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What are the misconceptions about lighting?

5 min Time to read

Wie lauten die Irrtümer über Beleuchtung?

Denisa V.

"In our day-to-day business and customer contact, we keep hearing supposed "facts" about light that are proven to be wrong, but for some reason still persist in people's minds. In this article, we dispel many misconceptions and lamp myths that we encounter from day to day and that you may have heard before."

What are the misconceptions about lighting?



The choice of lighting is irrelevant


Lighting not only influences the aesthetics and the comfort of a room, but also has an impact on people's health and well-being.


Incorrectly selected lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, fatigue and even depression can lead to depression. It is therefore important to plan and design lighting carefully to create a pleasant and healthy environment.


A single ceiling light is sufficient


Multiple light sources in a room allow for flexible and individualized lighting that meets the different needs and activities of users. It is important to create different islands of light in order to create a pleasant and functional lighting functional lighting.


LED light is too cold


The color temperature of the LED light can be adjusted depending on the area of application and personal preference. LEDs are available in various color temperatures, from warm white to cool white.


It is therefore possible to adapt the lighting to the needs and preferences of the user.


Watt stands for the amount of visible light


Watt is a unit for the power consumption of electrical devices and says nothing about the brightness or quality of the light produced. lumen which indicates the total brightness of the light emitted.


It is therefore important to pay attention not only to the wattage but also to the luminous flux in lumens when selecting lighting fixtures.


Mosquitoes are attracted to light



Mosquitoes are not directly attracted to light, but to heat and carbon dioxideemitted by human and animal bodies. An effective method of repelling mosquitoes is therefore the use of insect repellents or traps based on heat and carbon dioxide.


Mosquito

The color temperature says nothing about the type of lighting


The color temperature of light has a major influence on the atmosphere and mood of a room.


Warm white light (2700-3000K) creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, while cool white light (5000K and higher) creates an energetic and lively atmosphere.


The color temperature is therefore an important factor in the design of lighting concepts.



If you use LEDs, you no longer need to worry about fires


LEDs have a significantly lower operating temperature than light bulbs and are therefore safer to use.


However, it is important, qualitatively high quality LEDs from trusted manufacturers and ensure that they are installed and operated correctly.


Improper use of LEDs can still lead to safety problems.

Light colors Information Graphic

Bright house lighting prevents break-ins



Lighting can help deter break-ins, but it's important to keep it targeted and effective use.


Lights that are permanently switched on can also be an indication that nobody is at home Motion detector and timers are more effective methods of deterring burglars.

Dimming shortens their service life


The opposite is true - dimming LEDs can shorten their lifespan. service life even extendas they are exposed to less heat and stress.


However, it is important that the dimming technology used is compatible with the LEDs used to avoid problems such as flickering or overheating.


This is a common misconception - LED lamps have a higher luminous efficacy than incandescent lamps and are therefore more efficient. brighter.


LEDs are also more efficient and more durable than incandescent lamps.

"An important expert tip on the subject of lighting errors is not to rely solely on the CRI value, but also to take other factors into account, such as the R9 value or the TM-30-15 standard. It is also important to consider the lighting requirements of the respective application area and not blindly follow advertising or price."

Employee DA

Expert tip from Danielle A.

Lighting designer at skapetze®

LEDs are not sustainable


LEDs are actually very environmentally friendly. They do not contain mercury or other harmful materials that can be found in other types of lamps. In addition, they consume less energy than incandescent or halogen lamps and therefore contribute to the reduction the CO2-emissions with. LEDs can also recycled and are therefore an environmentally friendly alternative.


Switching from conventional lighting to LED lighting can very well pay off, especially in the long term. LED lamps consume significantly less energy than incandescent lamps or halogen lamps and have a much longer service life.


Although the initial cost of LED lamps can be higher than for other types of lamps, the energy savings and longer life can lead to significant savings in the long term.


Reading in dim light is harmful to the eyes


Reading in dim light can strain the eyes and cause temporary eye strain. fatigue but it does not cause permanent damage to the eyes. However, it is important to have sufficient lighting to make reading more comfortable and reduce eye strain.


Watt stands for the amount of visible light


Watt is a unit for the power consumption of electrical appliances and says nothing about the brightness or quality The brightness is measured in the unit lumen, which indicates the total brightness of the light emitted.


It is therefore important to pay attention not only to the wattage but also to the luminous flux in lumens when selecting lighting fixtures.


High CRI = high color rendering


A common misconception in connection with CRI (Color Rendering Index) is that a higher CRI value always means better color rendering. In fact, a high CRI value of 90 or higher can sometimes cause colors to look unnatural or distorted, especially with certain color combinations or light sources.


Another important factor in assessing the color rendering of light sources is the so-called R9 value, which measures the ability of a light source to render red colors. A high R9-value is particularly important for lighting situations in which red objects are present, such as in the fashion, art or medical industries.


It is therefore important to consider not only the CRI value but also other factors such as the R9 value to ensure that a light source reproduces colors in a natural and accurate way.

Information graphic

Conclusion on misconceptions about light


To summarize, there are many myths and misunderstandings about light and lighting that persist despite the fact that they are scientifically refuted are.


For example, it is a myth that the brighter the light, the better the lighting, or that LEDs take a long time to light up. Instead, it is important to understand that lighting is an important design and functional component and choosing the right lighting can influence the space and mood.


It is also critical to choose an appropriate lighting intensity and color to properly display colors and textures.