Everything about lighting: the light encyclopedia
This light encyclopedia gives you an overview of the most important technical terms in the
field of lighting. In this way, you can find out briefly and succinctly about
the decisive factors in your lighting selection and receive a brief explanation
of each term. The terms are sorted alphabetically, so you can also search for a
specific word.
AAC
The abbreviation AC stands for Alternating Current, Pakistan:
AC. For some tubes, you will find the abbreviation in the product name. This
means that these bulbs can be connected directly to the mains and do not
require a ballast.
Beam
The beam angle indicates in which cone of light the light is
emitted. Basic lighting is light sources with at least 120 °. Angles up to 60 °
are used as accent lighting for small areas or specific objects.
For more information, see our blog article how do I choose
the right angle? ,
Amortization
This is the compensation for the acquisition costs due to the
low operating costs. LEDs, for example, are more expensive to purchase than
conventional lighting solutions, but score points with extremely low power
consumption. In this way, thanks to the saved energy costs, you can quickly compensate
for your initial costs.
BBinning
In the production of LED lamps, deviations in the
characteristics arise. Therefore, LEDs are divided into bins in which the
products have identical properties as possible and no visible differences
occur.
Find out more in our blog what is LED Binning? ,
CCRI
CRI is the abbreviation for Color Rendering Index. An
alternative name is a (general reference index). The higher the CRI value, the
more natural the colors look. The highest possible value, which corresponds to
the color reproduction in natural sunlight, is 100 RA. If the CRI value is low,
colors are falsified or rendered with a color cast. So make sure your bulbs
have at least a CRI of 80-89 RA. For the lighting of art, food or clothing we
recommend a value of 90-99 RA.
For more information, see what is the color rendering index
CRI? ,
DDALI
DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface. The
control system makes it possible to automatically control a lighting system.
You can individually control lamps or assign them to groups and regulate them
together. Different light scenarios can be set. You also have the option to dim
your lights.
Further information can be found in our blog DALI lighting
control: flexible and intuitive.
Dimming
When dimming a light source, reduce the light intensity.
Dimmable products create a dynamic and flexible atmosphere while consuming less
energy. A special dimming function can be found on the products CRESTLED. Here
it is possible to change the color temperature and not just the brightness. To
dim a lamp, you need a dimmer switch.
Our blog article Which LEDs are dimmable? Provides more
information about the dim ability of bulbs
EEM
The abbreviation EM in the product name means that the
product is operated with a conventional ballast. EM stands for electromagnetic
and describes the functionality of conventional ballasts.
EN 12464-1
The European standard EN 12464-1 sets standards for healthy
lighting for workplaces in Europe. It is instrumental in the planning and
introduction of new lighting systems.
Find out more in our blog article The European Standard EN
12464-1.
Energy label
The energy label indicates how energy efficient the light
is. The classification ranges from A ++, the most efficient, to E, the least
efficient class. LEDs have the energy labels A ++ to A. For
More information, see the article the energy label of a luminaire.
EVG
The abbreviation stands for electronic ballast. Products
operated with a TOE often have the abbreviation HF in the product name.
FColor code
The color code is an indication that combines both the color
rendering and the color temperature of lamps. It consists of three digits, for
example, 830. The first digit indicates the color rendering, ie the CRI value.
An 8, therefore, means that the light source has a CRI of 80-89 RA. The last two
digits indicate the color temperature of the product. The number 30 stands, for
example, for warm white with a Kelvin value of 3,000 K.
Color temperature
The color temperature is measured in Kelvin. The lower the
value, the warmer the light. The higher the value, the greater the blue
component in the light. An extra warm white light color (2,700 K) provides a
cozy atmosphere, while daylight white light is particularly well suited to work
environments where detailed vision is important.
Details on the subject can be found here: Choosing the right
color temperature.
GDC and AC
DC is 12V and 230V AC, the value that comes from our
sockets. Light sources operate either with 12 V or 230 V. Lamps with GU10 the socket are operated with a voltage of 230 V, those with GU5.3 or GU4 socket
with 12 V. It is not possible to directly connect a 12-volt lamp to connect the
socket. A transformer that converts the voltage to 230V must be placed between
the power connector and the 12V lamps.
HHF
The abbreviation HF in the product name means that these
products are operated with electronic ballast (ECG). HF stands for high
frequency and describes the operation of the ballast.
Human-Centric Lighting
Human Centric Lighting, HCL for short, can support people's
daily life and work rhythms. The concept puts the human being at the center.
Human Lighting concepts correspond to the circadian rhythm of humans. This
means that, depending on the time of day, the color temperature of the lighting
changes: In the morning, light with a high proportion of blue releases the
hormones cortisol (increases mental presence and the ability to concentrate)
and serotonin (acts as a mood enhancer). In the evening warm white light with a large proportion of red, on the other hand, has a relaxing effect.
Find out more in our blog what is Human Centric Lighting? ,
IIK
IK indicates the protection against mechanical shock in
Joule. Again, the classification consists of two digits (eg IK05). The higher
the value, the better the protection.
More details can be found in our blog IP and IK protection classes.
IP
IP stands for International Protection and describes the
protection against contact, dust, and water. The IP value consists of two
digits. The first shows how well bulbs or housings are protected against solid
and contact, for example against dust. The second digit describes the
protection against liquid. Outdoor lighting products typically have the highest
possible protection against solids and water, IP65 to IP68. For bathrooms and
wet rooms, we recommend products with IP44.
