LED lamps for home: Tips for diode LED bulbs buyers

The first step on the way to the arrangement of energy-efficient housing - the use of economical light sources. To fully meet this criterion diode bulbs presented in selling a wide range. To not make the wrong choice, it is necessary to understand the design features of various LED-devices.

We will tell you all about how the selected LED lamps for home, meet their basic characteristics and differences. In our proposed article presents the criteria to be considered for the commission of a weighted shopping. Svetodiodok listed manufacturers, have earned a solid reputation as a responsible supplier.

The apparatus and especially diodok

Externally, the LED light is not much different from their counterparts - structurally it also consists of a glass bulb and a cap. That's just the internal content batten changed dramatically. Role illuminator performs no tungsten coil, and a light emitting diode (LED - light emitting diod).

For LED emission requires low power, so the device driver completed - the electronic circuit, which converts alternating current.

Each element has a specific function:

• working steam cooler / aluminum board and is responsible for cooling removes heat from the LEDs and the power supply;
• besides stabilizing the lamp current driver protects against short circuit and minimize pulsation of the light flux;
• system and the number of LEDs determines the power of light bulbs, the lighting angle;
• diffuser provides a uniform beam delivery.

Quality component parts determines the parameters of lighting, LED-durability of the product and the safety of its work for human health.

Increased interest in the diodes due to a number of significant advantages over light bulbs:

• economy - electricity consumption is reduced by 8-10 times;
• long life - service life is increased 20-40 times;
• brightness preservation under voltage drops;
• slight heating of the bulb - risk of getting burned on the LED-lamp absent.

The lamp power can be limited set brighter diode than legacy analog with a spiral filament.

In diode bulbs still have shortcomings. The main disadvantages: the high price and availability in the sale of low quality products. Furthermore, the possibility is limited dimming - dimming It provided only in the more expensive models.

Types of household LED: structural differences

Lamps for home classified according to two main criteria: the type of LED and designs.

According to the first criterion, there are three types of diodes:

• SMD - LEDs are single;
• COB - array of illuminators;
• Filament - diode thread.

SMD. Single LEDs are suitable for installation on the surface of the board. Their feature - a directed light emission with an angle of dispersion of 100-130 °. Priority use: point lights and LED-strip.

SMD-diodes durable, since their design provides good heat dissipation, preventing elements of the apparatus to overheat even under continuous use.

COB. Abbreviation treated as Chip on Bord, in translation - the chip on the board. The LEDs are of different housing configurations with integrated therein SMD crystals.

Lamps with the "matrix" LEDs are not suitable for a focused light, but also cover all the surrounding area, they are not able to - their angle light scattering of less than 180 °.

Filament. Innovative LED is designed on the principle of COB, but here one elongate cylindrical substrate, a plurality of small crystals.

Based on the structural design, the diode lamp domestic purposes can be divided into three groups:

• standard model with matte or clear glass;
• "Maize" with SMD- or COD-LEDs.

Standard. Traditional lamp produced in different forms: classic, candle, pear, an elongated ball, ellipsoid, etc. bulb type depends on the LED. Matte body is typical for models with SMD or COD crystals and clear glass - for Filament lamps.

"Corn". Initially, all the lighting equipment of this type were manufactured without the bulb. On the cylindrical tube placed outdoor SMD diodes that eliminate the risk of overheating. Later the single LEDs are replacing the powerful COB-matrices.

Both options have the following advantages:

• the absence of bulb brightness increases by 25-40%;
• depth coverage;
• maintainability;
• They do not need a heat sink, which affects the cost reduction.

The main disadvantage - danger soprikosaniya open contacts energized.

The latter option is the least successful. Glass body hides contacts, but blocks heat output. This shortcoming leads to rapid burn lamp.

Landmarks choice of LED bulbs

With the definition of a suitable LED batten it is not so simple as with the choice of an incandescent lamp. Power illuminator is not the only parameter to be taken into account when buying.

Characteristics of the light flux

Traditional power rating, measured in watts, is not as relevant when selecting the LED lamp. Incorrect to talk about the brightness of the LED-illuminator based on its energy consumption. Bulbs made by different technologies, with the same brightness consume different amounts of electricity.

Properly estimate equivalent power and luminous flux.

If this information is not displayed, you can focus on the average figure - the lighting of the LED 5 times the bulb with equal power consumption.

