When driving, the human eye catches a lot of details on the road. Appropriate lighting is needed to ensure safety and visibility when driving in the dark. One of the main factors in choosing LED headlamps is the colour temperature.
The light emitted by a light source has a specific spectral range, which defines the colour temperature for the source. The impression of colour is generated when light reflected from an object directly reaches the eye. The colour temperature range of light (CCT) defines the colour impression of the emitted light. Its value is measured in Kelvins. The higher the colour temperature, the colder the appearance of the light.
According to the PN-EN 12464-1 standard, the color temperature of light consists of the following ranges:
- color temperature below 3300 K: warm light
- color temperature 3300 K - 5300 K: neutral color
- color temperature above 5300 K: cool light
The biggest compromise in lighting for vehicles is a light closest to 5800 K. This is the light that is best perceived by the human eye. Therefore, a colour temperature in this range is the most common choice for vehicle headlamp manufacturers.
6000 K is a cool colour temperature defined as 'white-blue'. Generally, cool light is perceived as shining much brighter than warm or neutral light. It illuminates the road better, generating a longer beam of light, which improves visibility and road safety. It also highlights the shape of the vehicle, giving it a modern appearance.
In addition, 6000 K is very close to the 5800 K temperature. But then why not adopt 5800 K light as the ideal option for vehicle headlights?
Indeed, a colour temperature of 5800 K may be the ideal colour in lighting for vehicles. However, the difference between 6000 K and 5800 K is very small and undetectable by human eyes.
The main factor why a colour temperature of 6000 K is the standard for vehicle headlamps is to optimise production costs. LED chips that produce 6000 K light are easier and cheaper to produce than those producing 5800 K or other lighting. This is why the majority of LED headlights have a colour temperature of 6000 K.
Comparison of a light beam with a color temperature of 6000 K (left side) and 3000 K (right side).
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