Expert recommendations: how to choose LED lamps for your home. LED lamps for the home: which diode bulbs are better, review of LED lamp manufacturers
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Considered an environmentally friendly light source. Skillfully selected lighting allows you to create a functional interior and a favorable atmosphere in your home.To understand how to choose LED lamps for your home, you need to study their features, characteristics and operating principle. At the same time, these lighting sources can work for a long time, do not cause harm to the human body and save electrical energy.
Systems of lighting sources in the interior
Selecting good LED lamps for your home allows you to save money. One of the main advantages of such lighting is that it does not have hazardous components. An important point is the energy consumption value, which is 10 times less than that of standard products.
Such lighting devices have the following characteristics:
- increased luminous efficiency;
- low energy consumption;
- long service life;
- have a uniform glow that does not tire the eyes;
- are safe to use;
- resistance to voltage surges;
- versatility of the device.
These qualities unite all LED devices, but there are differences between products that relate to the base option, housing dimensions and equipment power.
Design and circuits of LED lamps
Knowledge of the device will give you an understanding of how to choose LED lamps for your home. The design consists of three main elements:
- LED is considered a radiation source; this element can have a different layout;
- a mini-transformer converts voltage;
- The radiator helps cool the heating transformer.
In addition, the device includes a diffuser used to distribute light. This element is made of polycarbonate or translucent plastic. The capacitor is used to remove ripple in the voltage. Such a detail as The driver is used for alternating current.
An important detail is the brass base, which is responsible for contact with the cartridge and the base of the base, which protects the case from electrical breakdowns.
How to choose LED lamps for your home: analysis of lighting devices
These lighting sources are more expensive than their analogues. When deciding how to choose an LED lamp for your home, you need to perform an analysis to compare with alternative devices. This will allow you to judge the effectiveness of LED devices.
Related article:
Such lamps can save thousands of rubles a year. In this review, we will look at their types, characteristics and prices so that you can understand which of them will best suit your needs.
Types of socles
LED products are produced with different variations of standard sockets. The following options exist:
When selecting structures based on the type of base, you need to choose those that are already installed in the house.
Power table for LED and incandescent lamps
Using the power table of LED lamps, you can evaluate the difference between this indicator and other light sources. It is worth considering that in the case of such models, power does not always indicate the brightness of the glow.
In the table you can see the power ratio of LED lamps and their analogues.
Table 1. Power ratio between LED lamps and their analogues
Light output indicators
An important indicator is the luminous flux indicator, the unit of measurement of which is expressed in lumens. Not all manufacturers indicate this value, so many choose products based on power.
When organizing lighting in your home, you should choose models with a power of 6-10 W. Such products will provide a luminous flux that is equal in brightness to incandescent lamps with a power of 60 W.
Table 2. Luminous flux indicators for LED lamps and their analogues
Fluorescent lamps | Incandescent feet | LED lamps | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power, W | Luminous flux, lm | Power, W | Luminous flux, lm | Power, W | Luminous flux, lm |
5 | 145 | 15 | 135 | 3 | 360 |
11 | 500 | 60 | 730 | 6 | 630 |
21 | 900 | 100 | 1380 | 10 | 920 |
Features of color temperature
Incandescent lamps at any power produce a yellowish glow, and LED products can have different shades. When choosing LED lamps for a home with a base, you need to pay attention to the color of the glow. This parameter is indicated on the packaging of the lamps or in the technical documentation.
Useful information! To decorate a living room, it is better to choose options with a neutral white glow.
Angle of light sources
Unlike conventional incandescent lamps, the angle of luminous flux of such products may vary. This must be taken into account when choosing products. If you use products with a narrowly directed flow, then a certain place on the ceiling will be illuminated. The manufacturer indicates the scattering angle on the packaging. For this purpose, special technical designations are used. For example, VNSP stands for narrow luminous flux, FL stands for low luminous flux, and VWFL stands for wide luminous flux.
Useful information! Llamas with a narrowly directed glow are suitable for illuminating interior items.
Lighting standards and choice of model for a student’s desk
It is important to choose the right lighting for a student’s desk. In this case, you need to take into account the location of the lighting fixture, table, and also choose the right model.
There are certain standards for desktop lighting. In this case, the light flux should be soft, even and non-flickering. In addition to artificial lighting, it is important to use basic light. This will help avoid fatigue and eye strain.
When choosing a model, you need to be guided by the safety and ease of use of the device. Many devices are equipped with a special holder. The lampshade should completely cover the lamp so that light does not enter the eyes.
Options for LED lamps for the home: prices
The table shows prices for some popular models.
