Technologies do not stand still, their development has also affected the issues of lighting premises, territories and objects. A breakthrough in this direction was the invention and introduction of energy-saving LED lamps. These products are at the peak of popularity, gradually but surely replacing analogues. The numerous advantages of products that have proven themselves in all operating conditions testify in favor of the choice of LED lamps for the home.
Advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps
An LED lamp is a complex electrical device consisting of a body, a bulb, a rectifier, diode luminous crystals and a circuit that stabilizes the current parameters.
LED lamps have the following advantages:
- Profitability. Energy consumption at the same brightness is 8 times less than that of analogs with a filament; 1.5 times than that of fluorescent lamps.
- Optimal radiation spectrum. It is closest to natural, therefore it is comfortable for vision.
- Safety. The products do not contain harmful substances. The body is made of polymer plastic, which does not pose a threat to the environment.
- Durability. A high-quality LED lamp is designed for 8000-10000 hours of operation. The service life of the device is 5-10 years.
- Possibility of modification. LED bulbs can be dimmed, their revision is available even to novice craftsmen, products must be repaired at home.
The LED light bulb maintains the same brightness at high and low voltage in the network thanks to the built-in stabilizer.
LEDs also have disadvantages, they must be reckoned with when making a choice in favor of this product.
- High price. It is comparable to luminescent products, but 10-12 times higher than that of devices with incandescent filaments.
- The brightness control function is supported only by expensive models released by the manufacturer.
- The presence on the market of a large number of low quality products. Such LED bulbs give out an uncomfortable glow for the eyes and blink.
Products should be protected from direct sunlight, as plastic is destroyed by ultraviolet radiation.
Luminaire types
The optimal type of design and high performance characteristics ensured the use of luminaires in all areas of activity.
By their purpose, they are divided into the following categories:
- Household. They are used in residential and utility premises, offices and in the housing and utilities sector. Small luminaires act as backlights, while standard sized devices act as the primary lighting task.
- Street. Designed to highlight objects, sidewalks, buildings and highways. Devices with a high degree of protection against dust and moisture are used.
- Smart. They are distinguished by the presence of a relay that adjusts the brightness of the crystals depending on the intensity of external light. They are installed in night lamps and street lamps.
- Replaceable. They have a collapsible design, which provides for plug-in fastening of parts. The choice in favor of such devices can mean a lot in terms of savings, since replacing one piece is much cheaper than the entire device.
By their design, the luminaires create directional, diffuse and linear light. Thanks to this variety, a new generation of lamps has become widespread.
The difference between LED lamps and others
In order to successfully adapt the LED devices without drastic changes in the design of the luminaires, the engineers gave them a standard shape for the body and base. Thanks to the compact design of the internal parts, this was not a problem. According to their configuration, LED devices practically do not differ from previously developed products. The decoding of the LED marking of the luminaires is carried out according to the unified world standards.
Power:
- outdoor - 15-25 W;
- ceiling for chandeliers - 6-15 W;
- point (built-in and external) - 1-5 W.
Base:
- E27, E14 - screw 27 mm and 14 mm;
- GU10 - 10mm bump two-pin connector;
- GU5.3 - 5.3mm bi-pin connector;
- G13 - 13mm two-pin connector in tubular lamps.
The form:
- A55 - pear;
- C35 - candle;
- G45 - ball;
- R39, R50, R63 - reflectors with reflectors.
Colorful temperature :
- 2700-3200 K - warm white;
- 3500-4500 K - daily;
- 4700-6000 K - white;
- from 6000 K - cold white.
The differences are as follows:
- The device does not include glass or chemicals.
- The stabilizer maintains the current within the specified limits.
- The flask is made of matte or transparent plastic.
- The flat smoothing capacitor saves energy.
The rating of leading manufacturers indicates that LED lamps look great against the background of outdated lamps.
How to choose LED bulbs
To choose the right LED bulbs for your home, you need to take into account a number of criteria that will affect the efficiency of their operation.
The following factors should be assessed:
- Purpose and place of use. For the equipment of large rooms, large lamps of 6-10 W are suitable, depending on the number of horns. They can be supplemented with LED lamps for spotlights 220 V brands R39, R50, R63
- Cold or warm light. Here you need to give preference based on your priorities. Warm radiation creates a cozy feeling, while cold radiation provides better illumination.
- Light output. A good source has an index in the range of 80-89 Ra, providing natural illumination of objects and objects.
The directionality of the radiation must be taken into account. Bulbs with a diffusing effect are suitable for ceiling luminaires. It is better to equip the backlight with projector-type sources. For illuminating kitchen worktops or mirrors, longitudinal tube-shaped products are the ideal solution.
Lighting level selection
A big plus of LED lamps is that, unlike incandescent lamps, they are produced in a wide range of different technical characteristics. By selecting models according to certain parameters, you can make an original composition that will shine exactly as the owner of the property intended. The basis for the calculation is the optimal illumination level of 25 W / m² for an incandescent lamp. As for LED devices, this figure is reduced by 8 times to 3 W / h.
Example: A hall that has a total area of 20 m². The required power is 60 watts of LEDs. A chandelier of 4 arms will require 12-15 W lamps, which is equivalent to 4 analogs with 125 W filaments each.
Selection by technical parameters
Each product has certain technical characteristics that are applied to its body and packaging. This data must be carefully studied in order to buy a functional and effective item.
The selection criteria for LED devices are as follows:
- power - selected with a small margin relative to the calculated data, since over time the crystals lose brightness;
- ripple - the coefficient should be in the range of 10-40%;
- color rendering index - at least 80 for residential premises and 70 for utility rooms;
- lighting angle - limited to the specified area, but not more than 50 ° when mounted on the ceiling;
- dimming support - if a regulator is installed in the room;
- correct work with the indicator on the wall switch.
When buying, you should pay attention to the presence of a quality certificate and the integrity of the goods. In all cases, it is necessary to check it and demand a guarantee. For such products, it is given for at least 2 years.
How Much Can You Save Using LED Bulbs
Using the example of a two-room apartment, you can make an approximate calculation of the potential savings when using LED devices. On average, 20 incandescent lamps, 100 W each, are installed in all rooms. For a day of operation, they consume up to 5 kW when switched on alternately. A month runs 150 kW. Products with crystals will consume a maximum of 20 watts. The savings on electricity will be 120 kW, or about 500 rubles per month, and 6000 rubles per year.
Since ICE devices are designed for several years of operation, 2 years should be taken into account - the warranty period, during which the product must be replaced. With an average cost of 200 rubles, 4000 rubles will be spent on the purchase. Incandescent lamps will cost 500-600 rubles, but they will have to be changed more often - every 3-4 months, which in 2 years will result in the amount of 3000-3500 rubles.
Taking into account the consumption of electricity and replacement of burned-out products, the payback of the LED lamps will come in 4 months, and then there will be net savings.