Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

Which lighting option offers the best color rendering?

1. Incandescent lights

2. CFL bulbs

3. LED lights

4. Halogen lights

The correct answer is: LED lights

The option that provides the best color rendering is LED lights. This distinction is primarily due to their ability to emit a broad spectrum of light, which closely mimics natural daylight. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a measure that indicates how accurately a light source displays colors in comparison to a natural light source. LED lights typically have high CRI ratings, often above 90, which allows for vibrant and true-to-life color reproduction. In practical applications, this is particularly advantageous in settings such as retail stores, galleries, and homes where accurate color perception is important. The versatility of LED technology also allows for various color temperatures and adjustable brightness levels while maintaining high color fidelity, further enhancing their efficacy in different environments. While other lighting options like incandescent and halogen lights also provide good color rendering, they may follow behind LEDs in terms of energy efficiency and lifespan. CFL bulbs generally have lower CRI ratings compared to LEDs and may distort colors somewhat, making them less ideal for applications where color accuracy is crucial. Thus, the superior qualities of LED lights in terms of color rendering establish them as the leading choice in this context.