LED lights

Most recently, incandescent filament lamps were used to illuminate residential, industrial, commercial premises and streets. Then they began to be replaced by fluorescent lighting. Today, the popularity of LED lamps and fixtures is steadily growing due to their technical characteristics and long service life. A wide range of different types of LED lighting fixtures allows you to install them in many places, it helps reduce power consumption.

General characteristics of LED lamps

For the first time LEDs went on sale more than 50 years ago. Since then, their characteristics have been constantly improved and now devices have become available that can illuminate space well, consume minimal amounts of electricity and are environmentally friendly. The demand for such lighting technology is steadily increasing; today, LEDs are recognized as the most promising sources of illumination.

An LED luminaire is a device that uses a light emitting diode LED as a light source.

Most other types of luminaires use reflectors to form the desired light beam. And in LED lamps each diode is equipped with lens optics. Housing LED lamps are made of aluminum or other material that allows you to remove excess heat from the LED. For street lighting, lighting fixtures are manufactured that are resistant to strong gusts of wind, wet precipitation and low temperatures.

Advantages and disadvantages

LED lamps have a wide range of advantages:

1. Profitability at the electric power expense;
2. Long service life;
3. Environmental Safety;
4. Resistance to physical impact, damage;
5. A wide range of color spectra;
6. Long warranty period.

LED lamps consume 6 times less electricity than incandescent bulbs and 2 times less than fluorescent light sources. If the LED luminaire remains on 6 hours a day, then its work will be enough for 4 to 5 years. LEDs have a much longer service life than other sources of artificial lighting. LED devices do not contain harmful substances, unlike luminescent ones, in which there are hazardous mercury compounds. Luminaire housing is made of durable materials, lamps are protected from possible mechanical damage.

Different models of LED lighting devices can spread a cold or warm type of glow. Manufacturers issue a warranty of up to 3 years, an indisputable advantage for customers who want to spend money on LED lighting.

The main types of lamps and scope of application

Device models are classified according to several criteria, taking into account the level of power of light radiation, resistance to temperature extremes, degree of strength. LED lights have a capacity of 3 to 280 watts and even more. This allows you to choose the best option for lighting various rooms and objects. The amount of light radiation is measured in lumens, denoted as "lm". The characteristics of each model indicate the minimum and maximum allowable air temperature, the degree of protection against dust and moisture. Depending on the color temperature, individual luminaire models can emit warm or cold light.

Classification by type of installation:

• built in;
• invoices.

Recessed fixtures installed in plasterboard, plastic, tension and suspended structures. Overhead models are simply placed on walls, ceilings or in universal versions.

Site classification:

• ceiling;
• wall mounted;
• floor, table.

Ceiling devices are extremely easy to install. All you need is a knife, screwdriver, indicator and screwdriver. Overhead lights are perfect for rooms with low ceilings. Ceiling lights have good power and perfectly diffuse light throughout the space of the room. Wall mounted devices have a more dramatic and remarkable design than ceiling ones. They are often used as spot and additional lighting. Outdoor models of LED lamps produced in the form of beautiful floor lamps with elegant and subtle details. In the floor and desktop devices there is a moving mechanism, thanks to which you can adjust the direction of light scattering.

Types of enclosures:

• point;
• spotlights;
• tapes;
• cascading;
• LED panels or bricks.

LED spotlights are installed in the interiors of apartments, houses and offices. They allow you to visually increase the height and area of ​​the room. Spotlights are more often used to illuminate facades, shop windows, signage, streets and various advertising structures. The LED strip is a flexible board on which the LEDs are evenly spaced. Such devices are used for spectacular lighting of interiors, furniture, as lighting of advertising structures and as an addition to landscape design. Cascade models are suitable for installation in rooms with high ceilings and as a way of zoning the space.

LED panels and bricks are quite large devices that are used to illuminate industrial premises, large shopping and entertainment centers, sports complexes, offices, classrooms, warehouses and streets. In most cases, the cases are made of aluminum, stainless steel or plastic. Next, consider in more detail the types of LED lamps according to the type of their destination.

