Most recently, incandescent lamps were used to illuminate residential, industrial, commercial premises and streets. Then they began to be replaced by fluorescent lighting fixtures. Today, the popularity of LED lamps and luminaires is steadily growing, due to their technical characteristics and long service life. A wide range of different types of LED lighting products allows you to install them in many places, this helps to reduce energy consumption.
For the first time, LEDs went on sale more than 50 years ago. Since then, their characteristics have been constantly improved and now devices are available that can illuminate the space well, consume minimal amounts of electricity and are environmentally friendly. Demand for such lighting equipment is steadily increasing, to date, LEDs are recognized as the most promising sources of lighting.
An LED lamp is a device that uses a light emitting diode LED as a light source.
Most other types of luminaires use reflectors to form the required light beam. And in LED lamps, each diode is equipped with lens optics. The housings of LED luminaires are made of aluminum or other material that allows you to remove excess heat from the LED. For street lighting, lighting devices are made that are resistant to strong gusts of wind, wet rainfall and low temperatures.
Advantages and disadvantages
LED lights have a wide range of advantages:
Profitability at the expense of the electric power;
Long term of operation;
Environmental Safety;
Resistance to physical effects, damage;
Wide range of color spectra;
Long warranty period.
LED lamps consume 6 times less electricity than filament lamps and 2 times less than fluorescent light sources. If the LED lamp remains on for 6 hours a day, then it will last for 4 to 5 years. LEDs have a much longer lifespan than other artificial light sources. LED devices do not contain harmful substances, unlike fluorescent ones, in which there are dangerous mercury compounds. The housing of the fixtures is made of durable materials, the lamps are protected from possible mechanical damage.
Different models of LED lighting products can distribute a cold or warm type of glow. Manufacturers give a guarantee of up to 3 years, this is an indisputable advantage for buyers who want to spend money on LED lighting.
Main types of fixtures and scope
Models of devices are classified according to several criteria, taking into account the level of power of light radiation, resistance to temperature extremes, and degree of strength. LED lights have a power of 3 to 280 watts or more. This allows you to choose the best option for lighting various rooms and objects. The volume of light radiation is measured in lumens, denoted as "lm". The characteristics of each model indicate the minimum and maximum permissible air temperature, degree of protection against dust and moisture. Depending on the color temperature, individual luminaire models may emit warm or cold light.
Classification by type of installation:
recessed;
waybills.
Recessed luminaires are installed in plasterboard, plastic, tension and suspension structures. Surface mounted models are simply placed on walls, ceilings or in universal versions.
Classification by installation location:
Ceiling
wall mounted;
floor, table.
Ceiling devices are extremely easy to install. For work, you only need a knife, a screwdriver, an indicator and a screwdriver. Overhead lights are perfect for rooms with low ceilings. Ceiling lights are of good power and perfectly scatter light throughout the space of the room. Wall mounted devices have a more spectacular and remarkable design than ceiling mounted ones. They are often used as spot and additional lighting. Floor models of LED lamps are produced in the form of beautiful floor lamps with elegant and subtle details.There is a movable mechanism in the floor and desktop devices, thanks to which the direction of light scattering can be adjusted.
Housing Types:
point;
floodlights;
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. Searchlights are more often used for lighting facades, shop windows, signboards, streets and various advertising structures. LED strip is a flexible board on which the LEDs are evenly spaced. Such devices are used to effectively illuminate interiors, furniture, as a lighting for advertising structures and as an addition to landscape design. Cascading 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 for lighting industrial premises, large shopping and entertainment centers, sports complexes, offices, offices, warehouses and streets. In most cases, the cases are made of aluminum, stainless steel or plastic. Next, we consider in more detail the varieties of LED lamps by the type of their purpose.
Linear
Linear LED luminaires are designed in the form of 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, linear fixtures resemble long glowing sticks, they can be arranged as you like, they can be built-in or overhead. Thanks to the original linear design of the case, you can realize many interesting design ideas for effective lighting of interiors.
Linear lights can be sensory or modular. The level of illumination of touch models is carried out by light touch of hands.Modular lamps are interconnected, so it is possible to build an original lighting system. Linear constructions with LED light source are located in any living room. 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.
Recessed
When installed, the housing of recessed fixtures is completely or partially hidden under the surface of the ceiling, wall, floor, furniture. By the type of design, devices are divided into panel or modular, into point, standard or furniture. They can create a diffuse or directional glow. Panel, modular fixtures are 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 buildings. They emit a directional glow, so that the room is lit evenly, it is necessary to install several panel boxes with LEDs.
Spotlights are also called downlights. In most cases, they are purchased for residential premises. Standard models are installed in a structure of drywall, suitable for suspended and suspended ceilings. Spotlights with a more robust housing can be built into floors and even street walkways. Certain models are used to highlight furniture sets. You can purchase furniture with built-in LED lighting or buy special lamps separately and install them yourself. For the installation of recessed fixtures, various bases are suitable in which you can deepen the body of the device.