Table 3. Average cost of LED lamps
Image | Model, manufacturer | Characteristics | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Jazzway PLED-AR111 | Power 12 W Light-forming element - diode. Manufactured according to European standards. Used for lighting residential and public spaces, as well as for decorative lighting. | 860 |
![]() | Philips W5W 5500 K | The llamas are characterized by maximum safety and uniform light distribution. Power 1 W. Color temperature – 5500 K. | 500 |
![]() | Supra SL-LED-A60-9W/2700/E27-N | They are an innovative and environmentally friendly light source. Allows you to save up to 90% of electricity compared to similar products. Power 9 W. | 2 250 |
![]() | ELEKTROSTANDART 50/50 | It has a cool tint. Power – 3 W. Brightness – 240 lm. | 98 |
![]() | ERA LED smd BXS-7w-840-E14 | Power -7 W. White light. Durability: 30 thousand hours. | 114 |
![]() | Camelion LED5.5-G45/845/E | Power -5.5 W. Ball shape. Color temperature -4500 K. | 124 |
Electricity has been used for indoor lighting for a very long time. For a long time, only incandescent light bulbs were used in apartments, offices, shops, houses, etc. These small devices are still valued mainly for their fairly powerful stream of light, which also has a natural tint that is pleasant to the eye. However, incandescent light bulbs have several significant disadvantages. First of all, these are high indicators in terms of energy consumption and a short service life. Therefore, recently other types of lighting fixtures - economical and durable - have become increasingly popular. The latter also include LED lamps, which were invented not so long ago.
A little history
The LED was first manufactured by famous engineer Nick Holonyak in 1962. The device he designed emitted visible red light. Soon after the appearance of this interesting invention, the American company Monsanto put its production on stream. The first device of this type came off the assembly line in 1968. The light bulbs produced by Monsanto were intended for use mainly in digital watches and calculators. For the next few decades, LEDs were used only in industrial and consumer electronics.
220V LED lamps, emitting bright white light and designed to illuminate rooms for various purposes, began to be produced only in 1997. The creator of the first such device was the American Fred Schubert. Nowadays, such devices are already used in many industrial and residential premises.
Main design elements
Modern LED lamps are assembled using the following components:
Base. Like this element, in this case it is intended for screwing the device into the lamp socket.
Drivers in a plastic case with ventilation holes. This unit is designed to convert alternating current into direct current. In addition, its design includes special capacitors necessary for cooling the lamp. Another element is a zener diode, which is used to equalize voltage drops in the network.
Radiator. This unit is made of aluminum and has a very large number of ribs. It is also needed to cool the LED.
Board made of aluminum. A special thermal paste is applied to the side facing the radiator. About 90% of the heat emitted by the LED is transferred to the board.
Diffuser. give narrowly focused light. This element in their design is intended to diffuse it in order to uniformly illuminate the room.
The LED itself.
As you can see, compared to conventional incandescent lamps, the devices we are considering have a more complex design.
What is LED
Of course, this is the main element in the lamp. Actually, an LED is called a special one that converts electrical energy into light. The main design elements of this device are:
Substrate that conducts current.
An LED crystal placed on it.
A housing that encloses both elements. On one side there are contacts, and on the other there is a lens. Silicone is poured between the latter and the LED crystal.
Aluminum base on which all elements are fixed.
Operating principle
The LED operates thanks to a special process of electron recombination between two contacts with different degrees of conductivity. At the places where the latter emerge, the crystal is doped with an acceptor impurity containing a small number of electrons on one side, and an increased amount on the other. Recombination occurs immediately after the lamp is switched on. As a result, excess energy arises, which is converted into light flux.
Main Features
Owners of houses, offices, shops and apartments, when choosing LED lamps, first of all pay attention to three main parameters:
The degree of heat of the flow. Lamps of this type can produce light of different shades. Devices emitting cold flow are used mainly in public institutions. For apartments and houses, lamps with “warm” light are often chosen. The most popular types, therefore, are the 2700, 3000 and 3300 K models.
Base type. The standard option is considered Models with such a base are suitable for all household lamps. There are also minion LEDs on sale, marked E14.
Device power. As you know, the most popular are 60-100 W incandescent lamps. These indicators correspond to 7-13 W LEDs.
What device should I buy for my apartment?
Thus, the answer to the question is not difficult. The best option for a residential area would be a device with an E27 base and a warm heat flux of 2700 K.
As for power, in this case the choice largely depends on what specific purposes the device is intended to be used for. So, for a living room or office, a thirteen-watt E27 LED lamp (analogous to a 100-watt incandescent device) is best suited. For the bedroom it is better to choose a 7-10 W model. The same lamps are suitable for the kitchen and small hallway.
Advantages of devices
So what exactly are the advantages of an LED lamp? Reviews about devices of this type are mostly good. According to consumers, they:
![](https://i1.wp.com/fb.ru/misc/i/gallery/11465/1091647.jpg)
Luminous flux
The brightness of an LED lamp is characterized by luminous flux, which is measured in lumens (lm). How brightly you want to light up your office or room is up to you. But try to adhere to the recommendations of SNiP SNiP 23-05-95*. Natural and artificial lighting:
To determine the power of the lamps and their number, use the table. It also reflects the conformity of conventional incandescent light bulbs with the LED ones that replaced them.
