We need to talk about Kelvin. So many different elements go into creating a robust, reliable and durable LED driving light or light bar. In this series, All Things Lighting, our ambassador MadMatt, joins us to cover a different element of what makes a light by Ultra Vision Lighting so powerful and effective.
Previously in the series, we covered All Things CRI and how the CRI rating of Ultra Vision lights affects your driving experience. This month MadMatt is breaking down everything we need to know about the Kelvin scale of our driving lights.
The Kelvin scale differentiates the colour temperature of all lights. Keep reading as we learn about the difference between a warmer 4000K/ 4500K rating and a cooler 5700K rating and the pros and cons of each temperature. Watch the full video below as MadMatt also explains the overall impact of the Kelvin rating and how it affects your visibility, light penetration, and safety on the road in different environments.
The Kelvin Scale
The Kelvin scale measures the colour temperature of light, which means how warm and yellow it is versus how cool and white/blue it is. Most cars have halogen headlights, which use light bulbs and traditionally come in a very warm 3000K rating. With a pair of Ultra Vision driving lights or a light bar, you can choose a warm 4500K/4000K (Nitro Maxx range/Raptor range) colour temperature or a cool 5700K colour temperature.
Explore our comprehensive article on Colour Temperature to discover the right temperature for your needs. We provide detailed information on the Kelvin scale and explain how light can range from the warmest yellows of candlelight to the cool blue of a clear sky, reaching up to 7000K.
Visibility, light penetration and flashback
Each colour temperature has its strengths and weaknesses in terms of the light’s visible output, how far it penetrates in darkness, and possible flashback and reflection from road signs and other roadside elements.
Our 5700k lights are the highest Kelvin we offer here at Ultra Vision. A light at 5700k gives terrific penetration depth and width and can illuminate long distances on and off the road. The main drawback of light with such a high Kelvin temperature is the flashback reflection from road signs and other reflective surfaces. The whiter a sign or surface is, you will see more reflection from a 5700K rated light.
The lowest Kelvin light we offer for light bars and driving lights is the 4000K across the Raptor range, which gives a warm yellow glow. A light at 4000K gives off less glare from road signs and is better suited to driving in inclement weather. The warmer output means less reflection from fog and rain. If you plan to drive in snowy areas, a warmer light is preferred to avoid too much reflection of fallen snow.
Our LED work lights can go as low as 3000K, suitable for nut farm harvesting conditions, which has a unique nighttime dust.
Do you still have questions about Kelvin and what’s best for you? Make sure to watch the full MadMatt video to learn everything you need to know about the Kelvin scale and how it can affect your drive.
Transcript:
Understanding Kelvin: The Colour Temperature of Light
“Kelvin is a measurement of the colour temperature of light. A lower number, like 3000K (Kelvin), refers to a warmer light, such as the halogen lights on the front of the Land Cruiser. These lights emit an amber or yellowish hue. In contrast, a 6000K light is a much cooler, whiter, and intense light, often referred to as a blue light.”
Advantages and Disadvantages of High Kelvin Light
“A higher Kelvin light, such as 6000K, has several advantages for drivers. It provides excellent light penetration and can illuminate long distances. However, it also has a downside—flashback. This refers to the reflection of light off surfaces, such as road signs or bright objects like white tree trunks, which can cause visual disturbance.”
Choosing the Right Kelvin for Your Needs
“If you’re concerned about flashback, a lower colour temperature, like 4500K, might be more suitable. This type of light is warmer and produces less reflection, making it a better option in certain environments.”
Kelvin and Colour Rendering Index (CRI)
“Now that we have a basic understanding of how Kelvin works, it’s also important to consider the Colour Rendering Index (CRI). A CRI of around 70 is ideal for driving, providing a balanced representation of colours while driving at night. By understanding both CRI and Kelvin, you can make informed decisions on the best lights for your vehicle.”
