LED lighting is actively used in interior and street lighting. This is due to the advantages of LEDs over classical light sources. What types of lighting are used and how to install it will be written in the article.
LED lighting performs several functions in the interior - lighting and decor. Using LED tape, you can create unique interior solutions, highlight interesting textures, and visually separate areas of the room. In addition, LED light sources have many advantages over classic lamps.
What is Ice backlight
LED lighting is created using LED light sources. These include lamps, strips, panels and other lighting devices. LED bulbs are used to create general lighting. Multi-level ceilings and design elements are illuminated using LED strips.
Advantages and disadvantages
Lighting using LED products is actively used in the modern world. This is explained by the advantages that LEDs provide:
- stylish appearance of the product;
- high efficiency;
- efficiency;
- long service life;
- low labor intensity during installation;
- environmental friendliness;
- safety;
- functionality;
- compactness, flexibility;
- color variety.
There is only one drawback - LED sources are more expensive than their classic counterparts. But this price pays off due to long operation and low power consumption.
Application area
LED lighting is used everywhere - in apartments, in architecture, on the streets, in advertising banners. LEDs are also used in the backlighting of televisions, smartphones and tablets.
How LED light sources differ from others
We have already discussed the characteristics and benefits of LED light bulbs. Let's move on to comparing these light sources with others. Let's look at the differences from fluorescent, halogen and incandescent lamps.
Halogen lamps
The main disadvantage of such lamps is strong heating. The temperature inside the flask rises due to circulating gases. This does not happen with diode sources, because the main difference is the operating principle.
Halogen lamps can operate for up to 4,000 hours. This means that their service life is almost 10 times less than that of LED devices.
Halogen lamp for spotlight
Fluorescent lamps
The main element of a luminescent device is a tube with a phosphor. Over time, the material fades and the lamp becomes unusable. It is worth noting that it has a fairly long service life. However, the maximum operating time of the device is 20,000 hours. That is, 2.5 times less than that of LED devices.
Another argument against fluorescent devices is that over time they change color and lose brightness. This occurs precisely as a result of burnout of the phosphor.
Fluorescent lamp for lamp
Incandescent lamps
The main difference between incandescent lamps and LED products is the light element. In these devices, it is a metal spiral, which, when heated, begins to emit streams. Such products become unusable after approximately 1,000 hours of operation. However, their use is generally abandoned due to high energy consumption.
Incandescent lamp for lamps
Kinds
Ribbons vary in color. There are monochrome products, and there are multi-color ones. They also differ in the type of LEDs used – RGB or SMD.
Single color
Designated as SMD. Such products produce a luminous flux of a certain color. No additional controllers or remotes are required for operation. Single-color devices are cheaper.
Multicolor
RGB tape differs from monochrome tape in the ability to change its color. It operates in conjunction with controllers and a remote control. When a signal is sent from the remote control, the parameters change - color, lighting mode, brightness.
Main types of lamps
Types of socles
Lighting manufacturers produce products with different characteristics. You should understand these parameters before purchasing light bulbs.
There is no strict classification of lamps, but LED light sources can be divided into several large categories:
- By type of source used. There are lamps that use SMD LEDs, COB models with uniform light distribution, and heavy-duty diodes.
- At the installation location. There are street lamps and products for indoor use.
- By the type of base. Available with standard sockets E27, E14, G5.3, G10 and others.
- According to the form. There are light bulbs in the shape of a pear, candle, oval, circle and other geometric shapes.
Types of flasks - By the presence of a cooling radiator.
- By the brightness of the glow.
- By power.
- By color temperature.
Particular attention is paid to the manufacturer. In order for a lamp to meet the declared characteristics, it must be made of high-quality materials; therefore, such a device will not be cheap. Manufacturers of unknown origin may skimp on circuit elements, which will cause malfunctions during lamp operation.
Lighting method
Thanks to the flexibility of the LED strip, you can create unique lighting. With its help, you can zone a room, add volume, and highlight important details. There are 4 ways to create lighting - contour, directional, spot, figured.
Contour
All light sources in this type are located on the same line (for example, along the edge of a multi-level ceiling or on shelves). The light should be directed upward. The illumination is obtained in the form of a continuous strip of light.
Spot
Using spotlights, you can create the effect of a starry sky on the ceiling. LEDs are fixed to the ceiling according to a pre-designed pattern and directed downward.
An additional effect can be created by photo printing on PVC fabric.
Directional lighting
For directional lighting, LEDs are installed on a slope. The light should be directed along the ceiling.
Figured arrangement
In case of figured placement, diodes are installed in ceiling lamps, which are specially designed for this purpose. Such ideas are carried out by designers; ordinary technical knowledge is not enough for implementation.
How to make lighting in a house or apartment with your own hands
To create LED lighting, you need to develop a plan for placing light sources. It is necessary to take into account the size of the rooms and work areas. You also need to understand what function the light will perform. After determining the basic requirements, you should purchase the necessary equipment and begin installation.
Required components
First of all, you need to purchase the necessary components. The master will need an LED strip, a power source, a regulator, and a switch. The RGB product will also require a remote control.
LED Strip Light
The tape is usually sold in 5m reels. You first need to determine what length is required, what type is needed - monochrome or multi-color, and the density of the diodes. It is imperative to determine in which room this or that source will be installed. The choice of moisture protection class depends on this - without protection, with a medium and high degree of protection from water.