Luminous flux (lm) |
LED lamp (W) |
Incandescent (W) |
250 | 3 | 25 |
400 | 5 | 40 |
650 | 8 | 60 |
1 300 | 14 | 100 |
2 100 | 22 | 150 |
The table shows how much LED lamps consume. This is one of the main reasons for their popularity.
Color spectrum
An equally important role when choosing a lamp is played by the color of the emitted flux. It is determined by color temperature, which is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The lower this parameter, the warmer the light will be.
Yellow shades are considered the most comfortable for the home: they help you relax and unwind. Warm white light is recommended when working in office spaces. It is believed to improve performance. And lamps with cool white light are intended only for non-residential utility premises.
Voltage range and color rendering index
If conventional incandescent lamps operated at a voltage of 220 V without loss of brightness, then for most LED lamps lower values are sufficient for stable emission. That is, the owners of such lamps will not even notice voltage drops in the electrical network.
When purchasing, try to choose a voltage range with the largest range of values.
The color rendering index determines how naturally the colors of objects will be transmitted in the light of a particular lamp. It is indicated by the CRI (color rendering index) or Ra parameter. The higher the color rendering index, the more natural the illuminated objects will look.
Scattering angle
LEDs are designed in such a way that they can only shine in front of them: a very small part of the light is deflected to the side. Therefore, pay attention not only to their number, but also to how they are located. The dispersion angle will directly depend on this. For different lamp models it can be from 30 to 360 degrees.
Light pulsation
The light from low-quality lamps often pulsates. This is invisible to the human eye, but can have a negative effect on the nervous system and lead to vision impairment.
Buy lamps with a pulsation range of no more than 5–15%.
Service life and manufacturer
LED lamps have an average lifespan of 10,000 to 50,000 hours. The actual one is very difficult to establish, because technology is improving day by day, service life is calculated only in theory.
The warranty for such lamps is given from 1 to 5 years and depends on the manufacturer. It is the store's responsibility to replace the lamp if it fails during the warranty period.
There are a great many manufacturers of LED technology today. Moreover, not all of them indicate reliable information about the lamp on the packaging. You can find out about the actually measured values of a particular lamp by using the testing service lamptest.ru.
Its pages contain many reviews, articles and independent tests of LED products. Here you can not only find out everything about the model you are interested in, but also select a specific lamp to suit your needs: to do this, specify the necessary parameters and click the “Show” button.
How to choose the right LED lamp
To choose a lamp that will create comfortable lighting, will last a long time, will not cause harm to health and will significantly save energy, use the following tips.
- The color spectrum of a lamp for an apartment should not exceed 3,000 K. If you need a lamp for an office, choose a temperature of 4,000 K. Lamps of 6,000 K and higher should be used only in utility rooms.
- Choose lamps with a voltage range of 110–230 V.
- The color rendering index must be at least 80 CRI.
- Lamp ripple should not exceed 15%. You can easily check it in a store: screw the light bulb into the socket and hold your smartphone camera to it. If the pulsation is high, the image on the screen will flicker.
- Be sure to check the lamp's functionality. Almost all electrical stores have a similar option.
LED lamps are still expensive compared to incandescent lamps. The LED lamp began to become widespread after a directive prohibiting the use of incandescent lamps in household use came into force in the European Union on September 1, 2016. They were banned in production even earlier. The ultimatum promotion of LED lamps in the consumer market contributed to the improvement of the financial situation of manufacturers.
Conscientious manufacturers did not remain in debt and invested money in the development of technology. Prices gradually became more affordable, and the performance and characteristics of LED lamps improved every time. By the way, Russia is also gradually introducing a mandatory ban on the use of incandescent lamps. The first thing that attracts people with an LED lamp is the ability to save money thanks to lower energy costs.
Hypermarkets offer LED lamps in a huge assortment with numerous brands. All we have to do is find out how to choose a suitable and reliable LED lamp for your home, not go wrong with the price, choose the right light palette and find a light bulb with a long service life. Why is there a difference in cost and how does luminous flux affect lighting? Which LED lamps are better for the home: white or yellow - let's figure it out.
Selecting LED light bulbs for the home in accordance with technical parameters
To make choosing LED lamps for your home or apartment much easier, you should carefully study the technical description. An LED lamp is a rather complex device, unlike an incandescent lamp, where there are only two characteristics: power and base size.
LED lamp is a complex electronic technical device
Modern LED lamps contain:
- Light diffuser - necessary to multiply the laminar flow of light (to avoid the beam as if from a flashlight);
- LED crystal directly emitting luminous flux;
- A diode IC driver is mounted inside and is responsible for voltage conversion. The driver's task is to carry out the transformation, in simple words - to rectify alternating current with a voltage of 220 volts and make it constant with a current of 12 V;
- Thermal conductive platform;
- Cooling radiator;
- Base cartridge.
Thus, it is better to make the right choice of LED lamps only after you are familiar with the technical intricacies.
