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Understanding Lumens, Watts and Kelvin degrees 

On many occasions we have found ourselves in some lighting store trying to decipher what the lumens, watts, Kelvin degrees of that bulb we want to buy mean. However, we turn to Google or the store owner to ask: "which of these bulbs do you recommend?". Now, to know the basic differences of light in light bulbs we are going to make the differences clear to you. 

Lumens refer to the amount of light a bulb gives off. The light will be greater as the lumen increases. Nowadays it is the value by which we should be guided if we are looking for a led bulb that illuminates more. While Watts were previously thought to mean more light, with the rise of LED bulbs, lumens now mean more light.

Now that we mention Watts, also known as Watts, we can say that it is the light output of the bulbs. For that reason, when installing a lamp we look at the maximum power it supports since we are talking about an instantaneous magnitude. It is also important to consider it because it determines the speed at which electrical energy is consumed. Then, other household products will also have their own power consumption and in order not to create overvoltages we have to know this measurement well.

We have already better defined the concepts of lumens and Watts, now it remains to understand the Kelvin degrees. This measurement is used to differentiate the color of the light of our bulb. In principle we speak of 3 shades: cold, neutral, or warm, each of them represents a number in Kelvin degrees. When we talk about warm light we refer to the lowest degrees, almost always from 2500 K, achieving a tone closer to yellow. Neutral light is the intermediate between warm and cold light. It is located between 3000 K and 4000 K. The cold light is finally the highest grades of the scale, reaching 6500 K.

What does 3000 K mean in lighting? 

In this section we are going to describe the type of light provided by each degree of the Kelvin scale:

2700 K: warm white. 

Location: living room or bedroom of the house.

The ideal for this type of bulbs is that it generates an intimate and cozy atmosphere for relaxed areas such as bedrooms, living rooms. Although also, in some occasions it can be used in relaxation areas of restaurants and hotels for soft light. 

To see a clear example of the differences between the same model of bulb that has the 3 main variants of temperature, in Prendeluz you can opt for any of these bulbs we leave the following example:

3000 K: Soft white. 

Location: Bathrooms and kitchen where bright light is not sought. In Prendeluz we offer the following 3000 K bulb that also has motion sensor. 

In corridors, laundries or home offices it is also recommended to use this type of lighting as they begin to be more active areas that require to be well lit. 

Between 2700 K and 3000 K temperature, however small the difference may seem, there are changes in the "yellowish" tone of the light, the latter being less intense. 

3500 K: Neutral white. 

Location: offices and retail stores. 

4100 K: Cool white. 

Location: crisp lighting such as garages and supermarkets or grocery stores. It is also often used in cafes where there is little light. It produces a feeling of pure light without disturbing the view, so it is very pleasant. It is even recommended for study areas or where long hours are to be spent.

What does 5000 K mean in lighting? 

5000 K: Bright white. 

Location: Warehouses, sports fields, stadiums and health care facilities such as hospitals, dentists and patient work.  

What does 6500 K mean in lighting? 

6500 K: Daylight. 

Location: Noticeably blue transmitting energy or alertness. Agricultural or indoor growing environments. Find a variety of products in Prendeluz with this type of lighting.

To make it easier to visualize it, we will leave a comparative table showing the equivalence in lumens according to the amount of Watts.

What type of light to choose for my spaces? 

Now that we have a better idea of what each term means, we can decide more easily and calmly whether we want cold or warm light. In style there is nothing established, everything is valid, so when you consider decorating your spaces you will know that you do not necessarily have to stick to the norm. That is, it is said that warm light looks better in cozy places, however, if your intention is to give a touch of strong light to the place then you will know that you can opt for bulbs that lean towards cold light.

The trend and the decisions will be made by you in relation to everything you choose for your home, your company, your premises, or the place where you are thinking of giving it a new look. A clear example can be found in the GU10 dichroic bulbs in which you have the possibility of buying a 6500 K temperature as well as its 3200 K variant. Again, the decision is up to you and the design you are looking for. 

We also invite you to follow our products in our Amazon online store.

We'll keep meeting you in the next articles!

Prendeluz