Varieties and characteristics of LED lamps

LEDs are devices that are used in many areas. They are used to illuminate phones, TVs and laptops, diodes are used in toys, various equipment. The main area of ​​application is the creation of different types of lighting. Various types of diodes are used in the backlight, which have their own characteristics and characteristics.

LED characteristics

LEDs appeared on the electronic components market about 50 years ago. Since then, their development has not stopped, and modern models have undergone a number of changes. Now LEDs are the most promising light sources with the best parameters.

Main characteristics:

• The working time is 50-100 thousand hours.
• Power. One 15W LED bulb can replace a 100W filament source. Power shows the amount of electricity consumed in 1 hour. It consists of such indicators as the power of the diodes and the driver.
• Colorful temperature. LEDs for lighting range from 3000 K to 5000 K.
• Light flow. For premises, it should be equal to 3200 lm, for the street 6000 lm and above. The luminous flux shows the amount of energy that the source gives off.
  
• Light output. This is the ratio of luminous flux to power consumption.
• Base type. Standard plinths E27, E14, GU4, GU5,3 and others are available.

  

• Scattering angle. Determines the area and distance of the illumination. The norm for modern lamps of widespread use is from 210 °.
• Dimmable. In some models, you can control the brightness of the light, the shade of the glow, the intensity.
• Flask type.
• The form. They can be in the form of a circle, candle, tube, cylinder, ribbon and other varieties.
• Dimensions and weight. There are small fixtures for miniature fixtures and large fixtures for powerful floodlights.
• IP protection against dust and moisture. For the street, models with an IP55 rating and higher are required, for the house they are selected with a lower value (depending on the microclimate of the room).
• Efficiency. This is the ratio of luminous flux to load. Modern high-quality LEDs have an indicator of 90-120 lm / W.
• Working voltage and frequency. The lamp can be designed for 220 V, 12 V or 24 V. The operating frequency in Russian power grids is 50 Hz.

The demand for LED products is increasing every year.

Advantages and disadvantages

Led lights have gained widespread popularity due to their advantages. Among the advantages are:

• Long service life. LEDs last several times longer than incandescent bulbs. The operating time can be up to 25 years.
• LEDs during operation practically do not weaken and do not lose their brightness, if a high-quality heat removal system is created.
• All components are durable, low maintenance.

  

• Conservation of electricity. LEDs are energy efficient light sources.
• Environmental friendliness. Ice lamps are environmentally friendly, do not contain harmful components, and can also be disposed of in the usual way.
• Durability, reliability, vibration resistance.
• High color rendering index from 75 Ra.

  

• The efficiency is close to 100%.
• Flicker-free.
• Low consumption currents.
• Wide operating temperature range - from -50 ° to + 60 °.
• Easy to connect.
• The ability to control the remote control.
• Large selection of colors.

A significant disadvantage is the cost of the products.One household lamp of the usual round shape and small size can cost from 300 rubles to 2000. More expensive models are used in offices, costing from 5000 rubles.

Besides the high cost, there are also disadvantages. LEDs are very demanding on the power supply. You need to choose the right one and choose the place of installation. Most manufacturers install the driver directly into the case.

Over time, degradation of the crystal is noted, due to which the diode dims. To slow down the rate of degradation, you need to make a high-quality heat sink. There is also the problem of repairing the LED matrix when one of the components burns out.

Types of LED lamps

The type of light bulb determines how it is used. Ice light sources are classified in different ways - by type and location of installation, type of housing, purpose.

According to the type of mounting, LEDs can be divided into the following categories:

• Embedded. Such devices are mounted in stretch ceilings or plasterboard.
• Overhead. Can be mounted on any flat surface.

At the place of installation, there are:

• LED ceiling lamps for home. Most of these lamps are characterized by high power and high level of light diffusion.
• Wall mounted. Miniature, used for spot or additional lighting. For convenience, a directional light is used.
• Outdoor. With the help of LEDs, you can create elegant floor lamps. Floor products can be equipped with moving parts, thanks to which the direction of light can be changed.

Classification by body type:

• Spot lamps. They are used at home and in offices, as well as in the illumination of advertising structures and shop windows. They can even be built into a stretch ceiling.
• Ribbons. They represent a flexible mounting plate on an adhesive base, on which LEDs are applied with a certain pitch. Width - 8-10 mm, thickness about 2-3 mm. They are used for home accent and decorative lighting, as well as for advertising structures or furniture lighting.
• Cascading. Suitable for use in rooms with large ceilings.
• Panels. They are used in the lighting of offices and enterprises, shopping centers and sports facilities.

By type of food:

• Wired.
• Wireless. Runs on rechargeable batteries and batteries.

You can also divide LED lamps according to their purpose:

• Industrial lamps. Used in enterprises, must have a high level of color rendering and not have ripples.
• Office. Bright light bulbs of cold shades are used.
• Common use. Placed in entrances, elevators, stairwells. Must have anti-vandal protection and be inexpensive.
• Landscaping. Large bright spotlights and panels are commonly used.
• Homemade. They have the same characteristics as office products, but should have a warm shade. They are used in apartments and summer cottages.

After choosing the installation location and destination, you need to decide on the budget. Built-in models cost about 350-1600 rubles, invoices from 500 rubles, spot 300-500 rubles. The cost of the tape is 70-500 rubles per meter. Lamps can have additional functions - for example, dimming or turning on when driving. Then the cost of the product will be higher.

Popular manufacturers

Phillips and Osram are leading companies in the LED market. They offer high quality products with components that meet international standards. All products are certified accordingly. Lamps from these two companies are the most reliable and withstand intense operating loads. Led sources from Phillips and Osram are more expensive than counterparts from other manufacturers.

High quality outdoor and household goods at an affordable price are produced by the Russian company Feron. They offer products of various configurations, including modules built into furniture.

Recently, the Russian company Era appeared on the market. Their products have already managed to fall in love with the buyer due to the high level quality and affordable cost. The company is actively developing and improving the characteristics of the product, so in the near future it will be able to outstrip its competitors in the battle for buyers.

Selection recommendations

Before buying lamps, you need to decide in what conditions they will work and what requirements are imposed on them. For the bedroom, you should choose lamps in warm colors. You can buy products with a dimmer for brighter lighting in the morning and soft and relaxing lighting in the evening.

Living quarters are illuminated by sources with a color temperature of 2700-3200 K. In the kitchen, bathroom and corridor, it is recommended to install lamps at 3700-4200 K. Linear LED lamps of more than 6000 K are used to illuminate utility compartments.

You should buy lamps in a specialized store, giving preference to trusted manufacturers. Cheap appliances of unknown origin can flicker, be of poor quality and do not meet the declared characteristics. When buying, be sure to check the lamps for flashing. To do this, you need to bring the smartphone camera to the connected light source. If the lamp is flickering, the image will also flicker on the screen. Such a product cannot be taken.

At the time of purchase, you need to check the warranty card. Some brands may only replace under certain circumstances. All this should be spelled out in the documentation. On average, the manufacturer's warranty in a company store is 1-3 years.