Premises can be zoned with multi-level ceilings. They are made of plasterboard, tension and combined. More recently, the allocation of the zone was carried out by painting sections of the ceilings in different colors. They did not refuse this method, but LED backlighting was also added. It makes the room unlike the others, creates coziness and warmth in it.
Lighting the ceiling with an LED strip can be done by yourself, but this requires some knowledge. It is preferred due to the absence of harmful substances, the uniformity of the light flux, fire safety, energy savings and a long service life.
Highlight Methods
The following options are available for lighting the ceiling with an LED strip:
contour, LED strip;
use of recessed LEDs.
These methods can be combined.
The first option is used more often, since it is universal and does not require large expenses. Contour lighting is suitable for all types of ceilings. It can even be built into ceiling skirting boards, cornices, ducts. It should always be remembered that the ceiling lighting with an LED strip does not replace the main lighting, but is a decorating element. Although at high power it can sometimes serve as the main source.
Ceiling Contour Lighting
A feature of the method is the illumination of the ceiling with an LED strip laid in a structure made of drywall. When the source is not visible, the impression of a luminous surface is created. This is especially beautiful when a stretch ceiling is located on top. From the backlight it seems to soar in the air. For a harmonious design, a certain brightness, color gamut, places of installation of light sources and correspondence to the interior of the room are selected.
The ribbon does not heat up when lit. It can be laid on top in a special ceiling plinth made of polystyrene foam or other similar material, which is glued to the wall with only the lower part.
At the same time, a gap remains through which light enters the ceiling. The light pouring from behind “stucco molding” looks spectacular. It can be directed down, if it is included in the interior plan. Placing the LED strip below does not allow dust to accumulate on it. Work is done after the repair is completed.
LED backlight equipment
The tape is conductive with built-in LEDs. It can be run with moisture protection. To do this, it is protected by a silicone coating. Moisture resistant tape is indicated by the IP index. This source can be white and multi-colored (RGB).
A low voltage is applied to the diode strip by installing between it and a transformer switch. The main lighting circuit of the room and the backlight should be separated. Each of them is controlled by a separate switch.
RGB tapes are equipped with additional controllers that smoothly switch colors according to specified programs. They are remotely controlled using the remote control.
LEDs themselves are spotlights. With their sequential arrangement in the amount of 30, 60 or 120 pcs / m, the effect of a luminous ribbon is created. The brightness of the glow depends on the density of the LEDs. In addition, they come in different capacities.
How to calculate LED backlight
Before installation, the contour length is measured at each site. The power of the LED strip depends on its length and is indicated on the packaging with the products. For a certain section, the corresponding transformer and controller with a voltage of 5, 12 or 24 V are selected. When their power is not enough to power the tape, amplifiers are connected to the circuit.
How to buy LED strip
A 5 m long tape is sold wound on a spool. The price of a roll is 1600-1800 rubles.
Despite the relatively high cost, demand for it is constantly growing. Especially a lot of it goes on advertising. More and more users like the ceiling lighting with LED strip. The price for it depends on moisture protection, the density of the LEDs, the quality of the crystals. So that the lighting was bright, high quality and reliable, you need to purchase an expensive tape.
Installation of ceiling lights with LED strip
LED strip is a flexible polymer-based printed circuit board with LEDs and resistances connected by conductive paths. At a supply voltage of 12 V, the electric circuit consists of two busbars "+" and "-" located along the tape, to which chains of three LEDs and resistance are connected in series with each other. By trimming the tape in a certain place, we remove part of the parallel-connected chains, after which its power decreases. When an additional tape is connected, the total power increases. A reduced DC voltage is obtained by connecting the power supply to an alternating network of 220 V.
1. Equipment and connection
The LED strip is connected via a home electrical network. This requires the following:
- Power Supply;
controller, if necessary;
amplifiers;
connecting connectors;
ceiling plinth, cornice or duct;
fasteners.
The tape is cut in strictly defined places and soldered, depending on the required size. In the same color, the same name “+” and “-” are connected, and for the RGB type, the contacts “V”, “R”, “G”, “B”. This work requires experience, since overheating of the tape is unacceptable. The power of the soldering iron should not exceed 25 watts. Individual sections of the tape can be connected with wires, between themselves and with a power source using connectors. Special lugs are put on and crimped at the ends of the wires to ensure reliable electrical contacts in detachable connections.
2. Installation methods
Skirting boards or cornices choose thick-walled so that they do not shine through from the inside.
Before installation, you must first draw a diagram of the ceiling and electrical, determine the size, installation location of the tape and additional equipment. You also need to calculate the backlight power and select the appropriate power supply.
The tape is fastened with the adhesive side to the wall or cornice so that it remains invisible, and the stream of light is directed to the ceiling. The LED strip in the stretch ceiling is installed with a gap of at least 20 mm from the surface of the canvas. The internal arrangement complicates its repair and replacement. The power supply with the rest of the lighting controls should be located with access to them. The cornice is glued to the wall and additionally fixed on the dowels around the perimeter of the room. At the top leave a gap for the passage of light, which should be at least 10 cm from the ceiling. Additional equipment is placed behind the cornice. If a gloss sheet is used, the ceiling lighting with an LED strip is mounted in hidden niches so that the wires and connections are not reflected, like in a mirror.
There is another method of contour lighting that is often used. The LED strip on the ceiling is mounted in a cornice made of a profile frame and sheathed with plasterboard.
It is made as a suspended structure, in the form of a closed box. It can occupy the entire room around the perimeter or its individual sections. Niches for equipment and a side for fastening the tape are made in the cornice. The glossy canvas in the middle of the hall looks especially beautiful when the ceiling is illuminated with an LED strip inside the cornice (photo below).
In addition, spot LEDs are also used, simulating a picture of the starry sky. For stretch ceilings, the use of LEDs is preferable, since all other light sources emit more heat, which can cause deformation of the stretch ceiling.
Conclusion
Thus, without outside help, an LED strip for ceiling lighting can be installed. First of all, here you need accuracy and accuracy when installing and connecting it.