Lumen output

Types of Lumen Output

Lumen output is a measure of the amount of visible light emitted by a source. It is an important specification to consider when choosing bulbs for a certain area or for a specific purpose. Different bulbs have different lumen outputs. For instance, a 60-watt incandescent bulb can produce between 480 and 800 lumens, whereas a 12-watt LED bulb can produce 480 to 800 lumens.

Below are the various types of lumen output:

• Lumens Per Watt

  LPW is a measure of the efficiency of light output from a bulb. It tells how many lumens the bulb produces for every watt of power it consumes. Lumens per watt are calculated by dividing the lumens by the wattage. For example, if a bulb produces 1000 lumens and consumes 100 watts, its LPW is 10 lumens per watt. The higher the LPW, the better the bulb's efficiency. LEDs usually have an LPW of 80 to 100, while fluorescents range from 50 to 90. LPW allows consumers to compare the efficiency of different bulbs and choose the ones that will save them on electricity bills.

• Initial Lumens

  Initial lumens is a measure of the amount of light produced by a bulb at the start, shortly after it has been turned on. New bulbs usually have high initial lumens. However, the initial lumens do not take into account the light loss that occurs over time. As a bulb is used, the filaments inside it can become weak, or dust may accumulate on the outside. This means that initial lumens may not be a good indicator of the bulb's lumen output over its lifespan.

• Mean Lumens

  Mean lumens is a measure of the average amount of light output over the lifespan of a bulb. It takes into account the light loss that occurs over time and is a more accurate representation of the bulb's efficiency. Bulbs that have a high mean lumen output maintain their light output for a longer period of time.

• Uniformity of Light

  Uniformity of light refers to the consistency of the lumen output over the entire lifespan of a bulb. It is a measure of how stable and constant the light output is over time. Bulbs with good uniformity will not experience significant fluctuations in lumens. They will provide a consistent amount of light throughout their use.

Functions and features of lumen output

Lumen output is a measure of the amount of visible light that a light source emits. It is an important factor to consider when choosing LED lighting for any space. Below are some of the features and functions of lumen output.

• Brightness

  Lumen measures brightness. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. For example, a light with a lumen output of 500 will be less bright than one with 1000 lumens. This means that when choosing LED lights for a certain area, it is important to consider the lumens to avoid getting lights that are too bright or too dim.

• Energy efficiency

  Lumens per watt (lm/W) is a measure of energy efficiency. It shows how much light a bulb produces for each watt of power it uses. A bulb with higher lm/W is more energy-efficient. For example, an LED bulb with 100lm/W is better than one with 60lm/W.

• Application

  Different applications require varying lumen outputs. For example, bedrooms may require less lumens, while kitchens and living rooms may require more lumens. Choosing LED light with the right lumen output for a particular space is important to avoid too much or too little light.

• Uniformity

  Lumen output can also vary by different manufacturers. Therefore, when comparing lights from different brands it is important to look at the lumen output on the packaging. Also known as the LED’s datasheet. This will ensure that the expected level of brightness is achieved.

• Light distribution

  Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted in all directions. However, this does not mean that the light will be evenly distributed. To measure light distribution, a lumen output test should be conducted to determine the amount of light emitted in a specific direction.

• Depreciation

  Over time, the lumen output of a light source may decrease. This is known as lumen depreciation. This can be influenced by the number of hours the light has been used, environmental factors and the type of LED lighting. When choosing an LED light, it is important to consider the lumen depreciation to ensure that the light will last for a longer period of time.

Scenarios of Lumen Output

Different industries have different light requirements. For some, a certain lumen output must be reached to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. For others, the light output must reach a certain level to create the desired ambience or to properly illuminate objects. Here are some of the scenarios where lumen output is crucial.

In commercial spaces, the average lumen output is between 300 and 500 lumens. This is adequate for offices, retail spaces, restaurants and parking lots. For offices and retail spaces, this level of output is enough to prevent eye strain and to carry out tasks. For restaurants, this output is enough to create a warm, comfortable environment that is conducive for dining in.

