Installation of LED lamps. LED ceiling light fixture: selection and installation. Ceiling installation

The level of demand for LED lighting is constantly growing, both in industrial and residential areas. This fact is explained by the fact that the installation of LED lamps allows to reduce the amount of electricity consumed and, at the same time, to avoid the harmful radiation effect characteristic of other types of lighting devices.

The functionality and safety of operation of such lamps depends on how competently their installation was carried out. Do not perform the process yourself or trust incompetent craftsmen.

To provide high-grade illumination, the complex professional approach to its arrangement is necessary. We recommend the specialists of our company. You can get acquainted with the portfolio of electricians of the "Leader Services" company in the "Masters" section.

Stages of arranging LED lighting

In order for the installation of LED luminaires to be able to maximize the use of their light resource, the workflow must be carefully thought out and prepared.

When choosing fixtures, you need to consider:

  • their purpose - wall, ceiling, street, landscape;
  • operating conditions - internal, external;
  • device power.

And if we are talking about a lighting device in a room, then its area, height and type of ceiling construction are also taken into account.

Unlike traditional light sources, LED devices can be placed on any surface of the room - along the perimeter of the ceiling, floor, or built into furniture. But first you need to bring the wiring. Therefore, it is most convenient to combine the process with general repair work. Especially if you plan to replace the fixtures with LEDs.

When arranging LED lighting in a suspended ceiling, it is very important to ensure the safety of its operation - use a corrugation or a metal hose to install power wires, as well as connect circuit breakers.

Our specialists will be happy to install LED lamps, as well as quickly and efficiently perform other types of electrical work for you.

"Leader of Services" - we work for you

"Leader Services" is a company operating in Moscow. Our activity consists in the professional performance of works that are encountered in everyday life - repair, household, plumbing, electrical installation, etc. The full list is in the "Services and prices" section.

The company employs highly qualified specialists. All of them are citizens of the Russian Federation with a high degree of professional skills. Your applications are processed within an hour after they are submitted on the site.

Electricity in our days has become the basis of all human civilization in general and of an individual small person in particular. Industry, culture, transport, everyday life - everything is based on electricity and confidently crowds out all other types of energy.

However, there is a fair fly in the ointment in this huge barrel of honey - the constantly growing cost of electricity, which puts an unbearable burden on the consumer. The steady increase in the cost of energy resources, the need to save them, the acute problem of nature conservation have forced mankind to use several methods to reduce electricity costs while maintaining efficiency.

LEDs

One way to reduce costs in the twenty-first century is the widespread use of LEDs as household lamps. Easy to install, easy to use, not harmful to humans and the environment, they displace compact electric energy-saving lamps that aroused interest just yesterday. For example, a 36W LED illuminator is able to work effectively for indoor lighting of industrial and domestic rooms and offices. Aesthetic appearance, stylish design, effective light output - 80 Lm/W. Operating time - thirty thousand hours.

Device

The structure of the lamp consists of a complex of LEDs that correspond to the total power of a conventional lamp, a control circuit, a metal or plastic housing with a reflector. LED energy lamps used in everyday life are equipped with a conventional E14 or E27 base. Which is convenient for replacing the old conventional incandescent lamps. The number of LEDs may vary - from one to the whole complex, combined in one chain and connected to the control circuit through an electric power supply. Ceiling LEDs, for example, have such a structure.

Cooling

Since the LED generates a large amount of heat during the workload, it must be cooled. Radiators, to which LEDs are attached, do a good job of neutralizing the effect of heat. However, it should be noted that in the area where the LED and the cooling radiator come into contact, a special thermal paste with good heat transfer must be used. Otherwise, with regular overheating of the element in question, its service life is greatly reduced. However, the installation of LED lamps takes into account such disadvantages. Everything is included in this process.

Specialization

Due to the many tasks and the difference in configuration, the installation of LED lamps is divided into several types:

  • ordinary linear;
  • household ceiling;
  • wall sconces;
  • industrial increased power;
  • spotlights ordinary and specialized;
  • underwater execution (for various types of reservoirs);
  • LED controllers (for creating color dynamics, in particular, at discos or concert performances).

Motion sensors can be included in the kit of fixtures to significantly increase the life of the LEDs, which are used only at the time when it is needed. Such equipment functions perfectly in the entrances of houses, extensive corridors of office premises. And also in other places where constant lighting is not necessary.

Ready-made fixtures are sold, which are equipped with radiators designed for existing LEDs. If there are not enough skills for self-installation, you can apply existing solutions and buy, in particular, an LED device for the home - complete LEDs on radiators. They are combined into a building, which can be a decoration for every apartment. Most often, it is created. Installing it, depending on the type of installation work, is quite simple and cheap.

linear lamp

Linear LED luminaires, which are increasingly integrated into the electrical system of residential buildings and industrial buildings, are playing an increasingly important role in everyday life. They have become an inseparable part of interior design. These devices are widely used in the installation of various types of ceilings, in creating wall designs and some interior elements.