A more accurate representation of the quality of light gives the value of the luminous flux. The parameter characterizes the brightness of the lamp in lumens, and is displayed. illumination choice depends on the destination premises.

Recommended standards in accordance with SNIP 23-05-95 per 1 sq.m:

• kitchen, bedroom, living room - 150 lumens;
• children room, study - 200 lumens;
• bathroom, corridor - 50 lm.

Knowing the area of ​​the room, it is easy to calculate the required amount of light. The value of the brightness of diode lamps, as well as power, indicated on the packaging. However it is better to take the device with a small margin of illumination, as manufacturers often overestimate this feature.

The color spectrum - the emission temperature

Spectrum luminescence LED-lamp varies from warm to cold yellowish blue color. Hue is defined by a color temperature which is in the range of 1800-6600 ° K.

Choosing colors glow depends on personal preference, purpose lighting and ambient interior. It's worth noting that all the colors of light perceived by a person in different ways:

• 2700 K - Warm White - promotes relaxation, relaxation, is applicable in a comfortable environment, such as a bedroom;
• 3000 K - yellow and white - a bit colder previous one, is recommended for the living room and child;
• 3500 K - daylight white - increases efficiency; these lamps are suitable for local illumination of offices and mirrors;
• 4000-4800 K - neutral white - perfectly complement the interior in the style of hi-tech, minimalism, but somewhat overwhelming feeling of comfort; spotlights are installed in public areas and offices.

Illuminators with the light point above 5000 K is not recommended for home use. Their purpose - to street lighting, industrial and warehouse facilities.

The value of the color rendering index

Bulb temperature equal to the emission may have a different transmit the color of surrounding objects. Unlike incandescent bulbs, diodes have limited range, which can lead to distortion of the actual images.

Correctness shades perception coefficient depends on the color. The index is referred to as CRI or Ra.

CRI - relative value within 100 indicating how well illuminated with the different colors are seen. Standard - sunlight, its CRI = 100. Have a high color rendering index and incandescent bulbs - 97-98.

detail about color temperature LED bulbs discussed in the next article, the contents of which we recommend reviewing.

Coefficient light ripple

Wondering how to choose high-quality LED lamps for home, many people forget about such an important parameter as flicker. And it was the ripple of light often causes eye fatigue and deterioration in general health.

Often manufacturers degree of light bulbs flicker does not indicate. A significant ripple perceived as a stroboscopic effect - when a sharp turn of the head or looks.

Establish the presence of flicker can be experimentally. The illuminated bulb to direct a pencil and quickly twist it in a semicircle. Abnormal circuit indicates a safe light, if "several pencils" means the light pulses.

Standards SNP found that light allowable ripple workplace - 10-20% of residential premises - 30%. Requirements advance to pulsations with a frequency in the range 300 Hz. At more than 300 Hz flicker of the retina does not respond.

Qualitative diode light sources have a degree of fibrillation to 5%, the bulb - 8-32%.

View of the base and the operating voltage

LED-lamps are made for different types of lamps, it allows you to choose a diode for any needs. In everyday life, the most in demand illuminators with the following caps:

• E14, E27 - mainly used for standard lamps, chandeliers, wall lamps;
• 10 GU, G4 - intended to replace the halogen bulbs of appropriate size and spot illumination.

Most LED-lighting voltage are powered from a 220 Watt. In the presence of high-quality lamp driver can not be afraid of jumps on the electrification of the line. Some manufacturers pre-lay wide voltage range - 110-220 watts.

Several modifications designed for 12 watts. pulse converter, which provides stable voltage is required to connect them.

The marking bulb alphabetic character represents socket typeAnd figure - the diameter or the distance between the contacts.

Scattering angle dependence of the shape of the flask

Due to design features of LEDs emit light in a small angular range. In the absence of optical elements diode illuminates the forward hemisphere. To expand the range of activities used secondary optics: diffusing, focusing lenses and polycarbonate matt bulb.

Angle range of lighting depends on the shape of the lamp itself. Convex bulb scatter light over a large area.

The first type of lamps are predominantly used in luminaires where the cover pointing downwards - tabletop lighting. The second type of action is similar to incandescent lamps and is used for the organization of the main light.

From the above presented modifications each having a specific range of action and use:

• "candle" - the luminous flux emitted in different directions, the front hemisphere illuminated bad; light bulbs are suitable for chandeliers, where the bulb is directed at the ceiling;
• Filament - suitable for general lighting, but not used to illuminate the working place;
• spherical bulb - operating range - 200-270 °, similar to incandescent bulbs;
• "Corn" - emission angle of 270 ° allows to use the bulb as the main illumination.

