It’s no secret that LED lighting labels are confusing. Part of the confusion can be attributed to the fact that LEDs are a relatively new technology that consumers just aren’t familiar with yet. Another part of the confusion comes from the fact that the way we used to evaluate light bulbs and wattage doesn’t apply to LEDs. So how can we know what kind of LED light bulb will give off the best light before we buy it?

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What Is Colour Temperature?

Colour Temperature is a measure of visible light or a way of describing the colour characteristics of light. It is measured in Kelvins (K) and carries labels of “warm,” “bright,” “cool,” and “natural,” “neutral,” or “daylight.” The colour temperature of a light impacts not only our ability to see the colours of objects under the light, but it can also impact our mood, productivity, and even sleep patterns.

Understanding LED colour temperature ratings is an important step in choosing the right LED lights for your application or use. But to understand colour temperature, you need to first understand Kelvins.

Interpreting Kelvins

To explain the Kelvin Colour Temperature Scale, imagine a black object being heated, like a light bulb filament. At some point the object gets hot enough to glow. As it gets hotter its glowing colour will shift from deep red to orange, yellow, blue, and finally to white hot. Kelvins (K) measure the light that is emitted as the heated object glows hotter and hotter or brighter and brighter. In general, a lower K value means the light is at the warmer or softer end of the spectrum and appears yellow in colour. As values increase, the light becomes brighter, whiter and bluer in colour.

You will see light bulbs of all types with a colour temperature ratings. This rating is intended to help you figure out if the bulbs will give off a more yellow colour or a whiter or bluer colour. Your colour choice should be dictated by what room you are planning to use the bulb in.

2700-3000K: Warm White or Soft White lighting labels. These are yellowish in colour, most closely mimicking incandescent bulbs. They are a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms.
3500-4100K: Cool White, Neutral, or Bright White lighting labels. These bulbs work well in kitchens and work areas or garages.
5000-6500K: Natural or Daylight lighting labels. Perfect for reading, downlights, spotlight or security lights or commercial applications.

Learn More About LED Lights And Colour At LEDified.com.au

Now that you know what colour temperature is and how the Kelvin scale can be used to help you identify the colour characteristics of a bulb, you will have a much easier time selecting the right LED light for your needs. If you’re still unsure about choosing LEDs, contact LEDified at 13LEDS for help with selection and professional installation. We provide residential and commercial LED lighting solutions throughout Australia and we are Australia’s #1 full service LED Lighting Specialist. Learn more at http://ledified.com.au/.