Diode tape scheme. LED backlight for the kitchen: secrets of tape selection and installation nuances. Pros and cons

On the special requirements for the installation of LED ribbons, in the specialist of superhocks LED tapes of high power. However, given that many instructions have recently obtained on the Internet for this score, often do not give the necessary explanations and therefore they have been reported, there is a need to return to this issue.

When installing LED-based lighting lighting systems, the question often arises how to connect separate LED ribbons, fed from one source. On the Internet, you can find a lot of recommendations on this topic, but, unfortunately, it is precisely on the basis of such tips that are often misunderstood based on the wrong understanding of the material.
To better understand the essence of the question, it is useful to know how the components of its elements are connected inside the LED tape.

Fig. 1. Typical Electric LED Tape Schemes

Electrical diagram of the simplest 12 volt monochromeLed. tapes based on low-power LEDs (for example, type 3528) is shown in Fig.1 a). As we see, the tape consists of parallel connected elementary chains containing three consecutively connected LEDs and one ballast resistor. Note, in general, that the designation of the LED type carries information about the size of its body (3528 - 3.5mm x 2,8 mm, 5050 - 5mm x 5mm, etc.). The resistance of the ballast resistor is selected in such a way that when the supply voltage is applied (in this case, 12 V), through the LED chain, the current required for the normal operation of the LED is proceeded. If the current turns out to be higher, the LEDs will shine brighter norms, but very long, since the increased heating will lead to fast degradation (loss of brightness), if the current is less than the nominal, the brightness of the LED will significantly decrease. Ribbons designed for 24 volts are distinguished only in that the sequential chain includes not three, but six LEDs.
A little more complicated, but in principle, LED ribbons with more powerful LEDs are arranged (5050, 5060, 5630 ...). The difference lies in the fact that these LEDs are composite, there are three separate emitting crystals in one case. The corresponding electrical circuit is shown in Fig. 1 b). It is clearly seen here that the tape still consists of the same parallel connected chains. By the way, cutting ribbons into individual pieces is made in such a way that the integrity of the chains of the LEDs is not broken.
From the schemes it can be seen that the concept of "consistent" compound (in an electric sense) to the chains of the LED tape, in general, not applicable. As we did not connect separate segments of the tape, in parallel to the output of the power supply, or "sequentially", manifold one segment from the other, all LED chains will be connected in parallel.
We now consider directly the requirements that should be taken into account when choosing power supplies and the method of attaching individual segments of the LED tape to them.

1. The power of the power supply must not be less than the total power of the segments of the tape connected to it. It is usually recommended to make a power supply power supply in 15%, this is useful, in any case, such a stock increases the chances of preserving the performance of the system, for example, when the supply voltage is rolled up.

2. Power supplies are chosen based on the possibility of their location as close as possible to the LED ribbon itself. If the design in which the tape is installed does not allow to hide the large-sized power supplies, can be dividedLed. ribbon on separate groups, powered each from their own block. In the case when the power supplies are located at some distance from the tape (sometimes significant), there is a completely independent question of the calculation of the required cross-section of the wires between the block and the ribbon. This issue goes beyond the scope of this article, but it should be remembered that it is necessary to take into account how the power of the load and the distance.

3. Since all elementary chains in the tape are connected in parallel, it may seem that the method of connecting the segments of the ribbon among themselves does not matter, in fact, it is completely wrong. The fact is that the conductors running along the entire tape, to which, actually, elementary chains are connected, have electrical resistance, after which the voltage at the ends of the elementary chain decreases as it removes from the power supply. This, naturally, leads to a decrease in the operating current and, accordingly, the brightness of the luminosity of the LEDs as it removes from the power supply.
The easiest way to avoid the uneven brightness is that the segment of the tape should be powered from two ends, so to speak, it is shown to shown it, as shown in the figures of Fig. 2. a) and b).

