Master key concepts in architectural and technical lighting to make better decisions in your projects.

In the world of architectural and technical lighting, mastering certain terms is key to understanding what you are purchasing, designing, or installing.

Here we present a mini dictionary with the most important concepts in the language of light.

It is the unit that measures the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. The more lumens, the brighter the luminaire.Example: A 1000 lm lamp illuminates more than a 500 lm lamp.

It measures the amount of light falling on a surface. It's key to defining lighting levels in spaces such as offices or exhibition halls.

1 lux = 1 lumen/m²

Indicates the tone of the light, measured in degrees Kelvin.

2700K – 3000K: warm light

4000K -- neutral

5000K – 6500K: cool light

Ideal for choosing cozy or functional environments.

Evaluates a light source's ability to display colors naturally. It's measured from 0 to 100. A CRI of 90 or higher is excellent.Essential in retail, art, or fashion.

Glare index. The lower the better.

<19: Suitable for offices

22: May cause visual discomfort

Essential in work and education environments.

Defines how light is distributed: narrow (spot), medium, or wide (flood). It affects how an object or space is illuminated.

Useful for accentuating specific areas or creating ambient light.

An electronic component that regulates the power supplied to the LED. It can be ON/OFF, dimmable (DALI, 1-10V), or smart.

A good driver improves lifespan and efficiency.

Ratio of light emitted (lumens) to energy consumed (watts). The higher the value, the more efficient the luminaire.

Key in sustainable projects.

Indicates the color variation between different LEDs. The lower the value (2-3 steps), the more uniform the light will be between luminaires.

For demanding projects such as museums or luxury retail, SDCM ≤ 3 is recommended.

It measures how much energy is actually converted into light. A value close to 1 indicates greater energy efficiency and less electrical waste.

Level of electrical distortion generated by the driver. In professional projects, drivers with THD < 10% are sought.

It refers to the lifespan of the LED.

L80 50,000h means that after 50,000 hours, the luminaire maintains 80% of its initial flux.

Types of lighting control protocols.

• DALI: digital, flexible, widely used in offices
  

• 1-10V: simpler
  

• Casambi: wireless via Bluetooth
  

Classification of the degree of protection against dust and water.

• IP20: indoor use
  

• IP65: resistant to water jets
  

• IP67: temporary immersion
  

Level of resistance to mechanical impact.

Ideal for luminaires in public or outdoor areas (e.g. IK08, IK10).

Because choosing good lighting isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but also technical, functional, and efficient. At Onok Lighting, we're here to help you make the right choice with every lighting choice.