Tunable white led lighting

Tunable white led lighting

What is Tunable White lighting?

Tunable white lighting technology is defined as the ability to control a light source’s color temperature output. It is also referred to as variable white, dim to white, hybrid white, or custom temperature lighting from other manufacturers. This is done by manufacturing the  lightbulb or lighting strip with different color temperature LEDs. Using a remote control or external control system, you are able to select the desired color of white anywhere between the available range specified by the manufacturer.

First of all, how do we classify ‘white’ light? What is CCT?

When you go to the hardware store and choose a light bulb, sometimes they are classified as either warm or cool, daylight, bright white, or soft white. These names are used to specify the color temperature of white that is emitted from the light source. The color of white light can be quantified by referring to its color temperature. To better understand the difference in variable white lights / tunable white lighting, you need to understand what correlated color temperature is:

CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) refers to the color temperature of light, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The temperature rating directly correlated to what the white light will look like to us humans. Within the LED industry, it is typical to see white LEDs created anywhere between 1800K (candlelight) and 7000K (daylight).

For instance, a light source that has a 3000K rating known as what we collectively call, “warm white" lighting. Warm white light looks very orange and/or yellow. Traditional Halogen and Incandescent lighting is also around 3000K. When increasing the degrees Kelvin, the color will change from yellow to yellowish white to white and then a bluish white (which is the coolest white).

Although the varying temperatures have different names, it should not be confused with actual colors such as red, green, or purple. CCT is specific to white light.

On the market, you may find products related to this using different names. Tunable dynamic white lighting is also called:

Variable white

Hybrid white

CCT changing led strip lights

Dim to warm

Circadian rhythm lighting

What are the Benefits of Tunable White LED Lighting?

Whether you’re thinking about getting tunable lighting for your home, office, or a commercial facility, there may be times you want to have the option to change the light for various reasons. 

For instance, a restaurant may want to have varying CCT capabilities for different events or parts of their service to create different moods while a hospital may want to have cooler light during the day to help patients be more alert and warmer light at night to help them relax. Having the option to control the lighting can be beneficial in several ways:

Health Benefits - Your Circadian Rhythm and lighting;

Increased productivity;

Sustainability;

Design Focus.