RGB Cylinder Lights

Size and Output

RGBW cylinders in this range run from 2 inches to 6 inches in diameter. Output scales accordingly: the 2 inch produces around 300 lumens at 6W, the 4 inch around 900 lumens at 15W, and the 6 inch around 1,200 lumens at 20W. The up and down models push more, at roughly 2,400 lumens from 24W.

Worth setting expectations here: color-capable fixtures produce less light in color mode than in white mode, because only some of the diodes are firing. Size for the white-light requirement first, then treat color as the secondary function.

Downlight or Up and Down

A downlight-only cylinder puts all its output on the surface below, which suits accent work over a bar, a counter or a display. An up and down model emits from both ends, washing the wall above and below the fixture — a much stronger effect when color is the point, because you see the color on the wall rather than just a pool on the floor. If the reason for choosing RGBW is visual impact, the up and down models are usually the right call.

Indoor or Outdoor

Most fixtures here are interior-rated. If the installation is on a building exterior, choose a model with a wet location rating and appropriate IP rating rather than assuming an indoor fixture will cope. Our outdoor cylinder lights collection covers exterior-rated options more broadly.

Control

Control method varies between manufacturers, so check the individual product page before you specify. This matters more than it does with standard white fixtures: color control is the whole point of the purchase, and the method determines whether staff can change a scene easily or whether it needs commissioning. Confirm what the fixture supports and what hardware, app or wiring it requires before ordering.

What is the difference between RGB and RGBW?

An RGB fixture creates white by mixing red, green and blue diodes at full output, which produces a white that often looks thin and renders colors poorly. An RGBW fixture adds a fourth, dedicated white diode, so white light comes from a source designed to produce it. If the fixture needs to serve as everyday lighting and not just a color effect, RGBW is the one to specify.

Can RGBW cylinder lights be used as normal white lighting?

Yes, and that is the main argument for them. The dedicated white channel means the fixture can run as standard white lighting day to day, with color available when it is wanted. Fixtures also vary in the range of white they produce — some offer a single white and others a tunable range — so check the specification if color temperature control matters to you.

Are RGBW cylinders as bright as standard white cylinders?

In white mode they are comparable for their size, but output drops in color mode because only some of the diodes are active. Size the fixture around the white-light requirement, then treat color as the secondary function. If a space needs a specific light level for tasks or safety, do not rely on the color output to deliver it.

What sizes do RGBW cylinder lights come in?

This collection covers 2 inch, 4 inch and 6 inch diameters, in round and square profiles, in black or white finish. Output runs from around 300 lumens on the 2 inch up to roughly 2,400 lumens on the up and down models.

Can RGBW cylinder lights be installed outdoors?

Only the models rated for it. An indoor-rated fixture will not survive on a building exterior. Look for a wet location rating and an IP rating suited to the conditions, and check the voltage: some fixtures here are 120V only while others accept 120–277V.

How are RGBW cylinder lights controlled?

Control varies by manufacturer, so confirm it on the product page before ordering. This is the detail most worth checking on a color-capable fixture, because it determines who can change a scene and how. Make sure the control method suits the people who will operate it day to day, and that any required hardware or wiring is accounted for in the install.

What brands of RGBW cylinder lights do you carry?

This collection features RGBW cylinders from Westgate Manufacturing and ASD Lighting. For standard white fixtures, our full LED cylinder lights collection covers a wider range of brands, sizes and mounting options.