incoming light, allowing the eye to distinguish the object on which we have drawn our attention to.

Light sensitivity

The eye is more sensitive to light in the range of 3500K to 4300K, which means that if we look at a 2700K light bulb, the emitted light intensity, when compared to other light bulbs with equivalent lumens, appears duller.

On the other hand, the light intensity of a 6000K light bulb will seem brighter as it come near to UV light intensity, emitting more than enough light for the eye to see. Therefore the eyes over react towards this colour of light by reducing the aperture, thus lowering the amount of necessary incoming light that leads to eye fatigue. The conclusion of our perception of how we conclude that a 6000K light is brighter, is in fact the result of the eye protecting itself. It is therefore highly recommended to wisely choose the lightning level that supports and maintains the health of your eyes!

Choose the lightning temperature according to your needs!

It is important to consider several elements when buying lights, such as the environment of the space and the type of atmosphere you want to create accordingly to your lightning preferences. Choose a lightning temperature that will brighten your daily life!

Compare these two types of lighting during night cycling:

Although a 6000K-bluish light appears to be brighter and more dazzling, remember that your eyes will have difficulty to focus as the amount of light entering the eye is reduced, consequently affecting your reaction time and response. Which could be very risky when cycling at night!

The benefit of using a neutral light (4000K) is that it is more comfortable for the eye, ensuring that enough light enters the eye to further improve its focus, response and reaction time. It’s one of the reasons why the majority of automotive headlights are yellowish or neutral; to avoid dazzling and blinding other drivers with bright, cool-blue headlights.

Now you understand the importance of using the type of lighting solution suited with the appropriate application, in order to fully benefit from the advantages of light:

• Has a significant impact on mood.
• Prevents eye fatigue
• Influence a more relaxed atmosphere in accordance with its environment.
• Improves personal performance and efficiency.