Fig. 2. Variants of the scheme of bright LED ribbon with hot

For different tapes, the length requiring the incident is different. Some tapes can be combined into single loops up to 15 meters long, while other tapes already on a 5-meter segment can be seen a significant difference in the brightness of the luminescence in length. Table 1 shows the data on the lengths requiring connection from both sides for the ribbons of different power. The table was drawn up on the basis of the experience of the operation of the GLS / GALX tapes presented on this site. It should be paid to the fact that, with other things being equal, the tapes calculated on the supply voltage of 24 V, it is advantageous from the tapes of the same power, but with 12 V nutrition, this is due to the fact that the tape 24 V, the total current on the current-generating tires turns out to be 2 times less (despite the fact that the working currents of the LEDs are the same).

Table. one Maximum permissible lED LED Tape Length Grade G LS / GALS.

Type of tape (LED size, Number of LEDs for 5 meters)	Power supply (volt).	Power per meter (watt)	Length of a tape cutting, which should be powered on both sides
3528 300LED	12	4,8	15
3528 600LED	24	9,6	10
5050 300LED	12	14,4	5
5050 300LED	24	14,4	10
5630 300LED	24	24,75	5

Is it possible to consider this table universal? Unfortunately no. It all depends on the good faith of the manufacturer. If during the production of the tape is very much saved on the width and / or thickness of the current tracks, the uneven luminescence may be much more significant. Therefore, when purchasing a tape, it makes sense to pay attention to possible differences in the brightness of the glow of the first and last LEDs in the reel. At the same time it is undesirable to look directly on the glowing platforms of the LEDs, due to their high brightness, you can not catch the difference. It is much more correct to send the radiation of the LEDs on the scattering surface and evaluate the difference in the illumination of this surface.

4. If the LED strob is the length of the LED tape, powered by one source, is greater than the length given in Table. 1, you can connect the segments of the tape according to the scheme in Fig. 3. The same principle is implemented here as in the previous case, but each segment of the tape is allowed to be powered independently on both sides using additional wires laid along the tape.

not correct installation and connection with errors

Here are the main three rules and errors to pay attention to first.

1 Rule

LED tape is connected in parallel, cuts no more than 5 meters each.

It is even sold by coils of this pattern. What if you need to connect 10 or 15m? It would seem, connected the end of the first piece with the beginning of the second and ready. However, this connection is prohibited. Why is it so accepted?

Because five meters are the calculated length that the current-leading ribbons can withstand. For greater length, the load will exceed the permissible and tape will necessarily fail. In addition, the unevenness of the glow will be observed. At the beginning of the tape, the LEDs will shine brightly, and at the end much dim.

This will look like a diagram of a parallel connection of the LED tape length exceeding permissible:

At the same time, you can connect the ribbon both on both sides and with one. Connecting from two sides allows to reduce the load on the current tracks, and also helps to avoid the unevenness of the glow at the beginning and end of the tape.

This is especially important on a powerful ribbon - over 9.6W / meter. That is how they are advised to connect professionals who are engaged in the installation of LED products for many years. The only greasy minus - you have to drag additional wires along the entire lighting.

2 Rule

The LED tape must be mounted on an aluminum profile that performs the role of heat sink.

During operation, the tape is heated, and this temperature adversely affects the LEDs themselves. They simply overheat and begin to lose brightness, gradually degrading and destroying.

Thus, the tape that could calmly work out for 5-10 years, without a profile overlap you in a year, and maybe even before. Therefore, the use of an aluminum profile in LED backlight is required.

The only tape where you can do without it is SMD 3528. It is low-power, only 4.8Ws on 1m and not so demanding to the heat sink.

Especially need the heat sink tapes filled from above Silicone. The heat transfer takes place only through the substrate, below. And this happens sometimes not enough. If you still take it on some plastic or tree, then there will be no cooling at all.

3 Rule

The right choice of power supply is a guarantee of long-term and safe operation of the entire backlight.

The power supply must be more powerful than the LED tape by 30%.

Only in this case it will work fine. If you pick it up in bulk, exactly the power of all LEDs, the block will constantly work on its limit. Naturally, such work will affect the duration of operation. Therefore, always give him a stock.

Connecting LED Tape

To mount the illumination with the LED tape you will need:

Mounting 220V power

If you do not have any email work, then it is pre-touched by a 220V voltage to the tape connection. To do this, shit the wall, or lay the cable channel and stretch the three-core cable for WGN-LS 3 * 1.5. We manage it directly before the distribution channel, where the power of the LED tape will be connected.

