For zoning and interior decoration, highlighting certain zones, LED backlighting is used. These lighting fixtures are a flexible printed circuit board with conductive paths, LEDs and resistors. Their use significantly reduces energy consumption, helps to create an original design of a room, house, pool. With many suggestions, it is important to choose the right LED strip.
What does labeling of LED strip mean?
The lighting device consists of a strip of dielectric with LEDs soldered at the same distance. There are models that operate on 220 V mains voltage, but most require a power supply of 12, 24 or 36 V. The tape can only be cut in designated places. The modules consist of three diodes, their length is 2.5-10 cm. A thin strip is easily mounted on an adhesive base. Its width is 8-20 mm, thickness 3 mm.
The main characteristics of the product are reflected in the marking:
- light source (LED);
- light color: RGB - any, CW - white, R - red, G - green, B - blue;
- voltage - 12V, 24 V;
- item type - SMD;
- LED size - 2835.5050, etc .;
- the number of LEDs in 1 m - 30, 60, 120;
- board color;
- protection class.
On a plastic bay with an LED strip for illumination, the power (W / m) and the current passing through the board (A) are indicated.
Types of Lighting
The backlight is monochrome and color. The choice is based on personal preferences and the general design decision.
Plain (SMD)
To replace the main lighting and highlighting of individual zones, a single-color tape is recommended. It happens not only white, but also blue, red, green. White systems come with warm, neutral and cold glow. To create them, a phosphor is applied to a blue crystal.
Multi-color (RGB)
Color backlighting, consisting of crystals of three primary colors, in combination provides many options. To adjust the device, a controller is mounted in the circuit. With its help, a program of running lights, a cyclical change of colors is created. RGB tapes are installed on building facades, advertising banners, cars. They are several times more expensive than monochrome counterparts.
LED strip brightness
The dimensions of the LEDs affect the brightness of the glow: the more elements, the higher the luminous flux. The second significant indicator is the density of installation of LEDs per 1 meter. Elements are placed in one or more rows. At a frequency of 30, 60 pieces, they look like separate burning points. Tighter placement of 120 or 240 pieces gives a feeling of a solid luminous strip.
Brightness (luminous flux) is measured in lumens (lm). It depends on the type of LED. The minimum parameter for SMD 3528 models is 5 lm, the highest for SMD 5630 is 18 lm.
Power supply capacity: how to calculate the parameter
The lighting device is connected through a power supply unit that changes the parameters of the mains voltage of 220 V. The device's operating indicators are 12 or 24V. Converters are:
- open (for installation in a dry room);
- tight (for installation on the street and in places with high humidity).
When choosing a unit, they are guided by the power of the LED strip. The converter parameter should be 20-30% higher. The power of 1 m of the lamp is indicated by the manufacturer.To calculate the total consumption, this indicator is multiplied by the number of meters of the segment. In the absence of data, you can use the special table, which summarizes the power of common types of tapes. Calculation example:
- specific power 4.8 W;
- length 10 m.
4.8X10 = 48 W with a margin of 30% - 62.4 W.
Calculation of the parameter with a margin will allow the adapter not to overheat during operation. The location of the power supply must be accessible for maintenance, ventilated.
Controller for RGB tapes
Multicolor ribbons require connection to the controller circuit. This device controls the intensity of the radiation and color change. Its power is equal to the parameters of the power supply. By the method of control, devices are of several types:
- mechanical - with buttons on the case, rotated manually;
- with infrared control panel - signal distance up to 10 m with direct visibility;
- radio waves - remote control within a radius of 50 m;
- Wi-Fi channel operating with a smartphone.
The device is installed between the end of the LED strip and the adapter. If necessary, an amplifier is mounted.
Protection class
The level of protection of the product from moisture and dust is taken into account when choosing a lighting device. In the marking, it is indicated after the letters IP. The first figure shows the degree of protection against dust, the second - from moisture. The indicator informs about the tightness of the printed circuit board. It is open, insulated with silicone or PVC coating. The higher the code value, the more secure the lighting fixture is:
- IP20 - installation in living rooms;
- IP44 - device for the kitchen or bathroom;
- IP54 - used for street lighting;
- IP68 - the highest degree of tightness, the device works under water.