Power and luminous flux
From school we remember that watts ( "W") is an indicator of power measurement. It is this value defines the amount of energy consumed for which we will have to pay. But the power of the lamp does not show us the amount of light emitted; this indicator is determined by the value measured in Lumen. Lumen is a unit of measurement of luminous flux. The brightest light bulb has a correspondingly greater value.
For example, a 40 W Edison incandescent lamp has a luminous flux of 300 lumens. A modern LED lamp with a lower power rating has greater luminous efficiency. The product packaging contains information about how much light the lamp will provide the owner.
The luminous flux indicator is very different from the design of the lamp. So, the incandescent lamp indicator corresponds to 12 lumens per 1 W, the design of fluorescent lamps allows you to get 60 lumens per 1 W. Maximum performance can be achieved by LED lamps with a record of 90 lumens per 1 W.
The degree of illumination of a room using an LED lamp is determined by the light flux, the value of which is indicated in units - lumens (lm, lm). The final decision on the brightness level in your home or office is up to you. The table recommended by SNiP will help you determine the average standards:
Modern technological progress brings to our attention LED lamps with the most economical performance. Lighting devices are manufactured with minimal electricity consumption, while providing more light. Compared to the Ilyich light bulb, their efficiency reaches a 10-fold increase.
In practice, this means that it is enough to screw in a 10-watt LED lamp so that the lighting of the room is not inferior to the 100-watt analogue of an incandescent lamp. Replacing old bulbs with LED bulbs is a good approach to save on your electricity bills. It is quite difficult to convert power into lumens; for convenience, we offer you a table of the proportionality of power and modern lighting sources:
Proportionality of power W and luminous flux Lm
Incandescent light bulb | Fluorescent lamp | LED lamp | Luminous flux value |
---|---|---|---|
20 W | 5-7 W | 2-3 W | 250 Lumens |
40 W | 10-14 W | 3-6 W | 400 Lumens |
60 W | 14-17 W | 6-10 W | 700 Lumens |
75 W | 18-20 W | 10-12 W | 900 Lumens |
100 W | 24-31 W | 11-16 W | 1200 Lumens |
150 W | 39-51 W | 19-21 W | 1800 Lumens |
200 W | 60-80 W | 23-32 W | 2500 Lumens |
As can be seen from the table, lamps of different designs have different luminous efficiency values. Of course, you don’t need to memorize the values in the table, just remember that a 100-watt incandescent lamp shines at 1200 lumens. Based on this memory, it is possible to imagine what kind of luminous flux the purchased light bulb will have. Look at the packaging, you will always find the value in lumens.
Color temperature
You probably noticed that the luminous flux coming from the light is always of different shades. The light gamut is determined by color temperature. LEDs are produced with an almost limitless emission range. They often become decorations in shop windows or on New Year's garlands. The colors range from red to green to purple.
This feature is widely used in billboards, or wherever home lighting is needed - for example in the kitchen. For your home, it is better to use LED lamps with natural lighting or closer to warm tones:
For home lighting, as a rule, LED lamps from a small part of the spectrum are chosen. Although there is a huge selection. LEDs can recreate shades from the gentle yellow of a sunny dawn to the blinding sun on a summer afternoon and ending with the icy glow of a polar day.
Color temperature | Color tones | Description |
---|---|---|
2700 K | Corresponds to a warm glow, with red notes | Similar light comes from the usual “Ilyich” lamp with a tungsten filament... Adds warmth, creates a cozy nest |
3000 K | Warm white light yellow tone | Halogen lamps emit light that is snow-white and more intense. |
3500 K | Natural white. Neutral light. | Typically these are fluorescent lamps in institutions. Neutral daylight without distorting color perception. |
4000 K | Cool white | Relevant in fashionable high-tech projects. It’s a little annoying with its pretentious “sterile cleanliness.” |
5000-6000 K | Bright midday light | Used to supply light to greenhouses, terrariums and other nurseries. Too harsh, does not contribute to creating home comfort. |
6500 K | Cold daytime, with blue, snowy and icy colors | Extremely bright. Used in photo studios and advertising shoots. |
Choose an LED lamp based on the purpose of the room, accordingly determining the color temperature. For the kitchen, natural white at 3500 K is suitable, and in the bedroom it is probably better to choose a warmer shade with a yellowish or even reddish tint. Warm colors make a person feel calm and promote relaxation.
LED lamps in color temperature
Table lamps use a brighter bulb with a neutral or cool tint. In living spaces, the main lighting is warm white or daylight tones. The older generation is accustomed to yellowish light, but with neutral white from 3000 K to 3500 K. People feel more comfortable with yellow light than with cool lighting.
With a neutral luminous flux from LED lamps, it is easier to read and your eyes are not too tired. Of course, all sensations are subjective and it is better to select the light range for your home based on personal preferences.
Color rendering of LED lamps
Even lamps with the same color temperature can ultimately produce different color perceptions. The differences are clearly revealed by visual distortions in the color palette. Physics defines such a concept as color rendering coefficient and it is written as CRI from the English abbreviation (Color Rendering Index). Following the index are values up to 100 units. Often the coefficient is named Ra.