Wall mounted
Lamps for walls can be recessed or laid on.Wall-mounted lighting devices are available in a wide range of different shapes and designs. For the living room, devices with round or square shades that are combined with the general design of the interior are suitable. 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 the child will like it. For a recreation area, lamps with a soft glow are more suitable, and for the playing space it is worth choosing brighter sources.
In the hallway it will be enough to place several small spotlights on the walls. In the bathroom, you need to choose models that are resistant to moisture. With the help of wall-mounted LED lamps, you can distinguish the working and dining area in the kitchen. Above the writing desk in the office it is possible to create shadowless lighting with the help of several spotlights. Instruments with an integrated motion sensor can help reduce energy costs.
Industrial
LED lamps of industrial type are widely used for lighting industrial, warehouse and commercial facilities. The versatility of industrial devices allows you to install them in educational, administrative, medical institutions and use as street lighting. Such artificial light sources can tolerate adverse climatic conditions, high humidity, high vibrations and exposure to chemical fumes. LEDs are enclosed in durable, sealed, fireproof enclosures that can be mounted 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 ensure optimal lighting, which will positively affect the productivity of personnel. LED lamps distribute light that does not strain the eye, 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 fixtures. Also, devices can be designer, which are specially selected for a certain interior styling. Sources of electric lighting are installed on ceilings, walls, floors and work desks, depending on the parameters of the room.
Street
LED street lighting devices are highly resistant to adverse weather conditions, mechanical damage and reliable protection from dust, moisture and vibration. Technical characteristics allow them to be installed along roads, avenues, on poles, building facades, advertising stands and shop windows. With their help, architectural structures and territories near industrial, administrative, commercial, and medical institutions are illuminated at night. LED light sources are installed near the entrances of apartment buildings, in the courtyards of private houses and cottages.
Lamps for housing and communal services
In housing and communal services, LED lamps are installed in porches, stairwells, basements and attics. Some models are equipped with additional protection against vandalism, lamps are closed by metal bars or shockproof shades. Devices with motion sensors, which turn on only when someone is on the stairwell, are very popular. There are devices that can be configured for a specific time period.For example, when the lights themselves turn on when the object is moving, but only from 7 pm to 6 am. This can significantly reduce energy costs and extend the life of devices for housing and communal services lighting.
Floodlights
LED spotlights are widely used for night illumination of modern cities. Devices create a bright, intense, directional light, while consuming a minimum of energy. The housing of streetlights is made of aluminum alloys and coated with a protective coating against the formation of corrosion. The device has a reflector that provides uniform light output with certain scattering angles. In such devices there is additional protection against short circuit. Places where the wires are connected are closed with special protective tubes and insulating clamps, and the wiring is equipped with double insulation. LED floodlights 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 landscape design with the help of LED lamps, beautiful lighting effects are created along paths, stairways, near trees, shrubs, flower beds, decorative sculptures, fountains, pools, ponds, gazebos and detached buildings. The design of landscape LED devices is quite concise and simple. A beautiful visual effect is achieved not due to the decorative qualities of the fixtures, but due to the successful location of several light sources. To illuminate the site can be used recessed fixtures or on brackets, as well as streetlights. In some cases, street LED lights become a spectacular addition to landscape design.
For pools, fountains and reservoirs
Previously, pools, artificial ponds, waterfalls and fountains, in the dark, illuminated only from the outside. Now it’s possible to organize underwater lighting. To do this, special waterproof fixtures and LED strips of different colors are produced. For installation underwater, models with the highest degree of energy protection - IP 68 are suitable. For underwater lighting, overhead or built-in devices with a sealed enclosure can be used. The deeper the waterproof fixtures are located, the higher their level of power should be. 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, luminaires with a power of 15 to 20 watts are suitable. Special controllers allow you to adjust the color and light intensity.
Selection by technical parameters
When choosing fixtures, you need to pay attention to the power level, which is indicated as W, the higher the power, the more energy will be consumed. Brightness is measured in lumens, the higher its performance, the brighter the luminous flux. Luminous efficiency can be determined by the designation Lm / W, the data will talk about how much electricity the device spends at a certain brightness level. For various light temperatures, 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 lampholder. If you want to set a dimmer to adjust the light intensity, you need the lamps that will be used to have a special mark on the package indicating 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 are not always true. Therefore, when choosing, it is better to be guided by the warranty period of operation.
Conclusion
LED lights are a great alternative to other sources of artificial lighting. Until recently, their cost was very high, but today their price is affordable for most buyers. If you take into account the savings in electricity consumption, then LED lighting pays off in a short period of time. A wide range of LED devices allows you to use them anywhere. When buying, it is advisable to give preference to reliable manufacturers, as cheap Chinese appliances quickly fail. With the help of LED lamps, tapes, lamps and searchlights, you can create incredibly effective lighting and realize the most interesting ideas.