PWM regulator
PWM controllers are used to control the brightness of the tape. The device must be of high quality, otherwise flickering will be noticeable, which can cause eye fatigue and headaches.
Remote controller
RGB requires a dimmer with a remote control. It allows you to control the backlight shade, intensity, and focus.
power unit
The power source is the most important element; without it, the tape will not work. It converts the voltage in a 220 Volt outlet into the necessary power for 12 or 24 Volt LEDs. Power supplies can be sealed, semi-sealed or non-sealed - the choice depends on the microclimate in the room.
Installation of LED lighting for a room
After preparing the necessary components, you can proceed to installation. You can make the connection yourself or call a specialist.
Necessary tool
For installation you will need the following tools:
- LED strip with a full set of components;
- soldering iron;
- electrical tape or heat shrink tubing;
- knife or scissors;
- roulette;
- cables;
- Double-sided tape;
- profile.
A drill and staples may also be required.
Connection diagram
LED strips are installed in an aluminum profile.
It performs the function of removing heat from light sources. For lighting with low power, which is used for decoration, insulation is not necessary. How to do the installation:
- cut the required length from the tape;
- strip the outer conductors by 1.5 cm;
- solder 2 cables;
- insulate the connection point;
- glue the ICE tape to the profile using double-sided tape;
- install the power supply nearby, connect it to the tape, observing the polarity (especially important for RGB products);
- hide the wires in a plastic box;
- connect the switch.
Next, the functionality of the assembled circuit is checked.
What is needed to connect the tape to the facade of the house
LED strip can be used not only in internal, but also in external lighting.
For street lighting you need to know how to choose the right strip and power supply. They must have a high level of moisture and dust resistance, and be in a sealed housing that can withstand any weather. Installation on a building can be done in two ways:
- Making holes in the plastic wall with which the tape will be fixed.
- In brick buildings, installation is more difficult. The tape is installed at the corners of the building and stretched to the maximum possible condition. After this, holes are made in the wall into which the tape is fixed using special fasteners.
Installation work must be carried out carefully so as not to damage the LED strip and components.
"Flexible neon" and matching styles
LED lighting will fit perfectly into many interior styles, highlighting their character and enhancing their color. For example, a cold, cosmic glow is suitable for high-tech, especially if the backlight is used to outline a plasma screen, home theater, or panoramic window. The shining lines, however, should remain strict, deliberately sharp. The interior, illuminated in this way, takes on a completely futuristic appearance.
A not very powerful, warm-colored diode strip will add partial shade and relief to loft rooms, making the character of this style somewhat softer and more comfortable.
The thick diode glow in the disco style will become a harmonious part of the pop art style setting.
And local lighting of niches, art objects and accessories will enliven and add energy to the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles - however, it should be dim and flow around objects smoothly.
Fans of neoclassical and minimalist styles also have the right to diversify their decor using LED cords and strips. But in these cases, of course, the decor must be restrained and laconic.
Precautionary measures
When working with electrical products, it is important to follow safety precautions. First of all, you need to carefully consider the choice of power supply. It must have a safety margin for load. It must also meet the operating conditions. The device must not be placed in a damp room or outdoors without a high degree of sealing.
It is also worth noting that for every 5 meters of tape there should be 1 power source.
Do not place mechanical stress on the device. Bends and pressure can lead to rapid failure.
When operating the tape, it is important not to exceed the permissible power supply and temperature conditions. Increased voltage leads to premature failure of the device. High temperatures also negatively affect LED crystals, leading to their degradation.
If you have no experience with installing LED strips, it is better to entrust the installation to a specialist. Incorrect installation may result in equipment failure.
Installation nuances
It is important to note that the installation procedure for RGB and SMD tapes is different. Connecting a multi-color product is more complicated - you need to connect the power supply to the controller, then the tape itself. When connecting multi-color tape, polarity must be observed. If you confuse plus and minus, the LEDs will burn out and you will have to change the light source.
The tape should only be cut in the marked places. When cutting, it is important not to damage the conductive tracks and LEDs. The connection must be made by soldering or using special connectors selected for a specific type of tape.
When installing the product on the ceiling, it is important to make sure that it is not visible from below. To do this, use cornices or make special projections from plasterboard. It is recommended to use LEDs on a matte ceiling. They are reflected from the glossy surface as if in a mirror, and even minor dirt will be noticeable.
LED lighting is a profitable and stylish way to illuminate interior spaces, advertising posters, building facades, and monuments. LEDs are actively used due to their advantages - they save energy, provide high efficiency and work for a long time if operating conditions are met. Using an LED strip, you can create unique lighting, highlight decorative elements and create room zoning. Installing the LED strip is not difficult, but you need to have skills in working with a soldering iron.
Bathroom
The main criterion by which bathroom fixtures are selected is good dust and moisture protection. Each lighting device has its own IP index, which is responsible for its ability to resist the effects of high air humidity, dust and dirt, and water. Products marked with the number 44 are suitable for “wet areas”. They are not afraid of accidental splashes, the internal contents are well protected from corrosion.
Since the bathroom is not large in size, its arrangement is limited to one ceiling lamp or several spotlights. Also, the mirror and cabinet, the side of the bathroom can be highlighted with lighting.
When creating a composition in one room, choose products from the same collection or those that are as close in style as possible. By wisely using the range of modern LED lamps, you can create a unique, atmospheric interior in your rooms without special expenses.
