Optics, shielding and direction
The optics overview explains how the lens shapes light towards the intended area. The wrong distribution can cause glare, dark patches and spill onto façades or natural areas.
Assess shielding in the actual installation: check light outside the target area, mounting angle and glare in the lighting calculation. Optical distribution, mounting height and direction work together.
Spectrum is one part of the assessment
AMBER changes the spectrum. With a 2200 K LED, the standard reference for VALDUR Amber is approximately 1900 K output in LEDiL’s indicative example. Other combinations need confirmation from POLAB.
Warmer output alone does not determine spill light. As the optics page states, distribution, direction and geometry also matter. Ecological suitability is assessed against the site, species, light level, direction and operating hours.
Dimming needs a project-specific operating plan
Lighting in sensitive natural environments is discussed together with demand-based control. Dimming can reduce energy use, but the outcome depends on the baseline, operating hours and light levels.
There is no universally safe dimming percentage for all roads. The minimum level needs to be assessed against traffic, the visual task, obstacle detection and applicable project requirements.
What remains uncertain
In What don’t we know?, the site distinguishes results for a particular light source from long-term ecosystem effects. Colour temperature or laboratory measures of insect attraction are insufficient to establish population effects.
Start with the site conditions and verify the selected installation. A particular lens or colour temperature provides no automatic guarantee of ecological suitability or compliance with a lighting class.