You can use the existing pane box where the main light is connected. The main thing that the place allows you to freely connect additional wires and terminals.

The switch on the LED tape is desirable to be installed on the wires 220 volts, and not before the ribbon to the departure 12-24V. In this case, the block will not work constantly. Moreover, the impulse blocks work without load is contraindicated. In addition, it will be above the level of security.

Previously check and do not confuse the phase, zero and land. Most often, zero is blue, grounding veins - yellow-green, and phase - any other colors.
But you can not trust the color labeling! In more detail, how without errors to distinguish zero and phase can be found in the article "How to determine the phase and zero in the electrical wiring."

Next, you need from this camshaft in the stroke, corrugation or in the cable channel to pave the cable to the future location of the power supply unit. To place it, mount a comfortable shelf. You can make it from pieces of plywood or drywall. Nearby place and dimmer.

Connecting the power supply

Extending the cable to the block, you can proceed directly to the wires connecting.

Phase wire connect to connector L

Blue core - zero, to terminal N

Yellow-green - to the terminal designated as PE or ground icon

Connect dimmer

Now you need to connect the dimmer. Here, use the flexible mounting wire of the Pugv 1.5mm2 of different colors. For example, black (for minus contacts) and red (for positive).

Measure and cut off the required wire size

Clean the ends and pressed them with NSHVI

First, connect the ends from the power supply. Minus wire (black) connect with a terminal having labeling -V.. Plus wire (red) with a terminal blocked as + V..

Both wires must be connected to Dimmer from Power In. (Entrance). Red wire plug in a dimmer to the plus terminal DC +.and the other wire to the terminal minus DC

Next, the installation works on the wire laying are again. Stretch it in the corrugation from the dimmer, to the location of the connection to the LED ribbon. Use the same Pugv. When the total length of the LED tape and the backlight is more than 5 meters, the tapes are connected in parallel. Moreover, each of them is supplied.

Getting started connecting wires to dimmer terminals. They usually have an inscription and designate as Output LED. For reliable contact, the stripped ends lived better to clip the tips.

Installation and soldering of wires on LED ribbon

You can move to the installation of the tape itself. To do this, it must be measured and cut into the necessary pieces. You can do this not anywhere, but only where the dotted or scissors are drawn.

After cutting, the wires can be soldered to special contacts on the ribbon. For the same purposes, and for connecting individual pieces of ribbon with each other you can apply connectors.

Look for minus contact and connect the wires of black. Contact plus comes according to another wire - red. Do not warm up the soldering iron to the maximum, otherwise it is easy to cheer the substrate. Recommended soldering time - up to 10 seconds.

The opposite ends are also cleaned and the NSHVI tips are installed on them.

Once again, remember that for better cooling, lay the LED tape only on the profile of aluminum. It is mounted in advance.

After all these works, all wires of wires are displayed in one place and are connected to the appropriate feeding wires, with compliance with phasing (positive and minus contacts).

Connection is best done through the WAGO terminals.

The interior detail lighting device is very often performed using LED tapes. They are characterized by high economy, can be monochromic or multicolored. Each type of these lighting sources has its own characteristics, including the diagram of connecting the LED tape to the 220 to the network that is used in residential areas. The main distinctive feature of such tapes is the possibility of their separation only after 1 meter, and under certain conditions - and after 0.5 meters. When connected, you need to pay attention to the observance of polarity in the process.

Work LED tapes from 220 volts network

Most of the products of this type are designed to connect to DC networks with a voltage of 12 volts. Thus, the nutrition of the LED ribbons is carried out, mainly using a special power supply. However, there are schemes that allow you to connect data from light sources to the network with a voltage of 220 volts. In order for this operation to be completed with success, it is necessary to make a certain refinement.

For this purpose, the five-meter LED tape 12 volts is cut into 20 equal parts. Cuts are performed in specially marked places, otherwise, several LEDs will fall out of the general scheme and will not work. To straighten a voltage of 220 volts, a diode bridge is used.

Parts of the tape are connected to each other so that the plus value of one segment is connected to the minus yield of the next segment. If during the operation of the LEDs a bit, the capacitor is necessarily turned on into the scheme. The value of the current flowing along the tracks of the tape must be controlled. If this value exceeds the norm, additional resistors or parts of the product are included in the circuit.