Characteristics of color rendering | Color rendering degree | Color rendering index CRI | Lamps on the counter |
---|---|---|---|
Excellent | 1 A | Above 89 | LED, halogen, fluorescent lamps under the brands: Philips TL-D 90 Grapphica Pro, OSRAM DE LUXES and Color pruof |
Very good | 1 B | In the range of 80-89 | LED and fluorescent under the brands: LDC, LBTC, OSRAM LUMIILUX, VANTTEX and others |
Worthy | 2 A | Between 70-79 | Luminescent. Brand BASIC, OSRAM and other brands |
Moderately good | 2 B | Between 60-69 | Arc mercury and bactericidal luminescent products |
Sufficient | 3 | Between 40-59 | Mercury vapor lamps |
Low | 4 | 39 or less | Sodium |
A lamp emitting a luminous flux with a color rendering index of 100 units does not distort the color palette at all; the only drawback is that the lamp will most likely require increased payment. When purchasing a lamp for lighting a living space, you should be guided by the norm for using lamps with CRI values of 70 or more. It is the range from 80 to 100 that you should give your preference and choose LED lamps with an index within these limits.
In addition, you should definitely take into account the purpose of the lighting device. For example, in art galleries, works are illuminated with light with an index color rendering of 100 Ra, since color distortion inpaintings and photographs. At home, it is permissible to use LED lamps with low CRI values.
Small beam angle of LED lamps
A characteristic feature of all LEDs is the direct flow of light. A wonderful feature when holding an LED flashlight. The fact is that the diode crystal transmits a narrowly directed light beam through itself, which is why the light from them falls in a straight direction. Very small volumes of light waves are deflected to the sides. Inside a modern LED lamp there are several crystals.
The scattering angle varies depending on their geometric location. In addition, a special divider is installed on the lamp at the factory, this allows you to achieve a fairly wide light angle. LED lamp can fill space diffuse light ranging from 29° to 360 degrees.
Often, the manufacturer coordinates the dispersion angle with the lamp base. So, you will have to choose an LED lamp with the required scattering angle not only based on the purpose of the lamp, but also taking into account the connecting connector.
The recommendation for indoor lighting, taking into account the placement of the chandelier on the ceiling, tells us that it is better to select the dispersion angle in the range from 90° to 180 degrees. A table lamp for working and reading is not so picky and the use of a narrow beam will be a sufficient minimum.
In lamps serving as background lighting or a decorative element, the best solution would be to screw in a lamp with a dispersion angle of 360°. An unexpected result can be obtained from the play of shadows if you install LED lamps with narrowly directed radiation in your usual sconces.
Don't be afraid to experiment and fabulous looks await you. Why the LED lamp flickers during operation is discussed in detail in the video:
Details about the base and why a lamp needs a radiator.
The socket is the connection between the lamp and the lamp socket. We just look at what cartridge we have and select the appropriate base. Manufacturers do not skimp on variety and are able to satisfy the needs of the buyer. LED lamps are produced in a full set of standard sizes (E 14, E 27, E 40) in order to ensure the interchangeability of Ilyich bulbs.
If there is a need to change halogen lamps, then sizes (G4, GU5.3, GU10) are available to the consumer. Emitters built into hoods, refrigerators and furniture structures are equipped with a base with a standard size of GX53.
The disadvantages of the LED lamp include excessive heating of the product. There is a loss of brightness with a significant increase in temperature. Prolonged exposure to high temperature conditions contributes to breakdowns and the LED lamp loses its functionality.
Manufacturers have learned to deal with this problem and offer two designs of LED lamps. The first is made according to the type of flask we are familiar with, the design of which includes a radiator. The second option, LED lamp - corn. In the “corn” design, there is no bulb or radiator, and the removal of excess thermal energy is carried out more efficiently.
LED lamp heat sink type
- Aluminum fins. It copes well with the task of removing thermal energy thanks to thin and frequent stiffening ribs that increase the area of thermal output. The downside is the good electrical conductivity of aluminum elements, and therefore there is a danger of electrical shock. The manufacturer is forced to protect the products with varnish, which leads to higher prices for the products.
- Aluminum radiator with smooth surface. The design contains the thinnest layer of aluminum; heat removal from the surface is less intense. Special holes help improve ventilation. Aluminum elements are also coated with varnish or an insulating compound in the form of various current-insulating paints.
- Ceramic radiator. A modern and most effective method of removing thermal energy. The disadvantage is the high cost of LED lamps. Ceramic is a dielectric, which allows LEDs to be mounted directly on a radiator, which has a beneficial effect on cooling efficiency.
LED lamp heat sink is an important part of safety
- Composite materials. They are becoming increasingly popular among manufacturers. An acceptable cost combined with good heat dissipation performance makes composite elements a “tidbit.” In addition, a reliable level of security is ensured. LED lamps equipped with a composite radiator are the most affordable purchase with optimal quality.
