LED lamps - a new word in the evolution of lighting equipment. More recently, they were a rare exotic, but now they are firmly established in homes, and it will not be difficult to buy them in any company selling lighting equipment.
There is a steady trend that LED incandescent lamps will soon take the lead in the market.
The principle of operation of LED lamps
In electronic equipment, light emitting diodes have been used for a long time. It all started with indicator lights, instrument panels, information boards and advertising. The development of technology has made it possible to use LED lamps for lighting. The LED design differs from the incandescent lamp in its minimal heating loss when converting AC to DC. The strength of the glow directly depends on the strength of the current: more current - brighter light. LED lamp, 220V voltage, much more economicaland safer than many other light sources.
LED lamp device diagram
As can be seen from the diagram, the principle of LED glow is based on the passage of electric current through it. A special control device is placed in the device - a microcircuit.
Also, a converter is built into the design that changes the current of the general electrical network into the operating parameters of the lamp components. The LED lamp (220V) differs from other devices alternative to the incandescent lamp in that there is no energy-intensive part in its circuit - a transformer. This affects the efficiency of the device. The principle of operation of the LED lamp is the same for all models, regardless of the shape of the ceiling, light and color radiation, power. Differences can only be in the value of the operating voltage. As a rule, these are standard values in 4; 12 and 220 volts.
Technical features. Economy
The main characteristic feature of LED lamps is low consumption of electrical energy, but at the same time, high light output, maximum light output. The spectrum emitted by lighting devices is determined by the color temperature. This value is usually expressed in degrees Kelvin. The warmer (closer to yellow) the light, the smaller the numerical value.
A common, traditional tungsten filament lamp has a color temperature value of 2700 to 3500 K. At the same time, the color temperature of the cool white light that emitsLED fluorescent lamps, reaches 6500 K. Low-temperature, yellow color is the most pleasing to the eye, it minimally blocks the release of melatonin. With this in mind, the industry has begun to produce low color temperature LED lamps using a combination of different LEDs - LED-RGB. However, the price becomes incomparably high.
Plinth
Another feature that affects consumer qualities. Modern lighting devices and equipment are produced with different cartridges, and the socle elements of LED lamps also differ in the same way. They can be pin, pin, soffit, focusing, telephone.
Nevertheless, today the most common in everyday life is the classic model of the Edison threaded base.
Heat generation
The characteristics of LED lamps indicate another technical parameter - the heat generated during operation. Its dissipation contributes to the radiator. This is an aluminum, graphite or ceramic part built into the device. In accordance with accepted standards, the operating temperature should not exceed 70 degrees. As a rule, the heatsink is protected by a thermoplastic shroud.
Variety of choice
LED lamps are also different in design. A variety of shapes allows you to choose a model for any type of lighting fixture or interior style. Round, plum-shaped, spherical, standard. In closed shades, lamps with transparent flasks are used that do not hide the inner"stuffing".
To create an aesthetic, designer effect, a matte finish is indispensable, giving a soft, uniform light. If directional lighting is required, then a mirror lamp will create it. The most popular LED lamps "candle". They are perfect for various decorative lamps, creating the illusion of light from a burning flame. Flask design is very original:
- “twisted” matte finish;
- "twisted" with gold plated;
- "candle in the wind";
- "a candle with a wick".
The characteristics of LED candle lamps also reflect technical solutions. As a result of the ability to embed lamps in materials such as plastic, silicone and even paraffin, original models have appeared:
- "tea", including floating;
- multicolor;
- remote controlled - remote control;
- with USB charger and battery;
- high simulation real flame;
- complete with timer.
The heavy burden of choice
After finding out the advantages and disadvantages, how to choose an LED lamp for your home? First of all, you need to pay attention to the power consumption.
For different types of lamps, these values are not the same. This is shown in the comparison table, the unit is watt:
| LED | Incandescent | Energy saving |
| 3-6 | 20-45 | 9-15 |
| 6-8 | 45-75 | 15-25 |
| 9-12 | 75-100 | 25-50 |
When lamps are replaced with LEDs, this parameter can be calculated by simply multiplying the power of the LED device by 6. You also need to pay attention to the marking of the base. It must match the type of cartridge. So, a lamp with the designation G9 can only be installed in a G9 socket. The coupling of the base with the flask must be strong, excluding loosening. If the electrical network has illuminated switches, then it is not recommended to complete it with LED lamps.
How to choose an LED lamp for a home that uses dimmer devices? Most lamps do not respond to dimmer control, but turn on and work continuously. But gradually the market is saturated with dimmable LED lamps. A specially assembled driver allows, by means of a dimmer, to adjust the brightness of the lamp. This property is marked with a corresponding marking on the lamp or packaging.
The lamp life specified by the manufacturer may affect lamp selection. Usually declared from 20 to 50 thousand hours. But practice does not confirm these figures. There is a direct dependence of the durability of the device on the quality factor of the components and the thoroughness of the assembly. Low-quality Chinese consumer goods break down in a matter of months. famous brandsguarantee the normal operation of the lamps for 3-5 years. This is due to the process of crystal degradation, they slowly lose their brightness and completely stop glowing.
Another way to choose an LED lamp for your home is to evaluate the spectrum of its glow. Most lamps emit an unpleasant, lifeless white light. According to psychologists, it negatively affects well-being. In the home interior, you should purchase LED lamps of a soft yellow glow.
Poor build quality causes radiation ripple. Such a flaw is not noticed by the human eye, but it strongly affects the nervous system, provoking rapid fatigue. The presence of such a defect can be established using a mobile phone, its camera. The flashing lamp image on the screen will flash.
Manufacturer and price
How to choose an LED lamp for your home? Price is an important criterion. The low cost of the lighting device, of course, indicates the poor performance of the purchased product. Quality products cannot be cheap. This applies to well-known foreign brands. There is an opinion among consumers that the most high-quality and reliable LED fluorescent lamps are imported from abroad. This is not entirely true, if you understand and analyze in detail the modern lighting market, you can come to the conclusion that some Russian companies demonstrate the high quality and stability of their products. Domestic manufacturers have taken a big step forward and their products are also trustworthy.
