In recent years, LED light sources are very popular. The thing is that such lamps can be used in a wide variety of conditions, while the quality and brightness of lighting is significantly higher than that of incandescent lamps.
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It is far from a secret that LED lamps are actively embedded in cars, machines and many other devices. Today, LED lighting in dwellings are not used so often, but it is safe to say that on many aspects it is much better than luminescent.
Moreover, LEDs are the best options for decorating rooms. It is safe to show with confidence that with these funds you can really decorate the room successfully even if it has a number of disadvantages. For a long time, LEDs have been used to decorate and illuminate suspended ceilings, as well as drywall structures.
In this material, we will analyze the main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of modern LED lamps. Looking a little in advance, it is safe to say that the lamp lamps are the best option for both the home and for any other places.
The main features of LED lamps
It should be noted that many people do not recognize LED lamps for the reason that they have too bright light, and in the dwellings they often prefer dull lighting that does not irritate vision. However, you need to know that LED lamps have a fairly flexible color temperature. Of course, finding dull LEDs in stores is not so simple, but nothing is impossible. Mostly LEDs are built into lanterns, which, as you know, should be as bright as possible.
Of course, as a replacement for fluorescent lighting, this is a good option, but you need to pay attention to the fact that it is often necessary to make a complete replacement of the basements. This, obviously, does not attract everyone, especially when it comes to lighting large rooms, including industrial ones.
If you look at the range of products of most stores, you can understand that spotlights can often be found on sale. They have small sizes, and, as already mentioned, are used for embedding in suspended ceilings. However, as the main lighting of the room is not the best option. Large lighting products are called spotlights, but they are not used inside indoor rooms.
Characteristics of LED lamps
First of all, you need to decide on the characteristics of LED lamps, and only then make a choice in favor of a particular product.
- The power consumption of lamps: from 3 to 20 watts.
- A shade of the radiated color: from 2700 to 6700 K.
- Type of execution: E14, E27, G5, G13, GU4, Gu5.3.
- Voltage: from 12V permanent, and to 220V variable.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the fact that many lamps support the function of adjusting the brightness of light. This possibility is especially necessary in the conditions of saving electricity with a large number of lamps.
Distribution is another important aspect on which you need to focus on. Many spotlights, despite the external similarity, can illuminate a different area. Of course, this is indicated in the characteristics of the lamps.
Well, separately, it should be noted the constructive execution of lamps with LEDs. Accordingly, you can find overhead light sources, cut, built -in and many others. Depending on this characteristic, the lamps can be used in a wide variety of conditions, from housing and ending with industrial workshops.
At home, the type of basement E27 is often used. It has the most suitable characteristics and dimensions for convenient built -in in apartments. If we talk about lampshades or nightlights, then it is best to use the E14 base. Smaller lighting options are found in microwave furnaces and even refrigerators. Here, decisive factors are lighting dimensions, as well as brightness.
The E40 base is most often used to light streets or industrial buildings. Accordingly, this is the largest option that can be found in free sale.
If there is a need to replace fluorescent lamps, the base with two contacts of contacts should be used.
As we have already said, most often LED lamps are embedded in suspended ceilings. We are talking about the executions of basements marked as GU4, GU5.3, GU10, and GU13. In this case, the voltage from 12 to 24V is used, so the terminals of the basement are extremely thin.
Analysis of power consumption
It has already been mentioned that the lighting power is a fairly serious aspect, especially in conditions when each kilowatts of energy is taken into account. The thing is that LED lamps are very often used in industry. Accordingly, such lighting products can be several hundred, or even thousands. In such conditions, even before the acquisition of lamps, it is necessary to make detailed calculations that allow you to understand what electricity consumption will be.
Obviously, LEDs are significantly more economical than many other lighting products that are used today. On a large scale, their use is the most acceptable option that saves tens of thousands of rubles.
At home, if you replace all incandescent lamps with LEDs, you can also feel significant savings. This is especially important if you take into account the constantly growing electricity tariffs.
Well, the end should be noted that it will not work to determine the degree of brightness or power of the light flow, even if the power consumption is known.
Experts advise paying attention to the power consumed in the first place, since it is on this characteristic that it concerns ordinary consumers.
