As commercial refrigeration systems evolve, multi-door and long-run refrigerated displays have become standard in supermarkets, convenience stores, and chain retail formats. These large, connected cabinets place higher demands on lighting than traditional single-door units.
In long cabinets, lighting is installed continuously across multiple doors and sections. Any inconsistency in brightness or color becomes immediately noticeable, affecting not only product presentation but also the perceived quality of the entire cabinet. For showcase manufacturers, lighting consistency is no longer optional—it is a core part of cabinet design and brand image.
Understanding SDCM: The Foundation of Color Consistency
To understand lighting consistency, it is essential to first understand SDCM (Standard Deviation of Color Matching).
SDCM is a metric based on the MacAdam ellipse system and is used to describe how much color variation exists between light sources. In simple terms, it defines how similar—or different—two LED lights appear in color when installed side by side, even if they share the same nominal color temperature (such as 4000K).
In commercial lighting applications, SDCM is commonly interpreted as:
- SDCM ≤ 3: Color differences are barely perceptible to the human eye
- SDCM 4–5: Color variation becomes noticeable, especially in continuous installations
- SDCM ≥ 6: Color inconsistency is clearly visible and often unacceptable for display use
In short or standalone cabinets, higher SDCM values may go unnoticed. However, in multi-door and long-run refrigerated displays, even small color differences are amplified when lights are installed in sequence. This can result in visible color banding or section-to-section color shifts across the cabinet.
For showcase manufacturers, poor SDCM control can create the impression of uneven quality, even when refrigeration performance itself is excellent.
The Impact of Poor Color Consistency on Showcase Design
Inconsistent lighting color across doors can affect more than aesthetics. It can:
- Disrupt visual continuity across long cabinet runs
- Make products appear different from one section to another
- Create challenges for standardized store layouts and chain replication
- Increase customer complaints and after-sales adjustments
As retailers increasingly use in-store photography, video recording, and livestreaming, lighting inconsistencies become even more visible. Cameras are far less forgiving than the human eye, making SDCM control a growing concern for modern retail environments.
Engineering Lighting Solutions for Long-Run Applications
Achieving consistent lighting in refrigerated displays requires more than selecting LEDs with the same color temperature. It involves strict binning control, stable power supply design, precise optical alignment, and controlled production processes.
At Laidishine, lighting solutions for long-run applications are designed with:
- Tight SDCM control to ensure uniform color across doors and cabinet sections
- Stable performance at low temperatures
- Optical designs that deliver even light distribution without hotspots
- Mechanical compatibility with different shelf structures and cabinet layouts
By addressing these factors at the design stage, manufacturers can avoid costly adjustments later in production or installation.
Lighting as a Strategic Component, Not Just an Accessory
In today’s commercial refrigeration market, lighting is no longer a secondary component. It plays a direct role in cabinet differentiation, product presentation, and brand perception.
By focusing on lighting consistency, SDCM control, and application-specific design, showcase manufacturers can deliver displays that look professional, reliable, and ready for modern retail environments.
At Laidishine, we see ourselves not just as an LED supplier, but as a long-term lighting partner—supporting manufacturers from design to production and beyond.
Ready to Improve Lighting Consistency in Your Refrigerated Displays?
Contact Laidishine to learn how our lighting solutions can support your next refrigerated showcase project.
Email: info@laidishine.com
Website: www.laidishine.com
