Video How to install a spotlight with your own hands
George, Kazan asks a question:
Good day! Tell me how to connect spotlights on the ceiling. A friend installed high-quality spotlights, but the bulbs burn out very quickly. What could be the problem and how to solve it? What connection schemes can be used? Decided to do some lighting as well. Thank you in advance for your response.
The expert answers:
Good day!
In order to understand how to connect spotlights to the ceiling, you need to decide how you can install the fixtures. It can be carried out according to two schemes: serial and parallel.
Serial connection involves connecting all lighting fixtures to one wire, like a garland. The advantage of this installation is its ease, the disadvantage is that with an uneven voltage supply, the bulbs will burn out one after another. To avoid this, you need to install a special current rectifier in the circuit.
As for the parallel connection, all ceiling lights are connected to their own separate wire from the junction box. This mounting method also requires the installation of a rectifier, but the reliability and safety of such a connection is much higher than the serial one. Its downside is a much higher consumption of wires.
In addition, before connecting spotlights on the ceiling, you need to decide on the type of lamps used: 220 V or 12 V. These methods have their own connection schemes, and each has its pros and cons.
The method of mounting a lighting device with a 220 V lamp on the ceiling is shown in fig. 3.
Below are the methods for connecting 220 V spotlights to one- and two-gang switches (Fig. 4-5).
The advantages of 220 V lamps are:
- simple and reliable scheme of their connection;
- the fact that lighting fixtures can be placed at any distance from each other, without losing lighting efficiency;
- the fact that in 220 V circuits, due to low currents, a cable with a smaller cross section can be used than for 12 V circuits.
As for the method of connecting 12 V light bulbs, its advantages are low voltage, due to which the probability of fire or electric shock to a person is negligible. Also at this voltage, you can install lamps with thicker filaments, which makes them more reliable and durable.
Connecting 12V spotlights requires the installation of a transformer that will convert standard 220V to 12V.
You can connect one transformer, through which a voltage reduced to 12 V will be supplied to all lighting fixtures, or you can install a transformer on each spotlight.
The second method is more preferable than the first. Despite the fact that it comes out more expensive, it fully justifies itself, since there is no need to calculate the lengths and sections of cables. And if suddenly one transformer fails, the rest will continue to function, which will ensure the uninterrupted operation of the rest of the lighting devices.
It is worth mentioning the choice of transformer. Please note that its power should exceed by 15-20% the total power consumption of all the light bulbs that it feeds. It must be replaceable so that in the event of a breakdown it can be repaired or replaced with a new one. Therefore, when choosing, consider its dimensions. It should be easy to remove through the opening of the light fixture.
As for the question of the reasons for the burnout of the light bulbs, it can lie either in the fact that they are connected in series without installing a rectifier, or in the absence or malfunction of the transformer when connecting 12 V lamps.
What types of recessed ceiling lights are there
Spotlights for plasterboard ceilings are divided into two types: rotary
and fixed
. First, spotlights
, are characterized by the fact that their outer part is movable, providing the ability to change the direction of light incidence depending on the needs.
Each type of lamp has its own name for the base. Above are a few examples of matching sockets for spotlight lamps.
What lamps are for spotlights for plasterboard ceilings?
- fluorescent
- halogen
- metal halide
Which light bulbs are best and for what purposes?
Spotlights for plasterboard ceilings allow you to organize a good level of illumination, as well as energy saving.
There are different types of lamps for ceiling lights. They differ in tanning time, degree of heating, frequency of burnout and cost.
Warm and cold light, how to use it correctly, how to combine it correctly?
There are a large number of different types of light bulbs with different shades of light that they emit. It can change saturation with brightness as well as hue
Thus, it is necessary to pay attention to the color rendering index of the light bulb - the higher it is, the more natural the colors appear.
Also important is the indicator of color temperature, depending on which cold and warm light are emitted. The first is white with a blue tint, and the second is characterized by a yellow tint.
For a residential building, preference should be given to warm light, and for office premises it is better to choose a cold light that can stimulate a person’s performance.
Price-quality ratio
In modern equipment, the price fully corresponds to the quality of the lighting device. At the same time, fluorescent lamps cost an order of magnitude more than halogen ones.