Therefore, the installation of linear LED luminaires is becoming a common mass phenomenon. This attachment stems from the fact that good lighting plays a significant role in creating a comfortable microclimate in every room. Proper lighting is necessary not only in terms of eye comfort, but also to emphasize the specificity and beauty of the style.

LED lighting makes a big difference:

  • hide the flaws of the room, showing its best advantages with the help of a small light spot;
  • will support the illumination of the design of the room;
  • will build good coverage of individual books and book rows;
  • provide illumination of the working area in the kitchen;
  • highlight the uniqueness of each exhibition;
  • can shine both inside and outside any industrial premises.

With the help of mounted linear luminaires, it is possible to realize the most original ideas of the designer.

Ceiling lamps

Built-in LED ceiling lights and panels replace all types of luminaires on fluorescent lamps, as well as other types of built-in household lights.

The leading benefits of building lighting with LED ceiling lights and panels will be:

  • significant energy savings and, consequently, a reduction in monthly electricity costs;
  • long service life (up to fifty thousand hours - this is a very, very long time in fact);
  • no need to constantly replace non-working lamps, as well as legislative prohibitions on a special program for the elimination of LED technology;
  • reduction of cooling costs in the warm season.


It should be pointed out that installing LED downlights on the ceiling generally gives better brightness than the same fixtures with fluorescent lamps used in office spaces. Thanks to more efficient operation, LED lamps will consume about one-third less energy.

Another important element of the device is the power supply. It is he who provides a bright and continuous burning of the LED lamp. If you use low-quality power supplies, the lamp may flicker when burning, which is very harmful to the eyes. This is the so-called strobe effect, which is used in nightclubs in discos. The power supply contains an electronic type transformer, which is most prone to breakage, but has a small size, which is very convenient for flush mounting.

Also, induction-type transformers can be built into the power supplies. These transformers are the most reliable and have a lower price compared to electronic transformers. Induction transformers are characterized by high weight and size. Drawing a conclusion from the above, the radiator and power supply must be selected depending on the place where the lamp will be installed.

Departure of the master in Moscow - FREE OF CHARGE.

LED lamps are promising devices for lighting in almost all conditions: outdoor or indoor at acceptable high temperatures and low temperatures.

Advantages of using LED lamps:

1. The service life of this technology is about 8 years (possibly more), when compared with fluorescent lamps, this is 4-16 times longer;
2. There is no inertia in the LED installation, which is also important (that is, the light lights up immediately after switching on and at full power);
3. Safety of use;
4. High strength;
5. Small size, which allows you to make the lighting system the most compact;
6. Ceiling chandelier with LED lighting does not flicker;
7. Minimum infrared and ultraviolet radiation;
8. There is no release of mercury vapor;
9. Slight heat generation;

10. Light is directed to one sphere.

They instantly turn off and on without the inertia that is characteristic of other lamps, the quality of their illumination does not depend on the number and frequency of switching on. Therefore, motion sensors can be installed on street LED lamps, which can successfully save electricity.

LED lamps are divided into types:

Linear
- ceiling
- wall
- industrial
- searchlights
- underwater version (for pools and fountains)
- LED controllers (for the implementation of color dynamics, for example, at discos or concert performances)

Installation of LED lamps, at first glance, is nothing complicated. And, perhaps, it is exactly what it is, if you have enough experience and the necessary tool. However, for a large number of people, the installation of LED lamps turns out to be a very difficult task, and in fact very often the operation of this equipment depends on this.

What you need to know about the installation of LED lamps?


It would be better to order the installation of LED lamps from real professional craftsmen who work in our company. Our highly qualified specialists will always: Carry out all the work efficiently and quickly, as well as at the most affordable price. The solution of the tasks set by the client is always approached responsibly. They have extensive experience. They have all the necessary tools for the job.

To replace a spotlight bulb, you must:

Turn off the voltage in the room or in the apartment;
- carefully remove the retaining ring that holds the protective glass;
- carefully remove the failed lamp and replace it with a new one;
- put the glass back in place and fix it with a retaining ring.

Required tool:


LED lights;
- plastic rings;
- fishing line (used to establish mounts);
- metal hangers;
- terminals;
- transformer;
- knife.

By entrusting the installation of LED lamps to our highly qualified specialists, you can always count on a high-quality result, as well as the quick completion of any work. We issue a mandatory one-year warranty for all types of services provided. Departure of our master is carried out within 1 or 2 hours, which allows us to solve even emergency situations.

Modern design often involves the presence of which is not difficult, but requires certain knowledge. Such devices are more often used as auxiliary elements that highlight certain zones, but if necessary, they can act as the main sources. LED technology is one of the most promising areas of artificial lighting, so it is worth paying attention to.

