LED ceiling lights: what to choose and how to install?

Currently, there are many different ways to design the ceiling. Most often, the owners turn to decorating ceilings with LED tape. With this addition, the interior is transformed and becomes more harmonious.

Today we will talk about how to choose the right lighting for the ceiling and how to install it.

First you need to figure out what is the LED strip. This is a flexible strip, the width of which can be 5-50 mm. On one of its sides are the LED resistors, which are interconnected by electrical conductors, forming a single circuit.On the other hand, as a rule, there is a double-sided tape. With its help the tape is fixed on this or that basis.

Decorating the ceiling with LED tape is an inexpensive but beautiful design solution. With such detail, the interior can become more vibrant and vibrant.

It is worth noting that cost-effective LED strips are used not only in the design of home interiors. Such elements can be called universal, since they are found in a variety of settings. For example, LED ribbons are often referred to in the design of advertising and store signs - they attract a lot of attention.

The popularity of LED strips is due to the many positive qualities that are characteristic of them.

Let's get acquainted with them in detail:

• Many consumers choose exactly LED strips for ceiling design, because they have a democratic price, but do not consume a lot of electricity.
• Ribbons with LEDs are bright and saturated light, especially if they have a lot of light bulbs. Of course, if you want to achieve a more subdued light, then you will be able to choose options in which these components are smaller.
• Such lighting fixtures are installed quickly and easily.
• LED strip can have a variety of colors. Choose the best option for any interior.

• Such devices are absolutely safe, as they are not subject to overheating. In addition, LED strips do not damage ceiling foundations. This quality is especially important if there are fashionable stretch ceilings in the room.
• These lighting devices are not afraid of power surges.Ordinary light bulbs in such cases can burst, leaving behind a lot of small fragments. With LED strips such problems will not arise.
• Usually, LED strips are customizable. For example, you can change the light intensity yourself. In such devices, there are often built-in sensors and special regulators that allow you to adjust the tape for themselves.
• LED bulbs are durable. They can serve more than 10 years.

• Such lighting fixtures can complement the ceilings not only in the bedroom or living room, but also in the bathroom.
• LED strips have a very small weight, so do not give loads on the ceiling.
• These lighting devices are flexible and bend quite easily, so they can frame any ceiling base.
• LED strips are eco-friendly. Bulbs in such devices do not emit harmful substances.
• In addition, the tape can be absolutely any length. You can adjust it yourself.
• Tapes with LED lights have no effect on TV signals and do not cause interference.

Currently, there are tape lights with different types of lamps.

Usually these options are called RGB tapes. In them, each diode is assembly of red, blue and green LEDs. These diode tapes are equipped with 4 outputs. One of them is common, and the rest are designed separately for each color. From the combination of these colors you can get a rich tint range. Similarly, a variety of colors are achieved on the TV screen. It is worth considering that tricolor diode tapes need to be managed. A special controller will do for this..

Using the controller, you can adjust the speed of changing colors or set one fixed color. In such a tape is not necessarily run multi-color options. It is possible to do simple white.

Tapes with RGB lamps withstand supply voltage of 12 and 24V. These values ​​should be considered when choosing a power supply. In such models, the controller can control several devices at once, but the block voltage should be suitable for the voltage of only one specific tape.

Such strips with diodes today are very popular, as they are durable and wear resistant. Otherwise they are called waterproof or waterproof. For an example of such a tape should consider the device 3528 120LED-24V IP65. Judging by the marking, a similar light strip is made on the basis of SMD3528 light bulbs with the number of LEDs 120 per meter. The tightness of these devices is achieved with a silicone shell., securely framing parts from all sides.

One of the most important parameters of LED strips are their power and density of placement. The most popular are devices having 60-120 diodes per meter.However, there are also other tapes in which there are 30, 72, 90, 240 light bulbs - they can be arranged in several even rows or linearly.

In addition, the power of one meter of the tape depends on the type of installed LEDs:

• SMD 3528 (60 LEDs per meter) - 4.8 W;
• SMD 3528 (120 LEDs per meter) - 9.6 W;

• SMD 3528 (240 LEDs per meter) - 19.2 W;
• SMD 5050 (30 LEDs per meter) - 7.2 W;
• SMD 5050 (60 LEDs per meter) - 15 W;
• SMD 5050 (120 LEDs per meter) - 25 watts.

LED strips are also divided by protection class. This parameter affects the moisture resistance of the lamps, as well as their resistance to dust and other external factors. As a rule, the protection class of the device is indicated on the package and is indicated by the letters IP.

IP20 - These diode lamps are designed for indoor use. They do not have additional sealing.

IP65 - these types of flexible diode tapes can be used to illuminate areas that regularly come into contact with water.For example, it could be an apron in the kitchen, a sink or an aquarium. Such devices can be installed not only indoors, but also on the street.

IP 68 - such lighting devices are completely isolated. They can even be placed under water.

Today, many customers buy LED strips for ceiling decoration.

They should be selected based on the following criteria:

• Diode colors. A suitable shade of such a device depends on the task set by the owners. LED strip can highlight some element of the decor on the ceiling or just decorate the ceiling around the perimeter.
• Brightness level. This parameter is directly dependent on the size of the semiconductors, as well as their number in the tape. The more LEDs on the device, the brighter the glow it will be different.

