Which LED Pendant Lights Do I Need?

Looking for linear lighting for a shop, office or other commercial space? Although pendant lights may look similar, their light distribution, colour temperature and mounting options make an important difference.

In this blog, we compare pendant lights with a fixed colour temperature of 4000K and linkable pendant lights with a CCT switch. The main difference is the UGR rating, which indicates the glare associated with the lighting. The fixed version has a stated UGR<25 and is not intended for workplaces where a limit of 19 applies, such as many office workstations and classrooms. The linkable version has a stated UGR<19 and is the appropriate option for these applications, provided the complete lighting arrangement also meets the requirements. It also offers three selectable colour temperatures and the option to create continuous lines of light.

The best choice depends on the activities carried out in the space and the layout of your installation.

The main differences

The service life figures use different measurement criteria and are therefore not directly comparable.

When should you choose pendant lights with a fixed colour temperature?

The fixed version suits installations with individual pendant lights where a colour temperature of 4000K fits the space and linking is not required. Each fitting needs its own power connection.

These pendant lights are available in black and white, with nominal lengths of 1.2 and 1.5 metres. The included 1.5-metre suspension cables can be adjusted to the desired hanging height. The fitting itself is not designed to be shortened.

Examples of applications where a UGR rating of <25 may be suitable include certain circulation areas and storage rooms with simple visual tasks. This version may also be an option for general lighting in retail spaces, depending on the requirements of the particular area.

The activities carried out remain decisive. A sales floor, for example, has different glare requirements from a checkout workstation. Assess suitability for each space and application.

When should you choose linkable pendant lights with a CCT switch?

Glare control is an important consideration for office workstations, classrooms and meeting rooms. The linkable version has a stated UGR<19, making it the version to consider for these applications.

These fittings have a microprismatic diffuser: a light-transmitting cover with a fine prism structure. It directs the light and helps limit brightness at troublesome viewing angles. This contributes to more comfortable workplace lighting.

The actual glare also depends on positioning, hanging height, viewing direction and the characteristics of the room. Have the selected arrangement checked by a lighting adviser, lighting designer or installer who performs lighting calculations.

This version also offers an installation advantage when you want to create continuous lines of light. With the separately available metal quick connector, you can link up to twelve fittings of the nominal 1.2-metre version or seven of the 1.5-metre version.

Want to learn more about glare and what the different ratings mean? Read our blog about UGR ratings.

Fixed colour temperature or a CCT switch?

The fixed version has a colour temperature of 4000K. This neutral white light suits spaces where you want a bright, neutral appearance, such as shops and commercial premises.

4000K can also be a suitable choice for clothing shops. For accurate reproduction of clothing colours, the CRI rating is also important. Consider both colour temperature and colour rendering when choosing retail lighting.

On the linkable version, the CCT switch offers three settings:

• 3000K: a warmer light colour.

• 4000K: a neutral light colour.

• 6500K: a cooler light colour.

During installation, select the colour temperature that suits the space and lighting plan. Set fittings within the same continuous line to the same setting for a consistent appearance.

The CCT switch controls only the colour temperature. Neither version is dimmable.

What does this mean for your lighting plan?

A lighting plan shows which fittings you need, where they should be installed and how much light they will provide at the required locations. It considers factors such as room dimensions, activities, mounting height and glare control.

A lighting adviser, lighting designer or installation company experienced in lighting calculations can prepare a lighting plan. This allows you to assess in advance whether the selected pendant lights and their positioning suit your commercial space.

Wattage and light output by version

Always compare the wattage and light output of the exact product. The housing colour also makes a difference with these pendant lights.

For the fixed version, the white fitting produces more lumens at the same wattage. For the linkable version, white provides the same stated light output as black while using less power.

Use the light output of the complete fitting for your lighting plan.

Consider service life and mounting options

The pendant lights with a fixed colour temperature have a stated service life of 50,000 hours. For the linkable version, this is 70,000 hours at L80B20. Because the measurement criteria differ, these figures cannot be compared directly.

L80B20 describes lumen maintenance: after the stated operating period, no more than 20% of the LED population may fall below 80% of the original light output.

Both versions have an IP20 rating and are intended for dry indoor environments. The pendant lights are supplied with two suspension cables. The linkable version can also be wall-mounted using separately available brackets in black or white.

An AC power cable is not included with individual fittings. These are available separately in black and white.

Which pendant lights suit your space?

Want to install individual pendant lights and already know which colour temperature you need? The fixed 4000K version may be suitable, provided its light distribution and glare control match the application.

Looking for lighting for office workstations or want to create continuous lines of light? Consider the linkable version with a CCT switch. It offers additional glare control and lets you select the colour temperature during installation.

Then compare the exact version, light output and required accessories. A lighting plan can help determine which arrangement best suits your space and activities.

Looking for a different ceiling solution? Compare our LED panels and LED downlights against the features your project requires.