Initial vs. Mean Lumens
Initial lumens and mean lumens are two units of measuring the output generated by a specific lighting device. But there are distinct differences between what these two values indicate.
As a commercial space owner who wants to maximize his infrastructural investment and optimize operational costs, you should know the difference between these two values so that you can buy resource-efficient lighting devices for your business premises. This knowledge will also prevent you from being cheated by unscrupulous retailers and suppliers who may wish to confuse you by quoting impressive figures that are not relevant for your needs.
What are Initial Lumens?
Initial lumens is also known as initial light output. It refers to the total amount of light produced by a particular lighting device just after it has stabilized but before depreciation (loss of operational efficiency) has started. Typically, the initial lumens value for fluorescent bulbs and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps is measured after the first 100 hours of a lamp’s operations.
During the first 100 hours of operation of lighting devices such as metal halide lamps, the light-generating chemicals inside the glass tube do not usually settle down or stabilize to produce optimum performance. This instability of the chemicals inside the lighting device may sometimes be manifested as quick changes in the color of the light are generated.
This phenomenon is known as flaring and when this is in progress, initial lumens or the amount of light produced by the apparatus cannot be measured accurately. In this context, it is worth noting that during its first 100 hours of operation, a lamp usually produces 20 percent more light than what the manufacturer states as its initial lumens value.
What are Mean Lumens?
The light output from any lighting device tends to decrease in amount the longer the lamp is operated. So to make the most of your investment in lighting devices, you need to know about the average output of various lamps over their lifespans. The mean lumens value of a lamp indicates the average light output produced over the duration of the rated life of the lighting device. Mean lumens is also referred to as design lumens. In case of fluorescent lamps, this value is usually calculated at 40 percent of the bulb’s rated life.
It is worth noting here that some of the most efficient lamps currently available in the market produce 95 percent of its initial light generation capability even at the end of their lifespans. This means that these lamps do not depreciate much over the course of their lifespans and thus make for intelligent investments. T5 lamps are some such highly efficient lighting devices.
What Factors Affect the Initial Lumens and Mean Lumens Values of a Lamp?
The initial lumens and mean lumens values of a lamp or the light output produced by a device depend on a host of factors like the following:
Normal depreciation or lamp lumen depreciation that takes place as the lamp is operated
Interaction of the lamp with the ballast
Variations in voltage
Ambient temperature in the area where the lamp is operated
Quality of the lighting fixture
Depreciation amount of the lighting fixture used
Dirt and dust build-up on the light fixture and on the surface of the lamp
Both initial lumens and mean lumens values are calculated by placing the lamp in its designed burning position. Universal lamps are designed to be burned in a base up position. Their lamp ratings are calculated in this position. In fact, the operational efficiency of these lamps are decreased—there is more lumen depreciation than is normal—when these are not operated in their designed burning positions.
How do Initial Lumens and Mean Lumens Values Affect Your Lighting Choice?
As a prudent business owner, you will want to invest in lamps that will not only provide adequate lighting but also remain functional for long enough to optimize your returns on investment. So before buying lights for your business premises, you will need to ponder over their lighting ratings. Make your choice after considering the mean lumens value.
Every lighting device undergoes lumen depreciation. So do not let impressive initial lumens values impress you into buying a lamp. Rather compare the mean lumens values of various lights before making your choice.
The following graph should make clear why you should consider the mean lumens value when buying lamps. Lumen maintenance value of a lamp refers to the device’s ability to generate a consistent amount of light throughout its lifespan. A lamp with an impressive lumen maintenance value can work at 90 percent or more of its original capability even at the end of its lifespan. This means that to choose a lamp with a fantastic lumen maintenance value, you need to consider its mean lumens value.
Different lamps have different initial lumens values. But from the above graph, it is evident that you should choose that lighting device that depreciates the least over the course of its lifetime.