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Terms from lighting technology...
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to highlight specific areas or objects. It creates contrasts and draws attention to specific points.
Beam Angle
The beam angle describes the angle at which light is emitted from a light source. It determines how far and wide the light spreads and is essential for lighting design.
Brightness
Brightness is a subjective perception of light intensity, depending on illuminance and surroundings.
CE marking
Through the CE marking, a manufacturer documents or declares that the product manufactured or placed on the market complies with the applicable and essential requirements of certain European Union directives.
Color temperature
The color temperature (unit of measurement Kelvin (K)) describes the light color (see light color) of a light source. Characteristic light colors are:
| Color temperature in Kelvin | Light color |
| under 3300K | warm white |
| 3300K - 6000K | neutral white |
| over 5000K | daylight white |
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) indicates how natural colors appear under a light source. A CRI of 100 corresponds to natural daylight, while a lower CRI means poorer color rendering.
CCT (Correlated Color Temperature)
Correlated Color Temperature describes the color of a light source and is measured in Kelvin (K). Warm colors have lower Kelvin values (e.g., 2700K), while cool colors have higher values (e.g., 6500K).
Daylight Sensor
A sensor that measures ambient light and adjusts lighting accordingly to save energy and maintain consistent brightness.
Dimming
Dimming refers to adjusting the brightness of a light source. Dimmable lights allow for controlling light intensity as needed, saving energy and influencing the atmosphere.
Diffuser foil
A diffuser film is a light-diffusing / light-distributing PC film optimized for use with LED lamps. It ensures homogeneous scattering of the point light of LEDs.
Direct Lighting
Direct lighting refers to light that falls directly from the light source onto the surface to be illuminated, without being reflected first.
Discharge Lamp
Discharge lamps produce light through electrical discharge in a gas or vapor. Examples include fluorescent lamps and metal halide lamps.
Efficiency (lm/W)
The efficiency of a light source is measured in lumens per watt (lm/W) and indicates how much light is produced per watt of electrical power. Higher efficiency means lower energy consumption for the same amount of light.
Electronical ballast
Fluorescent lamps and also gas discharge lamps are operated with a ballast because the lamps are not suitable for direct connection to the mains. A distinction is made between conventional ballasts (see also KVG) and electronic ballasts (ECG) The KVG usually consists only of a choke coil and a starter. On the other hand, depending on the design, an electronic ballast usually consists of several electrical components and operates the fluorescent lamp in a different way than a CCG. Advantages of the electronic ballast: higher energy efficiency, u.U. Control and stepless dimming possible, longer lamp life through gentle warm start.
Emergency Lighting
Lighting that activates during a power outage or emergency to ensure safe escape routes and orientation.
EX-proof lights
ATEX and EX luminaires are equipment approved for areas of the gas EX and dust EX zones according to the ATEX directive 2014/35 / EU. For which ATEX areas the respective equipment can be used, the ATEX marking shows which i.d.R. mounted on the equipment.
Flicker
Flicker refers to rapid fluctuations in light intensity that can be perceived by the naked eye. It can be annoying and lead to health issues like headache
General lighting
The term "general lighting" defines the uniform, uniform illumination of a room and serves for orientation and clarity.
Glare
Glare occurs when too much light enters the eye, impairing vision. There are two types of glare: direct glare, caused by directly viewing a light source, and indirect glare, caused by reflections.
Halogen Lamp
A type of incandescent lamp that uses halogen gas to increase lifespan and efficiency. It offers higher light output and better color rendering than traditional incandescent lamps.
Illuminance
Illuminance indicates how much light is projected onto a specific area. The unit of measure is given in lux. A lux results when a lumen illuminates an area of one square meter evenly. To determine the illuminance, a luxmeter is needed.
Indirect Lighting
Indirect lighting uses reflected light to create soft and even illumination. The light is reflected off walls or ceilings to avoid glare.
IP-protection
| Code number 1 - Protection against foreign bodies | Code number 2 - Protection against water | |||
| 0 | No protection | 0 | No protection | |
| 1 | Protection against solid foreign bodies with Ø > 50mm | 1 | Protection against dripping water | |
| 2 | Protection against solid foreign bodies witht Ø > 12,5mm | 2 | Protection against falling dripping water (up to 15% inclination of the equipment) | |
| 3 | Protection against solid foreign bodies with Ø > 2,5mm | 3 | Protection against water spray (up to 60 ° to the vertical) | |
| 4 | Protection against solid foreign bodies with Ø > 1mm | 4 | Protection against splashing water (from any direction) | |
| 5 | Protection against dust (in damaging amount) | 5 | Protection against water jets (any angle) | |
| 6 | Dustproof | 6 | Protection against strong jet water | |
| 7 | Protection against temporary submersion | |||
| 8 | Waterproof | |||
Incandescent Lamp
A traditional light source that produces light by heating a wire (filament). Incandescent lamps are inefficient and have a short lifespan compared to modern light sources.
