What Is This Tool?
This tool converts values of luminous intensity from lumen per steradian [lm/sr], which is equivalent to candela, to the historical candle (pentane) unit. The pentane candle is a non-SI photometric reference based on a standardized pentane flame used in early light measurement.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the luminous intensity value in lumen per steradian [lm/sr]
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Select 'lumen/steradian [lm/sr]' as the input unit
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Select 'candle (pentane)' as the output unit
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent value
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Use the result to compare or analyze historical and modern light measurements
Key Features
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Converts between lumen/steradian and candle (pentane) with a 1:1 ratio
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Ideal for interpreting historical photometric data and lamp specifications
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Supports understanding of lighting measurement evolution
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Allows comparison of modern and historical luminous intensity units
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Browser-based and easy to use with no installation required
Examples
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5 lumen/steradian [lm/sr] converts to 5 candle (pentane)
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0.75 lumen/steradian [lm/sr] converts to 0.75 candle (pentane)
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting luminous intensity from modern LED and indicator lamp ratings in historical terms
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Converting 19th and early 20th-century photometric lamp data referencing pentane candle standards
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Calibrating or restoring historical lighting fixtures for museum exhibits
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Educational demonstrations on the history of light measurement standards
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Comparing light intensities in vehicle headlights, streetlights, and stage lighting studies with historical units
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this converter mainly for historical research or restoration projects due to the pentane candle’s deprecated status
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Verify measurement context to determine if conversion to candle (pentane) is appropriate
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Remember that candle (pentane) values may vary slightly by original apparatus used historically
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Cross-reference results with modern candela measurements for scientific applications
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Leverage this tool to enhance understanding of how luminous intensity standards evolved over time
Limitations
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Candle (pentane) is a deprecated, non-SI unit with some historical variation in equivalence to modern units
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Exact conversions may differ depending on the original historical apparatus and definitions
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Not intended for precise modern scientific measurements where candela is standard
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Primarily useful for historical, conservation, and educational contexts rather than current photometric work
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does one lumen per steradian measure?
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One lumen per steradian measures luminous intensity, which quantifies visible light power emitted per unit solid angle.
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Why is the candle (pentane) unit considered historical?
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The candle (pentane) is a non-SI unit based on the light from a pentane flame used in early photometric testing and has been replaced by the candela (SI) unit.
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Can modern luminous intensity always be directly compared to candle (pentane)?
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Not exactly, as candle (pentane) values can vary slightly depending on historical definitions and apparatus, so these conversions mainly serve historical or educational purposes.
Key Terminology
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Lumen per steradian [lm/sr]
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A unit measuring luminous intensity equal to candela, representing luminous flux per unit solid angle.
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Candle (pentane)
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A historical unit of luminous intensity based on a standardized pentane flame, used before adoption of the candela.
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Luminous intensity
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The amount of visible light power emitted by a source in a particular direction per unit solid angle.