Installation of LED lights: features, instructions and recommendations

Modern design often requires LED fixtures, the installation of which is not difficult, but requires certain knowledge. Such devices are often used as auxiliary elements that distinguish certain zones, but if necessary, they can act as the main sources. LED technology is one of the most promising areas of artificial lighting, so it is worth paying attention to.

Why did appliances become popular in a short time?

Recently, traditional incandescent lamps are gradually losing demand. In modern rooms, LED lamps are increasingly being installed, which have many important advantages over conventional analogues. They are listed below:

• economical use of electric energy;
• the possibility of obtaining special spectral characteristics without any filters;
• compact sizes that allow you to successfully place devices in the interior;
• lack of inertia during the operation of the switch;
• high level of safety during operation;
• providing directional radiation without a reflector.

Some consumers can be scared away only by the cost of the devices. Unlike the prices of traditional devices, it is higher, but during the long-term operation it is possible to save money.

Tools and devices for work

When installing LED ceiling lights , the following tools and auxiliary elements are used:

• tape measure at least 5 m long;
• stepladder for lifting to a height;
• wire cutters;
• drill with a nozzle for making holes;
• insulation tape;
• junction box;
• stationery knife;
• power supply (when using low-voltage devices);
• switch.

Cable marking and routing

Posting distribution begins immediately after the acquisition of all system elements that were reflected in the estimate. The installation of LED lights requires competent thought out the layout of the cables. After its preparation, the marking is applied directly to the ceiling.

First, the place in which the new electrical circuit will be connected is determined. A junction box is installed here. When using low-voltage devices, a power supply unit is separately purchased, the power of which must correspond to the total performance of all devices.

When installing a suspended structure, the wires are distributed only after the assembly of the metal frame. To protect against electric shock and possible replacement, cables are best placed in a corrugated pipe made of plastic or metal. The material is selected taking into account the combustibility level of the supporting elements.

In the places where the fixtures are installed, it is recommended to leave leads at least 15 cm long for convenient connection. The wires are fixed to the base by means of plastic clamps or special brackets.

Hole making

When installing overhead LED fixtures, there are no special requirements for openings, but they must be located at the locations of the frame jumpers in order to be able to attach them. Built-in devices can be located between the supporting structural elements.

Roulette is used to accurately determine the installation location. If necessary, you can attach a sheet of finishing material, marking with a pencil sections with the location of lighting devices. The hole in drywall or plastic is cut using a special nozzle or clerical knife.

Connection and installation

When the openings for the appliances are ready, it is necessary to expose the wires protruding from them. One core is connected to the corresponding terminal of the lighting device, and the other is twisted directly with the power cable. Joints are necessarily wrapped with insulating tape. To simplify the work, most models are equipped with markings.

When installing recessed LED lights, the brackets located at the edges should be pressed to the ceiling. After their tension, it is not difficult to insert the device into the hole made. They must hold the device securely throughout the entire operating time.

When installing overhead products, it is connected to the main cables, after which the lower part is screwed through the facing material directly to the crate. After fixing is completed, the internal cavity is closed with a special cover.

Recommendations for determining the number of devices

Before installing LED lights, in any case, you have to count the number of lighting elements in the room. With incorrect calculations, you can spoil the visual perception of the design. It is necessary to determine the role of devices in the interior and the required level of illumination.

The simplest method of calculation does not require knowledge of special formulas or features of complex calculations. It is based on the optimal level of lighting directly for a square meter. Usually for these purposes, the power of 20 watts of traditional incandescent bulbs is enough.

Rules for the location of products

It is necessary to deal with the layout of lighting devices in accordance with certain recommendations, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve the maximum effect. The rules for installing LED lamps are as follows:

1. The optimal distance between adjacent lighting elements can be considered indentation from 100 to 150 cm. As for the minimum allowable gap, it should be 300 mm.
2. Devices are not allowed to be installed in the immediate vicinity of the wall. It is necessary to retreat at least 20 cm from the side surface. It is also not recommended to mount the devices in the corners of the room.
3. There are the most successful layouts of LED devices. The first of them consists in the arrangement of elements around the perimeter, and the second in a checkerboard pattern.

In conclusion, the cost of installation

The final installation price of LED lights can depend on many factors, but in standard situations, you can build on the data presented in a straightforward table. It presents the cost of the work.

The table below gives an approximate idea of ​​how much you can save by independently connecting LED lamps.