How to connect a LED ribbon to a 12 volt power supply unit

Rated voltage of LED ribbons is 12 or 24 volts. Therefore, their operation is possible only with the use of a pulsed power supply. It decreases the voltage, and permanent current is formed at the output. The connection of the LED tape to the power supply is performed through the corresponding poles designated by the "plus" and "minus" marking.

The power of each tape may be different, depending on the number of LEDs. In accordance with this parameter, the most appropriate power supply is selected. If the power of the tape and the technical characteristics of the block do not coincide, this may lead to dim lighting of the LEDs or failure of the device itself as a result of overload. To calculate the characteristics of the power supply, you need to add from 20 to 30%, compensating for the losses arising from the length of the conductors. Thus, with the power of the tape 24 watts, the rectifier will be needed, the power of which is 32 W.

The easiest option is to connect the monochrome LED tape to the selected power supply. The standard five-meter band must simply connect to the corresponding rectifier outputs with the indicated current polarity marking. Connecting wires with ribbon contacts is carried out by soldering. To this end, the soldering iron is used with low power to avoid damage to the product. If necessary, the connecting conductor can be lengthened by the cross-section of 1.5 mm2. In most schemes, the red color means plus, and black or blue is minus.

Connecting monochrome tapes has specific features. For example, you cannot connect two products sequentially. This will lead to a lack of normal luminescence on the second tape. In addition, the current paths of the first strip can overheat, which will lead to the failure of LEDs. The most correct connection is carried out by parallel connecting LED tapes. In this case, the connection of the second strip is performed using individual wires connected directly to the power supply through the extension conductor.

How to connect an LED tape to 220 without power supply

LED lighting bands made in factory conditions are designed for joint operation with a power supply. This device converts an alternating current of the home network to a permanent one. At the same time, the voltage drops from 220 to 12 volts. However, under certain conditions, it is possible to connect such lighting devices directly to the network, voltage 220 volts.

To properly perform such a connection, a 12-tv-strip, 5 meters long, must be cut into 20 parts. In the future, the alternating current of 220 volts is straightened by means included in the general scheme. Next, all parts of the tape are successively combined with different poles. That is, plus connects with a minus and, on the contrary. In some cases, flicker may appear, the frequency of which is 25 Hz. It is removed using a condenser by 5-10 MF, 300 V, mounted in the general system.

Connection with controller

Multicolor LED ribbons can be used not only for lighting, but also as an additional decoration of the room interior. They are divided into groups and are controlled by the remote control and the special controller. Thus, additional elements are added to the diagram.

The color scheme is transmitted by three colors. This is red (Red), Green (Green) and Blue (BLUE). Therefore, multi-colored LED tapes belong to the type RGB. Each band has three groups of LEDs that light up with these three colors. LEDs have the same color schematic links among themselves. Each group has its own output, so any ribbon is equipped with four contacts, three of which correspond to groups of colors, and one serves to supply power.

When connecting all three controlled contacts to the total signal output, it will be white. If you enable them one by one, they will only give red, blue or green. To obtain various shades and control them, the LED tape should be connected through the controller. The controller provides simultaneous inclusion of all three lines. However, the signal intensity in each channel will be different.

By type of management, these devices can be mechanical or electronic. In the first case, the switch is carried out manually, for example, using a conventional three-block switch. The main disadvantage of this method is considered to be a significant limitation of the spectrum of color effects. Electronic controllers provide control not only by the number of available LEDs. They regulate the intensity of their glow. These devices can be equipped with one or more channels, depending on the number of tapes to be controlled. Each controller has a separate output in the form of a wire with a sensitive element at the end. It is necessary to adjust the light by the control panel.

How to connect the LED tape through the switch

The simplest scheme is considered to connect from the switch to the power supply, and then to the LED tape. Thus, turning on and off the backlight occurs using a conventional switch.

Connection is very simple. A power supply unit is connected to the usual switch located in the 220 volt home network. In this case, the phase wire is connected to the inlet brown conductor L, and the zero wire is connected to the conductor N of blue. Then the power supply is connected to the LED ribbon. In this case, it is necessary for strict observance of polarity to plus connected with a plus, and minus - with a minus.

