BLOG

What is Candela (cd)

Horace He

Last Updated: December 26, 2023

What is Candela (cd)

Candela (symbol: cd) is a unit of measurement used in the lighting industry to quantify luminous intensity. It represents the amount of light emitted by a light source in a specific direction. The candela value is not affected by the distance from the light source but is influenced by the opening angle of the light beam.

Maybe You Are Interested In

  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Load Current: 10A Max
  • Auto/Sleep Mode
  • Time delay: 90s, 5min, 10min, 30min, 60min
  • Occupancy mode
  • 100V ~ 265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • 1600 sq ft
  • Voltage: DC 12v/24v
  • Mode: Auto/ON/OFF
  • Time Delay: 15s~900s
  • Dimming: 20%~100%
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the UK Square backbox
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cold White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cool White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cool White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cold White
rz036 occupancy sensor switch ceiling mounted
  • Occupancy mode
  • 12V ~ 24V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • 1600 sq ft
  • Voltage: DC 12v/24v
  • Day/Night Mode
  • Time delay: 15min, 30min, 1h(default), 2h
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 120V 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 120V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the European round backbox
rz021 us occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 120Vac, 5A
  • Requires Hot wire, Load wire
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
rz023 uk occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the UK square pattress box

The opening angle refers to the width or narrowness of the light beam emitted by the source. A smaller opening angle, such as 10°, concentrates the light, resulting in a higher candela value. Conversely, a larger opening angle, like 50°, spreads the light over a wider area, leading to a lower candela value.

Note that Candela is a measure of luminous intensity, which is distinct from luminous flux. Luminous flux is measured in lumens (lm) and represents the total amount of visible light emitted by a source in all directions. In contrast, candela focuses on the intensity of light emitted in a specific direction.

Looking For Motion-Activated Energy-Saving Solutions?

Contact us for complete PIR motion sensors, motion-activated energy-saving products, motion sensor switches, and Occupancy/Vacancy commercial solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cd in Light Intensity

The candela (symbol: cd) is the SI base unit of luminous intensity. It represents the power emitted by a light source in a specific direction, taking into account the luminosity function. For example, a typical candle emits light with a luminous intensity of approximately 1 cd.

What Is the Difference Between Cd and Lux

Candela refers to the amount of light emitted by a fixture in a specific direction, while lux measures the level of light that illuminates a surface.

Is CD the Same as Lumen

1 candela is equivalent to 12.57 lumens. However, it is not advisable to directly compare the values of lumens and candela when it comes to lighting devices.

How Do You Calculate Candela CD

The calculation can be done using the formula 1lm = 1cd * 1. This means that 1 lumen is equal to 1 candela. In other words, a light source with an intensity of 1 candela will produce 1 lumen of luminous flux in a sphere with a surface area of 1 square meter.

How Many Candela Is a 100 Watt Bulb

The luminous intensity of a 100 watt unidirectional bulb is equivalent to 100 candela.

How Many Watts Is 1 Candela

In 1979, the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) established a new definition for the candela (cd). It is now defined as the luminous intensity, in a specific direction, of a source that emits monochromatic radiation with a frequency of 540 × 10^12 hertz. Additionally, the radiant intensity of this source in that direction is equivalent to 1/683 watt per steradian.

How Many Candelas Is a Lightbulb

For a more up-to-date comparison, a standard incandescent lightbulb typically produces around one candela per watt.

Is Higher or Lower Candela Better

A higher candela rating indicates that the light emitted is more intense, allowing it to travel a longer distance. Torches with high candela ratings are ideal for situations where visibility is reduced, such as in smoke or fog, and when a concentrated beam is desired.

English