What does light output mean?

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

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

What types of units of measurement of light output are there?

There are different units of measurement for light output, which are often used in different contexts. Some of the most common are:

• Candela (cd): Candela is a basic unit of light output in the International System of Units (SI). It measures the light intensity in a given direction from a light source.
• Lumen (lm): Lumen is a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source 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 hits a given surface. It is measured in lumen per square metre (lm/m²).

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

How much light output do I need for my vehicle?

For vehicles in the Netherlands, there are specific rules regarding the light output of headlights. These rules are laid down in the ''Vehicle Regulation of the Dutch legislation''. The regulations set minimum requirements for the light output of headlights and other lighting systems, and take into account factors such as the height of the headlights and the distance to which the light should reach.

It is important that a vehicle's headlights meet these regulations to ensure road safety, especially during poor weather conditions or at night. For specific guidelines and regulations for your vehicle category, it is advisable to consult the latest information on the website of the National Road Administration (RDW).

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