Lighting is a vital aspect of our lives that often goes unnoticed. It affects our health, productivity, and even our mood;good lighting can make us feel more energized and motivated, while poor lighting can cause eyestrain and headaches. However, the quality of light goes beyond just its brightness or intensity.
The ability of a light source to portray colors accurately is also critical, and this is where the Color Rendering Index (CRI) comes in.in this blog post, we will delve into what is CRI in lighting, how it affects lighting and the benefits of high CRI lighting. We will also explain why you must choose Rayborn Lighting for your LED lighting needs.
Explanation Of CRI
Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a measurement of a light source’s ability to imitate the colors of various objects accurately and realistically when compared to a reference source, typically natural sunlight.
The CRI is expressed on a scale of 0 to 100, with a higher CRI indicating that the colors of objects illuminated by the light source appear more natural and vivid.
How CRI Is Measured
The CRI is determined by comparing the color appearance of test colors when illuminated by the measured light source to their appearance under a reference illuminant, typically natural daylight.
Traditionally, the test colors consist of eight pastel colors selected to represent a range of hues and saturation. However, a more recent method, TM30-2015, employs 99 colors to deliver a more precise and thorough assessment of color rendering.
Here are the steps you need to follow to measure CRI Index as per CIE standards:
1). First, you must select the reference light source, typically daylight (for 5000K color temperature or above) or a black body radiator for under 5000K color temperature. The reference light source is used as a benchmark for color rendering, so choosing the appropriate one for the application is vital.
2). Next, select the test light source from which to measure the CRI. The test light source should have the same color temperature as the reference light source.
3). The next step is to prepare the color samples for testing. There are fifteen color samples in total, as per CIE standards, which represent a range of hues and saturation. However, you can only use the first eight for comparison.
4). Now it’s time to measure the reference light source’s spectral power distribution (SPD) using a spectroradiometer. The SPD is a graph that shows the intensity of each wavelength of light emitted by the source.
5). Repeat step 4 for the test light source. This will give you two SPD graphs that you can compare.
6). The next step is to measure the color rendering properties of the test light source using the color samples. Place each sample under both the reference and test light sources, and measure the reflectance spectra of each sample using a spectrophotometer. The reflectance spectra show how much light the sample reflects at each wavelength.
7). Calculate the color rendering index (CRI) using the data collected in steps 4-6. The CRI is a numerical value between 0 and 100, with higher values indicating better color rendering.
The formula for calculating CRI is as follows:
CRI = (R1 + R2 + … + R8) / 8
Where R1 to R8 are the color rendering scores for each of the eight color samples. The Color Rendering Score is the difference between the color appearance of the sample under the reference light source and the test light source. Finally, interpret the results.
The CIE method is considered the standard measurement method for CRI because it provides a consistent and objective way to compare different light sources. It is widely used in the lighting industry to ensure products meet specific color rendering requirements.
So, what is a Good CRI? As shown in the Color Rendering Index chart below, the scale of CRI ranges from 0 to 100, with a light source having a CRI of less than 60 is considered to have poor color rendering, while a score of 100 indicates that the light source can render colors accurately, with no color distortion.
A score of 0 indicates that the light source cannot render colors at all.
CRI Score
Rating
90-100
Excellent (Most accurate color rendering)
80-89
Very Good (May have some color distortion)
70-79
Good (May have some color distortion)
60-69
Fair (May have some color distortion)
Below 60
Poor (Obvious distortion in colors)
Importance Of CRI In Different Settings,the importance of CRI can vary depending on the setting and the task being performed.
Retail Settings: In retail settings, accurately representing product colors is essential for sales. A high CRI light source can help to accurately depict product colors, making them look more attractive and appealing to customers.
Art Galleries and Museums: In settings where art is displayed, the color accuracy of the lighting can be critical. A high CRI light source can help accurately render the colors in a painting or sculpture, ensuring visitors can see the artwork as intended.
Photography and Film: In photography and film, lighting plays a critical role in accurately representing the subject’s colors being photographed or filmed. A high CRI light source can ensure that the colors in the image are accurately captured and represented.
Medical Settings: In medical settings, accurate color rendering can be essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. For example, accurate color rendering is critical in dermatology for assessing skin tones and spotting abnormalities.
How To Choose Color Rendering Index For Your LED Lighting?
The intended use of the lighting: Different applications require different levels of color accuracy. For example, if you are lighting an art gallery, you would want a high CRI to showcase the true colors of the artwork. On the other hand, if you are lighting a parking lot, a lower CRI may be sufficient.
Personal preference: some people may prefer a warmer or cooler color temperature or may prioritize energy efficiency over color accuracy.
Budget: higher CRI LEDs can be more expensive than those with lower CRI scores.
he Type Of Lighting Scenarios That Benefit From Different CRI Scores:
High CRI (90+):- Ideal for settings where color accuracy is crucial, such as photography studios, art galleries, museums, and retail spaces.
Medium CRI (80-90): suitable for most indoor applications, including homes, offices, and hospitality environments.
Low CRI (<80): appropriate for outdoor and industrial settings, where color accuracy is less important than budget, energy efficiency, and durability.
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is essential when selecting lighting for any space or application. The CRI score determines how accurately colors will be represented under the light source, impacting the perception of color and the overall ambiance of a room or environment.
At Rayborn, we are committed to providing high-quality LED lighting products focusing on CRI. We understand the importance of accurate color rendering, and our products are designed to meet the specific needs of each lighting application, ensuring optimal performance and color accuracy.
We encourage our readers to choose lighting with a high CRI score for their specific lighting needs. By selecting lighting with a high CRI score, you can ensure that colors will be accurately represented, creating a comfortable and inviting environment.
Whether for a warehouse,factory, stadium,office, or commercial setting, the right lighting can make all the difference, and the CRI score is a crucial factor in achieving the perfect lighting for your space.
