null

Kelvin Temperature Scale

noun

Definition of Kelvin Temperature Scale

The Kelvin temperature scale is a measure of the color temperature of light sources, expressed in degrees Kelvin (K). It indicates the hue of the light source, ranging from warm yellow to cool blue.

light temperature scale diagram ranging from warm to cool

It’s important because it helps us to understand the color appearance of different light sources, which can affect our perception of colors, mood, and even productivity.

The Kelvin scale is even more crucial for navigation lights as their color directly affects safety.

The table below is a comparison of the applications of various light temperatures.

Marine Light Application Color Temperature Range (K) Light Appearance Light Fixture
Navigation Lights 5500-6500 Cool, blue-tinted daylight

Hella 360 Compact Anchor Lamp LED from Apex Lighting

Hella 360 Compact Anchor Lamp LED

Cabin Lighting 2700-3000 Warm white

LED Puck Light from Apex Lighting

LED Puck Light

Underwater Lighting 4500-5000 Bright white or colored

Lumitec Javelin 600X LED Underwater Light from Apex Lighting

Lumitec Javelin 600X LED Underwater Light

Accent Lighting 2700K or lower Warm, yellow-tinted

Lumitec Scallop Surface Mount Pathway Light from Apex Lighting

Lumitec Scallop Surface Mount Pathway Light

Task Lighting 3500-4500 Bright white

Joyce LED Reading Light from Apex Lighting

Joyce LED Reading Light

Example of Kelvin Temperature Scale in a Sentence

"The Kelvin temperature scale is used to measure the color temperature of light sources, such as LED lights on boats."

Synonyms: absolute temperature scale, K scale

Related Terms for Kelvin Temperature Scale