Linear

Linear LED luminaires are designed as thin, oblong lamps that can be used as a primary or secondary light source. They can be easily installed on a flat surface of walls, ceilings, furniture. Installation is carried out using special mounts or magnets, which are fixed on a metal base. In the work of linear lamps resemble long glow sticks, they can be arranged as you like, they can be embedded or overhead. Thanks to the original linear design of the case, you can implement many interesting design ideas for spectacular lighting of the interiors.

Linear lights can be sensory or modular. The level of illumination of sensory models is carried out with light touches of hands. Modular lamps are interconnected, so it is possible to build an original lighting system. Linear designs with LED light source are located in any living rooms. Some models are resistant to moisture, so they can be used to illuminate the bathroom and the street. They are also installed in offices, supermarkets, educational institutions, they have a fairly wide range of applications.

Embedded

When installing the housing built-in lamps, completely or partially hidden under the surface of the ceiling, wall, floor, furniture. According to the type of construction, the devices are divided into panel or modular, point, standard or furniture. They can create a diffuse or directional glow. Panel, modular lamps produced in the form of square or rectangular boxes with a transparent plastic cover. Such devices have an industrial appearance, so they are often located in public places. They emit a directional glow, so that the room is lit evenly, you need to install several panel boxes with LEDs.

Spotlights are otherwise called downlights. In most cases, they are purchased for residential premises. Standard models are installed in the construction of plasterboard, suitable for suspended and suspended ceilings. Spotlights with a more durable housing, can be embedded in the floors and even street sidewalks. Certain models are used to illuminate furniture sets. You can buy furniture with built-in LED lighting or buy special lamps separately and install them yourself. For installation of recessed luminaires, various bases will fit into which you can deepen the body of the device.

Wall mounted

Wall luminaires can be recessed or overhead. Wall-mounted lighting devices are available in a wide range of different forms and design solutions. For the living room fit the device with round or square shades, which are combined with the general interior design. In the nursery it is better to choose appliances with durable, closed shades. On sale, you can find interesting stylistic solutions that will decorate the design of the room and like a child. For the recreation area more suitable lamps with a soft glow, and for the playing space is to choose a brighter sources.

In the hallway will be enough to place on the walls a few small spotlights. In the bathroom you need to choose models that are resistant to moisture. With the help of LED wall lights, you can select the working and dining area in the kitchen. Above the writing desk in the office, it is possible to create shadowless lighting with several spotlights. Devices with a built-in motion sensor will help reduce energy costs.

Industrial

Industrial-type LED luminaires are widely used for lighting industrial, warehouse and retail facilities. The versatility of industrial devices allows them to be installed in educational, administrative, medical institutions and used as street lighting. Such sources of artificial light tolerate adverse climatic conditions, high humidity, high vibrations and exposure to chemical fumes. LEDs are enclosed in durable, hermetic, fireproof enclosures that can be fixed to the ceiling or mounted on suspended installations. Thanks to such devices, it became possible to create an optimal level of light intensity and intelligent lighting systems in production. LED devices do not contain harmful substances and do not emit ultraviolet light, so they are absolutely safe for people. They can be installed inside and outside various buildings.

Office

At work in offices, people spend a lot of time. Therefore, it is important to provide optimal lighting that will positively affect staff performance. LED lamps spread light that does not strain the eyes, when turned on, they light up immediately and do not flicker. In most cases, LED panels are installed in offices, in the form of a rectangle, square or linear lamps. Also, devices can be designer, which are specifically selected for a certain style of the interior. Sources of electric lighting are installed on ceilings, walls, floors and desktops, depending on the parameters of the room.

Street

LED devices for street lighting have increased resistance to adverse weather conditions, mechanical damage and reliable protection from dust, moisture and vibrations. Technical characteristics allow them to be installed along roads, avenues, on poles, facades of buildings, advertising stands and shop windows. With their help, at night, architectural structures and territories near industrial, administrative, commercial, and medical institutions are illuminated. LED light sources are installed near the entrances of apartment buildings, in the courtyards of private houses and cottages.

