What does light intensity mean?

Luminance refers to the amount of light that a light source emits per unit of time in a specific direction. It is often measured in units such as candela (cd) or lumen (lm).

Luminance is an important parameter in determining the suitability of a light source for specific applications, such as LED lights on vehicles, homes, offices, streets, or for other industrial or scientific purposes. The higher the luminance, the more light the light source produces.

What types of units of measurement of luminosity are there?

There are various units of measurement for luminance, which are commonly used in different contexts. Some of the most common ones are:

  • Candela (cd): Candela is a base unit for luminous intensity in the International System of Units (SI). It measures the luminous intensity in a particular direction from a light source.
  • Lumens (lm): Lumen is a measure of the total amount of visible light that a light source emits in all directions, regardless of direction. It measures the total amount of light produced.
  • Lux (lx): Lux is a measure of illuminance, indicating how much light is hitting a certain surface. It is measured in lumens per square meter (lm/m²).

These units are used in various contexts depending on specific applications and industries, such as lighting engineering, photometry, architecture, surveying, and scientific research.

How much luminosity do I need for my vehicle?

For vehicles in the Netherlands, there are specific rules regarding the luminance of headlights. These rules are laid down in theRegulation of Vehicles of the Dutch legislationThe regulations determine the minimum requirements for the luminance of headlights and other lighting systems, taking into account factors such as the height of the headlights and the distance to which the light must reach.

It is important that a vehicle's headlights comply with these regulations to ensure safety on the road, especially during adverse weather conditions or in the dark. For specific guidelines and regulations for your vehicle category, it is advisable to consult the most up-to-date information on the website of the Road Transport Authority (RDW).

For advice on the right lamp for your situation, you can always contact our technical team.