Ceiling lighting with LED strip. LED strip in stretch ceiling

The premises can be zoned using multi-level ceilings. They are made of plasterboard, stretch and combined. More recently, the allocation of the zone was carried out by painting the sections of the ceilings in different colors. This method has not been abandoned, but LED lighting has also been added. She makes the room unlike the others, creates coziness and warmth in it.

The LED ceiling light can be made by hand, but this requires some knowledge. It is preferred because of the absence of harmful substances, the uniformity of the light flux, fire safety, energy saving and long service life.

Methods of illumination

There are the following options for lighting the ceiling with LED strip:

• Contour, LED ribbon;

• The use of embedded LEDs.

These methods can be combined.

The first option is used more often, since it is universal and does not require large expenditures. Contour lighting is suitable for all kinds of ceilings. It can even be built into ceiling skirtings, cornices, boxes. At the same time, one must always remember that the ceiling light with an LED ribbon does not replace the main lighting, but is a decorating element. Although at high power it can sometimes serve as the main source.

Contour Ceiling Light

A special feature of the method is the illumination of the ceiling by an LED strip, laid in a structure made of drywall. When the source is not visible, the impression of a glowing surface is created. Especially it's beautiful, when the suspended ceiling is located on top. From the backlight, it seems to float in the air. For a harmonious design, a certain brightness, color scale, places of installation of light sources and matching to the interior of the room are selected.

The tape does not heat up when lighting up. It can be laid on top of a special ceiling skirting made of foam or other similar material, which is glued to the wall only by the bottom part.

At the same time, there is a gap on top, through which light enters the ceiling. Fading because of the "stucco" light looks impressive. It can be sent down if it is included in the interior plan. Placement of the LED strip from below does not allow accumulation of dust on it. Work is done after the repair.

Equipment for creating LED lighting

The tape is conductive with LEDs embedded in it. It can be carried out with protection from moisture. For this, it is protected with a silicone coating. Moisture-proof tape is designated by the IP index. This source can be white and multi-colored (RGB).

A diode voltage is applied to the diode band by means of an installation between it and the transformer switch. The main lighting circuits of the room and lighting should be divided. Each of them is controlled from a separate switch.

RGB tapes are equipped with additional controllers, which smoothly switch colors according to specified programs. They are remotely controlled via the remote control.

LEDs themselves are point-like. If they are sequentially arranged in the amount of 30, 60 or 120 pieces / m, the effect of the luminous tape is created. The brightness of the luminescence depends on the density of the LEDs. In addition, they are of different capacities.

How to calculate LED backlight

Before installation, the length of the circuit is measured at each section. The power of the LED strip depends on its length and is indicated on the package with the products. For a certain area, a suitable transformer and a 5, 12 or 24 V controller are selected. When their power is insufficient to power the tape, amplifiers are connected to the circuit.

How to Buy LED Tape

A 5 m long tape is sold wound on a reel. The price of the roll is 1600-1800 rubles.

Despite the relatively high cost, the demand for it is constantly growing. Especially a lot of it goes to design advertising. More and more users like the LED ceiling lighting. The price for it depends on the moisture protection, the density of the placement of LEDs, the quality of the crystals. Thus, to ensure that the lighting is bright, high-quality and reliable, you need to purchase an expensive tape.

Installation of ceiling lighting with LED strip

LED strip is a flexible printed circuit board on a polymer base with LEDs and resistors connected by conductive paths. With 12 V supply voltage, the electrical circuit consists of two "+" and "-" buses along the ribbon, to which chains of three LEDs and resistance connected in series are connected in parallel. Cutting the tape in a certain place, we remove a part of the parallel connected chains, after which the power of it decreases. When connecting an additional tape, the total power is increased. The lowered DC voltage is obtained by connecting the power supply unit to an alternating 220 V network.

1. Equipment and connection

The LED strip is connected through the home electrical network. This requires the following:

• Power Supply;

• Controller, if necessary;

• Amplifiers;

• Connecting connectors;

• Ceiling skirting, cornice or box;

• Fastening elements.

The tape is cut in strictly defined places and soldered depending on the required dimensions. In single-color join the same poles "+" and "-", and for type RGB - contacts "V", "R", "G", "B". This work requires experience, since tape overheating is unacceptable. The power of the soldering iron should not exceed 25 W. Separate sections of the tape can be connected to the wires, to each other and to the power source by means of connectors. At the ends of the wires, special tips are crimped and crimped to ensure reliable electrical contacts in the plug-in connections.

2. Ways of installation

Plinths or cornices choose thick-walled so that they do not shine through from the inside.

Before installation, you must first draw a ceiling and electrical diagram, determine the size, location of the tape and additional equipment. You also need to calculate the power of the backlight and select the appropriate power supply.

The tape is attached to the wall or cornice with an adhesive side so that it remains invisible, and the stream of light is directed to the ceiling. LED strip in the stretch ceiling is installed with a clearance from the surface of the blade not less than 20 mm. The internal arrangement complicates its repair and replacement. The power supply with the rest of the lighting controls should be located with the possibility of access to them. The cornice is glued to the wall and additionally fixed to the dowels along the perimeter of the room. In the upper part leave a gap for the passage of light, which should be at least 10 cm from the ceiling. Additional equipment is laid behind the cornice. If a glossy cloth is used, the LED ceiling light is mounted in hidden niches so that the wires and connections are not reflected, as in the mirror.

There is another way of contour lighting, which is often used. LED strip on the ceiling is fixed in the cornice, made of a profile frame and lined 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. In the cornice are made niches for equipment and a rim for fixing the tape. Particularly beautiful is the glossy fabric in the middle of the hall, when the ceiling is illuminated with an LED ribbon inside the cornice (photo below).

In addition, point light-emitting diodes are also used, simulating a picture of the starry sky. For stretch ceilings, the use of LEDs is preferable, since all other light sources produce more heat, which can cause deformation of the stretch ceiling.

Conclusion

Thus, without assistance, an LED strip for lighting the ceiling can be installed. First of all, you need accuracy and accuracy when installing and connecting it.