instead it comes with the perception of observer influenced by type of light falling CCT and CRI are extensively

used color metrics in lighting industry to explain color appearance.

Correlated Color Temperature CCT is a measure of how warm or cool a light source appears to the human eye. It is measured in degrees Kelvin. According to Wikipedia correlated color temperature of specific light source is the temperature of an ideal black body radiator, which radiates light of comparable hue to that of light source.

CCT values are needed for selection of luminaries for lighting design of spaces.

They are intended by the lighting industry

to give specifiers a general indication of

the apparent "warmth" or "coolness" of

the light emitted by the source.

Especially it is a prime tool for creating themes and atmosphere for a space

according to requirement. For example, a

warmer (i.e., lower color temperature) light is often used in public areas to promote

relaxation, while a cooler (higher color

temperature) light is used to enhance concentration in offices (2008).

In practice, CCT rating should be limited to white light source (not sodium sources for example) (ASSIST, 2010). Color temperature is only meaningful for light sources that do in fact correspond somewhat closely to the radiation of some black body, i.e. it does not make sense to speak of the color temperature of e.g. a green or a purple light (Wikipedia.com).

One of the potential problems of CCT is higher color temperature yield cooler

colors of light which is subject to

confusion as opposite of the cultural

associations attributed to colors , in

which "red" is "hot", and "blue" is "cold".

The color rendering index CRI according to McCamy(1992) a quantitative

measure of the ability of a light source to

reproduce the colors of various objects

faithfully in comparison with an ideal or

natural light source.

While Light Research Centre describes color rendering index as a measure of a

light source's ability to show object colors

"realistically" or "naturally" compared to a

familiar reference source, either

incandescent light or daylight.

CRI values range from zero to 100. In actual rating above 80 of a light source

is considered good for interior setting

especially retail merchandizing. While

below 70 is not good CRI especially for

retail setup.

Poor CRI

Good CRI

CRI is needed by the architects and interior designers for considering in

optimum selection of luminaries for

lighting design of spaces. As different

areas have different consideration

regarding color and light appearance.