A lumen is  the measurement of the brightness and output of a light in certain area. 

A lumen is a measurement of the amount of light that is contained in a certain area. The technical definition of a lumen is one candela multiplied by one steradian. A simpler definition of a lumen is one lumen is equivalent to the amount of light put out by one birthday candle, when you are standing one foot away from it. For example, if a light bulb puts out 100 lumens, it would be equivalent to looking at 100 candles on a birthday cake from one foot away.

Lumens are more effective way of measuring the amount of light being put out by a particular bulb. Lumens are a direct measurement of light output. Wattage, even though it is what people have become accustomed to seeing on packaging and measuring how much light they are seeing, it is not really an accurate way to measure light output. Just because a light bulb consumes a particular amount of energy to light up, does not mean that it directly affects  the amount of light that is put out. With such a large variety of energy efficient CFLs, LEDs and Halogen lamps coming onto the market on a regular basis that do not use nearly the same amount of energy as incandescent bulbs it makes sense for people to move away from thinking about wattage.

Also, just as an important reminder from your honest, professional, and  reliable Denver electricians here at Interstate Electric and Solar. Please remember that not all dimmers will work the same on your new CFLs, LEDs and Halogen Bulbs. If you are planning on converting choose the appropriate dimmer as well. Not doing so can lead to some  expensive repairs or even the replacement of your light fixtures.

New Standards from the FTC, Focus on Lumens, Not Wattage

The use of wattage measurement is not  an accurate depiction of how much light a bulb is going to put out. Having terminology such as “100 watt equivalent” may not be helpful to the average consumer because it does not take into account the energy savings aspect. The new standards from the FTC,  focus on lumens and not wattage. This helps consumers determine what type of bulb they will need to purchase; however, it neglects to answer the bigger question.

What is the difference between a Watt and a Lumen?

Let’s first start with the definition of a watt. A watt is defined as the power needed to move a one kilogram object at the speed of one meter per-second against a force of one newton. Simply, a watt is a measurement of how much electricity a device will consume. In addition, looking at lighting in watts, you are not looking at how much light a bulb puts out, but how much energy a bulb will consume to put out that amount of light you see.

Here at  Interstate Electric and Solar we understand the complexity of lighting. There are many different types of light bulbs and numerous new lighting regulations passed over the past few years.  We understand some consumers may need help to understand the  F.T.C. tables and what it means to you.  The F.T.C. currently defines the uses for the packaging standards for lighting manufactures. The old practice of  using watts to figure out the type of light bulb to purchase is no longer effective. For example, just as new technologies come onto the marketplace every day, so do new ways of understanding how light bulbs operates.