- Radiator made of plastic. Not every type of plastic is used in lamp manufacturing. Only special compositions with high thermal energy conductivity are suitable. The most affordable segment of radiators in the structure of an LED lamp. The efficiency is not high, but a low price certainly does not require a high rating. Holes will help improve performance.
The advantages of plastic radiators primarily include their low cost. There is no need to worry about their inoperability; besides, the manufacturer gives them a long-term warranty with a long service life. Choosing an inexpensive LED lamp and getting a quality product is a completely feasible task today.Most likely, you will fully recoup the purchase in the next year, and further use will help you save money.
LED lamps with efficient ceramic or aluminum radiators are used where temperature requirements are increased. For example, built-in lamps in suspended ceilings or furnished panels. Excessive heating will change the color palette of materials and worsen their appearance.
In such cases, paying more for improved quality will be a justified decision. In less demanding places, the operation of plastic or composite radiators is not so expensive, especially since LEDs warm up in any case less than incandescent bulbs.
Warranty, service life and working life
The consumer is willing to pay several times more for an LED lamp, provided that it has a long service life and its operating life allows it to recoup significant initial costs. The most important indicator of lamp parameters is measured in hours and indicates the length of operation without changing the light-emitting qualities.
The declared service life of modern LED lamps is 30,000 hours. A simple calculation and we get 10 years of carefree life in the light. Some manufacturers declare up to 60 thousand hours of glow, which is equivalent to 18 years. LED technologies do not stand still, they are constantly evolving, and perhaps in the near future we will be offered LED lamps with operating characteristics of 100 thousand hours.
It seems to us that there is a certain amount of deceit in these parameters. The working life of a diode is the period of time during which the crystal is capable of emitting a luminous flux. There is an event known to physicists called “LED burnout.” The process of the phenomenon is accompanied by a loss of bright glow.
Operating conditions determine the speed of transformation. Overheating and negative temperatures negatively affect the properties of the LED lamp. Brightness lasts for a long time only with “greenhouse” parameters.
The warranty description on the packaging will help you find out how long the lamp will shine without losing brightness. Typically, the warranty period reflects reality as accurately as possible. Moreover, the product cannot be repaired but must be replaced. Manufacturers deliberately underestimate warranty periods in order to prevent claims from customers.
LED lamp with dimmer
An old-fashioned way to change the intensity of room lighting is simply by turning on or off the number of light bulbs in the chandelier and adding other lighting fixtures. The modern method is called dimming and is carried out using a dimmer device. The device is a device with the function of changing electrical power. The device allows you to accurately “set” the lighting parameters according to the homeowner’s requirements.
Not all LED lamps are suitable for smoothly changing brightness. In order to choose an LED lamp for a network with a dimmer, you need to clarify the product capabilities. Such a light bulb is indexed and a special mark “dimmable” is indicated in the technical specifications.
If you ignore this parameter, you will get a standard product that shines at maximum power. By reducing the load with a dimmer, you will simply get a flashing beacon. Also pay attention to the dimming range, which varies from 5% to 20% depending on the manufacturer.
Manufacturers rating
We will start with unscrupulous suppliers, since choosing an LED lamp according to technical parameters is half the battle. The next step is to choose a manufacturer. As you know, LED lamps are far from cheap, and the temptation to find a cheaper product is not the least important for the thrifty buyer. Unfortunately, cheap cheese, as they say in a mousetrap, and unscrupulous Chinese suppliers were not long in coming.
Externally, the lamps look attractive, but the internal contents will show negative aspects in the near future. Most likely, they will burn out without serving for a year, and the lack of a warranty will save the seller from compensating your costs - it is better not to buy such LED lamps for your home. Look carefully at the packaging - poor printing and lack of a warranty period will serve as a beacon for you to refuse to purchase a low-quality product.
Is it worth mentioning that such products are assembled from the cheapest components. The color rendering coefficient barely reaches 60 Ra, the diode driver does not cope with the task as a result, the LED lamp flickers when turned on and blinks when turned off.
The service life of such a lamp is pure luck. In a word, saving on the purchase will come out “sideways”. We won’t reveal the secret by saying that you can save money if you initially choose a product from trusted brands and follow a simple rule - it’s better to purchase LED lamps for your home from reliable suppliers.
High quality LED lamps
Companies registered in the European Union can boast of excellent performance. The companies Philips and Osram, which have earned people's trust, offer expensive, but high-quality and certified products. The company's head offices are located in the European part of the globe, while production facilities are located in Asia and China. Don’t be surprised by the inscription “made in China”; industrial products of this country are under strict control and you don’t have to worry about the technical characteristics.
The products are not cheap, so LED lamps from Philips sells from 700 to 1900 rubles per piece. The Osram company produces both budget models in the price category from 100 to 250 rubles, and premium segment - with a price of 2600 rubles.
