Installation of ceiling LED lamps. Fixing a chandelier through suspended ceilings

LED home ceiling lights may differ in design, but always have general principle work. The basis of the design is a lamp of one or more LEDs.

The simplest circuit consists of two components: diodes and a damping resistor. More complex models include:

• Converter;
• Inductor;
• current stabilizer;
• Additional protection against impulse noise and static electricity;
• Some other components.

It is also important to ensure thermoregulation, because during operation heat is generated that requires removal.

Number of LEDs in one lamp can vary up to several dozen light elements. Usually they are combined into one circuit connected to the power supply for output to the control circuit.

There is several basic options for connecting diodes in the lamp. This information is necessary for anyone who plans to do the installation on their own, and not entrust the work to professional teams.

• Serial connection. A common type, most often used in industrial production. The simplest, most versatile and least financially costly scheme, which remains quite vulnerable due to this.
• Parallel connection. Such a circuit requires the use of which are connected in series to each lamp, ensuring safety and stability.
• Mixed connection. In this case, entire blocks assembled from series-connected elements are connected in parallel. This scheme is quite versatile and is often used in homes or offices.

The choice depends on the specifics of the task and operating conditions. It is also important to remember the shortcomings of a particular type. For example, at serial connection failure of one luminaire will overload or break the entire circuit.

When using parallel connection, the failure of one element does not interfere with the operation of the others. At most, it affects the final power of the system. But such a connection is much more expensive.

mixed type combines the advantages of both options, allowing you to achieve maximum efficiency. However, this is a rather complicated scheme that requires maximum professionalism in implementation.

Types of LED ceiling lights

The scope of operation of LED ceiling lights is extensive and diverse. Thereby different models may differ significantly in technical parameters, design features and installation methods.

proceeding out of destination, classify fixtures:

• general purpose. Their task is diffused, pleasant light, close to natural. This is optimal for offices, allowing you to do without traditional massive chandeliers.
• directional light. It is mainly a decorative element that is used in interior and design to highlight certain areas or create accents.
• Linear. Lamps in the form of a tube with a swivel base, so you can change the angle of illumination. Such models are popular in offices, retail premises, when organizing stands and exhibition areas.

For different types of ceilings require different designs. The following deserve special attention:

• Stretch;
• Suspended;
• Rack;
• Grilyato ceilings;
• More rare and specific varieties.

They all assume different way installation and fastening, which is extremely important to consider when choosing.

Most often, LED ceiling lights are presented in two categories:

• Embedded or mortise(built-in), which are ideal for suspended ceilings or drywall constructions. They are easy to install or replace, and practically do not heat up during use.
• Overhead involving preparatory work with the surface. They are distinguished by a variety of designs and unusual design, allowing you to embody interesting and original ideas.

Characteristics and technical parameters

Exists a few key features, based on which you should choose LED ceiling lights:

• Strength . Affects the quality and quantity of lighting. Often, the characteristics of the equivalent incandescent lamp are indicated on the packaging.
• Power consumption. Usually varies between 1-10 watts. From this indicator depends on how energy-saving the lamp will be.
• Life time. LED fixtures are extremely durable, but over time, the power gradually decreases. The average service life starts from 25 thousand hours.
• Divergence angle. It characterizes the distribution of the light flux throughout the room: the wider the angle, the more uniform the light. Lamps with a small indicator are suitable for creating accents, and a wide angle is for full illumination of the room.
• Color rendering. Each lighting device has its own coefficient, which must be indicated by the manufacturer. The optimal indicator is more than 70.
• Emission color. Depends on the color temperature of the lamp. For the home, lighting of a yellowish tint is considered the most comfortable, because too cold and white color is not suitable for living quarters.
• Ripple. Any luminous flux pulsates during its propagation. Such fluctuations are imperceptible to the human eye, but can contribute to increased fatigue if the rate is too high.

Installation of ceiling lights

Before starting installation work, you need to pay attention to some features. The power of the lamps depends on the specifics of the room. from size to design.

There is no single exact calculation scheme, so all the nuances must be taken into account individually.

Using only ceiling lights is not always advisable. For many rooms optimal solution will become combination different sources lighting, including wall, floor, desktop models, as well as.

In some cases, instead of standard LED lamps you can use other original solutions.

Before installation, a scheme for future wiring is being developed. It must take into account the types of connection and the main functional points. The angle of incidence of light is always equal to the angle of reflection, which is important in rooms with TVs and monitors.

For laying electrical wiring, a special double-insulated wire is used.

For ceiling lighting, the cross section must be calculated separately, depending on the power and current consumption. Installation can be carried out at any stage of the repair, based on the current plan and convenience.

Before starting work, all markings with attachment and installation points are transferred to the ceiling. The wires are fixed every 40-50 centimeters to avoid sagging in the future. In the process, special dowel-clamps and other fittings can be used.

