A small glossary of lighting technology: key terms, explained simply
What does LED mean? And what's candela? Answers to technical lighting terms are explained concisely in this small dictionary.
The right lighting is a key factor when it comes to safety, productivity and energy efficiency in the company. Whether used in a warehouse, production facility or office workplace, modern lighting solutions need to meet a wide range of requirements. However, terms such as lumen, lux, candela and colour temperature are not always self explanatory. This light dictionary provides a concise overview of the most important technical terms around lighting technology and helps you make informed decisions when selecting lamps and lighting systems. You’ll also learn about the benefits of modern LED technologies and what matters most when it comes to professional lighting in industry, logistics and e-commerce.
What is an LED?
LED stands for “light emitting diode” (or simply “light diode”) and refers to a modern semiconductor technology used for generating light. LEDs have replaced traditional light sources such as incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes in many areas.
Advantages of modern LED technology:
- High energy efficiency
- A long service lift up to 100,000 operating hours
- Low maintenance
- Instant full light output
- Low heat generation
- Sustainable operation due to reduced energy consumption
In warehouses, distribution centres and production areas in particular, LEDs enable significant savings on energy costs while at the same time helping improve working conditions.
COB LEDs and SMD LEDs: the differences
SMD (surface mounted device) LEDs and COB (chip on board) LEDs are generally used in LED light sources and lamps. When it comes to SMD LEDs, the LEDs are installed on a printed circuit board as individual components. When it comes to COB LEDs, several LED chips are installed directly on a printed circuit board.
COB LED
COB stands for “chip on board”. This technology features a semiconductor chip that is installed directly on a printed circuit board. The technology is frequently used to improve heat dissipation and ensure high light efficiency. This allows COB LEDs to achieve higher efficiency levels than SMD LEDs.
SMD LED
SMD stands for “surface mounted device”. These components are soldered directly onto the surface of a circuit board. Unlike conventional components, they are installed without drilling holes in the circuit board. SMD LEDs are among the most commonly used LED components in light sources and lamps.
When is which technology more suitable?
COB LEDs are particularly well suited to applications requiring a high light output and uniform illumination. SMD LEDs, on the other hand, provide greater versatility in terms of light distribution and design.
Light Technology Dictionary
Illuminance
Illuminance describes the amount of luminous flux which hits a certain surface. It is measured in lux (lx). Illuminance is the quotient of luminous flux and the surface. For example, if there is 1,000 lumens of luminous flux evenly distributed over a surface area of 5 m2, this equates to an illuminance of 200 lux.
Glare (UGR)
Indicator for evaluating the psychological glare caused by indoor lighting systems. A lower value means there is less glare (scale usually 10 – 30).
Candela
The candela (cd) is the unit of light intensity. It describes how intensely light is emitted in a particular direction. The candela specification plays a particularly important role when it comes to spotlights, signal lights or point light sources.
Diffusion filter
A diffusion filter scatters the light from a light source and reduces glare. Diffusion filters are often found in workplace lighting, LED panels and office lighting, as they provide a more pleasant light and ensure even illumination. This reduces strain on the eyes and improves visual comfort
Colour temperature (Kelvin)
Colour temperature describes the colour of light emitted by a light source. It is measured in Kelvin. In warehouses, production facilities and logistics centres, light colours ranging from neutral white to daylight white are often used, as they promote concentration and make details more easily visible.
Warm white < 2,700 K
Neutral white 2,700 – 6,500 K
Daylight white/cool white > 6,500 K
Colour rendition (Ra/CRI)
Indicator for the quality of colour recognition under artificial light. Higher values enable reliable recognition of colours, contrasts and surfaces.
> 90 = a very good value
> 80 = a good value
< 80 = not as good a value
No flickering
Quality feature for uniform light without visible fluctuations in brightness. Flicker free lighting increases visual comfort and avoids disruptive effects during movement.
Light efficiency
The higher the efficiency of a lamp is, the more economical the provision of lighting will be. The efficiency of a lamp is calculated using the luminous flux emitted and the electrical power consumed.
Example
Incandescent bulb 10 – 15 lm/W
Fluorescent tube 60 – 100 lm/W
Modern LED 120 – 200 lm/W
Light intensity
Light intensity describes the amount of light that is emitted in a particular direction. While lumens describe the total amount of light, light intensity factors in how light is distributed within a defined angle in a room. The unit of light intensity is the candela (cd).
> 10,000 cd: very intense, highly concentrated (e.g. headlights)
1,000 – 10,000 cd: very bright, clearly focused (e.g. spotlights for accent lighting)
100 – 1,000 cd: suitable for everyday use (e.g. ceiling spotlights, workplaces)
10 – 100 cd: dim, diffuse light (e.g. decorative and orientation lights)
Lumen
Lumen (lm) is the unit of luminous flux. Luminous flux describes the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. When purchasing professional lighting, the lumen rating often provides more information about the light than the wattage.
Example
- Small desk lamp: 400 – 800 lm
- LED high bay light: 10,000 – 30,000 lm
- High output spotlight: more than 50,000 lm
Lux
Lux (lx) describes the illuminance on a surface. One lux is equivalent to one lumen per square metre. Lumen (lm) describes the total amount of light emitted by a light source, whilst lux (lx) specifies how much light reaches a certain surface. The lux value is therefore usually the decisive factor in lighting design for companies.
Appliance classes/ingress protection (IP)
Protection from dust and moisture. The first digit (0 – 6) stands for the level of protection from solid foreign bodies, the second (0 – 9) for protection from water. The higher the number, the better the protection.
Discover our high performance LED lights for professional working environments.
Lighting technology in warehousing, logistics and production
Modern lighting is now used to do far more than simply provide illumination.
It contributes to:
- Improved occupational health and safety
- Improved productivity
- Lower energy costs
- Sustainability goals
- Ergonomic working conditions
LED-based industrial lighting in particular provides companies with the opportunity to reduce operating costs over the long term while at the same time improving the quality of their workplaces.
Find the right industrial lighting for warehouses, production and distribution areas.
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Matthias Bahngruber, Project Manager
FAQ
What is the difference between lumen and lux?
Lumen describes the total amount of light emitted by a light source. Lux indicates how much light actually reaches a certain surface. The lux value is particularly relevant when planning workplaces.
What colour temperature is suitable for workplaces?
For most workplaces, neutral white light between 4,000 and 5,000 Kelvin is recommended. It promotes concentration and aids natural colour perception.
What does candela mean?
The candela is the unit of light intensity. It describes the intensity of light in a specific direction and is often used in relation to spotlights or signal lights.
When should COB LEDs be used?
COB LEDs are particularly well suited to applications requiring a high light output and uniform illumination, such as in factory halls, production areas or when high power spotlights are used.
What appliance class should industrial lights have?
The appropriate appliance class depends on the respective environment. In industrial areas, appliance classes I or II are often used to satisfy the relevant safety requirements.
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