Options and installation of LED lighting for the kitchen work area

Светодиодная подсветка для кухни рабочей зоныМонтаж

Properly installed lighting in the room improves the external performance of the interior, creates convenience, but most importantly, it can significantly save the family budget due to minimal electricity consumption. For the working area of ​​​​the kitchen, LED strip is ideal, which can be installed in different places.

Tasks and advantages of LED lighting in the work area

In the kitchen, the distribution of light plays the most important role, as it contributes to the speed of work performed and safety when handling sharp objects, etc. Therefore, the main task of lighting is the comfort of illumination, which eliminates cuts, burns, and injuries.

LED lighting for kitchen work area

Other goals of proper lighting:

  • comfort for the eyes – too bright or dim light leads to overstrain of the visual apparatus, which reduces the level of vision;
  • space zoning and economy – for example, if at the moment the hostess only needs to cut vegetables on the countertop, then it makes no sense to turn on the light in the entire kitchen, it is enough to use a specific zone, which will save electricity;
  • the correct direction of the light flux – if it is turned, for example, upwards, and not on the countertop, the cook will experience discomfort.

A variety of lighting fixtures are installed in the kitchen, but it is LED lighting that has a huge number of advantages:

  • durability, since high-strength materials are used in the manufacture – the minimum operational life of the entire system is 10 years, and the lamps themselves – 50-60 thousand hours;
  • a wide range of models – point, overhead, tape, threaded, etc.;
  • a variety of shades – you can choose absolutely any color, depending on the design of the kitchen and the preferences of the hostess;
  • safety of use, since LED lighting devices require a voltage of only 12 and 24 V (self-ignition is excluded, current is not terrible);
  • minimum power consumption, unlike other types of lamps;
  • resistance to temperature changes;
  • lack of fragile parts;
  • there is no need to purchase ballast reserves – diodes are suitable for all types of voltage;
  • excellent light output;
  • the ability to adjust the brightness;
  • can be installed at different angles of section and radiation;
  • environmental friendliness of materials.

All these parameters correspond to certified products, not “handicraft” lamps.

Principles and requirements

LED lighting is mounted in any way – both zoned and perimeter, linear, etc. The principle of operation of the lighting device is based on design features. What is a LED diode:

  • Frame. Its length is 5 mm. A special lens is installed on the upper part, and a reflective element (reflector) is installed on the lower part.
  • Case internals. To emit light, a crystal is mounted inside, the parameters of which are 0.3×0.3×0.25 mm. To form a glow, a pn transition is applied.
  • Lateral sides. One part is equipped with a cathode, the other with an anode.

The principle is based on the activity of 2 conductors:

  • p – hole, that is, positive;
  • n – electronic, that is, negative.

When an electric current passes through semiconductors, the type of conduction begins to change. Namely, p connects to n, as a result of which light is emitted (energy is released).

Illumination standards

For the kitchen space, the standards are calculated not in watts, but in Lux. The working area does not require a strong scattering effect, as it must be bright. So, for 1 sq. m need 150 lux.

LED lighting for the kitchen

Lighting Rules

To ensure that the lighting fixtures in the kitchen area do not cause inconvenience and discomfort, and are also safe, pay attention to the lighting requirements. They are the following:

  • sharp hit of light in the eye area is excluded;
  • fire safety rules are taken into account;
  • technical standards are observed during installation;
  • in the working area, lighting should correspond to the supply of light from other sources;
  • light should reach all corners of the workspace where work is being done;
  • to prevent fire, the lamps must have increased protection against moisture, especially in the sink and stove area.

The lighting system should be practical, easy to maintain, and switches should be located in an accessible place.

Options for lighting the working area in the kitchen

LED-type lighting devices are suspended, built-in, spot, tape type, etc. The main thing is to choose the right variety so that it meets not only the basic requirements, but also the tastes, material capabilities of the hostess.

Overhead lamps

Surface-mounted lighting is characterized by simplicity and, importantly, speed of installation. To a greater extent, this is due to the fact that it is not necessary to drill holes and grooves in the ceiling or on the walls, as with built-in models. To install, just peel off the protective film and apply to the surface.

