Lamps LED 12V for home: how to choose?

Low-voltage lamps at 12V - this is one of the most common lighting options. Such devices are not characterized by high performance and coverage of radiation in comparison with street lights and searchlights, but without this, no modern house can do without. We are talking about Led-models, which for several years of staying on the market were able to noticeably squeeze traditional sources of home lighting. LED lamps 12B are used as spot lighting elements, and for highlighting individual decorative niches, and even in ensembles of landscape-architectural complexes.

General information about Led Lamps for 12V

LED devices are characterized by both operational properties and a sophisticated design, which also extends the management capabilities of such luminaires. As for operational advantages, almost all Led devices demonstrate high longevity, energy saving, brightness, uniformity of light scattering, etc. In any case, when compared with competitive devices also available in the market for the average user.

In terms of design, there are several features. First of all, it should be noted that 12V LED lamps for AC are equipped with special driver-converters. Due to this addition, the current goes into a constant state. To the same it is necessary to add the presence in the sets of diffusers, stabilizers, fuses and other auxiliary and protective equipment, which in equipping the LEDs has become an indispensable condition.

What is the purpose of buying a 12V lamp?

Home use is the main direction for small-scale lamps, but in decorative street design, they can not do without. And here it is important to consider a significant limitation. The fact is that in the family of LED lamps the 12V models are considered the least protected and capricious to external influences. Therefore, for example, at temperatures above 40 ° C they are undesirable to use. This applies not only to direct sun rays, but also lighting systems for saunas, baths, areas with boiler plants, etc. Optimum use of 12V LED lamps in ceiling structures, in the design of design objects, as well as in highlighting small functional areas. The fact is that for a full-featured lighting function, such models are not suitable, but as a delicate, aesthetic and compact source can easily find a place in any home.

Basic Selection Parameters

The paramount parameter is power. This figure usually ranges from 2 to 6W. In this case, it makes no sense to select one element of this type for illumination. As a rule, they are used in a complex in whole series. For this purpose, special ribbons, boxes or niches are purchased, in which it is possible to integrate the fixtures in groups. Again, the average power of such elements is 3W at a voltage of 12V. But there is another nuance. When choosing a transformer unit, one should take into account not the average value of power among luminaires, but the total - this figure will be controlled by the regulator. An important characteristic is the color temperature. In the middle segment there are 12V LED lamps that provide temperatures in the range of 2700-6500K. Among them you can find models of yellow, cold and neutral shades.

Select by design

The type of construction is mainly determined by the plinth format. For example, the markings G and E can be found. In the first case, the socket of the pin type is indicated, and in the second case, the threaded mechanism. Also, next to the letter, the diameter of the connecting part is marked. That is, the user needs to know in advance about the snap-in to which the device is planned to be integrated. Problems will not arise if you plan to install a standard 12V LED bulb for your home. How to choose devices for such purposes? Orientation is based on E27 or E14 formats. These are the most common socles. The special cases are the systems GU10, MR16 and R50. Thanks to such socles, it is possible to obtain a rotary type device, to install an element with a reflector or to apply a reflector lamp, respectively.

Optimum angle of light cone

Unlike classic incandescent lamps and halogen light-emitting diode models have received more opportunities in terms of regulation of light scattering. In practice, this means that the lamp will not cover all of the maximum available space to the light, but only the part that is either provided for by the design or installed by the user. The aforementioned 12V reflex type LED lamps provide the most favorable conditions in this respect. Such a model does not disperse light uselessly to unnecessary sites, but concentrates it on specific objects. Actually, this is the principle of an optimal system of point lighting, the characteristics and capabilities of which should also be taken into account.

How to install a 12V LED bulb?

Installation work should begin with the preparation of the power cable and the installation site of the luminaire. Depending on the design of the cartridge and the type of components, the mechanics of integrating the device into the cartridge may vary. For example, sometimes special rings are offered, providing a damping and clamping effect between the lamp and the installation niche. The most problematic in the installation of ceiling LED lamps are 12V for home. The installation of such models should initially be done with the expectation of integration into the sub-ceiling frame. The fact is that such devices are integrated directly into the structural basis of the suspended ceiling. At least in the same place, in a special niche, it is necessary to fix with clamps or brackets. But before that you need to make a connection to the power line.

Which manufacturers prefer?

The most decent quality models are offered by Osram and Philips. The products of these companies are considered to be the most technologically advanced in terms of functionality, as well as in basic performance characteristics. But the same lamps and the most expensive. Alternatively, the experts also recommend the companies Era, Gauss, Camelion, Feron and others. In these ranges, affordable 12V LED lamps are available for the home, but their quality does not always match the level of the two brands mentioned above. However, some second-order manufacturers often turn to the same Philips accessories for completing their developments.

Conclusion

Models of 12V lamps occupy a special niche in the general segment of electrical engineering. Their specificity is due to a number of characteristics that knock out such models from the general series. It is enough to note the low power, modest voltage and small size. It would seem that, apart from the decorative qualities, modern 12V LED lamps can not attract anything. But it is not so. The combination of low requirements for power supply and flexible configuration capabilities in terms of location significantly expands the scope of application of such devices. Of course, there are quite logical warnings from manufacturers, but if we are talking about home maintenance with a lighting system, then the number of design variations can be limited only by the imagination of the owner.