What is the TM-30-15 Colour Guide for Lighting?

The TM-30-15, or TM-30 for short, is a colour rendering system developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) to indicate how well the source of light represents the true colour of objects subjected to it, as they would under sunlight.    

You have probably read about our Colour Rendering Index (CRI) blog, and might be wondering why the TM-30 closely resembles it. This is because the CRI system serves the same purpose as the TM-30, only the former was developed in 1965, when incandescent and fluorescent lamps dominated the market as artificial lighting options.    

The CRI system was later enhanced in 1974, a few decades before LED lights became a popular lighting choice for commercial and residential use, which limits the CRI system to the prevalent lighting technology at that time.   

The rise in popularity of LED lights with more and advanced features than older conventional light sources mentioned above, resulted in a need for an equally enhanced colour rendering system that the TM-30 system can provide.   

What is the Purpose of the TM-30 Colour System?   

The TM-30 colour system addresses the limitations of the CRI system by providing 99 colour samples, which are guided by the following metrics: fidelity index (Rf), colour gamut (Rg) and colour vector graphics. It represents colours as we see them and includes the colour spaces in its measurements, therefore providing a more accurate visual representation of an object under artificial light sources, such as LED lights.   

The CRI system, in comparison, only uses eight main colour samples on a scale of 0 to 100, and only measures fidelity (Ra). This means that if we were to grade an LED light using the CRI standard, it will not be as accurately represented compared to when the TM-30 chart is used.   

Benefits and Applications of the TM-30 Colour System   

The TM-30 system provides additional information to CRI that can be beneficial for lighting designers to meet various, specific LED lighting requirements, like in photography, film making and artwork exhibits.    

The TM-30 guide is also useful in the medical field where good lighting can help in treatments, surgeries, and diagnoses of certain conditions.    

Nowadays, the TM-30 chart is also widely used by lighting professionals, researchers, and manufacturers for production of LED lights and retail signage.   

If you need help in selecting the right LED light for your general lighting, displays or retail signage projects, our team can help! We can also retrofit your existing signage that will cost less than getting a new one. Call us on 1800 632 693 or email us at led-supplies-australia@admtech.com.au