Fixtures for housing and communal services

In housing and public utilities, LED lamps are installed in staircases, stairwells, basements and attics. Some models are equipped with additional protection against vandalism, the lamps are covered with metal grilles or shockproof shades. Devices with motion sensors, which are turned on only when someone is in the stairwell, are very popular. There are devices that can be configured for a specific time period of work. For example, when the lights themselves turn on when the object moves, but only from 7 pm to 6 am. This can significantly reduce energy costs and extend the life of devices for lighting utilities.

Spotlights

LED spotlights are widely used for night lighting of modern cities. Devices create a bright, intense, directional light, while spending a minimum of energy. The housing of outdoor floodlights is made of aluminum alloys and covered with a protective coating against the formation of corrosion. The device has a reflector that provides a uniform luminous flux with certain scattering angles. In such devices there is an additional protection against short circuit. The places where the wires are connected are closed with special protective tubes and insulating clamps, and the wiring is double insulated. LED spotlights have a wide range of applications in lighting street areas and objects.

Landscaping

At night, the garden can look fabulous, thanks to a well-organized lighting system. In the landscape design with the help of LED lamps, beautiful lighting effects are created along paths, stair descents, near trees, bushes, flower beds, decorative sculptures, fountains, pools, ponds, gazebos and detached buildings. The design of landscape LED devices is rather concise and simple. A beautiful visual effect is achieved not due to the decorative qualities of the lamps, but due to the successful arrangement of several light sources. For lighting the area can be used recessed lights or on the brackets, as well as outdoor spotlights. In some cases, street LED lights will be an effective addition to landscape design.

For pools, fountains and reservoirs

Previously, swimming pools, artificial ponds, waterfalls and fountains, in the dark, only illuminated outside. Now it is possible to organize underwater lighting. For this purpose, special waterproof lamps and LED strips of different colors are produced. For installation under water, models with the highest degree of energy protection are suitable - IP 68. For underwater lighting, overhead or recessed devices with a sealed enclosure can be used. The deeper waterproof lamps are located, the higher should be the level of their power. For example, for decorative illumination of the pool it will be enough to install LED strips on its walls, slightly below the water level. And for deep ponds fit lamps with a power of 15 to 20 watts. Special controllers allow you to adjust the color and intensity of illumination.

Selection by technical parameters

Choosing lamps you need to pay attention to the power level, which is denoted as W, the higher the power, the more electricity will be consumed. Brightness is measured in lumens, the higher its performance, the brighter will be the luminous flux. Light output can be determined by the designation Lm / W, the data will indicate how much electricity the device spends at a certain level of brightness. For different temperatures of light, there are also special markings. For example, if the description of the device indicates 3000 K, then it will distribute warm, yellow light, 4000 K - medium, neutral, 5000 K, 6000 K, 7000 K - cold, white. The scattering angle of LED lamps varies from 30 ° to 360 °, which allows you to create a narrow beam of light or wide, covering most of the space.

The type of lamp base must match the lamp holder. If you want to install a dimmer to adjust the intensity of illumination, you must ensure that the lamps to be used have a special mark on the package that indicates compatibility with the dimmer. Radiators are used to remove heat so that the lamp does not overheat. Radiators are made of plastic, aluminum, ceramic or composite. Many manufacturers indicate a very long working period of LED lamps up to 50,000 hours, that is, 15 years. Such indicators do not always correspond to reality. Therefore, when choosing the best guided warranty period of operation.

Conclusion

LED lamps are a great alternative to other sources of artificial lighting. Until recently, their cost was very high, today the price of them is available for most buyers. If you take into account the savings in the consumption of electricity, then LED lighting pays off in a short period of time. A wide range of LED devices allows you to apply them anywhere. При покупке желательно отдавать предпочтение надежным производителям, так как дешевые китайские приборы быстро выходят из строя. При помощи светодиодных светильников, лент, фонарей и прожекторов можно создать невероятно эффектное освещение и воплотить самые интересные задумки.