LED lighting is a budget-friendly and easy way to decorate a room. Anyone can cope with such lighting. Let's look at why it is so popular, whether there are pitfalls and difficulties that no one talks about. Read to the end and find out what an LED strip is, its features, as well as how to make LED backlighting at a minimum cost, and when it is better not to use it.
Ribbons can be either monochrome or multi-color Source perm.elightshop.ru
general information
LEDs appeared in the middle of the last century. But due to the high cost they were not in demand. In the 90s, manufacturers expanded the range of colors and lowered the price - this attracted a mass buyer.
The scope of application of semiconductor diodes is varied: gadgets, liquid crystal screens, lamps and LED strips for illuminating the ceiling of a room, signs and traffic lights - and this is not the limit. They replace conventional light sources even in street lighting. Attempts are being made to switch areas to LED lighting. We are not talking about cities yet, but this is possible in the future.
Areas of application
LED strips for outdoor use are encased in a protective silicone shell, protecting them from moisture. Thanks to this, street lamps are able to work in almost any weather conditions. This is the main difference between outdoor modifications and indoor lamps.
LED street strips are used wherever, for some reason, it is not possible to install a stationary light source or where additional lighting is required. The possibilities of using LEDs are further expanded due to the fact that you can independently change the brightness level and color of the glow.
Ability to control lighting. You can independently change the brightness level, the color of the source, configure the desired mode and use the tape for the entire screen or color music.
Types of LED backlight
The most popular types of LED lighting are lamps, LED panels and strips. The latter are used as backlight on the ceiling or illumination of specific areas and objects. Lamps, on the other hand, are not a creative solution. They are needed for functional and general light. This is a more durable analogue of the incandescent lamps we are used to.
Types of LED lighting can be combined. For example, in the design in the photo they used ribbon and lamps Source remont-stroiteli.ru
Lamps
According to most experts, the future of lighting lies with LEDs. The devices use semiconductor diodes as a light source, which emit rays when current passes through semiconductor crystals.
There are many characteristics on the packaging of an LED lamp and they are all important. The source is LEDs. Their number differs in different models. For comfortable and soft radiation, a matte diffuser is included in the design.
The most important part is the driver. It rectifies, converts, and stabilizes the voltage coming from the network.
There are two options for connection: an Edison socket, like an incandescent lamp, and a bayonet connector. If the packaging is not transparent and it is not clear what type of connection the lamp has, pay attention to the designation. Basically, the base is designated as E-27 or E-14, and the connector as GU5.3.
Light sources can also be compared by their response to voltage changes. The LED lamp remains stable and does not blink, which cannot be said about its rival. LEDs cover more area and last up to 50,000 hours. Of course, such lighting is more expensive. But you can buy new lamps less often.
With proper operation, the high cost of LED lamps will pay for itself, since they do not need to be constantly changed Source p-reliz.ru
Ribbons
The tape is a flexible strip on which LEDs are located along the entire surface. They form a single scheme. The reverse side is adhesive. There are no elements on it except glue and protective film. Thanks to this, the tape can be fixed on any surface. LED strip for the ceiling is the most common design solution.
The number of diodes varies from 40 to 120 pieces per 1 meter. The more elements, the brighter.
The tape is easy to use. It can be bent and adapted to the shape of a wall, shelf and other objects, so it is used as lighting for the ceiling and walls. The length is adjustable - just cut off what you don’t need along the cut lines. This does not cause any damage to the structure.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in electrical work of any complexity
LED panels
LED panels are the most creative diode lighting that amazes the imagination. There are two types that are used in home interiors: panels for general lighting and for decoration.
The first ones have a neutral color temperature. Typically, 4,000K LEDs are used, which emit white-lunar, neutral light. Using decorative panels they create a composition on the ceiling. All lamps are parts of the image.
A fascinating solution in the interior - imitation of the starry and daytime sky Source greendom.by
This brings the design to life as it creates a sense of the presence of nature. Also, compositions from panels are used instead of paintings to decorate walls.
Types of LED strips
Devices in the form of a long board are divided into groups taking into account the type of lighting source. Varieties of such LEDs:
- DIP;
- SMD.
The last of them is used more often due to the brightness of the lighting and compactness. SMD LEDs are available in the following types:
- 3528;
- 5050;
- 2835;
- 5630.
