Tips for choosing LED strip for ceiling lighting

For zoning and decorating the interior, highlighting certain zones, backlighting with LED strips is used. These lighting fixtures are flexible printed circuit boards 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 proposals, it is important to choose the right LED strip.

What does the marking of the LED strip mean?

The lighting device consists of a dielectric strip with LEDs soldered at the same distance. There are models that operate on a mains voltage of 220 V, but most require a 12, 24 or 36 V power supply. The tape can only be cut in the indicated places. The modules consist of three diodes, their length is 2.5-10 cm. The thin strip is easily mounted on the adhesive base. Its width is 8-20 mm, thickness is 3 mm.

The main characteristics of the product are reflected in the marking:

• light source (LED);
• glow color: RGB - any, CW - white, R - red, G - green, B - blue;
• voltage - 12V, 24 V;
• element type - SMD;
• LED size - 2835.5050, etc .;
• the number of LEDs per 1 m - 30, 60, 120;
• board color;
• protection class.

The power (W / m) and the current passing through the board (A) are indicated on a plastic bay with an LED strip for backlighting.

Types of lighting fixtures

The backlight is monochrome and color. The choice is made based on personal preferences and general design decisions.

Single color (SMD)

A single-color tape is recommended to replace the main lighting and highlight specific areas. It is not only white, but also blue, red, green. White color systems are available with warm, neutral and cold glow. To create them, a phosphor is applied to the blue crystal.

Multicolor (RGB)

Colored illumination, consisting of crystals of three primary colors, in combination gives a variety of options. To adjust the device, a controller is mounted in the circuit. With its help, a program of running lights, a cyclical change in shades, is created. RGB tapes are installed on building facades, advertising banners, and cars. They are several times more expensive than their monochrome counterparts.

Brightness of LED strip

The dimensions of the LEDs affect the brightness of the glow: the larger the elements, the higher the luminous flux. The second significant indicator is the density of LED installation 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 the feeling of a solid strip of light.

Brightness (luminous flux) is measured in lumens (lm). It depends on the type of LED. The minimum parameter for the SMD 3528 models is 5 lm, the highest for the SMD 5630 is 18 lm.

Power supply unit power: how to calculate the parameter

The lighting device is connected through a power supply that changes the parameters of the mains voltage to 220 V. The operating indicators of the device are 12 or 24V. Converters are:

• open (for installation in a dry room);
• sealed (for outdoor installation and in places with high humidity).

When choosing a block, they are guided by the power of the LED strip. The parameter of the transducer must be 20-30% higher. The power of 1 m of the luminaire 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 a special table, which summarizes the capacities of common types of tapes. Calculation example:

• specific power 4.8 W;
• length 10 m.

4.8X10 = 48W with a 30% margin - 62.4W.

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 service and ventilated.

Controller for RGB strips

Multi-color ribbons require connection to the controller circuit. This device regulates the intensity of radiation and color change. Its power is equal to the parameters of the power supply. By the way of control, devices are of several types:

• mechanical - with buttons on the case, manually turned;
• with infrared control panel - signal distance up to 10 m with line of sight;
• radio wave - control from the 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. An amplifier is mounted if necessary.

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 number shows the degree of protection against dust, the second - against moisture. The indicator informs about the tightness of the printed circuit board. It can be open, insulated with silicone or PVC coating. The higher the code values, the more secure the lighting fixture is:

• IP20 - installation in living rooms;
• IP44 - device for kitchen or bathroom;
• IP54 - used for outdoor lighting;
• IP68 - the highest degree of tightness, the device works under water.

When choosing a tape, it is worth considering that the 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 a great distance between the power supply and tapes. Due to the voltage drop, not the rated 12 or 24 V is supplied to the lighting device, but less. The brightness of the lighting decreases accordingly. Losses up to 10% are acceptable.

On short sections of 3-5 m, the voltage decrease is insignificant, but at a distance of 10 m, it must be taken into account. Losses are caused by the resistance of the wire. An increase in its cross section brings the parameter to an acceptable norm. Electricians use a universal formula: for 10 A load - 1 mm2 section. The wire must be with copper conductors. Current load: divide the power of the LED strip by the voltage.

When installing, take into account the rule: sections with a length of 5 m or more are connected in parallel. With a series connection, the load on the first section increases, which leads to the combustion of the diodes. It is advisable to connect the wires to the tape by soldering.

The choice of LED strip at the installation site

Flexible tape (colored or monochrome) is used for additional illumination of the work area, highlighting design elements or furniture. When selecting it, technical characteristics and aesthetic preferences are taken into account. The color scheme for lighting the ceiling, bar counter, stairs and other details should correspond to the design intent, but there are general recommendations:

1. Cabinet shelves or showcases do not require bright light; an option without IP20 insulation is suitable for them.
2. In places where moisture is possible (kitchen cabinets, skirting boards), it is worth using the IP44 protection class.
3. To replace the main lighting around the perimeter of the stretch ceiling, we recommend products marked SMD 5050 or 3528. The number of diodes is 60 or more per 1 m.
4. RGB tapes with IP68 marking will help to make an original design of the pool or facade.

The use of lighting devices with the ability to adjust the intensity and color of the flow is a universal option for residential premises.

Quality checking

Before buying, it is worth examining not only the parameters, but also the manufacturing quality of the LED strip. What to look for:

• The location of the diodes, they must be mounted evenly, symmetrically to each other.
• The reel must contain markings and information about the manufacturer.
• Uniform application of the protective coating.
• The brightness of the glow of the diodes at different ends of the tape, it should not differ.
• A high-quality product slowly regains its shape when bent by 60 °.

You can experiment by observing the glow temperature of the backlight tape in your sunglasses. The 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. Premium products use a large amount of copper in the substrate, high quality diodes, insulation and adhesive base. According to customer reviews, the rating of manufacturers of diode systems includes Russian and foreign brands. The brands Sveteco, Joliet Technology, offering excellent products, did not gain popularity due to their high cost. The list of popular manufacturers includes:

1. Cree - the products of the American brand have a high color rendering index (more than 90), do not create color distortion. The bright illumination is safe for the eyes and creates a pleasant atmosphere in the room. The cost of a single-color ribbon is from 550-680 rubles.
2. Geniled is a Russian brand offering high-quality, economical and safe LED lighting fixtures. They are designed for 50,000 operating hours and have various degrees of protection against moisture and dust. The cost depends on the characteristics.

   

3. Arlight - a Russian company uses gold filaments to solder diodes, the phosphor is filled with a digital method, the board is covered with copper on both sides. 5-year warranty. Price from 200 rubles.
4. Jazzway is a manufacturer of reliable and inexpensive products from China. His catalog contains everything you need to install LED lighting. The cost of 5 m of one-color ribbon is from 280 rubles.
5. Gauss is a Chinese brand that has become popular among buyers due to its affordable price and decent quality of the product. The diodes are flicker-free and provide good color reproduction. For 5 m you will have to pay from 540 rubles.

When buying an LED strip, you have to take into account many factors from technical characteristics to installation subtleties. A thoughtful approach to the choice will provide an opportunity to create an original room decor.