CRI - Color Rendering Index - CHROMA THERAPY LIGHT

CRI - Learning Objectives

What is CRI?
How many colors are represented in CRI testing?
What is not included in CRI?
What is more complete in TM-30 testing?

What is CRI?

The term CRI stands for Color Rendering Index measures the ability of a light source to render a standardized sample of 12 colors and is calibrated against how colors appear against natural daylight. The CRI number, references to the measuring scale of 100 being daylight, indicates how closely the light source matches daylight. Many jurisdictions and museums require a CRI over 90. Many commercial grade light sources only make it to 80, because with higher CRI, the Lumens per Watt decreases.
The challenge is that these 12 colors do not give an accurate view of the range of colors across the spectrum.
The CCT, Color Temperature is another different measurement expressed in degrees Kelvin. This metric shows if a light source appears warmer or cooler.
Recently, a more complex color rendering measuring system TM-30 has been developed by the IES.

R9 Color Rendering Test Colors

Color Rendering Index (CRI) indicates the ability of a light source to render color accurately. The problem is that the original 8 muddy colors, and the addition of 4 additonal colors are not enough to judge a light source's ability to accurately render all colors.
Sunlight and Halogen Incandescent lighting score 100 serving as the basis for color comparisons for values of CRI.
Regulations in California (Title 24) require 90 CRI or higher in Residential applications. Commercial projects often use light sources with 80 CRI or as low as 70.
As LED light source technology advances, the CRI is improving; however, it is important to learn about the color rendering and limitations of a particular light source before specifying or purchasing, since most light sources cannot be returned, because the wholesaler or retailer cannot tell how many hours the lamp (light source) has been used.

TM-30 Color Type Key:
A-Nature B-Skin C-Textiles D-Paints E-Plastics F-Printed Materials G-Color Systems. TM-29 is a more detailed analysis of color rendering for a light source.

CRI is included on the lighting facts data printed on packaging to inform consumers.

Lumens Per Watt = Efficacy of light source
Watts = Power Consumption
CRI = Color Rendering Index
R9 = Red light component
CCT - Correlated Color Temperature -K = Degrees Kelvin, or color temperature of the light
Flicker = dimability and stability
TM-30 = New Color Rendition Metric by IES

DOE - Department of Energy
Lighting Facts

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

Sunlight is the basis for color compairsons of light sources, measured as Color Rendering Index (CRI) sunlight having a CRI of 100.
CRI measures color rendering accuracy.
Color rendition is the effect of the lamp’s light spectrum on the color appearance of objects.

R9 measures the way red is shown up in items under the light source.
Since LED light sources are inherently blue, rendering red correctly is challenging enough that some jurisdictions include an R9 value over 50 as the minimum standard, for example in Title 24 in California residential construction.