Modern interior design is often helped by LED ceiling recessed lights. They are semiconductor devices having an electron-hole junction, with the help of which optical radiation is formed when an electric current passes along a direct path. The peculiarity of the technology lies in the narrow range of the light spectrum, due to which it is possible to obtain the desired color at the output.
Triumphant appearance story
Today, the LED ceiling recessed luminaire is no longer a curiosity. He began to appear more and more often in residential buildings and apartments. The quality of LED lighting has improved markedly. It all started in 1907, when a British scientist was able to describe the electroluminescence seen when current was passed through a metal element and silicon carbide.
Repeated experiments were carried out in one of the Russian laboratories after 15-16 years,but then they were not given much importance. The first practical LED was created only in 1962. The invention of the blue semiconductor element made it possible, in combination with green and red analogues, to obtain white light with a high level of energy efficiency. After that, they began to actively produce LED ceiling lights built into suspended and tension structures.
Features of devices and scope of operation
Each product is a set of semiconductor LEDs assembled in a metal or plastic case. Recessed fixtures can be used as a base light source, a specific decorative element or an auxiliary element.
Most often, LED ceiling lights built into various designs are used specifically for zoning rooms. If we talk about aesthetic functions, then many models allow you to create interesting effects that improve the perception of space. When arranging general lighting, devices are installed in whole groups.
Most models can be mounted in rooms with different levels of humidity. Their housing is waterproof and resistant to condensation.
What are the pros and cons to highlight?
The high popularity of LED ceiling lights built directly into a special design is due to their many advantages.
- When operating for 10 hours a day, the itemscan last up to 25 years without replacement. During this time, the strength of the luminous flux practically does not decrease.
- Devices are durable and resistant to various vibrations, so even when used in aggressive conditions, they rarely fail.
- The working mode of using devices is very wide. They can be installed at temperatures from -50 to 60 degrees. Thus, products can be built into the ceiling not only of a heated room, but also of an open veranda or porch.
- Easy installation makes it possible to save on inviting professional workers. There are no intricate subtleties in the installation technology, special equipment is not required.
- The efficiency of devices is quite high. It can't compare to normal light fixtures.
As for the negative points, there are practically none. The only significant drawback can be considered somewhat overpriced when compared with conventional counterparts. However, during the operation of lighting devices, this is more than justified.
Element design
The devices in question belong to the category of LED recessed fixtures. Ceiling LED fixtures usually consist of several elements. These include:
- plastic or metal case;
- main cartridge;
- plafond or glass to protect the lighting part;
- spring clips forfasteners.
Stained glass, wooden or crystal elements, as well as many other materials can be used as decorations. The body shape can be not only round, square or oval. Often there are configurations of a specific nature.
Used voltage
Ceiling built-in LED lights 220 volts are the least widely used. Low voltage products are more popular, due to the demand for compact lamps for residential and office use. In addition, such devices are safer during operation.
12 and 24 volt models are ideal for wet areas. They can be safely installed in bathrooms. This does not mean that LED 220 volt ceiling recessed lights cannot be used in such conditions. You just need to pay special attention to the choice. It is best to use products with a high degree of protection against moisture.
For models with low voltage, you will have to additionally install a special power supply. Its power will depend on the number of mounted devices and their parameters. Adapters differ not only in the amount of energy developed, but also in the level of protection against moisture. They can be sealed or perforated. The purchase is made based on the performance of the premises.
Viewslighting fixtures
There are two types of LED ceiling fixtures.
- Fixed. This category includes products that, after installation, shine only in one direction. There is no movable fitting in this embodiment. However, fixed counterparts have good design capabilities. They can have intricate shapes and specific decorative elements.
- Rotary. The devices have a movable fitting that allows you to direct the light flux in the required direction. Products provide an opportunity to focus on various interior details. Often, mirrors, tables in the dining area or office, sinks and other important places are illuminated with their help.
Despite the specific capabilities of LED rotary type ceiling recessed luminaires, they are not recommended for use in bathrooms and other areas with high humidity. In the presence of a moving part, it is very difficult to ensure high-quality sealing. As for fixed devices, they are universal, as they can be used in completely different conditions.
Successful layout options
For the main lighting device in the home, it is necessary to place spotlights at a distance of 30 to 40 cm from each other. In this case, there should be a small indent from the walls. As a rule, it is 20 cm. As a result, for every 1.5 square meters. m should install one lighting fixturepower from 20-30 watts. When combined with a chandelier, the number or power of elements can be reduced.
If large square-shaped LED recessed ceiling lights are used, it is better to place them above certain areas. When illuminating spacious rooms, the main task is to correctly distribute the sources. All functional areas should be clearly marked.
To visually expand an elongated room, you should install a whole group of devices directly along the central part and on two sides. Scattered soft light should be evenly distributed throughout the space. Shadows should be avoided when creating lighting.
If you have low ceilings, models with a swivel mechanism are ideal, allowing you to direct the rays upwards. If the walls are low, then the chandelier will have to be abandoned. Instead, it is better to install a recessed LED ceiling lamp 600x600 mm. It will not clutter up the space.
Installation tool
The installation process does not require any special skills and knowledge from the master. However, to carry out the work you will need a simple set of tools:
- flathead screwdriver;
- cable stripping knife;
- cutters;
- drill with hole saws;
- pliers.
For easy access to the instruments, you will have to prepare a ladder or build a structure for moving.
embedding technologyproducts
Unlike overhead LED ceiling lights, recessed counterparts cut directly into the structure of the tension or suspension type. The work is carried out in the following order.
- Marking is applied to the surface of the ceiling with the exact location of the lighting elements.
- Holes are cut using a drill with a crown of suitable diameter. If the device is square, then an electric jigsaw is used.
- Through the holes made, the cable is output. A lamp is connected to it through the terminals.
- The lighting element is inserted into the opening and fastened with special springs.
- The lamp is screwed into the installed housing, after which a decorative overlay is put on.
- At the final stage, the lighting system is tested.
When fastening, the ears of the springs are brought together so that it is possible to push the element into the cut hole. After being introduced into the suspended structure, they rest on the inner surface. This method of fixing makes it possible to quickly carry out installation work. To remove the appliance, simply grasp the base and pull down.
Before the installation of the elements, the wiring diagram must be carefully designed. You will have to consider the places and ways of connecting cables to each other.
Main producers
The market for LED ceiling fixtures is represented by many brands that differ in technical and quality characteristics. Finding the right light fixture is not easy. Toconsumers could navigate the variety of brands, it is necessary to consider the most popular ones.
Brand | Country |
GLOBO | Austria |
MASSIVE | Belgium |
MANTRA | Spain |
LIGHTSTAR | Italy |
NOVOTECH | Hungary |
A lot of positive feedback from consumers about GLOBO products. They note the stylish design and high quality characteristics of the devices. During operation, problems with the models of the Austrian manufacturer usually do not arise. In terms of the number of reviews, other brands are inferior to the above brand, but the percentage of positive statements is about the same.
As a conclusion
For decorative design of multi-level structures of suspended type, experts suggest using 3WT recessed LED ceiling lights. They are economical in operation and allow you to achieve interesting aesthetic effects. Their cost is low, so there is no tangible impact on the budget. For little money, you can get an attractive lighting design.