The options listed are the most common. Light sources have different sizes, which are encrypted in the designation (side lengths of rectangles/squares, for example, 35 and 38 mm). Luminous flux determines the brightness of the glow. Flexible boards contain different numbers of LEDs: 30, 60, 120. The more of them, the brighter the area being served. The number of LEDs determines whether the lighting will be uniform along the entire length of the strip. If there are few light sources on the circuit board, the distance between them is greater.
Other types of lighting devices differ in the level of protection from external factors:
- Sealed. They are installed indoors and outdoors, where the circuit board will be exposed to precipitation and temperature changes. Such devices are covered with a transparent sealant. The top layer of the material does not conduct current (protection level – IP65).
- Open. There is no protective layer provided, so strips of this type are installed only indoors (protection degree IP23).
Models of other versions are also used: IP33 (withstands short-term exposure to drops of water), IP67 (provides protection from moisture in constant contact with it and from dust). LED strips are divided into groups depending on the mounting method:
- on an adhesive basis - this simplifies installation, no fasteners are required;
- standard version - fixed to the profile using fasteners.
For long-term use, as well as in cases where you plan to use the circuit board instead of the main light source, it is recommended to secure it more securely. There are also types: monochrome and multi-color stripes. The first of the devices shines white. The second creates a glow of different shades. If RGB LED strips (multi-colored) are selected, the kit may include a controller and control panel.
Features of LED strips
LED lighting fits into the design of any room. Some types of tapes are not even afraid of moisture. Therefore, they can be safely installed in the bathroom. Typically, these are designs with a silicone cover that protects from dust, water and fumes. This way you don’t have to worry about drops getting on the backlight. These are the tapes that are installed in saunas and swimming pools.
LED ceiling lighting looks bright, especially if it is of an unusual color. Designers create especially interesting solutions using multicolor
RGB tape. It comes with a control panel. With its help, you can change modes: from blinking and overflowing to static.
LED lighting can be called budget. Although it is more expensive than conventional light bulbs, its service life can reach 10 years. In addition, energy consumption is saved.
LEDs do not burst or flicker due to voltage surges. The only way to disable them is to connect them incorrectly.
RGB tape has many possibilities due to the number of colors and modes Source stpulscen.ru
This usually happens when the polarity of the tape is ignored or the wrong power supply is selected. Particularly powerful structures can heat up, but in this case aluminum cases with diffusers come to the rescue. They absorb some of the heat, which prolongs the life of the lighting, saving it from overheating.
Compactness is another feature of the tape. Its width can reach 5 mm. Therefore, in interior design, you can hide the light source under the baseboard or under the ledges of the stretch ceiling.
Due to the flexibility of the tape, it can be glued to non-standard design elements, as it will take any shape. It can also be mounted on corners - to ensure perfect adhesion to the surface, profiles are purchased.
USB tapes from Aliexpress
Perhaps each of us would like to add some zest to our workplace or to our room. An affordable, easy modding option will help with this - LED USB strips. We invite you to consider a selection of the most interesting, affordable, relevant, high-quality options from Aliexpress that will help decorate your TV, PC, or home theater. They will bring an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. They will delight you and your house guests with their interesting appearance.
USB tape
View on Aliexpress
No less interesting option. In demand in the LED technology market. Quite easy to use due to the adhesive tape. Not waterproof. Suitable for upgrading a car, motor home or cinema hall. The seller on Aliexpress will advise you.
Light-belt model-RGB
View on Aliexpress
Can only emit red, green, blue colors, can not emit white light. Press and hold W key, three colors will turn on the light at the same time. Control using remote control. Does not differ significantly from other presented models. Allows you to tastefully decorate your workplace.
USB tape of different lengths
View on Aliexpress
The length is variable: 50 cm/100 cm/200 cm/300 cm/400 cm/500 cm. The color is white. Easy to use due to the adhesive base. Not waterproof. The creation of comfort and warmth is guaranteed. You can decorate cars.
LED strip USB 3528
View on Aliexpress
Operates at a voltage of 5V. Heats up easily. Flexible. Will last long enough. Fits any size TV or PC. Different lengths, check with the seller. It is easy to use and is attached with a sticky base on the back. Not waterproof. Suitable for decorating PCs, TVs, cars, bicycles.