For more information, visit our IP and IK protection classes’
blog.
KKVG: conventional ballast
CCGs are often referred to as electromagnetic ballasts.
Accordingly, you will find alternatively the abbreviation EM for many product
names. They work in conjunction with a starter.
LL80 / B10
The standard called L80 / B10 tells you what percentage of
the original luminous flux of a light source will last for the specified
lifetime.
For detailed information, see what does the standard L80 /
B10 mean? ,
Lifespan
The lifetime is measured in hours. Choose an LED lamp if you
want a product that will last as long as possible.
Power factor
The value describes the relationship between active and
apparent power. A 1 stands for the most energy-efficient use. LEDs reach up to
0.95. The λ symbol on the packaging indicates the appropriate power factor.
A detailed explanation can be found in our article what is
the power factor in lamps? ,
Light output
The luminous efficacy describes the ratio between the
emitted luminous flux (lumens) and the amount of energy consumed in watts. The
higher the value, the more efficient a light source will be.
Lumen
Lumen (lm) is the unit of luminous flux, in short lumen
equals brightness. When buying lamps, the wattage used to be decisive for the
amount of light emitted, today it is lumens. The ideal lumen value depends on
many factors: room size, ceiling height, task areas, and color selection.
In our blog what is Lumen? Learn more about this topic.
Lux
Lux (lx) indicates the light output in a given range in
lumens per square meter (lm / m²). The selection of the lux value depends on
the range in which you will use the product. For some areas, there are
normative illuminances that should be met. Therefore, make sure before buying,
whether the minimum requirement of the Lux value is given.
Our article what is Lux (lx)? Contains further information and
practical conversion tables.
RRecycling
LEDs contain, among other things, rare earth and electronic
components, such as diodes and semiconductors. Therefore, you should definitely
recycle. You can hand in the waste lamps at municipal collection points (e.g.
pollutant vehicles and recycling depots) or use the return points from sales
outlets and manufacturers. A disposal fee is already included in the purchase
price at each point of sale, therefore, the disposal is free of charge for the
delivery.
More information on recycling and dispensing points can be
found here: Can LED lamps be recycled? ,
ROI (Return on
Investment)
LEDs are more expensive compared to conventional lighting
solutions. In operation, however, the situation is exactly the opposite: Here,
the LED luminaires score with a low power requirement and thus reduce the
ongoing energy costs to a minimum. Thanks to this cost saving, you will soon
achieve a return on investment through the LED.
SSensor
Sensors enable automated control of your lighting system. So
you only use your lighting when it is needed and maximize its efficiency. At
the same time, you benefit from high-cost savings. There are different types of
sensors:
High frequency: react to the smallest movements. The sensors
can be hidden because they perceive the movement without "visual
contact". Ideal for offices, schools and emergency lighting.
Twilight sensors: respond to daylight and adjust the
luminosity according to the amount of daylight measured. For example, the light
is automatically turned on at dusk and off at dawn.
Motion sensors: register movement in "visual
contact" and control the lighting accordingly
Passive infrared: detect differences in heat development
and movement of humans and animals, which radiate heat.
Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting describes the automated control of your
lighting system by networking the light sources via a wireless network system.
The settings of the lighting you make via an app. Well-known examples of
lighting systems are DALI, Philips Hue or OSRAM LIGHTIFY.
Our blog provides tips on how to save money with Smart Lighting.
Base
A pedestal is a fixture by means of which lamps can be
mounted in luminaires. Depending on the type of lamp, the type of base also
varies. The base designations consist of a combination of letters and numbers.
The numbers describe the diameter of the base (E27 = 27 mm diameter) or the
distance between the base pins (GU4 = 4 mm distance between the pins).
Starter
A starter is responsible for the ignition of a lamp.
Fluorescent tubes have a gas filling inside. It cannot produce the high
ignition voltage for the initial ignition alone, so an additional glow starter
is needed. However, this only applies if you are using a lamp with a
conventional ballast.
Which starter for which fluorescent tube? Offers you more
information about starters.
Ttransformer
A transformer transforms the input voltage of 230 volts into
an output voltage of 12 volts, transforming it.
UU.N.
Universal (UN) products can be operated with any type of
ballast, so they are universally applicable. The scope of delivery also
includes a matching LED starter. But you only need this if your old lighting
solution has a starter, i.e. it is powered by KVG.
UGR 19
UGR stands for Unified Glare Rating, uniform dazzling
rating. The value describes the psychological dazzling effect of a lighting system
from an observer position. UGR 19 is the minimum value that must be observed
for office space.
For more information, see our blog what does UGR 19 mean? ,
UV light
Many older light technologies emit ultraviolet light. This
has a whitening effect and is therefore not suitable for illuminating goods
(food, clothing) or workplaces. But UV light also has a positive effect,
because it can kill bacteria and therefore ideal for swimming pools, ponds or
as insect lamps.
VBallast
Ballasts limit the current and are also responsible for the
lamp ignition. There are conventional starter ballasts (CCGs) and electronic
ballasts (ECGs).
For more information, see our blog article Ballasts for LEDs
and Fluorescent Lamps.
WWatt
Watt (W) is the unit of measurement for electrical
power. Previously, one could conclude from the wattage of the lamps on their
brightness. Nowadays, the number of lumens is crucial, Watt only describes the
power consumption.
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