Overhead lamps are of the following types:

  • Spotlights for the kitchen above the work surface. Lamps can be arranged in any sequence and configuration. For example, in the form of a triangle, wave, star, etc. In this case, the distance between the diodes is determined by the owner of the apartment.
  • Linear. Differ in speed of installation and clearness of an equal line of illumination. Feature – if necessary, the tape can be cut.

The main disadvantage is the high cost.

Overhead LED lamps for the kitchen

Mortise models

Embedded options involve installing lamps in a hole made in a wall or kitchen set. The shape of the structures is different – a square, a circle, a polygon, an oval, etc. There are both point models and tape ones.

The main disadvantage is the complexity of installation, since there are some nuances here:

  • installation duration;
  • special tools and skills are required;
  • the need for preliminary preparation – you have to draw up a diagram, cut holes.
Mortise models for the working area of ​​​​the kitchen

LED Strip Light

The tape version is considered the most popular, as it has such advantages as ease of installation (even a child can handle it), ease of dismantling and replacing lamps (in case one of the diodes breaks).

LED strip in the kitchen

There are conventional LED strips and RGB models . Their difference lies in the fact that the former are produced in standard colors (plain white, warm and cold), and the latter in a variety of colors (blue, red, etc.).

RGB options for the working area of ​​​​the kitchen are not suitable, since it is not very convenient to cook food with colored light emission. Therefore, experts recommend giving preference to conventional tapes.

LED strips

Place of installation of lighting of the working area in the kitchen

Modern design art involves zoning the kitchen into separate work areas, which must be equipped with lighting. Decorating the kitchen space is also considered common. Therefore, there are many variations in the placement of LED backlight:

  • Wall cabinet doors. Lighting is mounted both on the front surface of the furniture and on the lower edge side. In the first case, the radiation should be as soft as possible, since the lamps will be at the level of the human eye. In the second, on the contrary, the light should be bright, because its rays are directed to the countertop.
  • Ceiling. The backlight is mounted only if there is no furniture above the working area. For example, the coda table for cooking is in the middle of a large kitchen.
  • Walls. The option is relevant when the sink, table and hob are along the wall. Most often, the light from a lamp hanging on the ceiling is blocked by the body of the hostess, so the working area remains unlit.

Please note that the upper part of the kitchen is equipped with brighter diodes, and the lower one is soft and slightly muted.

Ways to mount the backlight

Do-it-yourself lighting of the working area in the kitchen is done in different ways – using self-tapping screws, glue and adhesive tape. Each technique has its own characteristics, pros and cons.

For self-tapping screws

Self-tapping screws are used for mounting LED backlight when an aluminum profile is used. The last element differs in cross section and shape. Regardless of this, glue or adhesive tape is also required for installation:

  1. Initially, glue or double-sided tape is applied to the LED strip.
  2. After that, the structure is reinforced with self-tapping screws.

The method is relevant when arranging the working area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen with mortise models, especially when lighting is used for the dining area. The main advantage is the durability of the lighting system, increased strength. Among the shortcomings are the complexity of installation and dismantling.

On tape

A very simple and harmless way to fix point or tape diodes. All that is needed is double-sided tape (the most ordinary or construction tape will do). Installation is carried out in 2 steps:

  1. Remove the protective film from the tape.
  2. Attach one side to the tape, the other to the surface of the wall, ceiling or furniture.

It is important to choose the tape according to the width of the LED lighting so that you do not have to cut it during installation.

The main disadvantage is that it is necessary to immediately stick the adhesive tape clearly along the marked lines, since after fixing it will become impossible to change the location.

On glue

Another simplified version of the installation of LED lamps in the kitchen above the cutting table, since the principle of operation is similar to the previous one. The only difference is that glue is used, which must be applied to the tape and pressed firmly against the surface of the wall or furniture.

In order for the structure to hold for a long time and not change its location during the curing of the glue, experts recommend purchasing a highly adhesive and quick-drying product. Most often it is the usual Superglue.

Super glue

Recommendations:

  • buy gel-like glue – it is easier to apply;
  • apply on the tape drop-like;
  • consumption rate per 5 cm – 1 drop.

The advantages and disadvantages are the same as those of adhesive tape.