Why did appliances become popular in such a short time?

Recently, traditional incandescent lamps are gradually losing demand. In modern premises, LED lamps are increasingly being installed, which have many important advantages over conventional counterparts. They are listed below:

  • economical use of electrical energy;
  • the possibility of obtaining special spectral characteristics without any light filters;
  • compact dimensions that allow you to successfully place devices in the interior;
  • lack of inertia during the operation of the circuit breaker;
  • high level of safety during operation;
  • providing directional radiation without a reflector.

Some consumers will be deterred only by the cost of devices. Unlike the prices for traditional appliances, it is higher, but in the process of long-term operation, it is possible to save money.

Tools and fixtures for work

During installation, the following tools and auxiliary elements are used:

  • tape measure at least 5 m long;
  • ladder for climbing to a height;
  • wire cutters;
  • drill with a nozzle for making holes;
  • insulating tape;
  • junction box;
  • stationery knife;
  • power supply (when using low-voltage devices);
  • switch.

Marking and laying cables

The distribution of wiring begins immediately after the acquisition of all elements of the system that were reflected in the estimate. Installation of LED lamps requires competent thinking over the cable layout. After its preparation, the markings are applied directly to the ceiling.

First, the place where the new electrical circuit will be connected is determined. The junction box is installed here. When using low-voltage devices, a power supply unit is purchased separately, the power of which must correspond to the total indicators of all devices.

When installing a suspended structure, the wires are distributed only after the assembly of the metal frame. For protection against electric shock and possible replacement, the cables are best placed in a corrugated pipe made of plastic or metal. The material is selected taking into account the level of flammability of the supporting elements.

Making holes

When installing overhead LED luminaires, there are no special requirements for openings, but they must be located at the location of the frame jumpers in order to be able to attach them. Built-in appliances can be located between the supporting structural elements.

A tape measure is used to accurately determine the installation location. If necessary, you can attach a sheet of finishing material, marking with a pencil the areas with the location of the lighting devices. A hole in drywall or plastic is cut with a special nozzle or a clerical knife.

Connection and installation

When the openings for the devices are ready, it is necessary to expose the wires protruding from them. One core is connected to the corresponding terminal of the lighting device, and the other is twisted directly with the power cable. The joints must be wrapped with insulating tape. To simplify the work, most models are equipped with markings.

When installing recessed LED luminaires, the brackets located at the edges should be pressed against the ceiling. After tensioning them, inserting the device into the hole made is not difficult. They must securely hold the device inside throughout the entire period of operation.

When installing overhead products, a connection is made to the main cables, after which the lower part is screwed through the facing material directly to the crate. After the fixation is completed, the internal cavity is closed with a special cover.

Before installing LED lamps, in any case, it is necessary to count the number of lighting elements in the room. With incorrect calculations, you can spoil the visual perception of the intended design. It is necessary to determine the role of devices in the interior and the required level of illumination.

The simplest method of calculations does not require knowledge of special formulas or features of complex calculations. It is based on the optimal level of illumination directly for a square meter. Usually, 20 W of traditional incandescent lamps is enough for these purposes.

Product location rules

It is necessary to deal with the layout of lighting fixtures in compliance with certain recommendations, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve the maximum effect. The rules for installing LED lamps are as follows:

  1. The optimal distance between adjacent lighting elements can be considered an indent from 100 to 150 cm. As for the minimum allowable gap, it should be 300 mm.
  2. The devices must not be installed in the immediate vicinity of a wall. It is necessary to retreat from the side surface of at least 20 cm. It is also not recommended to mount the devices in the corners of the room.
  3. There are the most successful layouts for LED devices. The first of them consists in the arrangement of elements along the perimeter, and the second - in a checkerboard pattern.

In conclusion about the cost of installation work

The final price of installing LED lamps may depend on many factors, but in standard situations, you can start from the data presented in a simple table. It shows the cost of the work being done.

The table below gives a rough idea of ​​how much you can save by connecting LED lights yourself.

The constant increase in the cost of energy resources, the need to save them, the urgency of preserving the environment have prompted humanity to use LEDs as light sources. Easy to install, easy to use, not having a negative impact on humans and nature in general, they are gradually replacing the recently popular compact energy-saving lamps.

So, in order to understand the advantages of LED lamps, you need to understand what they consist of and what their principle of operation is.

LED lamp device

The lamp consists of a set of LEDs that correspond to the total power of the lamp, a control circuit and a body with a reflector. LED lamps intended for domestic use are equipped with a standard E14 or E27 base to replace conventional incandescent lamps. The number of LEDs can be different - from one to several dozen, included in one chain and connected to the control circuit through a power supply.