The placement of the power supply is recommended to perform as close to the tape. The length of the cable paved should not exceed 7 meters, otherwise the brightness of the glow can significantly decrease. If nevertheless, there was a need for a laying too long line, it is necessary to use a conductor with an enlarged cross section.

Use together with dimmer

After the lighting devices are connected, it is necessary to adjust the brightness of their glow. The simplest ways are in the form of a potentiometer or risostat. However, even with a minor power loss, such devices become ineffective. Therefore, currently adjusting the light flux is carried out using special active dimmer schemes on semiconductors.

Dimmer power comes from a network with a voltage of 12 or 24 volts. The device itself is turned into a diagram between the LED ribbon and the power supply. The block output is connected to the dimmer input, and then the output of the dimmer is connected to the ribbon. During the connection, polarity must be strictly observed. The power of the adjustment device must correspond to a specific amount of tape. If the dimmer power is not enough, it is necessary to use a special amplifier.

Connecting multiple LED tapes

When no more than two tapes are connected, in which case their sequential compound is possible, provided that the second strip has a minor length. In places of connection, it is checked for a possible voltage drop.

Most often, one-color tapes are connected in parallel. For this purpose, a power supply unit for an increased power corresponding to the plug-in lighting devices is used. The same applies to multicolor tapes. The only difference will be used in the amplifier scheme. It connects with the end of the first tape and the beginning of the second. Some diagrams immediately use several power supplies.

Various methods allow you to perform not only the connection of the LED tape to the 220 V network, the scheme of which has become the most distribution. A variety of commuting and adjusting devices allow you to use LEDs in a wide variety of rooms, practically with any interior.

The design of modern kitchen involves installing high-quality lighting. It advocates the interior of the room and makes it possible to perform homework without prejudice to vision. Conventional incandescent lamps do not always fit into the concept of a comfortable and beautiful kitchen, so alternative sources are considered. - A vivid example of the organization of the main lighting or backlight in the kitchen. We'll figure it out what it is like ribbons are installed and is it possible to connect the LED tape with your own hands. For convenience, we assign LED tape cutting SDL.

LED backlight - this is a new direction in the style of the room

What is a LED tape and how it works

The main element of the SDL is the LED. Through it passes the electric current and the semiconductor starts glowing. SDL comes in coils of 5 meters and differ in a number of parameters. Lighting with the help of SDL creates a cozy and extraordinary environment, saves electricity consumption.

Attention!!! LED connects with additional equipment - no voltage is 50V for it

Additional equipment include:

Dimmer
Amplifier
Mounting profile if necessary

Special requirements are presented to each of the devices and fixtures.

How to choose a ribbon with LEDs

To make the right selection of LED tape, pay attention to the following parameters and features of semiconductors:

The density of the elements - the further the LEDs will be separated from each other, the more dark spots will be on the illuminated surface. The table shows the dependence of brightness on the number of LEDs

LED ribbon sold in any specialized store

The type of LEDs is a three-crystal suitable for basic lighting, one-chipal is a LED tape for kitchen backlight.
Color reproduction - indicated in Kelvin. The lower indicator corresponds to a warmer luminescence. For example, 2000 K comparable with a candle flame, 2600 K - incandescent lamp, 5000 K is a light fluorescent lamp.
Power - indicated on the temporon meter in watts. To illuminate one square meter of the kitchen, 2 W is required, which corresponds to about 20 W of a conventional incandescent lamp. The LED tape in the kitchen should issue a 150 luxury illumination rate.
Moisture resistance - optimal for the kitchen is a SDL with IP65 marking.
The base is usually glue, if not - bilateral tape is used for installation.

Knowing a LED tape device, element glow parameters, labeling features, room dimensions, a backlight for the kitchen is selected.

Additional Equipment for LED Lamp

Consider in more detail what will be needed to have if the installation of LED tape is installed in the kitchen with your own hands.