Acceptable quality and low price of LED lamps
We will find the optimal ratio of cost and quality from middle-class suppliers. The price category required by a wide range includes Russian, Asian, Chinese and many other manufacturers. Products are offered with good and realistic performance and are presented in a wide range. For example:
- Domestic manufacturer Feron (Feron). Successfully mastered the production of lighting equipment using LEDs. Prices start from just 70 rubles for low-power lamps. More powerful ones will cost 400 rubles.
- A wide range of LED lamps is offered by the Hong Kong company Camelion. Large range with bases for all sizes. Price from 100 rubles to 500.
- The glorious city on the Neva supplies products under the Jazzway brand. LED lamps differ from the manufacturer in their base. Both flask and “corn” are produced. Average prices on the shelves range from 100 to 400 rubles for a standard power not exceeding 20 W. A special offer for powerful options up to 60 W reaches 6,700 rubles per unit.
- Another domestic manufacturer boasts Russian roots. Gauss deservedly occupies a leading position. The cost ranges from 100 rubles for a model of LED lamps with average characteristics. With the efficiency of the lamp, the price also increases to 1,700 rubles per offer with super-economical indicators.
Video review of LED lamps
- A well-known and respected Russian supplier is the Navigator company. A characteristic feature is a proprietary driver that provides stable operating parameters despite voltage surges (operability from 170 V to 250 V). The cost is in the average range from 100 and reaches 900 rubles for light bulbs with good efficiency.
- A completely new company - Era. The domestic brand is considered a newcomer to the market, but has already earned positive reviews and provides competitive prices - with a maximum cost of 500 rubles. A quality product with stable parameters.
- Chinese industrialist with the Selecta brand is included in our rating of acceptable manufacturers with good reviews. The range of product costs is from 100 to 1000 rubles.
- Our impromptu rating is completed by the Estares brand. A supplier from the Middle Kingdom offers LED lamps at prices up to 500 rubles. Premium line - from 1100 to 1800 rubles.
Results
The market is filled with a huge number of companies and firms that produce and supply LED lamps. Many companies are introducing LED lamps into their finished products - an example is world famous companyArmstrong, offering ceilings with built-in diodes.
Others are in high demand for products and supply low-quality goods. We hope that our article answered your question, how to choose an LED lamp for your home and fit into the family budget - we advise again, it’s better not to saveon the brand. Happy shopping.
Despite the fact that the first emission of light from a solid-state LED was obtained at the beginning of the twentieth century, it took applied physics more than 80 years to create a light emitting diode (LED) operating in a spectrum suitable for the human eye, and at the same time not with cosmic value. Japanese scientists who were able to make LEDs cheap and paved the way for their widespread use in everyday life were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2014.
As consumers, we can use the advances of physics in our lives by organizing the lighting in our home or apartment with the greatest possible variability, minimal harm to the environment and with financial benefit for ourselves. Let's look at what factors need to be taken into account when choosing a modern LED lamp for your home.
When choosing a lamp for the home, we, first of all, out of habit, focus on its power. Traditionally, this indicator was measured in watts consumed. And it was clear to everyone that there is a 100-watt light bulb for a large room, and there is a 60-watt light bulb, say, for a toilet. But this story has sunk into the past along with Ilyich with the usual filament. In modern times, everything has changed.
Now, in times of energy-efficient technologies, it is incorrect to talk about the brightness of a lamp based on the power of its energy consumption. Mainly because light bulbs made using different energy-saving technologies have different energy consumption at the same light power. For example, a 30-watt lighting power corresponds to an 80-watt fluorescent and 200-watt incandescent lamp. This leads to unnecessary confusion.
It would be more correct to talk about a more universal parameter that characterizes the lighting power of the llama - luminous flux brightness, which is measured in units called lumens.
The luminous flux brightness parameter is not tied to watts; it only tells us about the brightness of a particular lamp so that we can compare it with the brightness of another, made in the same or different energy-saving technology.
Before choosing the power of LED lamps, you need to remember that LED technology is constantly improving and becoming more energy efficient. Therefore, when buying a lamp, you need to carefully look at the packaging and pay attention to the luminous flux numbers in lumens. In order to orientate ourselves in these figures, we present the indicators power of LED lamps in accordance with the incandescence of conventional lamps.
Emission spectrum and color temperature
Speaking about the emission spectrum, which underlies the emitted color temperature, it should be noted that in all experiments performed with the participation of conventional incandescent lamps, energy-saving and LED lamps, it was LED lamps that demonstrated the highest quality emission spectrum.
If the spectrum of incandescent lamps is orange-yellow, the spectrum of mercury lamps consists of red, green and blue, then the emission spectrum of an LED lamp includes two components: blue - from the LED itself, and a smeared spectrum - from the phosphor filling the lamp. The ratio of these two components determines color temperature of LED lamps.
Color temperature is the third important (after power and brightness) parameter of an LED lamp. As you probably know, this indicator is measured in degrees Calvin. Historically, early lighting technologies produced more heat than light, and emitted light in the red-yellow spectrum.