Lamps are not only a decoration of the interior of the premises, but also serve to improve the quality of light transmission, which has a positive effect on the well-being and health of a person.
How many lamps do you need for what areas?
The number of spotlights used is determined by the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, as well as from the power of a particular device. So, for an area of 1 sq.m. it will be enough just one lamp with a power of 35 W, and on an area of 3 sq.m. you will need two 50 watt lamps.
In the event that the recessed ceiling lights are crystal and differ in low power lamps, their total power must be taken into account. As a rule, they replace the central chandelier.
Several types of spotlights. They differ in height, type of lamps, cost. In particular, the GX-53 model with energy-saving lamps flares up for a long time, so it is better to put the diode version in the bathrooms and the corridor.
How often do light bulbs burn out and what to do so that they do not burn out?
The frequency of lamp burnout depends on the quality of the device itself, as well as on which connection scheme is used. To lamps lasted much longer
, it is better to connect them in parallel, using a special rectifier that ensures uniform voltage supply.
The incandescent bulb in a spotlight should be changed in exactly the same way as in other lighting devices. First you need to turn off the electric current to the room, then remove the cover from the lamp, unscrew the non-working lamp and screw in a new one. It is advised to select a light bulb that has the same power and parameters as the previous one.
Main advantages
The popularity of spotlights is explained by a number of opportunities that their use gives, some of them are not available for other designs:
- the ability to focus the light flux on individual elements of the interior;
- small dimensions and weight of the case;
- low power consumption;
- simple installation and network connection technologies;
- high degree of fire safety;
- LED products are completely safe from the point of view of ecology, they are successfully used in children's educational institutions;
- original design.
A large selection of shapes, designs and design solutions allows you to choose spotlights for a wide variety of interior types. You can use them in children's rooms, bathrooms, hallways; with conventional, stretch or suspended ceilings.
Features of lighting zoning in the bathroom
Often, when arranging fixtures for the bathroom, several options are chosen at once for a certain zoning of the territory. Some may be the main source of light and be used constantly, while others will perform a decorative function and turn on periodically.
You can highlight the zone of upper and lower lighting, as well as additionally illuminate the place near or above the mirror. If the room is large and there are steps or darkened corners, then you can additionally illuminate them, which is required for high-quality cleaning of the territory.
For zoning the room, you can choose both conventional and LED lamps for the bathroom. Ceiling, shower, cabinets, mirror - these are the elements in the room that may need additional light.
Often such lighting fixtures perform a decorative function to emphasize the interior design, make the room more proportional or highlight a certain place with a colored lamp.
Simple installation of products
The process of installing spotlights is so simple that the most ordinary person who does not have special knowledge or skills can do it. It consists of several stages:
- Accurate determination of the type of cornice overhang. This factor regulates the selection of profiles on which the soffit panels will be held.
- Installation of two bars. They are attached to the gable (cornice) overhang.
- Fasteners J-profile to the beam, which is located near the wall. Profile fastenings should not exceed 30 cm between each other.
- Panel installation.
There are important points that should not be forgotten. Soffits must be cut to length, which must correspond to the width of the overhang. The installation of the panels is extremely simple - one edge of the material is installed in the groove of the profile, and the second is fixed on the beam. At the same time, the panels slightly overlap each other (for which there are corresponding grooves), covering the attachment points. From the outer side of the fastening of the material will hide the front panel.
"Installation of spotlights" - a video that will reveal all the smallest processes of installation work.
Installation of electricians and installation of fixtures in the plasterboard ceiling
- Before installing electrical wiring, you should consider the attachment points, as well as the number of lighting devices and their power.
- Then, for all groups of luminaires, junction boxes must be mounted, which must be located in an easily accessible place for access to them.
- From them, wires are pulled in corrugated pipes to the points where spotlights will be installed. Better to
the wire segments were thirty centimeters longer than the required length - this will make it more convenient to mount
appliances. They can be pulled into .
Usually, to work in a small room, you can connect everything yourself. However, for convenience, it is better to work together.
Installation of spotlights takes relatively little time, the duration of which depends on the connection scheme, the number of lamps used, as well as the level of preparation for installation work.
This is how a standard ceiling spotlight works. Instead of legs, an expander mechanism can also be used.