Since the LED emits a significant amount of heat during its operation, it must be cooled. Radiators, to which LEDs are attached, do an excellent job of dissipating heat. It should be noted that a special thermal paste must be used at the point of contact between the LED and the heatsink, which ensures good heat transfer. Otherwise, with constant overheating of the LED, its service life is significantly reduced.

The photo shows several types of radiators for LEDs.

LED lamp circuit

The usual scheme for driving LEDs in a luminaire looks like this:

A quenching resistor and capacitance are installed at the input - they play the role of a step-down power supply. Further, since the LEDs are powered only by direct current, a diode bridge is installed that converts the alternating voltage to direct current. In the presented circuit, all the LEDs are connected in series, but this is not the only way to connect them. These "bulbs" can be connected in parallel to each other or in a mixed way, as shown below.

Parallel connection of LEDs. Be sure to connect a current-limiting resistor in series with each lamp to protect the LED from breakdown.

Mixed connection of LEDs. In this case, each group of series-connected lamps is connected in parallel with respect to each other.

The disadvantage of a serial connection is that if one element of the circuit fails, the entire assembly will not be able to work, since an open circuit has formed in the circuit. If the LED does not just burn out, but breaks down, then the circuit will not break, but since the supply voltage has remained unchanged, and the number of consumers has decreased, they will all start to work with overload and eventually burn out. This also applies to mixed connection schemes. The most reliable in this case is the parallel connection of the LED lamp, even if half of the lamps fail, it will be able to continue to perform its functions, albeit not at full strength. But such schemes are the most expensive, so they are used quite rarely.

How to assemble an LED lamp?

Thanks to modern technology and the variety of LEDs that are sold in electrical stores and building supermarkets, it is not difficult to assemble a lamp from LEDs. First you need to decide what type of lighting is preferable for the selected room. For example, if this is a corridor in the hallway, then there is no need to install spotlights, but it will be more aesthetically pleasing to use an LED strip, which can be mounted independently by gluing it around the perimeter of the ceiling.

It is sold completely ready for installation, on the one hand its end is closed with a plug that protects the contacts from oxidation, and the other has lead wires that are connected to the power supply with polarity. Depending on the length of the tape and, accordingly, its power, it is necessary to select a power supply unit (LED driver) that could power the entire chain without overloading. Up to 60 LEDs can be placed in one meter of such a tape. As a rule, choose a power supply that has a power of 10-15% higher than the rated load. Such devices are highly discouraged from being closed in small niches with limited ventilation, as LED drivers can generate a significant amount of heat during their operation. As an option - use power supplies with forced ventilation.

If the LED strip is quite suitable for the hallway, then for the hall or bedroom it will be too inefficient as the main lighting. It is used as a backlight in large rooms, and the main lamps are placed on the ceiling or walls for maximum comfort. When planning LED lighting, you need to take into account the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the height of the ceilings in it, the shades of the surface of the walls and, accordingly, the power of the lamps. When the entire set of equipment is purchased, they begin to assemble the fixtures.

To do this, an LED is fixed on a heatsink with applied thermal paste. If the area of ​​the radiator allows you to remove heat from several lamps, it is allowed to fix the nominal number of LEDs on it. How LED lamps are selected, articles on the Internet describe this process in sufficient detail. The main thing you need to pay attention to is their power and size. So, SMD LEDs are considered one of the most popular. They are labeled smd3528/1210, smd5050/5060 and smd5070 (the most powerful). The numbers in the marking of the LEDs indicate their size. For example, smd5050 is 5x5mm and smd5070 is 5x7mm. Due to their small size, such LEDs are used almost everywhere: in LED strips and lamps, in rulers and in other lighting fixtures.

LED lamps are divided into types:

  • linear,
  • ceiling,
  • wall,
  • industrial,
  • spotlights,
  • underwater version (for pools and fountains),
  • LED controllers (for the implementation of color dynamics, for example, at discos or concert performances).

Luminaires can be equipped with motion sensors to significantly increase the life of the LEDs, which turn on only when necessary. Such equipment works great in the entrances of houses, long corridors of offices and in other places where constant lighting is not necessary.

There are ready-made fixtures that are equipped with radiators designed for the LEDs installed in it. If knowledge for self-assembly is not enough, then you can use ready-made solutions and purchase, for example, an LED lamp for the home - assembled LEDs on radiators. They are enclosed in a case that can be a decoration for any apartment.

Installation of the LED lamp

A variety of lamps with LEDs allows you to use them in almost any place, including rooms with high humidity. But LED lamps emit a significant amount of heat during their operation, so their installation in the kitchen above the hob should be excluded. From additional heating and poor heat dissipation, the LEDs will not last long and quickly fail.

LED lamps have proved to be excellent in living rooms and bedrooms. They are great and without any problems mounted on any surface. This is how, for example, the installation of an LED lamp on a stretch ceiling takes place:

Guided by this simple scheme, such lamps are installed in the same way on plasterboard suspended ceilings.