Alternating and constant current source
The LEDs themselves, built into lamps, work on a direct current with a voltage of 12V. At the same time, you need to know that often in the schemes there are special drivers who conduct stress to the very source of light. Accordingly, before the driver there may be a connection to alternating current with a voltage of 220V to the most ordinary outlet. You can also find options with constant and alternating voltage from 12 to 24V.
Before buying a lamp, of course, it is worth clarifying the issue of a current source. If the choice is made incorrectly, then the LED can simply burn out, and at the same time the money spent can no longer be returned.
If the LED lamps have a driver, then here the risk of blocking the light source is extremely low. Such lamps, most often, easily tolerate any voltage drops.
It is also interesting that with voltage drops, LED lamps practically do not change their brightness. This is another advantage compared to incandescent lamps, which in similar conditions can fade or dynamically blink.
Light radiation power
Many owners who want to purchase LED lamps are interested in the power of light radiation. This value is measured in lumen. In order to determine this value, it is necessary to know the ratio of l to WT.
If we compare incandescent lamps with LED light sources, then, often, we have from 10 to lm/W. The most ordinary LEDs that are used at home have much higher efficiency - from 70 to 90 lm/W.
There is a table with which you can compare the light ceiling of incandescent lamps and LED light sources:
If you purchase a LED lamp in a regular store, then often manufacturers do not indicate the efficiency and power of the light flow on the packaging. Accordingly, in such a situation, we will need to establish the necessary information with our own hands.
Color temperature
As already mentioned earlier, it is precisely this characteristic that people who decide to switch to LED lamps pay attention. Unlike the same common incandescent lamps, LED lamps have a really wide range of radiated light. Accordingly, we just need to know what kind of degree we need. To do this, you can use the following scheme:
We also said that most often on sale you can find bright color options. The thing is that LEDs for many people are a good replacement of incandescent lamps due to bright daytime color. Accordingly, if there is a need for dim LEDs, it is best to make an order via the Internet, or directly through the manufacturer.
In general, in order to navigate, the following meanings should be remembered:
- about 2500k (degrees of Kelvin) - the temperature of the yellow glow;
- about 5000k - white daytime;
- more than 6000k is a cold blue color.
If we talk directly about the practical use of LEDs, then, of course, a yellow glow is best suited for home conditions, and the rest of the options are best for industrial buildings.
In the event that tiny LED lamps are used, built into the stretch ceiling, then white is also suitable.
The ability to adjust brightness
Unlike many light sources that are gradually the past, LED lamps can be equipped with devices called dimmers. With their help, you can adjust the brightness of light. In this case, the frequency of the diode blinking only changes, but this will not cause any discomfort for the human eye.
The ability to adjust the brightness of the lamp is a really important point that allows you to configure the most comfortable light in the home, and also not to forget about the saving of electricity. Although it will not be a lot to save money, but there will still be some effect from Dimmer.
Unfortunately, not all LED light sources can succumb to brightness adjustment. In some cases, built -in drivers do not allow you to leave the established frequency of work. Obviously, the lamps that maintain brightness adjustment are somewhat more expensive than usual. Accordingly, if there is no need for flexible brightness tuning, then it is better to refuse this venture.
The direction of the light flow
Unlike incandescent lamps and fluorescent light sources, LED lamps emit light only in one direction, and even in a small sector in front of themselves. This, of course, is a significant drawback, especially when it comes to using the LEDs at home.
On the other hand, if we take into account the spread of heat from the lamp, then the LEDs are much more attractive. Often heat goes in the direction opposite to the light flow. Accordingly, this allows you to use this light source for a stretch ceiling without any problems, which in other conditions melts and becomes unusable.
For uniform lighting of the entire room, several spotlights are required, installed throughout the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
Disadvantages of LED light sources
As it became clear from the above information, the LEDs have many advantages, which will most likely lead to the complete crowding out of obsolete lighting options. Despite this, have LEDs and some shortcomings.
- The price question. Unfortunately, not everyone is solved to purchase LED lamps. The fact is that the price tags sometimes scare away customers. One LED lamp stands like a dozen incandescent lamps. In such conditions, the choice is obvious.
- Influence on human health. Some experts say that LED lamps do not affect human health in the best way. Unfortunately, it is impossible to establish whether this is true, however, on the Internet you can find entire articles on the negative impact of LEDs on human health.
