What is Tunable White Lighting?

Tunable white lighting technology is defined as the ability to control the color temperature output of a light source. It is also referred to as variable white, dimmed white, mixed white, or custom temperature lighting by other manufacturers. This is accomplished by manufacturing bulbs or lighting strips with different color temperature LEDs. Using a remote control or external control system, you can select the desired white color at any point within the available range specified by the manufacturer.

“White” Light Classifications 

When you go to the hardware store to select light bulbs, they are sometimes classified as warm or cool, daylight, bright white, or soft white. These names are used to specify the color temperature of the white color emitted from the light source. The color of white light can be quantified by reference to its color temperature. To better understand the difference between variable white/tunable white lighting, you need to understand what correlated color temperature is.

What is CCT? 

CCT (correlated color temperature) refers to the color temperature of light, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The temperature rating is directly related to how white light looks to our human eyes. In the LED industry, it is common to see white light LEDs with color temperatures between 1800K (candela) and 7000K (daylight). For example, a light source with a color temperature of 3000K is referred to as "warm white" lighting. Warm white light looks very orange and/or yellow. Traditional halogen and incandescent lamps also have a color temperature around 3000K. As you increase the degree of Kelvin, the color changes from yellow to yellow-white to white and then to bluish-white (the coolest white).

In the market, you may find products related to this under different names. Tunable dynamic white lighting is also known as: 

● Variable white light 

● Hybrid white light 

● CCT-changing LED strips 

● Dimmable and warmer 

● Circadian lighting 

What are the benefits of tunable white LED lighting?

Whether you want to install tunable lighting for your home, office, or commercial facility, sometimes you may want to choose to change the light for a variety of reasons. For example, a restaurant may want to have different CCT functions for different activities or service sections to create different atmospheres, while a hospital may want to use cooler lights during the day to help patients be more alert and warmer lights at night to help them relax. Having the option to control your lighting can benefit you in several ways: Health benefits - your circadian rhythm and lighting; Increased productivity; Sustainability; Design.