Usually after finishing ceiling work, the wiring becomes inaccessible for full service, so that each step must be carried out as professionally and reliably as possible. To reduce the amount of work, pre-prepared harnesses and other techniques are used.

For fixing the lamp a hole is prepared in the ceiling, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the housing flange.

Most models have special lugs on a spring, which are reduced to penetrate this hole, after which they are released and fix the lamp. The design allows you to easily hide the mount, as well as replace the element if necessary.

To work with plastic ceiling materials exist additional systems, thanks to which they will not sag over time.

Special fittings, presented in different variations and sizes, are most often used to create a hidden platform, to which the lamps will be attached.

After mounting the housing a wire is connected to it and fixed with a terminal block. A cartridge is put on the base, a light bulb is inserted into the housing, for example, for 220v, and the entire system is again fixed by an expanding spring.

Installation of ceiling built-in LED luminaires

Replacing a 220v LED bulb for ceiling lamps

When replacing the lamp, be sure to need to remember about safety precautions. All work must be carried out only on a stable surface and with the lights turned off.

The replacement itself consists of three main steps:

• Unlocking the light bulb in the housing in which it is held with a special fixing ring, as in the photo above.
• Studying the characteristics of the lamp;
• Replacement with a similar model and fixing the structure.

If there was not enough lighting when using LED lamps, you can purchase a model with a different emission color - white instead of yellow. This will increase the luminous flux without affecting the power.

It is better to use lamps of the same model, because this is the only way to achieve the most uniform and harmonious lighting. It is recommended to use gloves for work, so as not to damage the lamp and not shorten its life.

According to expert reviews, when choosing, special attention should be paid to such well-known companies as this moment they are the leaders in LED lighting.

Benefits of LED Ceiling Lights

Compared to traditional incandescent lamps, LED lamps have many benefits:

• Minimum energy consumption without sacrificing lighting quality;
• Long service life, measured in years and decades;
• Practically instantaneous peak power when turned on;
• Choice of luminaires different color lighting;
• Creation of familiar warm light, optimal for the human eye;
• Minimum fluctuations to reduce fatigue and increase working capacity;
• Lack of ultraviolet radiation;
• Health safety;
• Ease of installation, maintenance and replacement;
• Possibility of installation for regulation of brightness of light.

Disadvantages of LED ceiling lights

• The cost, which is several times higher than the prices of other models of similar efficiency.
• Gradual loss of brightness, which decreases with years of intensive use. Most often this happens if you buy inexpensive options. However, even such lamps fully pay off due to energy savings.
• Narrow light, due to which you will have to install more lighting points.
• An unpleasant spectrum of radiation, not suitable enough for a comfortable stay. But this often applies to either cheap or incorrectly selected models.

Scope of LED ceiling lights for home

LED lights in the house suitable for lighting almost any room.

• Bedroom. It is necessary that the light is not too bright or harsh, because such lighting contrasts with the very purpose of the room.
• Living room. You should choose models that will fit into the design. LED lamps in the living room are great for full-fledged lighting, as well as for the realization of unusual design ideas.
• Bathroom. Various variations allow you to achieve the most comfortable lighting or highlight individual areas, such as a mirror.
• Kitchen. For the kitchen, an indispensable find can be directional lighting above working surface, sink or stove. Lamps should not be installed near the burners of the stove to avoid the negative effect of heated air.

LED ceiling lights can be installed not only in the house, but also outside: in workshops, garages and other outbuildings.

Conclusion

LED ceiling lights for the home are a versatile and practical choice.

It is only important to approach the issue carefully and carefully plan the work at each stage. Any room can be completely transformed with the right LED lighting.

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Allows you to repeatedly reduce operating costs and the cost of utilities for electricity. This is due to the low consumption and long life of LED lamps. Other advantages of LED sources are noiselessness, high color rendering coefficient (both in the "cold" and "warm" range) (Fig. 1), light stability, no flicker, resistance to temperature changes. Most LED lights are vandal resistant.

Another advantage of LED products is that they do not need to be recycled. It is absolutely ecological and harmless to the environment, which is successfully used in many countries of Western Europe, the USA and Japan.

Safety regulations for installation work

When installing this equipment, certain safety requirements must be observed.

1. Installation of LED lamps (as well as maintenance, dismantling) must be carried out only when the electrical network is turned off;
2. It is necessary to specify the rated voltage of the LED lamp. If it is designed to work with low voltage, it cannot be connected to a 220V network without a power supply (in this case, a power supply unit must be included). It is forbidden to use transformers and power supplies designed to power fluorescent and halogen lighting fixtures.
3. The installation of LED lamps must be carried out in accordance with the project or preliminary calculation of the illumination and total energy consumption of the electric lighting subsystem, taking into account the requirements of the issued Technical Specification;
4. When performing installation work, hands must be dry (even with appropriate gloves - see below);
5. Before installation, you need to familiarize yourself with the temperature and humidity ranges for using these fixtures. If the equipment is not designed to work in a particular environment, it should not be installed. Particularly careful should be approached to this process when installing lamps in baths, saunas. Luminaires intended for indoor installation must not be installed outdoors without special protection;
6. The place of installation must be chosen in such a way as to exclude possible flooding of the luminaire and cables suitable for it, as well as strong vibration.
7. Do not use lamps and power supplies that have external signs of a malfunction.
8. In case of equipment failure, it is not recommended to disassemble the fixtures themselves, power supplies, controllers on their own. This can lead to irreparable damage and failure of warranty service at the manufacturer's center.