For example, a glowing ember has a color temperature of 600 K, and most of its energy goes into heat. The higher the color temperature, the less heat the source emits.
LED bulbs can reach a color temperature of 7000K and produce standard colors ranging from warm yellow to cool white. At the same time, LED lamps do not heat up, i.e. almost all of their energy goes into useful light.
Why is it so important to have a radiator for LED lamps?
The radiator, as you might guess, serves to cool the diodes. Although the LED lamp itself does not heat up if you touch the lampshade with your hand, diodes, like any semiconductors, heat up under the influence of electricity. And they really don’t like it.
Radiator for LED lamp located between the lamp itself and the base. The person using the lighting device does not see it. It is a ribbed structure made of aluminum or its alloys. The radiator has longitudinal slots, the so-called fins, which ensure free movement of air along the slots, which ensures heat dissipation.
The subtlety in choosing LED lamps with a good radiator is as follows. In some cheaper versions of these devices, the longitudinal fins on the radiator are designed so that in a vertical position they perfectly move air inside the lamp. But in a horizontal position (that is, if the lamp is screwed into the lighting fixture in a horizontal position), some ribs will create obstacles to proper convection, which will lead to a disruption in heat dissipation.
Technically, this problem was solved by using a cross section of the ribs in the form of an arcuate profile.
In this version of the radiator, the fins are arranged with some twist, with alternating lengths - this together makes possible the turbulent movement of the air flow, which does not depend on the position of the lamp itself relative to the horizon.
It is not visually possible to choose the right radiator, provided that it is closed from the buyer’s view. Therefore, we advise buyers to be guided by cost. When considering which LED bulb to choose, it's worth remembering that more expensive models are more likely to have the right heatsink.
Types of LED lamp bases and design options
LED lamps are available in a variety of base options.
- The most common base is the standard E27 incandescent lamp base. LED lamps with a luminous flux power of more than 1200 lm are available only with E27 base.
- Base E14(Mignon type) is also widely used in lighting fixtures.
- Base GU10 with a 2-pin connector and a rotating mount with a socket are used in ceiling lamps such as reflective LED lamps.
- Base GU5/3 with a 2-pin connector is also common in ceiling luminaires of reflector types of lamps.
- Base G13 with 2-pin connector for ceiling lights.
There are other types of bases that are less common, both according to the supply of manufacturers and the demand of buyers.
Numerous manufacturers of LED lamps offer various options. This:
- standard round shape,
- candle shaped lamps,
- in the shape of a candle in the wind,
- accent or spot lighting lamps.
Innovative in its design and technological implementation was the appearance of LED lamps with the ability to change colors, including red, yellow, green and blue. A lamp that changes colors is a unique find for people who love variety in the interior.
Service life, cost and manufacturers
A few years ago, the lifespan of LED bulbs was 10 years. Today, well-known European manufacturers claim long service life for their lamps - up to 15, 20 and even 25 years.
Before purchasing energy-saving lighting devices, you should decide which company to choose an LED lamp.
The market for this type of product is represented by numerous manufacturers. Branded companies offer products at a higher price. This is not a tribute to fashion and not just a payment for the brand. It is these well-known manufacturers that have in their assortment not only high-quality products, but also the latest developments in this dynamically developing industry. Here it is worth mentioning:
- longer service life of such lamps,
- environmental friendliness of manufacturing materials,
- the presence of unique functions, such as the already mentioned lamp with the ability to change colors.
Among the well-known electronics manufacturers are the following companies:
- Dutch Philips,
- American General Electric,
- German Osram,
- Japanese Supra,
- German BLV.
The cost of lamps from these manufacturers will be higher than average: starting from 300 rubles. and can easily overcome the 1000 rubles mark.
There are Russian manufacturers of LED lamps on the market. Here you can name the companies Gauss, Kreonix, Start, Optogan. The price for domestic models ranges from 200 rubles. up to 1000 rubles.
In addition, the LED products market is widely represented by manufacturers offering budget lamp options starting from 130 rubles.
Final verdict on energy-saving LED lamps: how to choose
The fundamental difference with LED technology is that light is emitted by a diode as a result of the movement of electrons through a semiconductor. Therefore, their service life is very long. They emit almost no heat and do not contain harmful substances.
The color range of LED lamps is almost limitless and depends on the material of the LED and the principle of its operation.
When choosing a lamp that will illuminate your home for the next 20 years, you need to be guided by the following rules:
- Compare the luminous flux parameter of the lamp with its color temperature to obtain better quality light, the color you need.
- The most popular are lamps with a light power of 700-1500 lm, which approximately corresponds to an incandescent lamp of 60-100 W.
- Know that the color temperature of the sun on a bright day is 6500 K. If you do not need the brightness of a sunny day in your room, buy a lamp with a lower color temperature.
- Buy LED lamps from well-known companies: do not be afraid to overpay, you will receive a high-quality safe lamp that will serve you for decades.
Video with recommendations for choosing LED lamps according to their characteristics