What are candelas and why do they matter in industrial lighting?

In the world of industrial and professional lighting, there are multiple parameters used to measure the quality and efficiency of a luminaire: lumens, watts, lux… However, one of the most important—and often least understood—concepts is luminous intensity measured in candelas (cd).

What is luminous intensity?

The candela (cd) is the unit that measures luminous intensity in a specific direction. Unlike lumens, which measure the total amount of light emitted by a luminaire, candela tells us how much light is concentrated at a specific point or angle. In other words:

• Lumens = total amount of light.

• Lux = lumens over a surface (illuminance)

• Candelas = luminous intensity in one direction

Why are candelas important in industrial lighting projects?

This is key for industrial and commercial applications where having a lot of light is not enough—it must be properly directed. Each environment (industrial facilities, shopping malls, supermarkets, roadways, etc.) requires a different lighting design; we don’t always need more lumens, but better light distribution. Some examples depending on our needs:

• Precision in work areas: On a production line or in an operating room, luminous intensity in the right direction prevents shadows and improves visibility.

• Energy efficiency: A luminaire with high candelas concentrated in the correct direction may require less power to achieve the same lighting level as another with higher but scattered luminous flux.

• Safety: In roadway lighting or LED streetlights, correct luminous intensity reduces dark spots and improves visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

• Specialized crops: In the case of LED grow lights for cannabis, vegetables, or berries, luminous intensity directed at a specific angle improves light penetration between leaves, optimizing photosynthesis and yield per plant.

How to choose the right luminaire based on candelas

When choosing a luminaire, consider not only the lumens, but also the photometric curve. This curve shows how candelas are distributed in space and is key to determining whether the light will meet your needs:

• Do you need light concentrated at a specific point? → Look for luminaires with narrow beam angles and higher candela concentration.

• Do you prefer uniform light over a wide surface? → Choose luminaires with wider beam angles and uniform distribution.

In conclusion, luminous intensity (candelas) is a decisive factor in any industrial, commercial, or horticultural lighting project. Understanding this parameter will allow you to save energy, improve safety, optimize production, and ensure proper visual comfort. If you would like personalized advice for your lighting project, contact us and our team of experts will help you find the luminaire with the perfect luminous intensity for your needs.

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