Silver USB ribbon
View on Aliexpress
High quality LED lighting option. Its main feature is that the wire is made of pure silver. Gives atmosphere and comfort to the home. Has a cool glow. Suitable for different interiors and holidays.
USB tape with flexible EL wire
View on Aliexpress
Flexible EL Wire with Neon Light for Dance Party. EL wires are thin copper wire coated with phosphorus. It bends like a thin neon tube, which makes it ideal for flexible decoration. Has mega bright light. Set the mood for your party!
LED lighting
View on Aliexpress
Can be used as:
- For TV backlight. Offset indicator allows you to create clearer images, color contrast, adding beautiful ambient lighting to your TV
- Backlight for computer. Adds subtle backlighting to your computer, reducing eye fatigue while increasing image visibility. Add a more immersive gaming experience to your screen.
- Lighting for every occasion. A bright lamp will fit into the decor.
Recommendations for placement of LED lighting
To understand how to create lighting for different rooms, let’s first understand the types of lighting. Depending on what kind of light environment is needed in a particular room, reflected, accent and directional lighting are used. The living room and bedroom need soft light. In this situation, reflected lighting is suitable - when the light is reflected from the surface of the walls, furniture, ceiling, fills the entire space evenly and creates a comfortable environment for the eyes.
An example of reflected light in an interior Source home-reviews.com
Accent lighting is a bright, directional light that is used when you need to highlight some piece of furniture, make an accent, or attract attention. However, there is one drawback - high brightness, which is blinding. Therefore, it is necessary to use powerful LED lamps, strips and lamps pointwise and only where necessary.
Also, vertical surfaces require lighting, as this is the background of the interior, which is always visible. In 80% of cases a person pays attention to the walls, in 15% to the floor, and only in 5% to the ceiling.
Body of water or pond
For LED illumination of a small reservoir or pond in a country house, where it can be difficult to ensure constant water transparency, it is recommended to consider floodlights with variable color luminous flux (multicolor). When the direction of light and the captured area are correctly set, this device can effectively illuminate the surface of the water, a small waterfall, a fountain, as well as flowers, plants and garden decorations located on land.
Another interesting solution would be acrylic luminous figures of waterfowl - cranes or ducks. They are made of extruded transparent acrylic on a metal frame, with LEDs placed inside. These figures are equipped with waterproof 220/24 V transformers. Their power is 60-80 W, and their luminous flux corresponds to 300-400 watt incandescent lamps. They can illuminate a fairly large area around them and can be used to illuminate reservoirs and ponds without floodlights or other lighting devices. And during the day, these high-quality garden decor items will also organically decorate your country pond.
When is it better not to use LED backlighting?
- When lighting in baths and saunas. LED backlighting cannot operate safely at high temperatures because the design already heats up and requires air cooling. Therefore, it is better not to use such lighting in places with high humidity and temperature.
- If the light source is not important to you. Depending on the power and quality of the luminous elements, the price of the backlight also changes. Installing an LED chandelier is more difficult and expensive than installing a strip. This will require specialists.
- If you don’t have time to figure out how to make backlighting from an LED strip or the financial resources to hire a specialist. For example, lighting with strips longer than 5 meters requires a clear connection procedure. If it is not working correctly, the tape does not turn on or the brightness at the ends is very different.
Example of an LED chandelier Source onlinetrade.ru
① Goolook LED strip
Rating: 4.7 Price: from 413.72 rub.
up to
1917.55 rub.
Go to store Popular LED strip for decorating your home, office or shopping center. Also suitable for emergency lighting of exits and for other purposes. There are two diode options to choose from: smd 5050 and smd 3528. Each type of led strip has versions with and without moisture protection, as well as different lengths: 5, 10 and 15 meters.
The smd 5050 tape is equipped with a controller to adjust the light and create different effects. The battery is not included in the package.
Advantages:
- high quality;
- good remote control.
Flaws:
- The tape on the tape does not last long.
Buy on AliExpress.com
What is needed for connection besides LED strip
A power converter is required for strip lighting to operate. This is the most important device, without which the backlight will not work. If the tape is multicolor, a controller is needed to control the modes. In many cases, additional cooling will be required - profile, otherwise the backlight will overheat and fail. The exception is low-power tapes.
For complex wiring diagrams, an amplifier will be required. If the length of the tape is up to 5 m, there is no need for unnecessary manipulations - you just need to plug it into the power supply.
