Technical Journal #48 KELVIN

Number

The ‘Reverse’ Lighting Scale:

Kelvin

As covered in the previous Journal, the Kelvin temperature scale starts at absolute zero (-273.13 C, or – 459.67 F) and has only degrees above zero.

While the Kelvin scale was created to measure heat, it is also used as a reference system to measure the color of light. As an object like steel is heated, it changes color and the Kelvin temperature is used to measure the color of light from the glowing steel.

It’s important to point out an aspect of this Color Measuring System that can be confusing.

There are really two Kelvin Scales.. As a temperature scale, Kelvin degrees are like a normal thermometer that measures heat, and the Kelvin temperature scale that goes ‘up’ when the temperature increases.

The higher (or hotter) the temperature on the Kelvin Temperature Scale, the cooler the Iight color on the Kelvin Color Scale. And the lower the temperature on the Kelvin Temperature Scale, the warmer the light color on the Kelvin Color Scale.

Bill Nagengast, Lighting Engineer

Solas Ray Lighting

Holds over 20 patents in the lighting industry.

www.SolasRay.com

To Opt Out and No Longer Receive this Information, Click Unsubscribe at Bottom.

TJ-48 10.29.18