But if in the room in which it is planned to install LED lighting, the ceilings are a monolithic concrete slab, then it is necessary to choose overhead or suspended lamps.

In this case, the LED lamp or its suspended structure is fixed directly to the concrete surface using special holes in the housing or other devices.

Connecting an LED spotlight

Attention! All work related to connecting the luminaires to the mains must be carried out with the power turned off, in order to avoid electric shock!

Of course, in order to connect a spotlight, it is necessary to lay current-carrying wires to the place of its installation. If it is planned to install a suspended or stretch ceiling, then in this case the wire is pulled into a corrugated plastic sleeve, which, in turn, is fixed with brackets on the ceiling.

After laying all the wires and installing LED drivers in a place convenient for their maintenance with good ventilation, a false ceiling is mounted. Next, holes are carefully cut out in it, corresponding to the diameter of the lamps, and the wires are carefully removed, which are connected to the terminals of the lamp. After connecting the lamp, it is installed in the cut hole, being careful not to break the lamp or damage the stretch ceiling film. Moreover, if the ceiling in the room is stretched, then thermal rings are necessarily installed on the lamp, which prevent the film from overheating. But for plasterboard ceilings, this procedure is not required.

Connection is made according to the scheme:

If the assembly of the fixtures and their connection is done correctly, then when voltage is applied to the power supplies, the lamps should light up.

How to replace a spot lamp in a lamp?

Of course, manufacturers of LED lamps claim a huge lifespan for their products, but if used improperly, LEDs can significantly reduce their lifespan and require replacement.

To replace a spotlight bulb, you must:

  • turn off the voltage in the room or in the apartment;
  • carefully remove the retaining ring that holds the protective glass;
  • carefully remove the failed lamp and replace it with a new one;
  • put the glass back in place and secure it with the circlip.

Replacement of lamps should be done with cotton gloves, so as not to damage the LED and not to leave grease on its surface, which is on our fingers.

After performing these operations, you can apply voltage and enjoy the results of your work.

Prices for new buildings, mortgaged apartments for young families. You can choose the layout of the apartments to your liking. Balashikha apartments are an excellent choice.

The choice of lighting in the apartment is one of the most important in terms of room design. And as the best option, it is quite possible to consider LED ceiling lights - easy to install, practical, efficient and presentable looking. Despite not the lowest cost, these lamps are now beginning to displace traditional incandescent lamps from the market. That is why we decided to consider this type of lighting fixtures in as much detail as possible.

LED lamps: device and features

The device of LED lamps

To understand the advantages that an overhead ceiling lamp has, it is possible only after a thorough analysis of the features of its operation. So let's figure out how the classic LED ceiling lamp works?

  • The basis of any LED lamp (whether built-in or overhead) is a lamp, which is a set of several LEDs. The number and type of LEDs used are the main factors that determine the power of the lamp, and as a result, the power of the luminaire itself;
  • The number of LEDs in one lamp can be different: some lamps use lamps with one LED, others - lamps with several dozen LED light elements;
  • As a rule, all the LEDs of one lamp are included in a single circuit, which is connected to the control circuit through the power supply;
  • Another mandatory element included in the design of a luminaire based on LED lamps is a radiator. The thing is that during operation, the LED lamp generates heat that requires mandatory removal.

Therefore, ceiling lights, both overhead and recessed in the stream, are necessarily equipped with radiators of various types (see).

Note! High-quality heat transfer from the LED lamp to the radiator is provided by a special thermal paste. This thermal paste requires periodic replacement, since when overheated, the LED lamp quickly fails.

Features of connecting LEDs in a luminaire

As for the wiring diagram for LEDs in an LED lamp, there are several options. Therefore, if you do not plan to install a ready-made ceiling lamp bought in a store, but are going to mount it yourself from the LEDs at your disposal - read the information below carefully:

  • Serial connection of LEDs - Quite common, but with a number of disadvantages. According to this principle, LEDs are connected in many lamps of industrial production;
  • Parallel connection of LEDs is also possible. When connecting LED lamps in parallel, we connect current-limiting resistors in series to each lamp. The main task of these resistors is to protect the LEDs from breakdown;
  • Mixed connection of LEDs. When connecting LEDs in a mixed circuit, groups of several series-connected light elements (LED lamps) are connected in parallel to each other. This scheme is also widely used in LED lamps for home and office.
  • The choice of the scheme by which the lamp is assembled is determined by the advantages and disadvantages of one or another connection method.

Serial connection is the least financially expensive (there is no need to use a large number of resistors), but it is also the most vulnerable. If one of the elements fails, the entire lamp stops working due to a break in the circuit.

In addition, for LED lamps with serial connection, another problem is relevant - if the LED does not just burn out, but breaks down, then the circuit is not interrupted. In this case, the rest of the LEDs included in the ceiling lamp burn out quickly enough from operation under overload conditions.

