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Understanding the Limitations of the Color Rendering Index (CRI) and the Emergence of TM-30-15

TM-30 Color Fidelity Index for more reliable testing of color rendering

Introduction to the Color Rendering Index (CRI)

In 1974, the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) introduced the Color Rendering Index (CRI) to compare the color rendering of artificial light sources to a reference standard illuminant modeled after daylight. The CRI aimed to express the quality of white light produced by various types of gas lamps available in the market at that time.

Over the past 40 years, the CRI index has become deeply ingrained in the lighting industry and among professionals. However, it remained relatively unknown to most consumers since it wasn't particularly relevant to their decision-making when purchasing lighting. Manufacturers produced most lamps based on their CRI value for specific applications, ensuring that the choice of lamp could not be wrong. For instance, office or linear lighting typically used Tri-Phosphor linear fluorescent tubes with a CRI over 80. Homes relied on incandescent lamps and halogens with a CRI of 100, while retail spaces utilized metal halide lamps with a minimum CRI of 85.

The makeup of some fixture types for common applications, such as down-lighting, spot-lighting, office-lighting and street-lighting. All can use LEDs.

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