LED
The term "LED" stands for "Light Emitting Diode" and refers to a semiconductor electronic component that emits light when an electrical current is passed through it. LEDs have gained great importance in lighting technology over the last few decades and are a popular alternative to conventional incandescent or fluorescent lamps.
Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which produce light by heating a filament, LEDs work on a different physical basis. LEDs consist of special semiconductor materials that generate light when a voltage is applied. As current flows through it, electrons and holes in the semiconductor material recombine, releasing high-energy photons (light).
The advantages of LEDs over conventional lighting technologies are manifold. They are characterized by high energy efficiency because they convert less electrical energy into heat and generate more light. LEDs have a long lifespan and can achieve many hours of operation. They are also compact, sturdy and shockproof. In addition, LEDs offer the possibility of color control and enable the production of light in different colors and color temperatures.
LEDs are used in many applications, from general lighting in homes and businesses to street lighting, displays, screens and illuminated signs. They can also be found in numerous electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, computers and household appliances.
Because of their advantages, LEDs have become a popular choice in the lighting industry, helping to save energy and reduce the environmental impact of lighting.
Light bulb
In electrically operated incandescent lamps, the light or its radiation is generated by heating a filament. The filament is located in a glass bulb which is filled with gas. (in some lamp types also evacuated glass bulb). Most of the energy required to operate the lamp is dissipated as heat. Only about 5% is converted into visible light. As a result, incandescent bulbs within the EU were phased out from 2009 to 2012.
Light color
About the light color, the color of a light source is defined or described. It serves to characterize the light source. This makes it easier to compare in particular fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps and LEDs in terms of color.
| Color temperature in Kelvin | Light color |
| under 3300K | warm white |
| 3300K - 6000K | neutral white |
| over 5000K | daylight white |
Light Emission
The process by which a light source emits light. It can occur through various physical mechanisms such as thermal emission or luminescence.
Luminous intensity
The light intensity is measured in the unit candela (cd), and indicates how much luminous flux is attributed to a specific solid angle. The light intensity of light bulbs is distributed almost in all directions and is thus uniform. LED lamps, on the other hand, do not emit the same amount of light in all directions. In these lamps, the light intensity is meaningful only in conjunction with the corresponding beam angle. At different radiation angles and the same luminous flux (lumen), the luminous intensity of the luminaire with the smaller radiation angle is higher.
Lumen
Lumen (Lm) is the unit of luminous flux. The lumen value allows conclusions to be drawn about the brightness of a light source. It indicates how much light is emitted from the light source in all directions.
Lux
Lux is the unit of measure of illuminance. (see illuminance). This indicates how much light falls on a defined area. To measure the illuminance, a luxmeter is needed.
Microwave Sensor
A sensor that detects movement through the reflection of microwaves. Often used in automatic lighting systems.
Mounting Type
The method by which a light fixture is installed. Common mounting types include ceiling mounting, wall mounting, and recessed mounting.
Optics
Components of a light fixture that shape and direct light, such as reflectors or lenses. Optics influence light distribution and intensity.
PIR Sensor (Passive Infrared Sensor)
A sensor that detects infrared radiation from moving objects, commonly used in motion detectors.
Photometry
The science of measuring light, particularly its intensity and distribution. Photometric measurements are crucial for lighting design and quality control.
Rated Lifetime
The expected lifespan of a light source, given in hours. It indicates how long the light source can be operated before it fails or its light output significantly reduces.
Reflection
The process by which light is reflected off a surface. Reflection can be direct (specular) or diffuse (scattered).
Reflector
The light output or light direction of a lamp can be influenced by the introduction of a reflector (glossy or high-gloss) in a luminaire.
RGB (Red-Green-Blue)
A color system in which different colors are created by combining the three primary colors red, green, and blue. Often used in LED lighting system
Smart Lighting
Intelligent lighting systems that can be automated and remotely controlled via sensors and control technologies. Smart lighting offers convenience, energy savings, and adaptability.
Transformer
A device that changes the voltage of an electric current, e.g., from 230V to the typical 12V or 24V used for LEDs.
UV Light (Ultraviolet)
Light in the ultraviolet spectrum, which is invisible to the human eye. UV light is used in various applications such as sterilization and curing.
Watt (W)
The unit of power that indicates the energy consumption of a light source. Higher wattage means higher energy consumption.
Workplace lighting
By means of a workplace lighting, additional light is made available to a separate place (single workplace / workplace) within a room. (e.g., additional lighting at machine workstations, laboratory and electronicsworkstations, office workplaces, etc.)
This lighting lexicon is intended to help you better understand the various terms and concepts of lighting technology. If you have any further questions or would like advice, we will be happy to help.