This problem is irrelevant for parallel connection - even if some of the LED elements fail, LED lamps continue to work, albeit not at full capacity. Only their high cost limits the distribution of luminaires with parallel connection.

LED lights in your home

Benefits of LED ceiling lights

Modern fixtures - overhead, built-in and spot - are significantly different from all other lighting fixtures. Accordingly, in comparison with them, LED lamps have both advantages and disadvantages.
First, let's analyze what benefits the installation of LED lamps will provide you with.:

  • First of all, surface-mounted, wall-mounted and recessed luminaires are characterized by low energy consumption. An LED lamp consumes 10 times less electricity than an incandescent lamp and three times less than a fluorescent lamp that provides the same level of illumination. Those. installation of LED lamps gives you the opportunity to significantly reduce energy costs for lighting a house or apartment;
  • Secondly, the LED lamps used in the fixtures have a nominal lifespan of about one hundred thousand hours (corresponding to approximately 11 years of continuous operation). Therefore, it is necessary to change the lamps that are equipped with ceiling lights much less often;
  • In addition, LED lamps do not contain mercury, which makes them absolutely safe from an environmental point of view.

In addition to all of the above, the advantages of overhead LED lamps include ease of installation. Unlike recessed luminaires, which can only be mounted during large-scale repairs (for example, when installing a slatted ceiling in a bathroom with your own hands), a surface-mounted luminaire can be mounted on any ceiling in just a few minutes.

Disadvantages of LED lamps

However, in addition to the above list of advantages, overhead LED ceiling lights have a number of disadvantages compared to other lighting fixtures:

  • The first and main disadvantage of LED lamps is their high cost. At the price of both home and office lamps (for example, Armstrong lamps) are 6-8 times higher than models with fluorescent lamps that are similar in efficiency;

Cree LED fixtures are some of the best, but at the same time they are some of the most expensive.

  • The next drawback is the gradual "degradation" of the fixtures. Inexpensive models of LED lamps may lose their brightness over time (after 3-5 years of intensive use). And if we take into account that investments in LED lamps due to energy savings pay off in an average of five years, then this drawback can be considered very significant;

Note! In order to partially insure against such situations, overhead ceiling lights should be purchased only if they have the appropriate certificate and guarantee. As a rule, the warranty period declared by the manufacturer is 5 years.

Also, the disadvantages of LED lamps include an unpleasant spectrum of light emitted by them. In addition, the light from such luminaires is quite narrowly directed, and if you use LED ceiling luminaires - overhead or built into a false ceiling, then you may need to install more light points per unit area.

Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of such lamps, we can observe almost parity: somewhere, LEDs are devastatingly superior to incandescent lamps, and somewhere they are significantly inferior to them. That is why it is necessary to make the choice “for” or “against” with the utmost care.

Where to install the LED lamp

One of the most important factors when choosing an LED lamp is its placement in the apartment.

Let's try to figure out where we will install LED lamps?

  • Bedroom. Here, the LED lamp is perhaps the least suitable. Sufficiently sharp light from LED lamps will contrast with the whole atmosphere of this room, therefore it is better to refuse LEDs for the bedroom;
  • Living room. Installing an overhead LED lamp is quite possible - but only on condition that the lamp fits into the overall design of the room. Therefore, for a high-tech living room, LEDs are quite applicable, but for a classic living room, we say a resolute “no!”;
  • Kitchen. Here, the LED lamp can be used not as a main light, but as a directional backlight. For example, an overhead LED lamp can be installed above a sink or stove to provide bright light when cooking or washing dishes.

Note! Installing the lamp in the immediate vicinity of the burners of the stove (at a distance of 1 meter or less) is undesirable, since heat dissipation from the LED is disturbed in heated air, and the lamp burns out quickly enough.

  • Bathroom. Here, the LED lamp will also be quite appropriate (naturally, adjusted for the design of the room). For example, before you start making a slatted ceiling in the bathroom with your own hands, you can provide for the installation of an overhead lamp, and bring the wires into the space behind the ceiling in advance.

Also, overhead LED lamps - ceiling and wall - can be installed in outbuildings: garages, workshop sheds. Outdoor lighting of a private house can also be arranged using LED lights and spotlights.

Installation of LED lamps

Required accessories

In order for the overhead LED lamp to work as efficiently as possible, when connecting, it is necessary to check the presence and performance of a number of components.

In some models, they are built into the luminaire body, while in others they require a separate installation:

  • Radiator - we talked about its need above. Even if we mount a surface luminaire on a suspended or slatted ceiling, the radiator must provide effective heat dissipation;
  • The power supply is a very important element that ensures the effective glow of the lamp. The use of low-quality power supplies can lead to flickering of the lamp and the appearance of a “strobe effect”.

