CCT

To evaluate the chromatic properties of light is used a scale that considers the chromatic content of it. This reference scale is called correlated color temperature CCT and it is expressed in Kelvin (K symbol).

Usually, warm light is used at home, or in relaxing areas. Cool light, on the other hand, is often used to lighting shops, shopping centers, public areas, sports centers, offices, as the cold-neutral light is considered better for concentration and work, but this is not a rule.

The CCT is a light feature that can be considered as an extension of the possibilities related to lighting topic because, thanks to LED technology, we have the opportunity to choose the CCT that we prefer according to the environment and context. An important thing to keep in mind when we have to decide which light use, is that light affects all the human (consciously or unconsciously) perception of the environment.

Try to consider the light of the sun: during the day the light is extremely cold and pure (also if we don’t notice, sunlight is near to 10000K), and we link the perception of this cold light at day, to waking, to productive being. Now think to the light of the sunset: it is warmer, softer and enveloping, our biorhythms tell us that we are close to the time to rest, we do not associate it more with the working day but with relaxation and refreshment

For examples, if you want “warm light”, you will need a soft (CCT: 2700K) or warm white light (CCT: 3000K). If you want natural or cool light, for examples to lighting a shop, you need to search for a natural white (CCT: 4000K), pure white (5000K) or cool white (CCT: 6000K).