Introduction
In modern world, Under cabinet lighting has become the go-to choice for many consumers and businesses alike. It’s important to understand the terminology associated with under cabinet lighting to make informed decisions. One crucial term is “lumen.” In this article, we will delve into what lumen means in selecting LED under kitchen lights, kitchen cupboard light, closet lights or wardrobe lights. Why it’s important, and how it affects your lighting choices.
What is Lumen ? The Brightness Factor
Lumen is a unit of measurement used to quantify the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. In other words, it measures the brightness of a light source. While this might seem straightforward, it’s crucial to differentiate between lumen and other terms like wattage and candela to appreciate its significance in LED lighting.
Lumen vs. Wattage
In the past, when incandescent bulbs dominated the market, consumers often use wattage to gauge a bulb’s brightness. However, this approach is not suitable for LED lighting. Wattage is a measure of power consumption rather than brightness. LED light is incredibly energy-efficient, so they can produce the same amount of light (lumens) as traditional bulbs while consuming significantly fewer watts. Therefore, it makes wattage an unreliable indicator of brightness in LED lighting.
Lumen vs. Candela
Candela (cd) is another measurement related to brightness, but it’s different from lumen. While lumen measures the total visible light output, candela measures the intensity of light in a specific direction. Think of candela as a measure of how focused or concentrated the light is. It’s commonly used in applications where light direction and intensity are critical, such as flashlights or spot lights. In contrast, lumen provides a more holistic view of the total light output.
Importance of Lumen in LED Lighting
It is crucial to understand lumen for several reasons when we are choosing the right LED under cabinet lighting solution:
1.Brightness Customization
Different kitchen cabinet or in other furniture applications require varying levels of brightness. Whether you need bright task lighting for a kitchen or soft ambient lighting for a bedroom closet, knowing the lumen output allows you to customize your lighting to suit your needs.
2.Energy Efficiency
LED light is renowned for energy efficiency, and lumen plays a significant role in this part. By selecting LED lighting fixtures with the appropriate lumen output for your kitchen cabinet, closet or cupboard, you can ensure you’re not wasting energy on excessive brightness. This translates to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.
3.Longevity
LED light has a longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting technologies, but their longevity can be affected by excessive heat. Using LED light with higher lumens than necessary can generate more heat, potentially reducing the lifespan of the light. Opting for the right lumen output helps prolong the life of your LED lights.
4.Improved Lighting Quality
Lumen isn’t just about brightness; it’s also about the quality of light. Having the right lumen output ensures that you have sufficient illumination for your activities without causing glare or discomfort. This is especially important in commercial and industrial settings where productivity and safety rely on appropriate lighting levels.
Calculating Lumen Requirements
Calculating the required lumen output when selecting LED lights for cabinets or closets is essential to ensure that you achieve the desired level of illumination. Proper lighting in these spaces can enhance functionality, aesthetics, and convenience. To determine the appropriate lumen output for your cabinet or closet lighting, There are several factors that you may take into account:
1.The Purpose of the Lighting
Start by understanding the primary purpose of the lighting. Do you want it for general illumination, task lighting, or accent lighting? The purpose will help you decide how bright the lighting needs to be.
2.Measure the Space
Measure the dimensions of the cabinet or closet to calculate the square footage. Multiply the length and width of the space to get the total square footage.
3.Consider the Type of Lighting
The type of lighting you choose will influence the lumen requirements. Here are common types:
1.General Illumination: If you want to evenly light up the entire space for general use, you may need around 20 lumens per square foot. Multiply the total square footage by 20 to get an estimate.
2.Task Lighting: Task lighting is more focused and provides higher lumen levels for specific activities. For tasks like reading or working, you might need 50-75 lumens per square foot.
3.Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is used to highlight specific objects or areas within the cabinet or closet. It requires lower lumen levels, typically around 10-20 lumens per square foot.
Selecting Under Cabinet Lighting Fixture
Once you have determined the lumen requirements, select an LED fixture or bulb that provides the desired output. LED fixtures come in various lumen ratings, so choose one that closely matches your calculated needs.
Remember that lighting needs can vary from person to person, so it’s essential to consider your unique requirements and preferences when calculating the lumen output. Adequate and well-planned lighting can transform your cabinet or closet into a more functional and visually appealing space.