In power supplies, electronic and induction type transformers are used. The former are smaller and lighter (which is important for flush mounting), but are prone to breakage. Unlike electronic induction transformers for LED lamps, they are more reliable and cheaper, but they have large dimensions and weight.

As a result, both the radiator and the power supply must be selected based on the place where the lamp is connected.

Features of mounting fixtures on the ceiling

Overhead ceiling lights based on LEDs are most often produced in housings equipped with everything necessary for mounting. As a rule, a luminaire of this type is quite easily mounted on a ceiling made of a variety of materials using simple fasteners - turboprops or dowels with metal or plastic sleeves (see).

Depending on the specific model, the installation of overhead fixtures from different manufacturers may vary.

In general, the installation process is as follows:

  • At the chosen place, in the immediate vicinity of the output of the wires for lighting, we drill holes for the mounting plate (this process can be seen in detail in the video instructions);
  • Holes for fastening must be made in a solid base. If the hole under the mounting plate falls into the void (the drill of the perforator characteristically “falls through” without encountering resistance), it is advisable to re-drill the hole a little to the side;

Pay attention! When making holes for attaching the mounting plate, you must be very careful not to damage the wiring with a puncher drill.

  • We fix the mounting plate with dowels;
  • If the luminaire is not mounted on a solid base, then it is necessary to first provide a fixture for the luminaire. For example, before installing a slatted ceiling in the bathroom, in the video instructions, it is recommended to fix the bars on the ceiling, into which the mounting plate of the lamp is then attached.
  • Having turned off the electricity on the meter or RCD (residual current device), we connect the contacts of the lamp to the electrical wiring. Most industrial LED luminaires are equipped for this with terminal blocks that facilitate connection (see);

  • We put the body of the connected lamp on the lugs of the mounting plate and fix it with screws;

Advice! Very often, in such situations, a long screwdriver, the tip of which is made of a magnetic alloy, helps: with its help you can fix fairly small screws in hard-to-reach fasteners.

  • We put on transparent parts (cap or protective glass) on the fixed body of the lamp and check its performance.

Summing up all of the above, we can state: due to their characteristics, LED ceiling lights will be an excellent solution for lighting a number of rooms in a house or apartment. And if you choose the optimal model and install it correctly, then you are guaranteed bright and economical lighting for many years!

The issue of lighting their own housing always worries the owners of apartments and private houses. Energy carriers are constantly growing in price, traditional lighting methods negatively affect the environment, and the usual lamps themselves are not very convenient and efficient. All these factors contribute to the increasing popularity of LED lighting, which is easy to install and operate, as well as environmentally friendly and economical. In this article, LED lamps and the technology for their installation will be considered.

The device of LED lamps

The LED lamp, as the name implies, consists of LEDs, the number of which varies from one to several dozen. These elements always correspond to the total power of the lamp, the control circuit and the device body. Luminaires that are intended for domestic use are equipped with an E14 or E27 base, which are completely identical to the bases of traditional incandescent lamps.


All LEDs in the lamp are connected to the same circuit, which, in turn, is connected to the control circuit and the power supply. During operation, LED elements generate thermal energy. Heatsinks are used as coolers, which are usually installed directly under the LEDs. To increase the cooling efficiency, the connection area of ​​these parts is covered with thermal paste.

LED lamp circuit

The input part of the circuit is a place to install a quenching resistor and capacitance. These elements are used by the system as a step-down power supply. Behind them is a diode bridge designed to transform the alternating voltage into a constant one, which is required by the LEDs.


There are three basic schemes for connecting LEDs in a luminaire:

  • Sequential;
  • parallel;
  • Mixed.

In most cases, individual LEDs are connected in series. The key problem of such a circuit is that if at least one element in the circuit becomes unusable, then the whole circuit will become inoperable. In addition, there is always the possibility of a breakdown of the LED - in which case the power will continue to flow to the remaining elements, but in overload mode. This will eventually burn out all the LEDs. Of course, such a scheme for an LED ceiling lamp cannot be considered reliable enough.


A mixed scheme for connecting ceiling LED lamps also has the disadvantages of a series connection, but the design of the lamp is different. So, in this case, the lamps are connected in series and combined into groups. The groups, in turn, are connected in series, which gives a certain guarantee of protecting the circuit from complete burnout.

The most reliable circuit is a parallel connection, in which each lamp operates independently of the others. In the event of any malfunction with one of the lamps, all the others will continue to operate normally, without overloads and the risk of breakdown. The disadvantage of such a scheme is the high cost, largely due to the fact that a separate resistor is connected to each LED. Due to the high cost, LED lamps with parallel connection are rarely used.

Assembly

Today, the lighting market boasts an incredibly rich assortment. LED lamps can be purchased at almost any hardware store, or in a store with household electrical appliances. Assembling the lamp is quite simple - but before that you need to decide on the desired type of lighting, because a wide range indicates a variety of characteristics.

