Understand lighting terms (Watt, Lumen, Dimmable, Etc)

Guide to technical terms for luminaires

Have you ever been confused by the terms used in lighting descriptions? If so, you are not alone. There are a multitude of specific terms when talking about lighting. To see more clearly, we will understand the terms of the luminaires: kelvin, watt, lumens, dimmable, basic type (e27, e14, g9, etc.), LED, IP, voltage, CE standard. Once you understand these terms, choosing the perfect light fixture will become child's play. So, without further ado, let's dive right in.

Lighting color temperature: the Kelvin

In the world of lighting, the Kelvin (K) is the term used to describe the color temperature of a light source. Why is this important? Well, the choice of color temperature has a huge impact on the ambiance of your space. Lighting of 2000K-3000K produces a warm and welcoming light, ideal for relaxation areas. In contrast, a 3100K-4500K light provides neutral white light, perfect for workspaces.

What is the Kelvin?

Simply put, the Kelvin is a unit of color temperature measurement. Low color temperature bulbs produce warmer light, while high temperature bulbs produce cooler light. A good knowledge of this term is therefore essential to create the right atmosphere in your space.

How to choose the right color temperature?

The ideal color temperature depends on the mood you want to create. For a cozy and warm atmosphere, opt for low color temperature bulbs. If you prefer white light to boost concentration, choose high color temperature bulbs.

The lighting power: the Watt

The Watt (W) is a unit of measurement of lighting power. This is the amount of energy consumed by a light bulb. Thus, the higher the number of watts, the more energy the bulb consumes.

What is Watt?

In terms of lighting, the watt is a unit of measurement of the power of a light bulb. It quantifies the amount of energy consumed by a bulb to produce light.

How to choose the right lighting power?

It is essential to consider the number of watts when buying a light bulb. A low watt bulb will use less energy, which can help you save on your energy bill. However, it may not produce enough light for your space. Therefore, it is important to find the right balance between saving energy and the amount of light you need.

Brightness: Lumens

Lumens (lm) is the unit of measurement of the brightness of a light bulb. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the bulb.

What are Lumens?

Lumens are the unit of measurement for the amount of visible light produced by a light source. They tell us how much light a bulb can produce.

How to choose the right brightness?

The appropriate brightness depends on the size and purpose of your space. For example, a small room requires fewer lumens than a large hall. Likewise, a work area requires a higher luminosity than that required for a relaxed atmosphere. Therefore, it is essential to consider the number of lumens when buying new bulbs.

The variability of the intensity: the Dimmable

Dimmable means the brightness of a bulb can be adjusted to your preference. This is an essential feature to create the perfect ambiance in your space.

What is Dimmable?

Dimmable means you can adjust the brightness of a bulb. This can be achieved either by a dimmer built into the bulb or by an external dimmer.

How to choose the right dimmable bulb?

If you want to have total control over the lighting in your space, opt for a dimmable bulb. Make sure the dimmer switch is compatible with the bulb you choose.

The basic type: E27, E14, G9, etc.

Base type refers to the type of socket needed to install a bulb. The most common basic types are E27, E14 and G9.

What is the base type?

The basic type of a light bulb is the type of socket it fits into. It is usually indicated by a letter and a number. For example, in the case of E27, "E" stands for Edison, the socket type, and "27" indicates the socket size in millimeters.

How to choose the right base type?

Choosing the right type of base for your fixture is crucial. To do this, check the socket of your light fixture before buying a bulb. The most common basic types are E27, E14 and G9.

Economical and ecological lighting: LEDs

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have become the standard in modern lighting. They offer superior energy efficiency and durability compared to traditional light bulbs.

What are LEDs?

LEDs are a lighting technology that uses light-emitting diodes to produce light. They are more efficient and durable than traditional light bulbs.

Why choose LEDs?

Choosing LED bulbs has several advantages. Not only do they use less energy, but they also last longer than traditional bulbs. Plus, they're available in a variety of color temperatures, giving you great flexibility to create the perfect mood.

Protection against water and dust: IP

The protection index (IP) is a standard that indicates the level of resistance of a luminaire to water and dust.

What is IP?

The IP, or protection index, is a code that indicates the level of resistance of a luminaire to water and dust. The first digit stands for dust protection and the second for water protection. For example, a luminaire with an IP65 rating is protected against dust and can withstand water jets.

How to choose the right IP index?

The appropriate IP rating depends on where you plan to install your fixture. For example, for a bathroom, you should choose a luminaire with a high IP rating to ensure sufficient protection against water.

Electrical safety: voltage and CE standard

Voltage is the strength of the electric current that powers your light fixture. The CE standard is a label that guarantees that the product complies with European safety standards.

What is voltage?

Voltage is the force of electric current. It is measured in volts (V). It is essential to know the voltage of your electrical network to choose the right luminaire.

What is the CE standard?

The CE standard is a label that guarantees that the product complies with European safety standards. It guarantees that the luminaire has been tested and deemed safe for use.

How to choose the right luminaire according to the voltage and the CE standard?

It is crucial to choose a luminaire that matches the voltage of your electrical network. Also, make sure the fixture has the CE mark to ensure its safety.