The choice of the type of main lighting and auxiliary lighting can be attributed to one of the most important stages of repair work. If the lighting system provides for the presence of lamps, lamps and LED strips, it is necessary to develop a mounting scheme for additional structures on which they will be installed. This principle is relevant if it is planned to mount the LED strip on the ceiling.
Often, drywall is used for these purposes. This is the easiest and most economical way to build interior niches and reliefs, especially when it comes to installing LED-backlight. Installation of LED strip in this case consists in the correct assembly, connection of all elements of the electrical circuit and its fixation inside the niche.
What is an LED backlight?
Today, LED lighting (Light Emitting Diode) is very popular. Many factors contribute to this:
- High brightness.
- Significant energy savings.
- Easy installation and maintenance.
- Environmental friendliness.
- Security.
- The ability to use multi-colored backlight.
Manufacturers offer LED lamps for various purposes: from high-grade light bulbs with a standard base to a variety of devices used for illumination. Lovers of self-repair are easiest to cope with the LEDs produced on the tape. Do-it-yourself LED strip mounting does not apply to difficult operations. The main condition for an effective and high-quality installation is careful observance of the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations, as well as the general rules for working with LEDs.
Types, equipment and cost of LED backlight
LED strip consists of LEDs placed in a specific sequence on a flexible basis with a width of 8 to 20 mm. The thickness of the tape, designed for a voltage of 12 V, does not exceed 3 mm, and the length of the coil is usually 5 m. High flexibility of the base, its small thickness and adhesive fragments on the back side greatly facilitate the installation of LED strip. The price of this design depends on several parameters:
- The type of LEDs and their brightness level (1-3 light-emitting crystals).
- The distance between the LEDs on the tape (30-120 lamps per meter).
- The width of the base and the number of rows along which the LEDs are located.
- The number of backlight colors available after connecting.
- The degree of protection of the device from moisture (the presence of a silicone cover or coating).
Experts insist on buying only high-quality tapes: the term of their operation directly depends on this. The cost of monochrome LED tapes is from 90-600 rubles per meter, multi-color - 170-1300 rubles per meter. Installation of LED strip necessarily provides for connecting a power supply, the main task of which is voltage stabilization and its conversion from 220 to 12 V. The price of this backlight element also varies depending on size and power: 170-500 rubles.
The value of preparatory work
Before you go to the store for tools and materials for organizing the backlight, you should correctly calculate how much tape you will need to buy, what power the power supply should have and whether you need a controller.
In those cases when it is planned to install an LED strip sparkling in several colors, you can not do without a switch, a controller. With it, you can change the color and type of glow of the LEDs (from even burning to blinking or "chameleon" mode).
Power supply calculation
The power of the power supply must be sufficient for the correct functioning of the network, so its numerical value can be calculated by adding the power indicators of all the LEDs located on the tape. It is not recommended to sequentially connect fragments of tape whose total length exceeds 15 m. It is better to connect several shorter ones in parallel.
If necessary, shorten the tape it is cut in the designated places.
The connection of individual fragments can be done with a conventional soldering iron (however, overheating of the contacts should be avoided).
Installation specifics
The surface of the wall, ceiling, countertop or furniture on which the LED strip will be installed must be clean and degreased. The tape should be fixed so that it can fully perform its functions. The angle of the LEDs reaches 120 degrees, so it’s enough to outline the approximate mounting location. However, if the placement is incorrect, the depth of the niche or the ledge of the ceiling will be illuminated, and not the room.
In accordance with the recommendations of specialists, the installation of LED strip directly should begin after assembling the entire circuit on a table or on the floor and checking its operability. During installation, the system must be disconnected from the network.
Carrying out the installation of the LED strip with your own hands, you should avoid too sharp bends), as they threaten to damage the tape.
The design of the LEDs contains an anode and a cathode, therefore, the installer should carefully observe the polarity. The LED strip, installed according to the rules, is able to provide long-term and high-quality lighting.