Types of waterproof lamps
All waterproof fixtures for the bathroom can be divided into several modifications:
- Built-in models Their installation is made in a false ceiling, a niche in a wall, a partition or a floor surface.Most often, such models are compact and have a round shape.
- Overhead lamps. Their shape and design can be quite varied. Most often they are mounted on the ceiling and perform not only the direct function of lighting, but also act as a decorative element.
- Hanging options. This is a type of fixtures in the bathroom, which are mounted in the ceiling. It can be a chandelier or modern spots of various modifications and colors. They differ in originality, but at the same time they require additional lighting in the room, since they do not cover the entire room with sufficient light.
- Floor lamps. They are used quite rarely, as they require additional space in the room during installation, therefore they are not at all suitable for a small bathroom. But a floor lamp or a hanger with several shades in the bathroom always look original and unusual.
- Desktop. They are also rarely used and do not illuminate the entire room. Often placed on a table in front of a mirror. The advantage is their use as needed (unlike other light sources), as well as originality and an unusual design solution.
- Wall options. These can be sconces of various shapes, which are mounted either on the wall or above the mirror. Most often they serve as a decorative element in the room.
- Backlight. This may be an LED strip, which additionally decorates the room, but for it it is necessary to additionally equip a special niche.
Scope of spotlights
Soffit panels have found application in almost all areas of construction: private, industrial, high-altitude work. Soffits are widely used for hemming the protruding parts of the roof: ridges, cornices, overhangs, etc. Finished with soffit panels, these elements of the building will have a complete and elegant appearance. These panels are also perfect for filing ceilings in gazebos, on open verandas, on the porch of a house.
Panels without perforation can be used for interior ceiling cladding. Electrical wires, ventilation pipes and other communications will perfectly hide under them.
What to look out for
Installation work with soffit panels is extremely simple. If the above tips are not enough for a person, you can watch a video of mounting spotlights. It very clearly and step by step demonstrates all the work from "A" to "Z"
We should not forget that when buying panels, it is important to carefully check them for quality and integrity. Do not be upset if you come across material without perforation
It is excellent for interior decoration, as well as for buildings that do not require ventilation.
The use of soffits in the construction of a house is a reliable method to give the roof the necessary protection and ventilation. Even the most beautiful and original roof will not look spectacular if its cornices and overhangs are not properly processed. Improving the aesthetic side will not take much time, it is worth choosing the necessary material and carrying out a simple installation.
George, Kazan asks a question:
Good day! Tell me how to connect spotlights on the ceiling. A friend installed high-quality spotlights, but the bulbs burn out very quickly. What could be the problem and how to solve it? What connection schemes can be used? Decided to do some lighting as well. Thank you in advance for your response.
The expert answers:
Good day!
In order to understand how to connect spotlights to the ceiling, you need to decide how you can install the fixtures. It can be carried out according to two schemes: serial and parallel.
Serial connection involves connecting all lighting fixtures to one wire, like a garland. The advantage of this installation is its ease, the disadvantage is that with an uneven voltage supply, the bulbs will burn out one after another.To avoid this, you need to install a special current rectifier in the circuit.
As for the parallel connection, all ceiling lights are connected to their own separate wire from the junction box. This mounting method also requires the installation of a rectifier, but the reliability and safety of such a connection is much higher than the serial one. Its downside is a much higher consumption of wires.
In addition, before connecting spotlights on the ceiling, you need to decide on the type of lamps used: 220 V or 12 V. These methods have their own connection schemes, and each has its pros and cons.
The method of mounting a lighting device with a 220 V lamp on the ceiling is shown in fig. 3.
Below are the methods for connecting 220 V spotlights to one- and two-gang switches (Fig. 4-5).
The advantages of 220 V lamps are:
- simple and reliable scheme of their connection;
- the fact that lighting fixtures can be placed at any distance from each other, without losing lighting efficiency;
- the fact that in 220 V circuits, due to low currents, a cable with a smaller cross section can be used than for 12 V circuits.
As for the method of connecting 12 V light bulbs, its advantages are low voltage, due to which the probability of fire or electric shock to a person is negligible. Also at this voltage, you can install lamps with thicker filaments, which makes them more reliable and durable.
Connecting 12V spotlights requires the installation of a transformer that will convert standard 220V to 12V.
