Many manufacturers of lighting devices produce products without special devices for diffusing the flow of light. Consumers are given the opportunity to choose them on their own. Before doing this, it is necessary to understand the features and varieties of such structures.
Light diffusers: functions
Diffusers play a secondary role in the use of LED lighting devices. To save, the use of LED-illuminators without them is allowed. Before deciding whether to buy diffusers, you need to understand their purpose.
The functions of the device are as follows:
- Protects the light source from exposure to mechanical type. If an object enters the lighting device, the diffuser will take the blow.
- Distributes evenly a stream of light. This is affected by the relief, texture, shape of the structure. They are different for all types of diffusers. Because of this, the distribution of the emitted light will be different.
- It is an interior decoration. The design should fit well into the room, have the same style.
- Protects from excess light output. Sometimes the best option is to install a diffuser rather than replace a lighting fixture.
These are the main purposes of such structures.
Varieties of diffusers for fixtures
Modern diffusers are made of polystyrene stabilized type. They are quite popular due to the low price. But devices should be not only inexpensive, but also durable, durable, reliable.
There are several varieties of such auxiliary structures for fixtures. The material used is a transparent and matte diffuser, and its surface is smooth or corrugated.
Prism
This type of diffuser is used to reduce the brightness and diffusion of the light flux. It will not fade, turn yellow over time, and will not lose its transparency. It is made from stabilized polystyrene, which is resistant to ultraviolet rays.
Such material does not emit toxic compounds during operation, so such diffusers can be installed in public places. The lamp will look more aesthetically pleasing thanks to it, and the entire ceiling will be much more beautiful.
This option is suitable for any room. The thickness of the material is 0.25 cm. The light transmittance of white glass is 85%.
Microprism
Such a diffuser is usually used for lighting in office premises. The surface has a geometric small pattern. Long-lasting and reliable glass is used.
The diffuser evenly distributes light throughout the room. The device is easy to install to fixtures. The design is remarkable for its amazing durability. The material is resistant to ultraviolet radiation. It is easy to clean from dust. The thickness of the material is 0.25 cm. The light transmittance is not more than 15%.
Crushed ice
Externally, such a diffuser resembles a microprism type design. But at the same time, instead of a symmetrical grid on the surface, a pattern was made in the form of tiny pieces of ice. It is usually used in cafes, restaurants, bars and other places where the premises require grace and beauty of decoration, appliances and other details.
The material is resistant to ultraviolet rays. It is easy to clean from dust. The thickness of the material is 0.25 cm. The light transmittance is not more than 15%.
Honeycomb
Such a diffuser is also produced from sheets of stabilized lighting polystyrene. The surface has a texture in the form of bee honeycombs. Such material is used in retail premises, shops, and other public places.
The diffuser remains transparent, does not fade, does not turn yellow. The material is resistant to ultraviolet rays. Its thickness is 0.25 cm. Light transmittance is not less than 80%.
Pinspot
This design also reduces the sharpness and brightness of the devices, makes the lighting more comfortable for human vision. The material remains transparent, does not turn yellow, does not fade during operation.
The diffuser is made from stabilized polystyrene, which is resistant to ultraviolet rays. The construction with the pinspot surface is usually used in schools, kindergartens, hospitals, offices, shopping and entertainment centers and other public premises. The thickness of the material used is 0.25 cm. The light transmittance is approximately 89%.
Opal
Thanks to this diffuser, the light acquires a yellowish tint. This accessory is quite popular.
The surface is matte, which is why some manufacturers of similar designs call them opal opaque diffusers. In this case, the luminous flux decreases by 100 units (approximately).
This must be taken into account when calculating the overall lighting of the room. For example, if it is established in the instructions for the lamp that the luminous flux is 3000 Lm, then in fact there will be only 2900 Lm due to the use of a diffuser with a matte surface.
By the way, such a design is ideal for any interior. The thickness of the material used is 0.25 cm, and transmits light - 65%.
Which diffuser to choose: recommendations
Firstly, when choosing a diffuser for LED fixtures, it is required to pay attention to non-transmittance. The higher the value, the more light will pass through the material. As a result, the lighting in the room will be brighter.
By the way, the higher the indicator, the higher the cost of the light diffuser. Although the use of expensive designs is not always required. For example, in offices it is recommended to use LED devices with a prism type diffuser. In this case, the material is not of primary importance.
If it is important to properly decorate the room, then pay attention when choosing a diffuser requires not only the transmittance of light, but also the appearance of the structure. Ideal option is LED devices with an opal type light diffuser.
If the device is significantly exposed to a mechanical type, it is recommended to enclose it with a special reflective grating. Diffusers like “honeycombs”, “crushed ice”, and “prism” save from moderate impacts. The latter option is considered more durable.
As for reflective gratings, they can also be used without diffusers. Such designs are used in rooms with a high ceiling (at least 2.5 m). Lattices improve lighting efficiency. In any case, when choosing, you need to focus on for what purposes the diffuser of the light flux is purchased.