CCT, or Correlated Color Temperature, is a measurement of the perceived color of a light source, expressed in Kelvin (K). It describes how warm or cool a light appears, with lower Kelvin values representing warmer, more reddish light, and higher Kelvin values representing cooler, more bluish light.
Several factors can affect the CCT of a light source:
1. The Type of Light Source:
- Incandescent Bulbs: These produce warm, yellowish light with a CCT typically around 2700K.
- Halogen Bulbs: Similar to incandescent bulbs, they produce warm, yellowish light with a CCT ranging from 2700K to 3200K.
- Fluorescent Bulbs: Offer a wider range of CCTs, from warm white (2700K) to cool white (6500K).
- LED Bulbs: LEDs offer the most versatility in CCT, with options ranging from very warm white (2000K) to very cool white (7000K) and even daylight (5000K-6500K).
2. The Temperature of the Light Source:
- The temperature of the filament in an incandescent bulb or the gas in a fluorescent tube affects the color of the light emitted. Higher temperatures generally result in a cooler, bluer light.
3. The Age of the Light Source:
- As light sources age, their CCT can change. For example, incandescent bulbs tend to become more yellowish as they age.
4. The Surrounding Environment:
- The color of the walls, furniture, and other objects in a room can influence the perceived CCT of a light source. For example, a room with white walls will appear to have a cooler CCT than a room with yellow walls.
5. The Time of Day:
- The color of natural light changes throughout the day. Sunlight is warmer in the morning and evening and cooler at midday. This change in natural light can affect the perceived CCT of artificial light sources.
6. The Presence of Other Light Sources:
- If multiple light sources with different CCTs are used in the same space, the overall perceived CCT will be a blend of the individual CCTs.
Understanding these factors can help you choose the right light source for your needs and achieve the desired color temperature in your space.