You can connect one transformer, through which a voltage reduced to 12 V will be supplied to all lighting fixtures, or you can install a transformer on each spotlight.
The second method is more preferable than the first. Despite the fact that it comes out more expensive, it fully justifies itself, since there is no need to calculate the lengths and sections of cables. And if suddenly one transformer fails, the rest will continue to function, which will ensure the uninterrupted operation of the rest of the lighting devices.
It is worth mentioning the choice of transformer. Please note that its power should exceed by 15-20% the total power consumption of all the light bulbs that it feeds. It must be replaceable so that in the event of a breakdown it can be repaired or replaced with a new one. Therefore, when choosing, consider its dimensions. It should be easy to remove through the opening of the light fixture.
As for the question of the reasons for the burnout of the light bulbs, it can lie either in the fact that they are connected in series without installing a rectifier, or in the absence or malfunction of the transformer when connecting 12 V lamps.
How to choose a canvas for a stretch ceiling
In the building materials market, today there is a huge selection of canvases for every taste. Even the most demanding buyer will be able to choose a stretch ceiling of the desired color, structure and cost.
With the help of a stretch ceiling of certain colors and shades, you can visually increase or decrease the height of the ceilings. If you need to visually increase the height, in this case it makes sense to buy a light-colored ceiling, the best effect of the increase is achieved when installing a white canvas. If, on the contrary, you need to reduce, then canvases of dark tones will help you here.
Glossy stretch ceiling photo
Fabrics for mounting a stretch ceiling are divided into two types:
- Tissue. If you decide to use web cam technology, this is your option. This type of canvas is made of polystyrene.
- PVC. Made from polyvinyl chloride. This type of cloth is mounted by harpoon, glazing bead and wedge method.
Soffits in the bathroom and their features
Soffits in the bathroom waterproof can be of various types and shapes.This is a fairly new element for this room, which is becoming more and more popular and original solution every year. Moisture-proof lamps for the bathroom in the form of spotlights make the interior of the room aesthetically beautiful and original.
According to the type of construction, the following types of soffits for the bathroom are distinguished:
- With one or more lighting lamps, which is most often chosen for ceilings.
- Rotating or fixed structures (stationary ones are fixed and illuminate a certain area, while rotating options can conveniently move and illuminate the place that is needed).
- Mobile or built-in (mobile lamps are fixed on special rails, along which the lamp can move to another place if necessary).
In one bathroom, depending on the size, you can install several structures in the form of spotlights. They fit any design, from retro to hi-tech, are quite practical, compact and have many different variations (from children in the form of a soccer ball or an airplane to adult options).
How to distinguish moisture-resistant bathroom fixtures from conventional counterparts
Lighting moisture-resistant devices in appearance are no different from ordinary ones. Their difference lies precisely in the internal elements and additional components. Waterproof LED bathroom lights are resistant to high humidity, so they have a longer service life than conventional ones.
In the place where the ceiling connects to the rest of the electrical appliance, there must be rubber seals, the cable entry into the housing must be equipped with waterproof plugs. All these features of waterproof luminaires must be indicated in the passport of the product itself, depending on the protection class. The whole classification system complies with international standards.
The abbreviation IP (“Ingress Protection Rating”) is the degree of protection of the housing, which is assigned to each electrical appliance and with which you can distinguish a waterproof lamp from a conventional counterpart. The higher this indicator, the higher the class and degree of protection against moisture of bathroom fixtures.
It is this indicator that is a criterion for the safety of lighting devices for a person during water ingress, as well as the duration of its performance in conditions of high humidity.
For example, IP 54 on a luminaire means that moisture can get on it and this will not affect the nature of its work. IP 68 is the marking of strips or LED devices that can easily work under water.
What to look out for
Installation work with soffit panels is extremely simple. If the above tips are not enough for a person, you can watch a video of mounting spotlights. It very clearly and step by step demonstrates all the work from "A" to "Z"
We should not forget that when buying panels, it is important to carefully check them for quality and integrity. Do not be upset if you come across material without perforation
It is excellent for interior decoration, as well as for buildings that do not require ventilation.
The use of soffits in the construction of a house is a reliable method to give the roof the necessary protection and ventilation. Even the most beautiful and original roof will not look spectacular if its cornices and overhangs are not properly processed. Improving the aesthetic side will not take much time, it is worth choosing the necessary material and carrying out a simple installation.
