Color Rendering Index (CRI) Vs Color Temperature
In the past few years, there has been complete confusion about the difference between the color rendering index and color temperature. But in this article, we will clarify your doubts about the two and simplify your understanding of this.
What is color in general?
Color is nothing more than a property of light that can be seen by the naked eye. It is very important to note that even the most vivid objects placed in a dark room have no color at all. Therefore, light is the most important aspect of determining whether you can see the color.
What is the color rendering index (CRI)?
A simple definition is the ability of a light source to accurately display all possible frequencies of a particular spectrum compared to color temperature. Its ideal rating range is 1-100. Natural daylight has a CRI of up to 100, while current LED lights range from 75 to 90. In general, higher CRIs are more expensive.
The lower the CRI, the lower the accuracy of color reproduction. A light source with a hot radiator tends to have a CRI of about 100 because all colors in the CRI spectrum are equally shown in its form. For example, you can see that apples have a "burgundy" color in the sun, and they will have a "dark pink" color under low CRI lights. What is the importance? For special occasions such as art galleries and museums, lighting requires a CRI of up to 95+ to allow visitors to see the “real” colors.
What is color temperature?
It is defined as the simplest way to describe the different color characteristics of light; it includes warm tones (yellow tones) and cool tones (blue tones) measured in Kelvin degrees.
The higher the Kelvin degree, the whiter the color temperature. However, the white light will be brighter than the lower Kelvin.
Therefore, CRI affects the color of the object we perceive, and the color temperature is the color of the emitted light. They are completely different parameters that describe the nature of the light source.
How to use lighting in the commercial areas ?
1. Parking lot
Many lights in the parking lot have 2700K color temperature and 80-CRI driving to the parking lot, and the extra lighting is obviously more suitable for everyone. It is safer for drivers and pedestrians, not just some strange dim lighting, which can actually lead to accidents and even theft. The most important thing in parking lot lighting is that it should be well lit at night to minimize the number of accidents and crimes that occur. Most parking lots use 2700 to 3500K (warm) lighting and 65 to 80 CRI.
Some of the things people must keep in mind about the facts of light pollution. From the migration of various terrestrial animals to the migration of large birds, light pollution affects nature in many different ways. These creatures have had a huge impact, especially negative ones, so it poses a threat to their existence. Humans are also directly or indirectly affected. The circadian rhythms of some animals have also undergone tremendous changes. Therefore, care must be taken when choosing the right lighting.
2. Football field
Football stadiums should use higher color temperatures and CRI-lights. Now, casual football is more popular than ever. Therefore, in order to play the game well enough, it must be fully and correctly exposed on the field. Obviously, high CRI lights during broadcasts and featured games will be better and brighter than usual. However, lighting in all other games must be sufficient to play the game perfectly. The eyes must have uniformity and visual comfort, especially in sports where the actual residential area is.