NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

A lamp with a very low color temperature is considered what type of light source?

1. Warm light source (reddish)

2. Neutral light source (white)

3. Cool light source (bluish)

4. Energy-efficient

The correct answer is: Warm light source (reddish)

A lamp with a very low color temperature is classified as a warm light source. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K), and lower values indicate warmer light that has a reddish hue. This type of light typically ranges from around 2700K to 3000K and is often associated with incandescent bulbs. Such warm lighting creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it popular for residential settings, restaurants, and other areas where a relaxed ambience is desired. In contrast, neutral light sources are characterized by color temperatures that create a balanced white light, while cool light sources emit a bluish tint that comes from higher color temperatures, typically above 4000K. Energy efficiency doesn't directly relate to color temperature; it pertains to how much energy is consumed by the light source, which can vary across different types of lighting, including warm, neutral, and cool sources.