The question of how to illuminate a ceiling with an LED strip for more than 5 m is usually asked after the first connection failures.
When the length of the backlight is expected to be more than 5 meters, you need to do the work according to a specific scheme - connecting the strips in parallel. Not to each other, as many assume, but to divide them into segments (up to 5 m) and connect each to a wire.
One power supply is not enough for the length of the chain of tapes, so an amplifier is used. The scheme is as follows: the power supply is connected to the amplifier, one piece of tape and several wires are connected to it, which lead to other pieces.
Parallel connection diagram Source uk-parkovaya.ru
Preparations before installation
To install the LED strip correctly, you need to prepare tools and fasteners - clamps. Silicone adhesive or sealant is used to position each circuit component.
- Calculate the length and add extensions where required.
— Isolate particularly unsafe connection points.
— Place on the site using glue and clamps.
— Connect and check functionality
Special attention should be paid to the materials where the tape will be attached. For example, gluing on wood is prohibited. Over time, the sealant may deteriorate and it will simply fall down. To attach to plastic, you need to make a couple of holes to secure the flagella. For brick or concrete surfaces, it is necessary to stretch the tape as far as possible and make several holes. It would be irrelevant to use glue in this situation.
How to choose LED backlight
In order for LED strips for illuminating walls and ceilings or lamps to meet your expectations, you need to remember for what purpose the light is needed, in what room, and navigate the characteristics of the LEDs.
For universal room lighting, it is recommended to choose different types of lighting - strips, lamps and lamps - but they should all be of the same color temperature. For the workroom and bathroom, it is better to use natural light - from 4,000 to 6,000 K. In the living room and bedroom, lighting can be warm - from 1,000 to 3,000 K. It is combined with the interior only if the colors of the furniture and decoration are warm shades. Only with this combination can you achieve a cozy and relaxing environment.
If the goal is to illuminate the bathroom, pay attention to LED strips with protection. These can be plastic or silicone casings. Otherwise, the LEDs end up in a humid environment, which is harmful to them. Drops of water and evaporation will damage the luminous elements without protection.
LED strip lighting is also performed using a special housing - an aluminum profile, which is responsible for heat dissipation. Its location must be planned before the installation of the ceiling begins. If you do not accurately calculate the distance, there may not be enough space, and then the only option left is to use a low-power strip for contour lighting.
The best tapes are quality tapes
Quality. How can you figure out whether the tape is of high quality or not? It's a difficult question. This is most easily understood by professionals who work with LED sources constantly. Initially this is determined visually. well-made reels on which the tape is wound. Tape backing. Which company is the adhesive layer and a number of other indirect signs by which you can determine a high-quality tape from a low-quality one.
Millions of kilometers of low-quality tapes come to us from beyond the “Chinese border.” In their works of art, Chinese businessmen install their LEDs, with reduced crystals. And this, naturally, will lead to rapid degradation of LEDs. But this is not the worst thing. It’s scary when a manufacturer, knowing that they have installed LEDs with underrated characteristics, also forces them to work at exorbitant power levels.
There is another sign by which you can identify a poor quality tape - the presence of a gold conductor with a chip. Chinese artisans use copper to reduce the cost of the process. Another not unimportant problem is the poor quality of the phosphor. This is especially true for silicone. After rapid aging, cracks appear, moisture enters and the output oxidizes. The result is the same - the LED fails. Since the tapes are assembled in segments of three diodes, the segments will not work. In general, tapes with “bad” diodes work for no more than six months. Usually 2-3 months. Tapes with more or less satisfactory chips work at high currents for up to a year. But their brightness drops right before our eyes.
It is not uncommon to purchase strips with diodes that produce no more than 3 lumens, despite the fact that they are assembled on SMD 5050.
To protect yourself from low-quality products and choose good LED strips, you must first ask the seller about some information about the product.
How to choose a power supply for the tape
You cannot connect the LED strip directly to an outlet. To do this, use a transition element - a power supply. It converts mains voltage (220 V) for LED strip (12 - 24 V).
The transformer must be of the power that the strip backlight consumes. But you definitely need a reserve. If you select a unit with a similar power, the transformer will operate at its peak capabilities. And this does not guarantee a long service life. Therefore, the power supply must be 30% more powerful than the tape.
