Colour temperature

Colour temperature of a light makes a difference

What colour temperature?

Colour temperature, measured in degrees, Kelvin, indicates the tone of the light. Low colour temperature light is warm in tone and high is cold in tone. Warm light, below 3000K is usually experienced as yellow and very cold, above 6000K light has tones of blue in it. In spare bulbs for automotive market the neutral, white tone is usually described with a value of approximately 4500 - 5500K. Corresponding value in traditional halogen bulbs is 2700 - 2800K.

Which tone, cold or warm?

There is no one right answer to this question as people have different preferences when it comes to tone of light that prefer. Colder light usually looks brighter and may help decreasing fatigue. On the other hand, cold light is highly reflective and may strain eyes by reflecting light from a snow storm or traffic signs. Warmer tone may not seem as bright, but might increase contrast to see shapes of environment better.

Is it possible to choose colour temperature?

Most common colour temperature in automotive led lights is 5000-6000K. This range is excellent for nearly all of us and tones below 4000K are extemely rare.

Bulbs for xenon lights are available in different colour temperatures. In many Xenon conversion kits and work lights as auxiliary lights the colour temperature of a bulb can be chosen according to personal preference and purpose. Standard colour temperature in OEM light equipment is 4300K because it is neutral in tone and provides best possible illumination performance due to highest luminous flux (approx. 3200lm / 35W bulb). For xenon work lights we recommend colour temperature of either 4300K or 5000K. 
 

Examples of different colour temperature in xenon conversion kit.

Difference in colour temperature relative to tone of light is demonstrated in the images below. Images are for reference and not 100% comparable to different situations as many other factors play part in final tone of light such as, material of the light, manufacturer of the bulb, environment etc.

	3000K colour temperature is more yellow in tone as others but nos as yellow as tone in halogen lights, yellow tone improves visibility in rain and mist.
	4300K colour temperature is used in virtually every OEM light due it's neutarl tone and highest output in luminous flux at approximately 3200lm / 35W. Tone is close to pure white with a bit of warm tone.
	5000K colour temperature is as close to pure white tone as possible, which is the reason that many prefer this tone in automotive lights. Luminous flux is slightly smaller than in a 4300K temperature though 5000K appear brighter.
	6000K colour temperature is most valued amongst those who seek difference in styling, but still want to retain good illumination performance. Slightly blue tone in 6500K has a bit smaller luminous flux than 5000K one, but still a very good performance.
	8000K colour temperature is rare and distinctively blue in tone. Lower luminous flux than in others at approximately 2500lm / 35W, but after all makes a big difference in styling.