What is a CRI Rating?
Lighting products often have a number of ratings and grades attached to them, many of which we are more likely to be aware of. However, there is one consideration when choosing lighting fixtures that is less commonly recognised, but is incredibly important, CRI Ratings.
What is a CRI Rating?
CRI Ratings, or Colour Rendering Index Ratings, are used to indicate the ability of lamps and bulbs to show the true colour of an object when subjected to the illumination of the fixture when compared to natural light.
These ratings are placed on all types of bulbs, so whether you’re using halogen, incandescent or LED bulbs, this rating will be applied.
How are CRI Ratings tested?
When testing products to determine its CRI Rating, the bulb is placed under coloured objects, then compared to a different artificial light source that has the maximum CRI Rating, which will reflect the absolute true colour of the objects.
The closer to the true to colour result achieved by the maximum rating light source, the higher the CRI Rating of that particular bulb will be.
CRI Ratings are scored out of a possible 100, and choosing the correct CRI Rating is extremely important, especially when it comes to certain spaces.
Is CRI the same as CCT?
CRI and CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) are completely different measurements. As previously explained, CRI Ratings determine the appearance of objects exposed to the light source, but CCT determines the colour of the light source itself. Lighting with the same colour temperature can have the same CRI Rating.
You can determine the colour temperature of a light source just by looking at it, but it is impossible to determine the CRI Rating of a light source without exposing it to an object.
What is the standard CRI?
When it comes to standard everyday lighting in both domestic and commercial premises, a CRI Rating of between 80 and 90 is most commonly used, this indicates that objects will appear mostly true to colour and is considered to have good colour rendering.
What are high CRI Rated bulbs used for?
Lamps and bulbs that have a high CRI Rating (above 90) are known to have above standard to excellent colour rendering, so are essential for environments that rely on colours appearing as accurate as possible, such as photography studios, art galleries, as well as retail showrooms and display windows.
While not essential for domestic applications, lamps and bulbs with high CRI Ratings can be beneficial for those looking to highlight particular design elements, and high shine fixtures will appear brighter and more reflective.
Choosing the correct CRI Rating is not just important for aesthetic purposes, the appropriate rating is vital for very specific applications to ensure optimal functionality, an example of this being a CRI Rating of between 95 and 100 for surgical lighting.
The CRI Ratings of lighting fixtures when taking on a project ranges from beneficial to absolutely pivotal to consider, so whether you’re renovating a home or a hospital, you’ll know exactly which CRI Rating to go for.
