In the segment of lighting equipment today you can find solutions for a variety of tasks. Energy-saving and durable LED spotlights occupy a special place, combining both physical reliability and practicality in maintenance. Typically, representatives of this group are characterized as powerful devices that require high voltage for their operation at 220-380 V. But for some tasks, a 12-volt LED spotlight may also be needed, which, with a low energy consumption, also provides optimal dispersion in the target zone.
Device device
A distinctive feature of a spotlight as such is the presence of a reflector or a group of lenses that form a diffuse or narrowly directed light flux. The lamp is the source of light. In this case, a design with an LED-crystal is considered. ToThe advantages of LED over halogen lamps include small size, low heat dissipation and long service life.
Again, with a sufficiently high power, the source can consume modest amounts of energy, which makes the use of such devices more financially justified. Some designs also include elements of regulation. These are LED luminaires with dimmers that allow the focus and brightness to be adjusted according to specific radiation requirements. Also, the body itself can be rotated in a certain direction - the adjustment ranges are determined by the design of the supporting bracket.
Key Features
Power and voltage are the main operating parameters that determine power requirements. In particular, the 12 Volt LED spotlight represents the initial group with a minimum energy potential. Such models can be connected to a 220 V network, however, a special converter is required for the safe and efficient operation of the device. As for power, its range is quite wide - from 10 to 200 watts. But it is the 12 V models that rarely have lighting stuffing for more than 50 watts.
An important characteristic is the luminous flux. It depends on the same power and can reach 500 Lux (Lx). This value is taken into account when calculating the light coverage area. According to experts, 1 lx is required for 1 m2. On average, a 30 W LED spotlight is able to serve one room. workersit is recommended to provide squares or street zones with several spotlights that spread light fluxes from different directions.
Protective qualities
Projector lighting is traditionally used on the street, so its body is endowed with special insulators. Also, construction materials are selected based on the requirements for protecting the lamp and electrical communications.
The capabilities of the shell can be judged by the marking, which indicates the security class. The most common LED spotlight for 12 volts with an index of IP44. This means that the design will not allow penetration of solid particles and water splashes under the housing. More reliable IP54 models are protected from dust, and IP65 floodlights are endowed with complex insulators that protect against water jets, dust and dirt from all directions.
Varieties
Stationary and portable models can be found on the market. The first are calculated for permanent use in one place. The case has a special support, which can be rigidly fixed to different surfaces. Fastening is carried out once and, as a rule, is not removed. However, the working part of the structure with deflectors and a lamp can be rotated, directing the light flux. It is important to note that the power supply of LED spotlights in this case is mains - as a rule, with an adapter 12-220 V, that is, it is necessary to organize an electrical connection at the place of operation of the equipment.
Portableor mobile models do not require permanent fixed installation. The case is placed on a stable platform, and in case of a change in location, it does not require dismantling manipulations. As for the power supply system, both batteries and a socket for generator equipment can be used as a source. The most practical and easy to use is a rechargeable LED spotlight, which has a small size. But it must be charged before a working session, not forgetting that the potential of the power supply is limited in duration.
Application areas
Modern LED spotlights find their place both in industry and in the domestic sphere, as well as in solving specialized problems. They illuminate construction sites, garages, warehouses and work areas.
In a private household, a 12-volt LED spotlight is also used as a means of decoration. The same possibilities of supplying directional light allow volumetric illumination of architectural objects, garden plantings and important functional structures. Specialized models are used in the lighting of concert stages, stadiums, highways and airfields.
What to consider when choosing?
In addition to the basic set of operating parameters, you should pay attention to the type of base and control system. For LEDs, a special LED socket is used, although there are also R7s adapters that allow you to integrate halogen lamps if necessary.
The control system today allows, along with the basic dimmers, to use motion sensors. If a group of small 10 W LED spotlights is used, then it is quite possible to limit one sensing element. For example, ultrasonic or infrared sensors will automatically detect the owner's approach at a distance of 5-15 m, giving a command to turn on controlled floodlights.
Lamp connection
At the time of work, the electricity in the supplied line must be turned off. If the floodlight is installed in a structure made of PVC, metal or wood, then screws or brackets should be screwed into it to fix the cable.
Next, the terminal box of the device opens, after which you can start connecting. As a rule, LED lamps are connected by their own contactors to the phase clamp, neutral and ground - respectively, the circuits are marked as L, N and E. If there is electrical tape on the wiring, then grounding can be dispensed with.
At the final stage, the terminal bolts are tightened, the box is closed and the operation of the spotlight under voltage is checked.
Conclusion
Low power LED spotlights are an unusual category of lighting products. Features are expressed in many technical and operational properties and parameters, but from the point of view of an ordinary user, the main thing in this sense is the optimal combination of reliability, ergonomics and functionality. For example, LEDThe 30W floodlight can be seen as a one-stop solution for both home and garden.
Also, don't ignore the new lighting control systems. The spotlight can be integrated into the general control infrastructure of the house, which will allow you to easily use all the features of the equipment with the regulation of radiation properties and additional options for changing the position of the housing. To this it is worth adding schemes for the group operation of several devices with control from one remote point.
