Lighting Terms And Definitions

Lamp | Types of Lamps | Bulbs | Fixture | Color Rendering

Color Temperature | Light Output | Light Spread

Lamp
The correct term for the manufactured unit that produces light is a LAMP. We use this term as it
common in our industry. Do not confuse it with FIXTURE.

Common Types Of Lamps

Incandescent
Halogen
Fluorescent
CFL or Compact Fluorescent Lamp
Metal Halide
High Pressure Sodium
Specialty

Bulb
Many people use BULB in place of LAMP. However LAMP is still the correct term. We use "bulb
shape" to identify the shape of the LAMP. For example the common Lamp you have on the end
table next to your bed is an "A" bulb shape. The "PAR" is the shape of many directional halogen
lamps.

Fixture
The fitting that the lamp screws or plugs into that supplies power. The "fixture" in your kitchen may
take a Fluorescent "Lamp". The fixture you have in your bedroom may take an "incandescent
lamp". We sell Track Lighting Fixtures that use "halogen lamps"

Color Rendering (CRI)

A measure of lighting quality. This measure is based on an index that ranges from 1 100 with natural
daylight and halogen lighting being 100 CRI (color rendering index). Objects (such as artwork,
jewelry, fabrics) illuminated with halogen lamps that have a high CRI, will appear more true to life.

Color of objects can be perceived more accurately under lamps with a high CRI. Another wonderful
side effect of high CRI light sources is that they produce a higher perceived level of light (they look
brighter) which in turn makes them more energy effective (you save money).

Color Rendering Of Common Lamps

Incandescent 100%
Halogen 100%
Fluorescent 60% up to 92%
Metal Halide 65% up to 92%
High Pressure Sodium 21% up to 85%

Color Temperature
Simply the measure of the COLOR of light. Not to be confused with color rendering, as they are
not associated with each other. An example of Color Temperature is the color difference of light
between the white-hot light of high noon versus the warm color of light right before sunset. The
Color Rendering never changes during the day (it stays at 100%). Color Temperature is measured in
Kelvin Degrees. Halogen light is usually about 3000k however the new SoLux is manufactured at
35k, 41k, and 47k. The 47k works excellent on diamonds.

The color of light can be measured by its color temperature. Color temperature is measured in units
known as degrees Kelvin, named after Lord Kelvin, the developer of this measurement system. The
following table shows the color temperatures of common light sources.
Light Source Color Temperature
Clear blue sky 12,000
Overcast sky 7,000
Sunlight 5,000
Metal Halide 4,500
Solux 3,500 to 4,700
Halogen 3,000
House Lamp 2,500
Candle Flame 1,500
When you view an object under light sources of different temperatures, its color will vary. If you
print this page and are reading under natural, direct sunlight (5,000 degree), you'll see the bright
white of the paper. On the other hand, if you are reading this page by candlelight (1,500 degrees),
you'll see it as a warm yellow. This apparent color difference is due to the differing color
temperatures of the light sources.

It is important to view color-publishing work under daylight-balanced, 4700 to 5000 degree lighting
to see accurate color. That's why a viewing booth is important. Many publishers use a desktop or
portable viewing booth for their work, and then view the printed piece under a large viewing stand at
the printer. Since the lighting is consistent between the two viewing environments, you can
accurately judge the color. Make sure your light source has a 100% CRI to see the full spectrum of
visible colors.

Light Output
The amount of light output of directional lamps such as PAR lamps are measured in candlepower
units. Candlepower is the intensity in any one direction from the standard candle is called one
"candela" (formally called "candlepower") Most PAR and MR-16 lamps are measured this way.
Lamps that have light coming out in all directions such as a common incandescent household lamp
and the popular energy efficient screw in fluorescents are measured in Lumens.

When considering the light output, compare it to the amount of energy consumed. Be careful when
considering a light source to look at ALL aspects of its output. A lamp that has excellent output may
have poor color rendering. Long life lamps may have great CRI but may be poor when considering
energy consumption. Consider and compare the following when making an informed choice of lamp
type:

Cost
Life
Wattage
Output (candela, candle power, or lumens)
CRI
 Color temperature

Light Spread
The amount of coverage area you will get from a light source is determined by the spread of the
light. Example " if you have a 12 degree spot pointed at an object 4' feet away you will get a 1' foot
in diameter circle of light."

As an example, a 40-Degree would be considered a " Flood" where as a 10-Degree would be

considered a "Spot".