Most recently, incandescent lamps were used to illuminate residential, industrial, commercial premises and streets. Then they began to be replaced by fluorescent lighting fixtures. Today, the popularity of LED lamps and luminaires is steadily growing, due to their technical characteristics and long service life. A wide range of different types of LED lighting products allows you to install them in many places, this helps to reduce energy consumption.
Content
General characteristics of LED lights
For the first time, LEDs went on sale more than 50 years ago. Since then, their characteristics have been constantly improved and now devices are available that can illuminate the space well, consume minimal amounts of electricity and are environmentally friendly. Demand for such lighting equipment is steadily increasing, to date, LEDs are recognized as the most promising sources of lighting.
Most other types of luminaires use reflectors to form the required light beam. And in LED lamps, each diode is equipped with lens optics. The housings of LED luminaires are made of aluminum or other material that allows you to remove excess heat from the LED. For street lighting, lighting devices are made that are resistant to strong gusts of wind, wet rainfall and low temperatures.
Advantages and disadvantages
LED lights have a wide range of advantages:
LED lamps consume 6 times less electricity than filament lamps and 2 times less than fluorescent light sources. If the LED lamp remains on for 6 hours a day, then it will last for 4 to 5 years. LEDs have a much longer lifespan than other artificial light sources. LED devices do not contain harmful substances, unlike fluorescent ones, in which there are dangerous mercury compounds. The housing of the fixtures is made of durable materials, the lamps are protected from possible mechanical damage.
Main types of fixtures and scope
Models of devices are classified according to several criteria, taking into account the level of power of light radiation, resistance to temperature extremes, and degree of strength. LED lights have a power of 3 to 280 watts or more. This allows you to choose the best option for lighting various rooms and objects. The volume of light radiation is measured in lumens, denoted as "lm". The characteristics of each model indicate the minimum and maximum permissible air temperature, degree of protection against dust and moisture. Depending on the color temperature, individual luminaire models may emit warm or cold light.
Classification by type of installation:
Recessed luminaires are installed in plasterboard, plastic, tension and suspension structures. Surface mounted models are simply placed on walls, ceilings or in universal versions.
Classification by installation location:
Ceiling devices are extremely easy to install. For work, you only need a knife, a screwdriver, an indicator and a screwdriver. Overhead lights are perfect for rooms with low ceilings. Ceiling lights are of good power and perfectly scatter light throughout the space of the room. Wall mounted devices have a more spectacular and remarkable design than ceiling mounted ones. They are often used as spot and additional lighting. Floor models of LED lamps are produced in the form of beautiful floor lamps with elegant and subtle details.There is a movable mechanism in the floor and desktop devices, thanks to which the direction of light scattering can be adjusted.
Housing Types:
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. Searchlights are more often used for lighting facades, shop windows, signboards, streets and various advertising structures. LED strip is a flexible board on which the LEDs are evenly spaced. Such devices are used to effectively illuminate interiors, furniture, as a lighting for advertising structures and as an addition to landscape design. Cascading 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 for lighting industrial premises, large shopping and entertainment centers, sports complexes, offices, offices, warehouses and streets. In most cases, the cases are made of aluminum, stainless steel or plastic. Next, we consider in more detail the varieties of LED lamps by the type of their purpose.
Linear
Linear LED luminaires are designed in the form of 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, linear fixtures resemble long glowing sticks, they can be arranged as you like, they can be built-in or overhead. Thanks to the original linear design of the case, you can realize many interesting design ideas for effective lighting of interiors.
Linear lights can be sensory or modular. The level of illumination of touch models is carried out by light touch of hands.Modular lamps are interconnected, so it is possible to build an original lighting system. Linear constructions with LED light source are located in any living room. 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.
Recessed
When installed, the housing of recessed fixtures is completely or partially hidden under the surface of the ceiling, wall, floor, furniture. By the type of design, devices are divided into panel or modular, into point, standard or furniture. They can create a diffuse or directional glow. Panel, modular fixtures are 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 buildings. They emit a directional glow, so that the room is lit evenly, it is necessary to install several panel boxes with LEDs.
Spotlights are also called downlights. In most cases, they are purchased for residential premises. Standard models are installed in a structure of drywall, suitable for suspended and suspended ceilings. Spotlights with a more robust housing can be built into floors and even street walkways. Certain models are used to highlight furniture sets. You can purchase furniture with built-in LED lighting or buy special lamps separately and install them yourself. For the installation of recessed fixtures, various bases are suitable in which you can deepen the body of the device.
