Many manufacturers of lighting fixtures produce products without special fixtures to diffuse the light flux. Consumers are given the opportunity to choose them at their own discretion. Before doing this, you need 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, it is allowed to use LED-illuminators without them. Before deciding whether to buy diffusers, you need to understand their purpose.
The functions of the instrument are as follows:
- Protects the light source from mechanical impact. If an object hits the lighting fixture, the diffuser will take the hit.
- Distributes the light evenly. 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 against excessive light output. Sometimes the best option is to install a diffuser rather than replacing the fixture.
These are the main purposes of such structures.
Varieties of diffusers for lamps
Modern diffusers are made of stabilized polystyrene. They are quite popular due to the low price. But devices should not only be inexpensive, but also durable, strong, and reliable.
There are several varieties of such auxiliary structures for lamps. The material used is transparent and matte diffuser, and its surface is smooth or corrugated.
Prisma
This type of diffuser is used to reduce the brightness and scatter of the light stream. It will not fade, turn yellow over time, will not lose its transparency. It is made from stabilized polystyrene, which is UV resistant.
This material does not emit toxic compounds during operation, so that such diffusers are allowed to be installed in public places. The lamp will look more aesthetic thanks to it, and the whole ceiling will be much more beautiful.
This option is suitable for any room. The thickness of the material is 0.25 cm. The light transmission rate of white glass is 85%.
Microprism
This diffuser is usually used for lighting fixtures in office space. The surface has a geometric fine pattern. Used durable and reliableglass.
Diffuser evenly distributes light throughout the room. The device is easy to install to the fixtures. The construction is remarkably durable. The material is UV resistant. It is easy to clean from dust. The thickness of the material is 0.25 cm. The light transmission is no more than 15%.
Crushed ice
Outwardly, such a diffuser resembles a microprism-type structure. But at the same time, instead of a symmetrical grid, a pattern was made on the surface in the form of tiny pieces of ice. It is commonly used in cafes, restaurants, bars and other places where elegance and beauty of decoration, appliances and other details are required in the premises.
The material is UV resistant. It is easy to clean from dust. The thickness of the material is 0.25 cm. The light transmission rate is not more than 15%.
Honeycomb
This diffuser is also made from sheets of lighting stabilized polystyrene. The surface has a texture in the form of honeycombs. Such material is used in commercial premises, shops, and other public places.
The diffuser remains transparent, does not fade, does not turn yellow. The material is UV resistant. Its thickness is 0.25 cm. Light transmittance is not less than 80%.
Pinspot
This design also reduces the sharpness and brightness of devices, makinglighting more comfortable for human vision. The material remains transparent, does not turn yellow, does not fade with use.
The diffuser is made of stabilized polystyrene, which is resistant to ultraviolet rays. The pinspot surface design is commonly used in schools, kindergartens, hospitals, offices, shopping and entertainment centers and other public facilities. The thickness of the material used is 0.25 cm. The light transmission 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 such structures call them opal matte diffusers. This reduces the luminous flux by 100 units (approximately).
This must be taken into account when calculating the overall lighting of the room. For example, if it is stated 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, this design is ideal for any interior. The thickness of the material used is 0.25 cm, and the light transmittance is 65%.
Which diffuser to choose: recommendations
Firstly, when choosing a diffuser for LED lamps, you need to pay attention to non-light transmittance. The higher the score, the morelight will pass through the material. As a result, the lighting in the room will be brighter.
By the way, the larger the indicator, the greater the cost of the light diffuser. Although the use of expensive structures 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 the main thing.
If it is important to properly decorate the room, then when choosing a diffuser, you need to pay attention not only to the light transmission, but also to the appearance of the structure. The ideal option is LED fixtures with an opal diffuser.
If the device is subjected to a significant impact of a mechanical type, it is recommended to protect it with a special reflective grille. Diffusers such as "honeycomb", "crushed ice", "prism" save from moderate impacts. The latter option is considered more durable.
As for reflective grilles, they can be used without diffusers. Such designs are used in rooms with a high ceiling (at least 2.5 m). Grilles improve lighting efficiency. In any case, when choosing, you need to focus on the purpose for which the diffuser of the light flux is purchased.