When choosing a tape, it is worth considering that protection reduces the brightness of the glow and causes the board to heat up.
Wire selection
The main criterion for the selection of the connecting wire is the cross section. It depends on the magnitude of the passing current and the voltage drop. The significance of the indicator increases with the great distance of the power supply and tapes. Due to a voltage drop, not a nominal 12 or 24 V is supplied to the lighting device, but less. Accordingly, the brightness of the light decreases. Allowable losses of up to 10%.
In short sections of 3-5 m, the voltage reduction is insignificant, and at a distance of 10 m it must be considered. Losses occur due to the resistance of the wire. An increase in its cross section leads the parameter to an acceptable norm. Electricians use a universal formula: for 10 A loads - 1 mm2 section. The wire should be with copper conductors. Current load: divide the power of the LED strip by voltage.
During installation, the rule is taken into account: segments from 5 m long are connected in parallel. With a serial connection, the load on the first section increases, which leads to the combustion of diodes. It is advisable to connect the wires to the tape by soldering.
Selection of LED strip at the installation site
Flexible tape (color or monochrome) is used for additional lighting of the working area, highlighting design elements or furniture. When choosing it, technical characteristics and aesthetic preferences are taken into account. The color scheme for lighting the ceiling, bar, stairs and other details should correspond to the design plan, but there are general recommendations:
- Cabinet shelves or display cases do not require bright light, for them the option without IP20 insulation is suitable.
- In places where moisture can enter (cabinets in the kitchen, baseboards), it is worth using IP44 protection class.
- To replace the main lighting around the perimeter of the suspended ceiling, products with the marking SMD 5050 or 3528 are recommended. The number of diodes is 60 or more per 1 m.
- RGB tapes with IP68 marking will help to create an original design of a pool or facade.
The use of lighting with the ability to adjust the intensity and color of the stream is a universal option for residential premises.
Quality checking
Before buying, it is worth examining not only the parameters, but also the quality of manufacturing the LED strip. What to look for:
- The location of the diodes, they must be mounted evenly, symmetrically to each other.
- The reel must bear the marking and manufacturer information.
- Coating uniformity.
- The brightness of the diodes at different ends of the tape, it should not differ.
- A quality product, when bent at 60 °, slowly restores shape.
You can conduct an experiment by observing the temperature of the glow of the backlight in sunglasses. LEDs should give the same brightness.
Manufacturers Rating
With similar characteristics, the cost of LED strips differs significantly depending on the quality of the elements used. In premium products, a large amount of copper is used in the substrate, high-quality diodes, insulation and an adhesive base. According to customer reviews, the rating of manufacturers of diode systems includes Russian and foreign brands. Brands Sveteco, Joliet Technology, offering excellent products, have not received distribution because of the high cost. The list of popular manufacturers includes:
- Cree - the products of the American brand have a high color rendering index (over 90), does not create color distortion. Bright illumination is safe for the eyes, creates a pleasant atmosphere in the room. The cost of a single-color ribbon is from 550-680 rubles.
- Geniled is a Russian brand that offers high-quality, economical and safe LED lighting. They are designed for 50,000 hours of operation, have varying degrees of protection against moisture and dust. The cost depends on the characteristics.
Arlight LED Strip - Arlight - a Russian company uses gold threads to solder diodes, the phosphor is filled digitally, the board is coated with copper on both sides. 5 year warranty. The price is from 200 rubles.
- Jazzway is a manufacturer of reliable and affordable products from China. In his catalog, everything necessary for the installation of LED lighting. The cost of 5 m of single-color tape from 280 rubles.
- Gauss - the Chinese brand has become popular among buyers due to its affordable price and decent quality of goods. Diodes work without flickering, good color reproduction is ensured. For 5 m you will have to pay from 540 rubles.
When buying an LED strip, many factors have to be considered, from technical specifications to the intricacies of installation. A thoughtful approach to selection will provide the opportunity to create an original decor of the room.
