In this note, we are going to learn a topic called “What is CRI in lighting? and Its level & Importance. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is CRI in Lighting?
CRI, or Color Rendering Index, is a metric that measures a light source’s ability to precisely replicate the colors of diverse objects when compared to a natural light source, such as daylight. It is represented as a number on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher numbers signifying better color rendering.
Levels of CRI
Here we have listed color rendering index chart with value and examples –
| Levels | Color Rendering | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 50 | Poor color rendering | Sodium vapor lamps |
| 50 to 70 | Fair color rendering | Fluorescent lamps |
| 70 to 80 | Good color rendering | LED lamps |
| 80 to 90 | Very good color rendering | High quality LED lamp |
| 90 to 100 | Excellent color rendering | Daylight, high-end LED lamps |
Examples of Color Rendering Index
Here we have listed some practical examples of CRI levels in lighting system –
- High CRI lighting (90+) is ideal for applications that require precise color representation, such as graphic design, fashion, or food presentation.
- Medium CRI lighting (70-89) is appropriate for general lighting applications such as residential and workplace lighting.
- Low CRI lighting (below than 70) can distort colors and is commonly employed for certain applications such as street lighting or security lighting.