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That would be William Kelvin who lived in Great Britain in the mid-1800’s. He noticed that the color of heated steel changed as it got hotter. The hotter it got, the more it changed from red to blue. This was the origination of the term “red hot”. He is the Kelvin that the color scale is named for. From 0 to 6500 the scale runs from very red to yellow to white to blue and it measures the “color temperature”. It is important when you consider what lamps or fixtures to use in your particular application. This color temperature range is also referred to in terms of warm to cool.

Why does it matter? Generally, warmer color tones (from 1900-3000 Kelvin) will give you a calmer, more relaxing and comfortable atmosphere and are the best selection for bathrooms, break rooms, living and bedrooms. Mid tones from 3500-4500 Kelvin will give you a more invigorating and work-type of environment for offices and work areas. Cool tones from 5000 Kelvin and above will be very crisp and vibrant and are suitable for retail, manufacturing and inspection areas. Sunny outdoor conditions measure approximately 6500 Kelvin.

So, consider the activities that take place in the areas you are selecting lamps or fixtures for and if you have any question, message, email or give us a call at 231-715-1295 and we will be glad to offer our suggestions.

What is difference between them and why does it matter? There are many ways you see light falling on an area. The Midwest LED Supply team would like to help you understand the differences between lumens, watts, and foot or light candles. Understanding the difference will help you to make the best choices in your retrofit or installation.

What is a Lumen? Simply, a way of measuring and communicating the output of a lamp or fixture. Typically you would say, “this fixture puts out xx lumens”. Nerdy, techy equipment is used to measure lumen output.

What is a Foot Candle or Light Candle? It is the reading taken by the nerdy, techy equipment of all of the light illuminating a specific spot. So, all of the light sources affecting that spot are taken into account including natural light from the sun or moon, windows etc. along with the artificial light from lamps and fixtures.

So, the difference between Lumens and Candles is that lumens is a measure of the output FROM one specific source, candles measures the total lumens ILLUMINATING something.

What about Watts? Well, watts are overrated. Watts measure the energy the lamp or fixture consumes to produce lumens of light. Because of the wide variation in efficiency of products manufactured (mostly having to do with the age of the technology of the luminary and the quality of the actual LED’s and the driver used) watts only tells you what that particular lamp or fixture is going to cost to use. Lumens tells you the light output and that is what you need to pay attention to. And yes, you do usually get what you pay for. Higher efficiency fixtures often cost more initially, but may well save you money over time.

If you want more information, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Midwest LED Supply. We are glad to help you find the best lamps for fixtures for your project and budget.

Thanks for visiting us. Midwest LED Supply Co provides the finest LED lamps and fixtures, all DLC or EnergyStar rated to give your the best performance and the maximum incentives. Give us a call or email and I will help help with product selection for your installation and can provide you with all of the documents for your customer review and incentive processing.