[LED Light Spec] What is CRI & CCT? How to Do LED Power Consumption

• 13 Feb 2025

Choosing the right LED lighting isn’t just about brightness—it’s about performance, efficiency, and longevity. Whether you’re upgrading commercial spaces or designing custom installations, understanding LED lighting specifications is key to making the right choice.

From color accuracy and power distribution to thermal management and control protocols, this guide breaks down the essential specs to help you achieve the perfect lighting setup.

Common LED Lighting Terms

Here are some most common units and terms you may see on the backside of the LED fixture or the instruction manual book.

Brightness (Lumens)

Lumens (lm) measure the total visible light emitted by an LED source. Unlike watts, which indicate power consumption, lumens directly correlate with perceived brightness.

For example, a 10W LED bulb can produce around 800 lumens, equivalent to a traditional 60W incandescent bulb.

Higher lumens indicate brighter illumination, making this metric essential when selecting lighting for different applications, from accent lighting (200-500 lm) to commercial spaces (5,000+ lm).

LED Density

Measured in LEDs per meter (LEDs/m), density affects brightness and uniformity in LED strips.

• 30 LEDs/m: Low brightness, suitable for decorative applications.
• 60 LEDs/m: Balanced output for under-cabinet or accent lighting.
• 120 LEDs/m: High brightness with uniform illumination for task lighting.
• 180+ LEDs/m: Ultra-bright, ideal for commercial use.

Higher density reduces shadowing and improves light consistency but may require better heat dissipation.

Power Consumption (Watts)

Watts (W) represents the energy consumed by an LED. Compared to incandescent or CFL bulbs, LEDs provide superior energy efficiency, meaning that they can produce more lumens per watt.

For instance, an LED light-consuming 10W can replace a 60W incandescent bulb, offering up to 85% energy savings. Efficiency varies based on LED type and design, making it crucial to balance wattage with the required brightness and application.

Voltage

The LED operating voltage varies depending on the type and application. Common low-voltage LEDs run on 12V or 24V DC, ensuring safe and efficient operation in residential and automotive lighting. High-power LEDs may require 120V or 230V AC for commercial or industrial use. Choosing the correct voltage prevents damage and ensures optimal performance.

Source: Di Stasio, Francesco & Ramiro, Iñigo & Bi, Yu & Christodoulou, Sotirios & Stavrinadis, Alexandros & Konstantatos, Gerasimos. (2018). High-Efficiency Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Formamidinium Lead Bromide Nanocrystals and Solution-Processed Transport Layers. Chemistry of Materials. 30. 10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b03079.

SMD LED Light Strip Types (SMD 3528, SMD 5050, SMD 2835, SMD 5630)

LEDs come in various surface-mounted device (SMD) configurations, including:

• SMD 3528: 3.5mm x 2.8mm, low power (≈6-8 lm per LED), ideal for decorative lighting.
• SMD 5050: 5.0mm x 5.0mm, moderate brightness (≈18-22 lm per LED), used in ambient and accent lighting.
• SMD 2835: 2.8mm x 3.5mm, high efficiency (≈22-24 lm per LED), suitable for general illumination.
• SMD 5630: 5.6mm x 3.0mm, ultra-bright (≈50-60 lm per LED), often used in commercial and industrial lighting.

Each type varies in brightness, efficiency, and heat dissipation, influencing its suitability for specific applications.

Color Temperature (Kelvin)

Measured in Kelvin (K), color temperature defines the warmth or coolness of LED light. Proper selection enhances ambiance, visibility, and energy efficiency.

• 2700K-3000K (Warm White): Cozy, inviting, and ideal for residential spaces.
• 4000K-5000K (Cool White): Neutral, crisp, suitable for offices and task lighting.
• 6000K+ (Daylight): Bright, energizing, best for commercial and outdoor use.

CRI (Color Rendering Index)

CRI measures how accurately an LED displays colors compared to natural light on a scale from 0 to 100. Higher CRI ensures truer color representation, which is critical in professional settings.

• CRI < 80: Adequate for general use but may distort colors.
• CRI 80-90: Good color accuracy, common in residential and office lighting.
• CRI 90+: Excellent color rendering, preferred for photography, retail, and medical applications.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

IP ratings define an LED’s resistance to dust and moisture:

• IP20: Indoor use, no water protection.
• IP44: Splash-resistant, suitable for kitchens/bathrooms.
• IP65: Water-resistant, ideal for outdoor environments.
• IP67/IP68: Fully waterproof, used in submerged applications.

Cuttable and Extendable Features

Many LED strips are cuttable at designated points (e.g., every 5cm or 10cm) for custom lengths. They can also be extended using connectors or soldering, providing flexibility for tailored installations. Compatibility with voltage and power supply is essential when modifying LED strips.

Control Options

LEDs offer diverse control methods, enhancing usability:

• Dimmable: Adjustable brightness via dimmers or smart controls.
• Remote & App Control: Wireless operation through remotes or mobile apps.
• Smart Integration: Compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, or Zigbee for automation.
• DMX & DALI Systems: Advanced control for commercial and stage lighting.

Conversion Formula (Watt to Lumen, Power Consumption & Watt to Voltage)

Watt to Lumens Formula:

Watts = Lumens / Luminous Efficacy (lm/W)

For example, An LED with 1000 lumens and an efficiency of 100 lm/W consumes 10W. LED efficacy varies between 80-150 lm/W, depending on type and quality.

Power Consumption Estimation Formula

Voltage (V) = Power (W) / ​Current (A)

For example, a 12V LED strip consuming 2A draws 24W.

Watts-to-voltage formula

Voltage (V) = Power (W)​ / Current (A)

For example, if an LED consumes 24W and draws 2A, its required voltage is 12V.

LEDIA Lighting: A Professional LED Linear Light Manufacturer

LEDIA Lighting, founded in 2004, works in LED linear lighting solutions and produces 1.5 million meters of LED strips monthly using over 20 automated manufacturing lines.

Contact us, and let LEDIA Lighting be your partner for your lighting projects.

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