The modern design of the premises provides for a moderate general background and the highlighting of individual sections of the interior with enhanced light flux. Ceiling spotlights are successfully used for this. What is a soffit and how to use it correctly? The principle of its design was borrowed from the theatrical experience of highlighting individual sections of the stage at the right time.In houses and apartments, soffits are used that are smaller in size and power consumption, and their appearance is adapted to the interior of residential premises.
Installation sequence
Let's consider the case of the most difficult option for mounting a built-in soffit, they are usually used in suspended or stretch ceilings:
During the construction of a new house, the locations of the switches and the source from which the spotlights will be powered are planned. In old apartments, the switches have already been installed, the power wires are usually brought out in the center of the ceiling.
- Before starting work, the lighting network on the ceiling must be de-energized for safety reasons. Above the suspended and stretch ceilings, a frame is made with platforms for installing spotlights, along which it is necessary to bring the wires to the connection points, taking into account the margin of 10–15 cm below the ceiling level. This is done for convenient connection of connectors and replacement of lamps or spotlights entirely.
- After the installation of the front surface of the ceiling is completed, holes of the appropriate diameter are drilled for the soffit. A heat-shielding gasket, a ring made of heat-resistant plastic or asbestos is glued around the hole.
- The wires are pulled out and connected to the connectors, the lighting network is connected to the switchboard, the operability of the spotlights is checked.
- If all the elements are in good order, the clamping springs are compressed, the spotlight is inserted into the hole, the springs move apart and press the body against the surface of the ceiling covering.
The radius of the platform for fixing the soffit must be at least 10 cm. Otherwise, the fixation will be unreliable, the edges of the clamping mechanism, going beyond it, can deform or even tear the stretch ceiling fabric.
Other designs do not have such complex elements; during installation, they are simply suspended like chandeliers, on a hook, or screwed to the surface. In track systems, it must be taken into account that when moving the soffit, the wire must be carefully wound and unwound; special coils are provided for this. The most complex and expensive mechanism is considered to be a track system with several RGB spotlights on the bus, with remote control of rotary mechanisms.
Using the control panel, you can program the color tone of the lighting, the direction and movement of spotlights along the bus in time. Connecting and setting up such a complex requires certain professional skills and is carried out not in residential premises, but in bars, clubs, and dance floors.
The use of spotlights makes the interior more modern, but they should not be abused, neglecting traditional lighting devices. Use them where directional illumination of work areas or individual interior elements is required.
Soffit is an additional element that is used to eliminate the empty space between the roof and the building. Performing such "dirty" work, the material is extremely important in terms of the safety of the roof and its normal functioning. This material not only excludes the penetration of animal organisms under the roof, but also has ventilation functions. The use of building material significantly saves the cost of space heating. The most popular process was the sheathing of gable overhangs with soffit.
Types of spotlights and their application
The production of soffit comes from a material that is of natural origin, or high environmental friendliness. The function of the soffit itself obliges it to be light, but to possess such qualities as strength and durability. Today, several types of products are considered, according to their manufacturing method:
- Wooden soffits.
- Products from lining.
- Vinyl material.
Each type of this material has its own advantages and disadvantages. The material made of wood is interesting due to the naturalness of the material and its excellent aesthetic side. However, the design of this type is such that the ventilation holes must be made independently.In addition, the tree must be treated with all kinds of mixtures, in order to avoid its reaction with the environment. Such spotlights are the cheapest and absolutely available.
The most popular are vinyl products. They are made of a material that has not only a great appearance, but also excellent technological characteristics. Vinyl material is very light and durable, it perfectly contributes to ventilation processes and does not require systematic preventive maintenance. It should be noted that this building material is quite expensive, but the savings are as follows - having installed it once, you can forget about this problem for many years.
Metal spotlights are no less popular and are in great demand. Technologically, they consist of galvanized steel. This factor suggests that the material calmly tolerates temperature extremes, high humidity and harsh weather conditions. These products are equipped with ventilation holes. Metal spotlights are very light, elastic and durable, which makes their functionality almost eternal.
According to their design features and method of use, spotlights can be double and triple. The material may be perforated or solid. There is no significant difference between them, with the exception that the perforation provides more efficient ventilation.