Choice of switches

Based on which switch will be used, the installation method and performance characteristics depend. Therefore, approach the choice of control of the lighting system as responsibly as possible.

Conventional switches: pushbutton or chain

These are traditional designs that are easy to install, simple to manage and do not require large financial costs. It is enough to buy one of the options:

  • push-button – on / off is carried out by pressing a button;
  • chain or slider – start and stop is carried out due to the slider, which moves to the sides.

Proximity sensors

Ultra-modern switches that have a high cost, since turning on and off appliances above the kitchen table, up to lights such as sconces, is carried out after a certain movement. To do this, it is enough to set the sensor, for example, for a wave of the hand, a voice command, etc.

It is very important to set a command that is not used by households, otherwise the device will work uncontrollably.

Remote Control

Remote control of LED lighting is considered a convenient, practical and familiar option, which is characterized by an average cost.

There is a feature – in order to use the remote control to start the lighting, you will have to additionally buy a receiver that receives and converts commands. But this is the case if the system is from the budget segment.

Combined type

As an “insurance” against unforeseen situations, users initially mount the combined version. It consists, most often, of a chain or push-button switch (which is the most reliable option) and a control panel / proximity sensor.

Power supply and controller for RGB tape

In order for the LED backlight to work in accordance with the technical requirements, it is necessary to choose the right power supply. The main reason for this is that diode lighting operates exclusively on a voltage of 12 V, and in a 220 V socket, therefore it is important to regulate and control the current supply.

The blocks differ in power among themselves, which is why before buying, experts carry out calculations according to the following scheme:

  • find out the linear power of the tape;
  • calculate the total length of the lighting system;
  • multiply both values ​​​​together, and the resulting amount by 1.25, that is, the reliability coefficient.

An illustrative example:

  • 12 (W) x 5 (m – system length) = 60;
  • 60 x 1.25 = 75.

RGB tape requires a special RGB controller, which is equipped with keys for switching shades, remotes, etc. The output power of such devices varies from 72 to 288 watts.

Dedicated RGB Controller

General Mounting Tips

If this is your first time installing an LED lighting system in the kitchen yourself, be sure to pay attention to the recommendations from the “experienced”. They are the following:

  • Special notations are used to cut the tape. They are indicated on the front side, usually dotted. If you do not cut them, then after connecting, some diodes will not turn on.
  • It is undesirable to connect tapes in a serial way. This will create an increased load. It is better to connect the LEDs to the block in parallel.
  • If many tapes are attached to the power supply. That joint is desirable to solder. Otherwise, the resistance will change, the contact will weaken. An alternative to soldering is connecting terminals.
  • Do not twist the wires in the “old-fashioned” way. Since oxidation will occur on the surface of the wires, as a result of which the electrical circuit will be interrupted.
  • When installing traditional switches. Please note that they should turn off the entire lighting system, so install them in front of power supplies.

Installation of LED kitchen worktop lighting

If you mount a simplified version of the LED backlight, then there will be no difficulties. It is much more difficult to install a system with profiles and self-tapping screws with your own hands. However, it is quite possible for a simple layman to do this.

Prepare everything you need

The first thing to do is to buy the necessary tools, materials and LED elements directly. The general list is:

  • wires – the cross section must be at least 0.74 sq. mm;
  • electrical tape and scissors;
  • drill and screws;
  • aluminum profile with light diffuser;
  • soldering kit;
  • double sided tape.

How to proceed:

  1. Prepare the workplace by laying all the necessary tools and materials on the surface.
  2. Measure the required amount of LED strip, cut it off. Do not forget that you need to cut only in the place where there is a scissors symbol. Do the same with your profile.
  3. Clean the contacts from the extreme sides, as they have silicone sealant on them.

Make a test assembly and fitting

Now assemble the lighting system. Proceed in sequence:

  1. Take 2 wires, solder the contacts from the LED strip to them. Or use connectors, which greatly simplifies the process. If you use the soldering method, then hold the soldering iron for 8-10 seconds, otherwise the diode strip will overheat. In this case, the temperature should be no more than 250-260 degrees.
  2. Apply transparent silicone to the joints, which forms a protective layer against oxidation.