There are several types of power supply, but when illuminating the ceiling with LED strip, it is better to use an open or network type device. Transformers are also sold sealed and in an aluminum box, which helps with heat dissipation. For this purpose, some models are equipped with a fan.
What is it and what does it consist of?
You've probably seen it on social media. networks with your friends or acquaintances, spectacular lighting for the baseboard or computer monitor made from a set of small light bulbs. These are LED strips.
Their basis is a strip of dielectrics 0.2 mm thick, on which there is a conductive path, and on them there are contact pads on which the LEDs are mounted. There are also resistors on the tape that reduce current consumption. The larger the LEDs and the higher their density, the brighter the light will be.
Each strip is a set of modules, each of them contains LEDs and resistors. Most often, modules can be cut or, on the contrary, added. The reverse side of the LEDs is self-adhesive, which simplifies its installation.
To operate the tape, you need a power supply that supplies current to the LEDs (usually 12 V, reducing the original 220 V from the socket).
Video description
In this video, a specialist talks about what types of blocks there are and where to use them, depending on the type:
All these devices differ only in the body. The connection and operating principle are the same.
When choosing a block, you need to make some calculations:
- First, find information on the packaging of the tape about the power of 1 meter of backlight. This is an individual indicator, so it is different for all markings.
- Determine how long the strip lighting will be.
- To make correct calculations, use the formula: Rb = Rl × Ll × K, where Rb is the power of the block, Rl is the power of 1 m of tape, Ll is the backlight length, K is the power reserve factor (always equal to 1.3).
For example, if you bought a 5V strip that is 10m long, you need to multiply 5 by 10 and 1.3. It turns out that in this situation a 65 V unit is needed.
Food is selected for a specific installation project, where the type of room has already been taken into account. If the lighting is installed in a room with high humidity, there is only one choice - a sealed transformer. In addition, it is also used in places where dust is expected to settle in large quantities. For example, in warehouses. A conventional power supply with a punch-hole housing is ineffective in such situations, as it will quickly fail.
In addition to dust and moisture, insects can get inside the case Source prom.st
Models with a fan cannot be used everywhere. Due to the operation of the cooler, the room is noisy, so it is better to use other types of unit in a child’s room or bedroom.
Power dimensions are directly related to power. The higher it is, the larger the size of the structure. Therefore, if you plan to connect a 20 m long backlight, do not count on a miniature transformer.
If the backlight will be used from time to time, you can purchase an adapter. This is a more compact type of power supply, easy to connect and works on the principle of charging a phone. It is enough to connect the plug to the tape and plug the plug into the socket. However, this device has low power - 24 - 36 W.
This is what an adapter for an LED strip looks like Source ledpremium.ru
Benefits of working with us
Implementation of complex lighting projects, creation of original special effects
The entire startup cycle from design to installation and connection
Supply of professional equipment from the manufacturer
Long-term warranty
installs lighting for advertising and signs of various formats: billboards, banners, complex structures, elements on facades, light installations.
Advertising is the main tool for attracting customers. And if during the day an advertising message or store sign is clearly visible, then at night, high-quality advertising lighting is simply necessary.
There are two types of lighting for advertising structures: internal and external. The first option is used for street banners, shop windows, and signs. The devices are installed inside the box, and the rays are directed at the image. This is often how LED illumination of signs is organized. LEDs are a versatile lighting option. They have a long service life, provide bright light, and can be used in any weather.
Outdoor advertising lighting is used for billboards, billboards, banners on buildings and other structures. To do this, lamps with directed beams are installed at the base and along the edges. In the same way, advertising lighting is created on the facades of buildings, fences, and gardening facilities.
For a retail business, sign lighting can be an important element in attracting customers. For this purpose, flexible neon, duralight, track lights, and advertising LED lighting of various colors are used.
provides services for organizing lighting for signs and advertising structures. We use only high-quality equipment from leading manufacturers.
You can order the following services:
- Development of the concept of the most advantageous lighting option
- Selection of optimal equipment taking into account operating conditions
- Installation of lighting fixtures within the framework of established fire safety standards
- Technical support during the entire warranty period
At the request of our clients, our professionals will complete the project on a turnkey basis or provide one of the listed services.
Types of advertising lighting:
- Outdoor advertising lighting
- Advertising LED lighting
- Floodlight lighting
- Internal lighting of signs and billboards
Order advertising coverage today to be one step ahead of your competitors tomorrow!
