What is the Kelvin Scale?
The Kelvin Scale is used to measure the colour temperature of a light. The Kelvin Scale starts at absolute zero, referenced as 0K, which is around -273.15°C.
What is a kelvin?
The Kelvin is a degree of temperature on the Kelvin Scale, usually abbreviated to ‘K’. Each Kelvin above 0K is equal to the same in Celsius e.g. 1K = 1°C
What do the different temperatures on the Kelvin Scale mean?
The lower the light temperature on the Kelvin Scale, the warmer and redder the light appears to the eye. The higher the light temperature on the Kelvin Scale, the cooler and bluer the light appears to the eye.
The scale starts with infrared light (thermal imaging) and goes through to ultraviolet light (UV, water marks and forensic detection). As an example, the sun rates at around 5500K on the Kelvin Scale, hence why it is bright but has a yellow coloured appearance.
Our lighting products all have a colour temperature rated on the Kelvin Scale to help you identify the manner of white light they provide. Our warm, white floodlights are 3000-3500K giving them a warm, yellow glow whereas the cool white floodlights are 6000-7000K making them a brighter, and bluer, white.
The Kelvin Scale
Below is a simplified version of the Kelvin scale to help you compare the different types of white light and their colour temperature.
If you have any further questions about the Kelvin scale or colour temperatures, contact our sales team and we’ll be happy to help.