"In our daily business and customer contact, we often hear supposed "facts" about light that are proven to be false, but for some reason still persist in people's minds. In this article, we will dispel many misconceptions and lamp myths that we encounter every day and that you may have heard before."
What are the misconceptions about lighting?
The choice of lighting is irrelevant
Lighting not only affects the aesthetics and comfort of a room, but also has an impact on people's health and well-being.
Incorrectly chosen lighting can cause eye strain , headaches , fatigue and even 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 customized lighting that meets the different needs and activities of users. It is important to create different islands of light to ensure pleasant and functional lighting .
LED light is too cold
The color temperature of the LED light can be adjusted depending on the application and personal preference. LEDs are available in different color temperatures, from warm white to cool white .
It is therefore possible to adapt the lighting to the needs and preferences of the users.
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. The brightness is measured in the unit lumen , which indicates the total brightness of the light emitted.
Therefore, when selecting lighting fixtures, it is important to pay attention not only to the wattage but also to the luminous flux in lumens.
Mosquitoes are attracted to light
Mosquitoes are not directly attracted to light, but to heat and carbon dioxide emitted by human and animal bodies. Therefore, an effective method of mosquito repelling is to use insect repellents or traps based on heat and carbon dioxide.
The color temperature says nothing about the type of lighting
The color temperature of the light has a big 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 above) creates an energetic and lively atmosphere.
The color temperature is therefore an important factor in the design of lighting concepts.
Those who use LEDs no longer need to fear fires
LEDs have a significantly lower operating temperature than light bulbs and are therefore safer to use.
However, it is important to purchase high -quality LEDs from trusted manufacturers and ensure that they are installed and operated properly.
Improper use of LEDs can still cause safety problems.
Bright house lighting prevents burglaries
Lighting can help deter burglaries, but it is important to use it purposefully and effectively .
Lights that are permanently on can also be an indication that no one is home. Motion detectors and timers are more effective methods of deterring burglars.
Dimming shortens their lifespan
The opposite is true - dimming LEDs can actually extend their lifespan because 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 light output than incandescent lamps and are therefore brighter .
LEDs are also more efficient and longer lasting than incandescent bulbs.
" An important expert tip in the subject of lighting errors is not to rely only on the CRI value, but also to consider other factors, such as the R9 value or the TM-30-15 standard. It is also important to consider the lighting needs of the specific application and not to blindly follow the advertising or the price. "
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 use less energy than incandescent or halogen lamps, thus helping to reduce CO2 emissions . LEDs can also be recycled , making them an environmentally friendly alternative.
Switching from conventional lighting to LED lighting can be very worthwhile, especially in the long term. LED lamps use significantly less energy than incandescent or halogen lamps and have a much longer lifespan.
Although the initial cost of LED bulbs may be higher than other types of bulbs, the energy savings and longer lifespan can result in significant savings in the long run.
Reading in dim light damages your eyes
Reading in dim light can strain the eyes and cause temporary fatigue , but it does not cause permanent damage to the eyes. However, it is important to have adequate 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 devices and says nothing about the brightness or quality of the light produced. The brightness is measured in the unit lumen, which indicates the total brightness of the light emitted.
Therefore, when selecting lighting fixtures, it is important to pay attention not only to the wattage but also to the luminous flux in lumens.
High CRI = high color rendering
A common misconception related to 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 reproduce red colors. A high R9 value is particularly important for lighting situations where red objects are present, such as in the fashion, art or medical industries.
So it is 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.
Conclusion on Misconceptions about Light
In summary, there are many myths and misconceptions about light and lighting that persist despite being scientifically disproven .
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 affect the space and mood.
It is also crucial to choose appropriate lighting intensity and color to correctly display colors and textures.