What tool to use?

The set of necessary tools for installation depends on the type of LED lamps and their purpose (domestic or industrial). To install ordinary home or office lights (for example, ceiling spotlights), hand and electric tools are used - a drill, a screwdriver, wire cutters, fishing line and suspensions for fixing fixtures, a knife, terminal connections, possibly a soldering iron (Fig. 2). When installing powerful outdoor and industrial luminaires, it is advisable to use specialized hydraulic and electrical equipment that ensures high-quality installation (Fig. 3)

Overalls

The clothing of LED lamp installers should consist of thick cotton overalls or a suit (trousers, jackets), gloves made of dielectric material. When working in the open air and / or conditions of high humidity, an electrician must be additionally equipped with a polycarbonate helmet with a protective plastic visor, goggles, rubber shoes with thick solid soles (Fig. 4, 5).

Procedure

Before installation, it is necessary to select and prepare the surface. It should not be flammable, it is necessary to ensure its strength, evenness and integrity. The distance from the nearest point (plane) of the luminaire to combustible material must be at least 30 cm, and between the inside of the luminaire and the ceiling (or wall) - at least 1.5 cm.

If the luminaires are installed in false ceilings, they must first be cut into neat holes to fit the luminaires themselves. All cable routes must be laid in a protective PVC or metal conduit. In a wooden building, any cables are laid only in metal pipes. Outdoor areas are laid in materials specially protected from temperature extremes and excess moisture (Fig. 6). All outdoor electrical installation products must comply with the level of protection against dust and moisture of IP54 and higher in accordance with the requirements of GOST and PUE.

After laying the cable lines, 2 spring or support elements are installed on the inside of the LED luminaire to fix it (as a rule, they are included in the kit). After fixing, the luminaires are connected through power supplies to common network then perform commissioning.

Quite often, the installation of lamps in offices comes down to replacing old ones. fluorescent lamps on the new LED format T8 (Fig. 7). In this case, it is necessary to dismantle the diffuser (if any), then remove the starter and choke, change the old lamps to LEDs corresponding to them in format, and reinstall the diffuser (Fig. 8). After that, apply 220V voltage to the lamp. If everything is done correctly, this device will serve for a very long time.

Further maintenance of LED lamps comes down to their careful wiping with a rag and a very rare replacement of lamps (every 5-8 years).

Among the shortcomings can be noted high price, but the warranty and service periods are several orders of magnitude higher than those of others, therefore, as a result, the use of LED chandeliers leads to cost savings.

More and more LED chandeliers with remote control appear on sale remote control, which allows you to control lighting modes.

LED chandeliers are extremely diverse, they can contain over ten lamps. Regardless of the size and number of fixtures, each chandelier will have to be installed in its place.

The main difference in the installation of LED chandeliers is the presence of a control panel. Depending on how you install the LED chandelier, a standard switch can be used to de-energize it, in addition to the remote control.

First you need to collect the chandelier. Then, when all the parts are in place, you should pay attention to the controller and the light bulb power supplies located on the side facing the ceiling. They can move completely freely, so it would be better to attach them to the body of the chandelier with double-sided tape.

Before starting the installation of the LED chandelier, you need to connect the electrical part. For safety reasons, it is required to de-energize the wiring, and only after that carry out further work.

If pads are not included, please purchase separately. Three wires leave the controller, one is usually striped - this is grounding and most often it is not in apartments. Therefore, on the block, it is attached to a free nest and does not lead anywhere. If the house provides for grounding, we connect it through the block with it.

Drawn on the controller circuit diagram connection and it is indicated which wire is opened by the switch, voltage is applied through it. Using a tester, find it on the ceiling and connect it to the block.

In addition, check whether the switch opens the phase correctly, if necessary, transfer the wires and connect them according to the diagram.

Ceiling mount

The next step is to attach the mounting plate supplied with the chandelier. Depending on the size of the chandelier, it is a cruciform or a simple plank. A conventional mounting plate is attached to at least two, and a cruciform one to four dowels.

When checking wall switch, the controller must change the operating mode of the chandelier at each next switch-on. Children love to use this feature of LED chandeliers.

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 one will be connected is determined. electrical circuit. 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 finishing material, marking with a pencil areas with the location of 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 with self-connection LED lamps.