What is a Kelvin?
We find the name "Kelvin" often associated with the notion of "light color temperature" in the descriptions of luminaires in particular. What is it does it match exactly and how to choose the most suitable "light color temperature"? ALUMINOR explains everything to you.
The Kelvin (K) is a unit of measurement adopted in 1954 based on the work of Lord Kelvin, a British physicist born in 1824.
The Kelvin measures the color of light perceived by the human eye. It is used to measure what is called color temperature . Thus, the Kelvin make it possible to classify the lamps according to the type of color of light which they diffuse.
The color temperature of the lamps ranges between 2700 and 6500 Kelvin.
The higher the amount of Kelvin, the "colder" and whiter the light . The lower the amount of Kelvin, the “warmer” and yellower the light .
To give you an idea: sunrise and sunset are around 1000 Kelvins (K), a candle around 1800 K, a bright cloudless sun around 6500 K and a bright sun at altitude around 10,000 K.
Which color of light, which quantity of Kelvin to choose for which room and for which use?
For an office, a workshop or any place where you need concentration, we advise you to choose light sources of more than 5300 Kelvins to stimulate your concentration and your motivation at work.
For a kitchen or a bathroom for example, places where we need "functional" lighting, we advise you to choose luminaires with color temperatures between 3300 and 5300 Kelvins. They provide a fairly neutral white light , perfect for this type of room.
For a living room, a bedroom or a relaxation area , we advise you to opt for light sources of 2700 to 3000 Kelvins. This type of light evokes the natural light of a sunset for example and will have a relaxing effect conducive to relaxation.
What type of light source should be favored to obtain the desired light color?
Incandescent lamps generally have a color temperature between 2500 and 3400 K.
Compact fluorescent lamps now offer a wide range of possibilities. You can find ranges of lamps that go from warm white, 2700-3000 K to cold white 5500 K, passing through intermediate white 4000 K.
Today, there is a wide range of LED lamps and you can find all the desired light colors. From traditional yellow to industrial white…there's something for everyone.
Are you looking for an alternative to a halogen lamp? Choose LED lighting with a color temperature around 2700 K.
In conclusion, remember that the choice of the color temperature of your lights depends on the type of activity that you will be required to carry out and the rooms in which you will install your lights .