Prepare and Attach the Kitchen Light Profile

Many specialized profiles contain clips that are used as fastening material. If not, use self-tapping screws.

Self-tapping screws for LED strip

To prepare and attach a profile, follow the instructions:

  1. Remove the light diffuser from the profile, which is set aside for now.
  2. On the inside of the aluminum product, make markings for the entry points for self-tapping screws. It must be a surface that is mounted against the wall/furniture.
  3. Drill through holes strictly along the center line of the profile. To work, you need a drill for metal, a diameter of about 3 mm.
  4. Now make blind holes. Their diameter is 6 mm, they are needed for self-tapping screws.
  5. On the reverse side, deburr the profile.
  6. Check the holes by inserting self-tapping screws inside. Remember that the hat must be completely sunk. Otherwise, the diodes will “lie down” in an uneven layer.
  7. Attach the profile to the surface where the lighting fixture will be placed.
  8. Screw the structure.

Glue the tape to the profile and install the diffuser

The easiest way is to “put” the LED strip on double-sided tape, but you need to act carefully so that you end up with even lighting. The next steps are as follows:

  1. Remove the edge of the protective film from the tape.
  2. Attach to LED strip.
  3. Press firmly.
  4. Now, with gentle movements, detach the film and connect the sticky side of the adhesive tape with the diode strip along the entire length.
  5. Detach the film on the other side and attach the tape to the profile in the same way.
  6. Replace diffuser.
  7. Install plugs for fixing.

Place the switch and assemble the electrical circuit

Determine the location of the switch in advance. This determines the length of the wires that are already attached to the LED strip by soldering. Then do it like this:

  1. Run the wires along the wall if the switch will be located away from the lighting.
  2. If the kitchen is under repair, it is advisable to make a groove in the wall and insert the wires inside, and then putty. If not, then fix the plinth with a plastic cable channel to the surface and close the lid.
  3. Mount the switch.
  4. Take the power supply. Remove the front cover from it and look at the diagram where the terminals with polarity are indicated. Attach wires to them.
  5. From the back of the unit, screw the wires from the power cable.

Proceed according to the scheme, where:

  • N, L (pads) – this is zero and phase for a 220 V network;
  • terminal V+, V- – designed for LED strip.
Connection
Connecting cables

Check backlight operation

Plug in the power supply, press the switch. Check if all diodes are working. If one does not turn on, it means that microwires were touched during trimming. In this case, you will have to replace a piece of LED strip with a new one.

Common mistakes when choosing a tape and lighting nuances – expert advice

It is difficult for beginners to do all the work perfectly the first time, as there is simply not enough experience. Therefore, experienced specialists recommend paying attention to the mistakes that are most often made:

  • Choose the right voltage. Tapes are sold for 12, 24 and 220 V. With the first indicator, the LED is installed only in the working area of ​​​​the kitchen, with the second – anywhere, but as auxiliary lighting. With the third – exclusively in the street area to illuminate the yard at night.
  • Diffusers “eat” about 30-50% of light radiation. Therefore, the power of the tape should be 2 times the recommended one, otherwise the lighting will be too dim.
  • In one working area, only a single type of LED strip is mounted. By power, voltage, color temperature. If this is not followed, then the brightness of the diodes will vary, and this negatively affects the light perception of the eyes.
  • To prepare meals at all stages was comfortable. Choose strip lighting with a frequent arrangement of diodes. For one kitchen table, the optimal number of diodes is 120 pcs.
  • It is more expedient to install LED lighting on a profile. Although without it, the installation process is much simpler, cheaper and faster. The reason for this is safety. The fact is that without a metal profile, the tape itself is subject to overheating.
  • Profile use only aluminum. Completely discard plastic, as this material is not able to remove heat, which degrades performance.
  • The cross section of wires for diode lighting should be larger. And their length is as small as possible. This is necessary to reduce voltage losses, so that the strength of the luminous flux does not decrease.
  • The lighting housing must be resistant to high humidity. As well as fatty vapors and high temperatures, so the material must have a protection class of at least IP34.

LED lighting for the working area of ​​the kitchen space is the best solution. Installing the lighting system is quite simple, the main thing is to strictly adhere to all technical features and follow the installation rules.

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