Preventing Light Colour Temperature Confusion: UK vs. International Names

Understanding Light Colour Temperatures: A Guide to Naming Conventions

Lighting terminology can often be a source of confusion, especially when considering the diverse backgrounds of people living in the UK. Different regions and cultures have their own names for various light colour temperatures, which can lead to misunderstandings. This guide aims to clarify the standard terms used in the UK for common light colour temperatures and how they may differ from those used by people from other regions.

Common Light Colour Temperatures and Their Names in the UK

In the UK, major lighting suppliers and manufacturers typically use the following names for different colour temperatures in Kelvin (K):

• 2700K: Warm White
• 3000K: Warm White
• 4000K: Cool White or Neutral White
• 5000K: Daylight
• 6500K: Cool Daylight

These terms are standardized to help consumers easily identify the type of light they need. However, people from various countries may use different names for these colour temperatures, which can cause confusion.

Names Used by Immigrants from Various Regions

People from different parts of the world often bring their own terminology for light colour temperatures:

• 3000K:

  • Turkey: Gün Işığı (Daylight)
  • Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland): Ciepła Biała (Warm White)
  • South Asia: Warm White
  • Africa: Warm White or Daylight

• 4000K:

  • Turkey: Doğal Beyaz (Natural White) or Nötr Beyaz (Neutral White)
  • Eastern Europe: Neutral White
  • South Asia: Neutral White or Natural White
  • Africa: Neutral White or Natural White

• 6500K:

  • Turkey: Soğuk Beyaz (Cool White)
  • Eastern Europe: Zimna Biała (Cool White)
  • South Asia: Cool Daylight or Cool White
  • Africa: Cool White or Daylight

Understanding these differences can improve communication and help ensure that everyone gets the correct type of lighting for their needs.

Popular Lighting Brands in the UK and Their Naming Conventions

Several brands are popular in the UK for lighting solutions, each using consistent terminology for colour temperatures. Here are some notable ones:

• V-TAC:

  • 2700K: Warm White
  • 3000K: Warm White
  • 4000K: Natural White
  • 5000K: Daylight
  • 6500K: Cool White

• Paul Russel:

  • 2700K: Warm White
  • 3000K: Warm White
  • 4000K: Neutral White
  • 5000K: Daylight
  • 6500K: Cool Daylight

• LAP:

  • 2700K: Warm White
  • 3000K: Warm White
  • 4000K: Cool White
  • 5000K: Daylight
  • 6500K: Cool Daylight

• Sylvania:

  • 2700K: Warm White
  • 3000K: Warm White
  • 4000K: Cool White
  • 5000K: Daylight
  • 6500K: Cool Daylight

• Crompton:

  • 2700K: Warm White
  • 3000K: Warm White
  • 4000K: Cool White
  • 5000K: Daylight
  • 6500K: Cool Daylight

Other popular brands in the UK include Philips, Osram, and GE Lighting, which also follow similar naming conventions.

Conclusion

By understanding the different names used for light colour temperatures in the UK and by people from various regions, we can better navigate the lighting market and make informed decisions. Whether you're shopping for home lighting or specifying lights for a commercial project, knowing these terms will ensure you get the right type of light for your needs. At TEKLED, we also follow the naming conventions accepted in the UK, such as 2700K (Warm White), 4000K (Cool White), and 6500K (Cool Daylight), similar to brands like Osram and Philips.