The main classification of LED lamps includes the following groups of devices:

  • Linear;
  • Ceiling;
  • Wall mounted;
  • Industrial;
  • Searchlights;
  • Underwater;
  • Controllers.

It is worth considering a few of the most common types of fixtures in order to understand what we are talking about:

  1. LED strips. Such lighting is best suited for the corridor, where there is no particular need for spotlights. LED strips are sold as a set. On one side of the product there is a plug, and on the other side there are wires that are connected to the power supply. Of course, the power supply must match the power of the tape, and when connecting, you need to monitor the polarity of the wires. The disadvantage of such devices is a high degree of heating, which is why they cannot be installed in narrow ducts with poor ventilation.
  2. Spotlights. Since LED strips are not enough to fully illuminate large rooms, they have to use spotlights. Such devices are located on the walls or ceiling, and often they are slightly tilted to create the most comfortable lighting. When choosing such devices, it is necessary to calculate the entire electrical network very well so that its individual elements correspond to each other.
  3. Lamps with motion sensors. By and large, this is just a modification of conventional LED lamps. These devices have sensors that track movement and turn on the lights only when needed. Such devices, firstly, are very well suited for lighting areas where constant light is not required, and secondly, they have a higher working life due to significantly shorter operating time.
  4. Assembled luminaires with radiators. Perhaps the most convenient type of device - ready-made fixtures do not require assembly. Typically, such devices are bought in the absence of experience or knowledge necessary for self-assembly of all elements of the device.

However, if there is still a need to assemble the lamp yourself, then you need to purchase the entire set of parts and get to work. First you need to attach an LED (or LEDs if the radiator is designed for several lamps) to the heatsink covered with thermal paste. When assembling, be sure to follow the instructions and always make sure that the power of the installed LEDs matches the power of the rest of the system elements.

Ceiling installation

Installation of LED ceiling lights is possible in almost any room. Even for rooms with consistently high humidity, suitable products can be found. Perhaps the only limitation is the heating of the LEDs, because of which it is strongly not recommended to install it in kitchens right next to the stove - regular exposure to high temperatures will significantly reduce the life of the lighting.


The installation of LED lamps may vary depending on specific conditions - for example, in the case of a stretch ceiling, the elements must be installed in the following sequence:

  • First, the legs are attached to the ceiling;
  • Then the rack is mounted;
  • Next, a protective and heat-insulating ring is installed, between which the stretch ceiling canvas is located;
  • Lastly, the lamp itself is mounted.

According to the same scheme, the lamps are installed on plasterboard ceilings. Spotlights are not suitable for installing LED lighting on concrete floors - you will have to choose from a range of overhead and pendant fixtures that are attached directly to concrete.

Connection

Before connecting any electrical equipment, including LED lighting, you need to make sure that the mains voltage is not supplied. Otherwise, when performing work, the master will certainly receive an electric shock.


When the network is turned off, you can start connecting the LED ceiling light, which is done like this:

  1. The first step is to install all the communication lines necessary for the operation of the power grid. In the case of suspended and stretch ceilings, a corrugated plastic pipe, which is attached directly to the ceiling, will be quite enough for laying wires. If you have to deal with concrete slabs, then you will have to make strobes in them.
  2. When the wires with the lamps are installed, you need to organize good ventilation for them - for example, using a false ceiling. A number of holes are cut out in the box, coinciding with the number of lighting fixtures. The lamps are connected to the wires taken out of the holes and fixed in place. You need to work carefully, especially if the ceiling is mounted from a stretch fabric - it is very easy to damage it. To protect the stretch ceiling from heating, it is necessary to install thermal rings, unlike plasterboard structures, which can do without such rings.

After connecting the lamps and applying voltage to the network, you need to check the system for operability. If the lamps caught fire, then the installation of diode lamps in the ceiling was carried out correctly, otherwise you will have to look for a problem and bring the power grid to working condition.

Replacing the LED Bulb

Despite the durability of LEDs, situations are still not uncommon when even such reliable elements fail. There may be several reasons for this - from random changes in the characteristics of the voltage in the network to improper operation or installation of LED lighting. In any case, if at least one of the lamps burned out, it must be changed.


The lamp replacement technology is as follows:

  • First of all, you need to turn off the voltage in the room or in the entire apartment, if there is no way to turn off one room;
  • Next, you need to carefully remove the retaining ring that secures the protective glass of the lamp;
  • The lamp is carefully removed from its place, and a new one is installed on it;
  • All previous operations are repeated in reverse order.

It is best to carry out these operations with protective gloves. Their meaning is not to protect the master, but to prevent damage or contamination of the LED lamp.

Conclusion

Installing LED ceiling lights is a relatively simple set of operations that require a minimum set of skills to work with electrical networks. However, it is better to entrust the work of connecting and distributing communications to specialists - installation errors can damage the entire system, so it is better not to allow them.