Light can be held in any kitchen shorn

Usually one power supply is designed to work 5 meters of tape. Depending on the SDL, voltage is selected - 12V or 24V. Power takes 20% more than required for the plug-in backlight. Attention is drawn to the type of cooling of the power supply:

Active - the fan constantly delays air into the power supply, the equipment works without interruptions. Noise and sizes of the power supply belong to the cons of this cooling method
Passive - heat is given to the environment, rapid overheating occurs, but attract small power supply sizes

Dimmer and amplifier

A device that adjusts the kitchen lighting LED ribbon. It has a built-in potentiometer that stores the latest brightness values \u200b\u200bin memory. The dimmer is controlled mechanically or operates with the remote control.

It is raised if the dimmer does not cope with the load or several power supplies are used.

Mounting profile for LED tape perfectly suits the general view of the kitchen to stay beautiful

Fixed slightly below the ceiling when organizing the main lighting or at the required level when illumination. Preference is given to an aluminum profile, which is equipped with a diffuser. You can use a plastic profile for LED tape, but then high-quality material is selected, which is not melted from luminous diodes. Profile size is chosen in such a way that it is possible to stick inside the strip with LEDs.

Independent installation of LED lighting in the kitchen: in the work area, ceiling and other locations

In addition to SDL and additional equipment, a drill will be required, screwdriver, self-tapping screws for fastening the profile, stubbling for the formation of profile angular joints, degreaser. If the base of the band is not self-adhesive, then bilateral scotch will be required.

Installation of LED tape in the kitchen with their own hands takes place in the following order:

Installation of a shield is an organization of a hermetic structure, which contains additional equipment. If the dimmer works from the console, then it is endowed out. If necessary, use several power supplies and an amplifier is installed on each additional 5 meters of the band. All connections are conducted in parallel;
Marking - a reference is a ceiling with LED backlight, not a floor level;
Profile preparation - if there are no mounting holes, then you need to drill them before fixing the profile on the wall;
Installation of the profile;
Connecting the ribbon to dimmer and power supply, checking the equipment before installing LEDs into the profile;
Blinding cling to profile.

To the tape does not dug, degrease the surface of the profile before fixing the LEDs on it

Installation of tapes in 6 steps

What else can be done with your own hands

When you plan to install LED lighting with your own hands, it is not always possible to find the necessary materials or equipment. In this case, something has to do it yourself.

Profile for SDL

You can make a profile for LED tape with your own hands from any aluminum profile, which has a pleasant appearance, or plastic cable channel. It is important that the SDF approached width, and the plastic stood heating. A cover is used from the cable channel.

Make a power supply for the LED ribbon with your own hands from the power supply to 19 V for a laptop or monitor. It is necessary to lower the voltage to 12 V. To do this, a pulse stabilizer is bought, while even Chinese versions that differ in a democratic price work without problems.

The power supply is required, do not allow water to enter it

Light under the cabinets in the apron zone

For its manufacture, the same components are used - LED strip, power supply, dimmer. Only aesthetic question with the case should be solved. You can use the billet cut from plastic on which the tape is pasted, or aluminum corner. And you can attach a clogged to the crossbar, on which the shoulders hang in the cabinets. Ideal flat chrome profile. As an option - make a double lamp made of LED tape with your own hands. To do this, you need to connect two pieces of crossbars with each other and parallel to stick two segments of the SDL.

Dining table and backlit table top

Decorative qualities of SDL will be involved here. The table is assembled on the basis of the old table, so as not to attach legs and use the existing tabletop. A glass of 8 mm thick is required by the size of the old table, wooden planks for the frame of a new countertop, a metal strip under the SDL, a LED strip with a low power - the table must have a pleasant backlight, but not to be a source of kitchen lighting. To make a backlit table with your own hands, you will need to perform the following steps:

Using the skins, make one side of the glass matte
Collect the frame from the skull
At the old countertop, glue metal strips to install on them SDL - the location depends on the fantasy, but you can simply do around the perimeter
Wires from the SDF are displayed under the tabletop, the power supply and dimmer is attached.
The frame is installed on the old worktop, covered with glass

It is important to handle glass cuts well to not be hurt.

View video

Summing up

The backlight in the kitchen of the LED ribbon is used when creating the main, additional or decorative lighting. It is mounted in a special profile and is installed under the ceiling or glued above the working surface. The lighting parameters are selected individually, but it should be remembered that the kitchen should not be in the twilight. Savings on electricity here is inappropriate, because the LEDs consume 7-10 times less electricity than incandescent bulbs.