Wall mounted
Lamps for walls can be recessed or laid on.Wall-mounted lighting devices are available in a wide range of different shapes and designs. For the living room, devices with round or square shades that are combined with the general design of the interior are suitable. 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 the child will like it. For a recreation area, lamps with a soft glow are more suitable, and for the playing space it is worth choosing brighter sources.
In the hallway it will be enough to place several small spotlights on the walls. In the bathroom, you need to choose models that are resistant to moisture. With the help of wall-mounted LED lamps, you can distinguish the working and dining area in the kitchen. Above the writing desk in the office it is possible to create shadowless lighting with the help of several spotlights. Instruments with an integrated motion sensor can help reduce energy costs.
Industrial
LED lamps of industrial type are widely used for lighting industrial, warehouse and commercial facilities. The versatility of industrial devices allows you to install them in educational, administrative, medical institutions and use as street lighting. Such artificial light sources can tolerate adverse climatic conditions, high humidity, high vibrations and exposure to chemical fumes. LEDs are enclosed in durable, sealed, fireproof enclosures that can be mounted 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 ensure optimal lighting, which will positively affect the productivity of personnel. LED lamps distribute light that does not strain the eye, 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 fixtures. Also, devices can be designer, which are specially selected for a certain interior styling. Sources of electric lighting are installed on ceilings, walls, floors and work desks, depending on the parameters of the room.
Street
LED street lighting devices are highly resistant to adverse weather conditions, mechanical damage and reliable protection from dust, moisture and vibration. Technical characteristics allow them to be installed along roads, avenues, on poles, building facades, advertising stands and shop windows. With their help, architectural structures and territories near industrial, administrative, commercial, and medical institutions are illuminated at night. LED light sources are installed near the entrances of apartment buildings, in the courtyards of private houses and cottages.
Lamps for housing and communal services
In housing and communal services, LED lamps are installed in porches, stairwells, basements and attics. Some models are equipped with additional protection against vandalism, lamps are closed by metal bars or shockproof shades. Devices with motion sensors, which turn on only when someone is on the stairwell, are very popular. There are devices that can be configured for a specific time period.For example, when the lights themselves turn on when the object is moving, but only from 7 pm to 6 am. This can significantly reduce energy costs and extend the life of devices for housing and communal services lighting.
Floodlights
LED spotlights are widely used for night illumination of modern cities. Devices create a bright, intense, directional light, while consuming a minimum of energy. The housing of streetlights is made of aluminum alloys and coated with a protective coating against the formation of corrosion. The device has a reflector that provides uniform light output with certain scattering angles. In such devices there is additional protection against short circuit. Places where the wires are connected are closed with special protective tubes and insulating clamps, and the wiring is equipped with double insulation. LED floodlights 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 landscape design with the help of LED lamps, beautiful lighting effects are created along paths, stairways, near trees, shrubs, flower beds, decorative sculptures, fountains, pools, ponds, gazebos and detached buildings. The design of landscape LED devices is quite concise and simple. A beautiful visual effect is achieved not due to the decorative qualities of the fixtures, but due to the successful location of several light sources. To illuminate the site can be used recessed fixtures or on brackets, as well as streetlights. In some cases, street LED lights become a spectacular addition to landscape design.
For pools, fountains and reservoirs
Previously, pools, artificial ponds, waterfalls and fountains, in the dark, illuminated only from the outside. Now it’s possible to organize underwater lighting. To do this, special waterproof fixtures and LED strips of different colors are produced. For installation underwater, models with the highest degree of energy protection - IP 68 are suitable. For underwater lighting, overhead or built-in devices with a sealed enclosure can be used. The deeper the waterproof fixtures are located, the higher their level of power should be. 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, luminaires with a power of 15 to 20 watts are suitable. Special controllers allow you to adjust the color and light intensity.
Selection by technical parameters
When choosing fixtures, you need to pay attention to the power level, which is indicated as W, the higher the power, the more energy will be consumed. Brightness is measured in lumens, the higher its performance, the brighter the luminous flux. Luminous efficiency can be determined by the designation Lm / W, the data will talk about how much electricity the device spends at a certain brightness level. For various light temperatures, 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 lampholder. If you want to set a dimmer to adjust the light intensity, you need the lamps that will be used to have a special mark on the package indicating 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 are not always true. Therefore, when choosing, it is better to be guided by the warranty period of operation.
Conclusion
LED lights are a great alternative to other sources of artificial lighting. Until recently, their cost was very high, but today their price is affordable for most buyers. If you take into account the savings in electricity consumption, then LED lighting pays off in a short period of time. A wide range of LED devices allows you to use them anywhere. When buying, it is advisable to give preference to reliable manufacturers, as cheap Chinese appliances quickly fail. With the help of LED lamps, tapes, lamps and searchlights, you can create incredibly effective lighting and realize the most interesting ideas.