Understanding Efficacy - The Bridge Between Lumens and Watts


Until recently, when selecting lighting fixtures, most people focused primarily on wattage as an indicator of brightness. However, with the advancements in lighting technology, this traditional method has become outdated. 

Enter Efficacy, the metric that bridges the gap between lumens and watts and offers a more accurate measure of a light source's efficiency.


What is Efficacy?

In simple terms, efficacy is a measurement of how efficiently a light source produces visible light. It represents the amount of light output (in lumens) that a lighting system generates per unit of electrical power (in watts).

The higher the efficacy rating, the more efficiently a light source converts energy into visible light.


Why Does Efficacy Matter?

Understanding efficacy is crucial for several reasons:

💡 Energy Efficiency

With rising energy costs and environmental concerns, optimizing energy usage is essential. Lighting systems with higher efficacy consume less electricity to produce the same amount of light, leading to significant energy savings over time.

💡 Selecting the Right Lighting

Efficacy allows you to compare different lighting options objectively. Instead of solely relying on wattage or lumens, you can make informed decisions based on the efficiency of the light source, ensuring you get the right brightness without unnecessary energy waste.

💡 Sustainability

Emphasizing efficacy aligns with our commitment to sustainability. By promoting energy-efficient lighting, we contribute to reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, creating a more eco-friendly future.

Zuma Lighting constantly delivers quality outdoor solutions by utilizing top of the line, high performance LEDs and components.

With efficacies up to 175 lumens per watt, Zuma’s LED fixtures provide maximum efficiency for optimal illumination.

Pictured: Solstice LED Post-Top

Let’s Light the Way Together

As we move towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, understanding efficacy is crucial. We hope this newsletter has shed light on the importance of this essential metric and its role in guiding your lighting decisions.

For any questions, queries, or lighting needs, feel free to reach out to our expert team. Together, let’s illuminate the world responsibly.

Jordan Cohen