There are so many ways you see light represented. The LED One Distribution team would like to help you understand what the differences are between lumens, watts, and light candles. Understanding these differences will help you to make the wisest lighting decisions for your needs.
What is a Lumen?
A lumen is a way of measuring and expressing the light output of a bulb or fixture. Typically we would say, ‘this bulb or fixture creates (X) Lumens.’ High tech equipment is used to determine lumen output.
What is a Light Candle?
A light candle is an actual and comparative unit of measurement taken in a room or outdoors that is created by one or several lights. Actual readings are taken of the light output from every source in a specific location and then they are all added together. A light meter reading from each light source is recorded then compared to the overall lighting. However, light candles can also be measured by software that is given the placement of lights within a simulation.
Huh? Can You Make That a Little More Clear?
No problem. Think of it this way. Lumens are the measurement of light output, and light candles are the total of all the lumens in an area.
But What About Watts?
Watts don’t indicate light output. Watt usage is about how much energy the bulb or fixture will use to create its light. Watts is an energy input. Lumens are light output. While many bulbs might indicate a comparative between watts and lumens, it isn’t really a true or accurate way to compare watts vs lumens. If you want to know how much light you’re going to get, Lumens is the number that you’re looking at to make comparisons.
Every light creates lumens. All bulbs or fixtures use electricity to make the lumens. Converting to LED lighting is about how to get the most light with the least energy usage.
Why Do Similar LED Lights Show Different Efficiencies?
LED technology is relatively new and continues to get better and better. When comparing LED lighting you might find similar lumen ratings using different wattages. That’s because some items on the market may have been created with older technology.
To get a better feel about what we’re talking about here, think about it in these terms. Consider what happens when the price of gasoline goes up. You may decide it’s time to get a different car to save money on gasoline. But you’ll find new cars all have different miles per gallon ratings.
You can get a new car that gets 19MPG or 50MPG. Whichever you choose will determine how much money you can save on your gasoline usage. When we’re talking LED efficiency there is a difference in how much you can expect to save depending on whether you choose to go with an older technology or the newest which is the most efficient.
LED lighting and fixtures will last a very long time. Over that time you will be saving money every time you use the light. And, the LED lights last so much longer than incandescent bulbs you’ll save a lot by not having to be constantly replacing them.
It makes sense to use the most efficient technology available, especially if you’re talking about hundreds of lights a business might have. Maximize your energy savings by giving us a call. We can help you save the most money.
We Welcome Your Calls or Questions
If you have questions regarding bulb or fixture ratings or unsure about what you need, give our LED One Distribution team a call. We look forward to helping you, so give us a call. We are always available to help.