Shining an LED Light on Color Rendering Accuracy

With LED lighting, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that makes a big difference. And the quality of the light source, as defined by the Color Rendering Index (CRI), in particular, has a lot to do with it.

Color Rendering

To understand color rendering, it is important to first consider how our eyes process color. Fundamentally speaking, when we look at an object the light receptors in our eyes converts the information into electrical signals that are interpreted by our brain through the optic nerves. Both the quality and quantity of light emanating from the source can affect the colors we perceive the object to be. That’s why when looking at an object in a dimly lit room we may perceive it to be a different color than it actually is. In other words, our color rendering accuracy depends on the light source.

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

This leads us to the Color Rendering Index (CRI). The CRI is a scale from 0 to 100 that provides an indication as to the color accuracy generated from the light source. Incandescent, halogen, fluorescent and LED light bulbs, for instance, all have different CRI numbers. Light bulbs with higher CRIs are more accurate and considered to be of higher quality light. For example, LED light bulbs with an 80-90 CRI have good color accuracy, while 90 or higher is most accurate. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a minimum 80 CRI is recommended for most interior lighting environments.

Since not all light fixtures have the same CRI rating, understanding the color rendering index can help determine the suitability of a light source for a given area or room. This can help businesses focus on installing high-CRI LED lights in areas that require the most color accuracy, such as in restaurants, retailers, offices, factories, schools, and health care facilities, for example. While less expensive, lower CRI bulbs could be installed in hallways, restrooms, storage rooms and other areas where color accuracy is not as critical.

As you can see, upgrading to LED lights or any other green energy solution in a commercial environment for that matter, is not as simple as replacing a light bulb. Business owners and executives should consult withenergy-saving lighting consultants who can recommend the most appropriate lighting solution to meet their interior and exterior facility lighting requirements. Be sure the consultants you work with are familiar with the rebates, incentives and other financing options that will not only reduce the investment cost, but also minimize out of pocket expenses as well.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Energy Star