THE CRI
What is CRI – and what does it tell us?
DEFINITION
CRI – the Color Rendering Index – is the metric that indicates the color rendering of a light source. In German, this is known as the ‘Farbwiedergabeindex’ or the abbreviation ‘Ra’, which we frequently encounter. The maximum value is 100. This means that the closer a light source’s CRI is to 100, the better its color rendering. Theoretically, the maximum value of 100 represents the optimal color rendering of the wavelengths we can perceive. The CRI also plays a major role in assessing the light color of an LED light source.
ORIGIN OF THE CRI
When it was first introduced, the original value was used specifically to assess fluorescent tubes in comparison to conventional incandescent bulbs. It is the average of 8 measured colors. The more demanding ‘Re’ value (e=extended) is now calculated as the average of 14 colors and quickly separates the wheat from the chaff, even with LED light sources. Problems often arise particularly with warm color tones. Significant differences are mainly observed in violet and red tones, where many LED light sources have major weaknesses.
CRI TODAY
In recent years, even more sophisticated indices have been developed to better evaluate LED light sources specifically. Examples include the ‘GAI’ and ‘TM-30-15’. These are frequently used by museums and the film industry, where accurate color rendering is essential.
SEGULA LED light sources and the CRI
On light bulb packaging, the information is limited to the CRI, as this is entirely sufficient for normal use. At SEGULA, however, we test according to all indices in our laboratories, so we are confident of meeting all requirements. This ensures suitability for use in all areas!
The LED light sources, particularly in the Vintage Line, Ambient and Soft Line ranges, consistently deliver excellent performance and are ideally suited to demanding applications, such as in the restaurant sector. Pop into the shop now and find the perfect one!