• Degree of protection. In this case, you should pay attention to the degree of protection of the flexible tape from dust and moisture. As a rule, the indication of the class of the device is carried out directly on the packaging.
• Controller. Buy high-quality and easy-to-use tapes with controllers. Using this device, you can independently change the brightness of the lighting, as well as its hue.

Beautiful lighting of the ceiling with LED strip can be done in different ways:

• Dotted. With this lighting option, the devices are positioned in such a way as to emit light directly downwards. The most popular and well-known option of point lighting is considered the "starry sky".
• Directed. With this version of the lighting tape put in a special way on the slopes. Due to the similar location of the devices shine along the ceiling.

• Scattered. Otherwise, this lighting option is called contour. When applied, LEDs form a single light strip on the ceiling base.
• Figured. In this case, the devices are installed in special lampshades of a small size. With this solution, you can create almost any light configuration.

Before you attach the LED strip on the ceiling base, it is necessary to determine the option of its location. Consider in advance whether the projections will be made in a box of drywall.

Most varieties of LED strips are fitted with a sticky layer.With it, these lights can be glued to almost any surface. However, before attaching the tape, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base and clean it from dust, dirt and other similar elements. Such actions will provide more reliable and high-quality adhesion of the adhesive side of the device with the ceiling.

To glue the LED tape, remove the protective film from the adhesive side, and then attach the device to the base and press it. Do not do too much pressure. Attach these devices need to carefully.

Also, the LED tape can be glued to the ceiling base on double-sided tape.

It is interesting to see the ensembles in which the tape with diodes is fixed on the curtains of curtains or on the protruding elements of the decor. The installation of these devices should be done so as to direct the flow of light on the wall or a certain part of the ceiling.

Diode tape can be hidden under the ceiling plinth.In such cases, she will not be evident and seem intrusive. Its light will gently “look out” from under the lining, making the interior more interesting.

After proper installation, the ribbon with LEDs can be easily connected by hand.

As a rule, this kind of lighting consists of the following important elements:

• power supply;
• controller and sensor:
• control panel;
• semiconductor lighting system of the required length.

If you made a reliable fastening of the LED strip, you can go directly to its connection.

Consider this process in stages:

• First, you need to connect a power cable with a plug to the power supply.
• Then you need to connect 2 pins belonging to the controller to the unit. This action should be performed if the lighting will be an RGB system.
• Now you need to connect contact cables to the controller.

There are cases when the room already has one controller installed, designed for a strip of a certain length, but at the same time it needs to be adjusted to a greater number of LEDs. In such situations, it is recommended to install an additional amplifier..

Many users are interested in how to make the layout. You will need to connect the power supply to the amplifier and the second end of the LED design. On the opposite side, in order to reduce the load, one more segment of the light strip should be fixed.

In the course of all connections be sure to observe the polarity. In addition, the voltage of the controller itself and the power supply unit with the lighting device should be kept under control.

As a rule, LED strips are sold in small coils of 5 m. If you need shorter strips, you can simply take scissors and cut off the extra part of the strip. The incision must be made in the designated place.. If you are going to solder the LED strip, then it’s worth it to stock up on a small power soldering iron.

If you decide to supplement the ceiling in one of the rooms with LED strip, then you should take into account some of the tips and recommendations of experts:

• Eye color is more comfortable with a temperature of 2700-3000K. In their spectrum, such sources are closer to simple incandescent lamps than to daylight.
• Consider that a single LED may have a different luminosity, which depends on the voltage applied to it. However, we must not forget that with increasing voltage increases and power consumption.
• LED strip can be used as the main lighting device in the room. To do this, purchase brighter options with a remote control.

• Tapes cannot be connected in series. Significant current can lead to overheating of the tire, as well as melting of the plastic base of the strip.
• If you decide to hide the LED strip under the baseboard, then you should pay attention to the overlap under it. The wall in these places should not crumble. If there is not the strongest plaster present, then it should be treated with a deep penetration primer designed for concrete foundations.
• When installing such lighting devices, it is necessary to monitor their polarity. If you connect the LED strip incorrectly, it may fail when turned on.
• Before installing the tape, the base must not only be cleaned of dust and dirt, but also thoroughly degreased, and then dried.

LED strip looks great on the ceiling. It can be chosen for the interior, made in any color, and the ceiling structure itself can have many levels of different shapes.

For example, a flexible tape would look the best in an ensemble with a two-level ceiling, the first tier of which is made of tension film. The lines of the plasterboard box (second level) can be graceful and wavy. In such a case, spotlights built into the plasterboard will be useful.

Also ribbons with LEDs can decorate hanging structuresinstalled on the ceiling. For example, it may be plasterboard details of regular geometric shapes. The tapes attached on their basis will give additional elements to similar elements.Referring to this futuristic design solution, you can install in the center of the ceiling the main chandelier of shiny or chromed metal.

Interesting look ensembles in which there is a simple snow-white finish and eye-catching diode tapes of different colors. For example, this may be a white two-level ceiling with wavy lines and a large central chandelier with pendants against the background of the same white walls. Such an overlap will look brighter and more interesting if it is complemented with a yellow or red LED strip.

LED strip can be installed in any room. For example, in the conditions of a light bedroom with dark furniture, a blue light built into a white two-level ceiling will look spectacular. The luminous strip is quite possible to stretch below - on the wall with a picture located above the berth. Such a design solution will look very original and ultramodern.

The ceiling with such decoration will be in harmony with the walls of soft and pastel colors, as well as furniture of rich shades.

How to make LED lighting stretch ceiling with your own hands, see the next video.