In industrial areas, the output must be higher, between 1000 and 2000 lumens. This is because the lighting is needed to ensure safety and to comply with health regulations. High lumen levels are needed in some industrial areas like warehouses, manufacturing plants and food processing plants. This is because the lighting is needed to ensure safety and to comply with health regulations.

The hospitality industry uses lighting to create ambience and comfort. As such, the lumen output varies from one area to another. For hotel rooms, the average is between 200 and 600 lumens. This is enough for relaxation and to prevent eye strain. For lobbies, the average is 1000 lumens. This is adequate to illuminate and create a welcoming ambience.

In healthcare facilities, lighting is important for the wellbeing of patients and for medical procedures. As such, it varies from one area to another. For operating rooms, the lumen output must be high, between 10000 and 20000 lumens. This is because the lighting must be bright and shadow-free to see details clearly. For patient rooms, the output can be lower, between 200 and 400 lumens. This is adequate for relaxation and sleep.

In the education industry, lighting is important for classrooms and administrative areas. For classrooms, the average lumen output is between 300 and 500 lumens. This is enough to ensure visibility and reduce eye strain. For hallways and libraries, the output can be higher, around 1000 lumens.

How to Choose Lumen Output

When considering lumen output to determine an appropriate light source, there are various factors to consider to ensure the right choice is made. Here are some of them.

• Consider the Room

  One of the main things to look at is where the light will be placed. If the light is for outside or inside, and also what kind of space it is, like a living area or a bedroom. Different rooms need different amounts of brightness. For example, a kitchen may need more light that has a higher lumen output, but a bathroom may need less.

• Check the Color Temperature

  This is important since it affects how the light feels. Lights that are warmer, which are around 2700K to 3000K, are cozier and more like evening sunlight. Those that are cooler, at about 5000K to 6000K, have a brightness similar to the afternoon sun. Knowing the temperature helps to choose the right vibe for the space.

• Taking Into Account Fixture Types

  Different fixtures have various designs made for specific bulbs. It is important to ensure the bulb fits the fixture. Also, fixtures like canister lights and recessed may offer better brightness because of their designs.

• Taking Into Account Height

  If looking to put lights on a ceiling, higher ones will need bulbs with more lumens to make sure the whole area is brightly lit. But for lower ceilings, less lumens will be needed.

• Considering the Purpose

  It is important to think about what the room will be used for to help in choosing the right amount of lumens. Spaces like living areas and bedrooms need warm and inviting lights. On the other hand, bathrooms and kitchens need brighter lights for tasks. Additionally, if lights are needed for offices or workspaces, then more brightness will be needed to prevent tired eyes and dimness.

Lumen Output Q&A

Q: What is the difference between lumen and lux?

A: Lumens measure the amount of visible light emitted by a source. Lux, on the other hand, measures the intensity of light that falls on a surface, and 1 lux is equal to 1 lumen per square meter.

Q: Is it possible to have high lumens but low lux?

A: Yes, it is possible. If the light is spread over a large area, the lux value can be low despite high lumen output. For example, a 400w metal halide fixture has 28,000 lumens and 400 lux when measured at 10 feet. If the same light is placed at 30 feet, it will have 400 lux but the lux value will be lower.

Q: Do lumens increase with wattage?

A: Not necessarily. Lumens measure the efficiency of a light source in producing visible light. Different sources of lighting produce varying amounts of lumens per watt. For instance, LED lights can produce over 100 lumens per watt, while halide and fluorescent lights produce 60 to 80 lumens per watt. As such, a higher wattage does not mean higher lumens.

Q: Which is brighter, a 5000 lumen light or a 1000 lumen light?

A: A 5000 lumen light is brighter than a 1000 lumen light. In most cases, a higher lumen output means a brighter light. However, this also depends on the type of light fixture and its intended use.