LED-lamp with base GU10 and MR16 operate in the range 15-135 °. Conventionally, they can be classified as general and accent lighting.

Unusual light scattering have bulbs with a conical lens. Unlike models with frosted bulbs, here there is an uneven dispersion. These LEDs are suitable for lamps with shades and shades.

Attention to the quality of the radiator

heat sink function LED-lamps operate radiators. Coolers pictures differ by manufacturer and linings.

The following options are possible:

• aluminum (ribbed and smooth);
• ceramic;
• composite;
• plastic.

Aluminum radiator. Metal cooler has a high thermal conductivity and has a low weight.

Plastic. Inexpensive option diode illuminators with an average efficiency. Radiator made from termorasseivayuschego polymer. To improve the heat-conducting ability of the housing to make additional ventilation holes.

Composite. The radiator is made of aluminum, and is enclosed in a thin plastic envelope. Lamps with composite sinks are in demand due to the optimal tandem of price / quality.

Ceramic cooler. It looks like a plastic, but the material is harder and smoother to the touch. F17

Do not count on the ceramic heat sink in cheap products. However, avoid plastic cooler makes no sense - they last a long time and precise "work out" the money spent.

Lamps with corrugated aluminum or ceramic heat sink can be placed where heat dissipation is critical. A striking example - lighting, built-in furniture or underceiling space stretched canvas.

Additional features diode spotlight

LED bulbs are considered to be an intelligent device, some of them in addition to performing basic tasks have additional functionality. The most demanded option - the ability to adjust the brightness.

This function is not available in all LED lamps LED, but only for models with built-in dimmer.

In some embodiments, set RGB-LEDs emitting whole range of rainbow colors. To work offline LED-lamps complement the built-supply battery.

Service life and warranty period

The average duration of the diode production - 10-40 thousand hours. This means working in a normal mode, about 3-4 years in a residential home. In practice, the operation of bulbs period may exceed this value.

The latest developments of European and Japanese producers suggest an increase in lamp efficiency up to 100,000 hours. And even after this period lamp continues to operate, but with a decrease in brightness by 30-40%.

However, there are goods that fail within the first three to four months of work. Quick breakdown characteristic of Chinese cheap products.

Following the acquisition of light bulbs need to take a picture of a check. If the lamp has prematurely fails, it can be exchanged under warranty by presenting the photo, if the check is lost or fade.

Review of popular brands of LED-products

Rating the most popular LED products led the company bulbs Philips and Osram. European manufacturers strictly control the quality of its products. Of course, this approach affects the cost, but with the durability of their price is justified. The operating parameters of German lamps meet the specs.

Decent and more affordable alternative - products Bioledex companies (Germany), FKK (Japan), Nichia (Japan).

Among the transnational and national projects received adequate assessment products of the following companies:

• Newera (Russia / China) - a trademark brand SVeto-Led diode technologies on the market about 10 years, the main advantage - balance quality / price;
• Ecola (Russia / China) - has an extensive retail sales network;
• Gauss (Russia) - the company is actively implementing the latest technology, experimenting with design and quality control;
• ASD (Russia) - the level of product safety and confirmed the sign "Russian nanotechnology products";
• Uniel (Russia) - the variety series of LED lamps, the main advantages of products: no flicker, high color rendering index, reasonable price, stylish design; Warranty - 2 years.

Separately, we must mention the diode lamps of Chinese manufacturing. Definitely not worth buying goods from unnamed manufacturers. Light bulb manufacturers to-noneym does not meet safety standards and the specs. At best, the spotlight will shine a little and will no longer work, and at worst - will harm others.

landmark select the dimmer for LED lighting devices introduces an article on this interesting subject.

Conclusions and useful videos on the topic

Detailed instructions on the definition of high-quality diode bulbs verification of shimmer:

Testing of products of popular brands. Advantages and disadvantages in Philips lamps, Canyon and Osram:

Replacing old incandescent light bulbs with technically advanced LED-illuminators has many positive aspects. LEDs to make the most of their effectiveness and fully paid for spent Finance should properly approach the issue of their choice - a number of parameters to evaluate and verify the performance.

Talk about how to choose LED lights to be installed at home / cottage / office. Share criteria to help you decide on your purchase. Leave, please, comment, ask questions, and share your pictures of the article located in the block below.