We make LED lighting under cabinets in kitchens
Adequate lighting of the kitchen working area is extremely important for its comfortable use, as it allows you to feel free when preparing food. It also acts as an element of space design, adding coziness to it.
Advantages and disadvantages of LED backlighting
LED construction includes:
- body 5 mm long with a lens at the top and a reflector at the bottom;
- a crystal placed inside the case and emitting light;
- the cathode to which the reflector is attached;
- anode, fastened with gold wire and a bridge with a crystal.
The relative position of the polymer body and the reflector sets the angle and directivity of the radiation. Electricity is converted into light energy due to the p-n-junction, during which the current interacts with two types of conductors, negatively or positively charged. The interaction of differently charged electrons forms visible light.
Note! The backlight can function as an auxiliary light or be decorative, depending on the type of LEDs.
The LED strip is made of elastic material, which allows you to give it any shape. It is usually attached to an adhesive base, which makes it unnecessary to use additional tools.
In addition, the advantages of LEDs include the following:
- long service life, determined by the number of hours of work, not clicks;
- low power consumption and high efficiency;
- high safety performance;
- resistance to mechanical stress and temperature extremes;
- low heating;
- low cost;
- the possibility of self-assembly;
- initially bright glow, no warm-up period;
- emission of scattered light without flicker, which is completely harmless to vision;
- no need for special disposal of failed elements.
A number of disadvantages can also be distinguished:
- the applicability of diode lighting mainly as an auxiliary light source;
- a gradual decrease in the brightness of the glow due to changes in physical and chemical parameters;
- for products with a high color temperature, emitting bright white light - high eye fatigue and color perception disturbance.
Note! According to the manufacturers' data, an LED strip can last for 14 years or more, provided that it is used daily for 15 hours.
There are cold and warm type diodes with different brightness and color accents. White, green, orange, blue, red and magenta are standard, but others are also available. The use of multi-colored lighting can radically transform the kitchen, highlighting the beauty of certain elements such as countertops or headsets. Light similar in color to natural light can even partially replace the center light source.
Varieties of diode backlight
The main criterion for choosing LED backlighting is the resistance of the tape to moisture. If the choice is unsuccessful, it will quickly burn out and will require replacement.
Open strip with diodes
This is a leaky type of tape and can easily contact the conductive tracks with moisture. It is designated by marking (moisture protection index) IР33. It is not recommended to use such tapes in the kitchen.
Single sided tape with diodes
The upper part of this tape, marked IP65, has a hermetic protection created by a polymer casing or silicone sealant. This piece contains all the electronic elements, which are covered by the casing. The sealant is used to completely fill the upper part. A more acceptable option for use in conditions of the threat of getting wet.
Double sided tape with diodes
The tape is labeled IP67 or IP68 and is completely sealed, making it ideal for kitchen lighting. Sealing is carried out by covering with a continuous layer of a transparent plastic casing.
LED lights above the work surface
The most common option is LED strip. It is distinguished by ease of installation, variety of colors and low cost. Can have touch control, which improves aesthetic value and ease of use.
LED recessed furniture luminaires
Can be linear or point. They are distinguished by their thinness, which allows them to be mounted in the bottom of wall cabinets. Mortise LEAD lamps are neat and easy to use, however, installation requires installation work, usually with the assistance of a specialist.
Surface mounted luminaires for cabinets
They can be both linear and point. The first is a whole set of several modules and adapters that are connected together to form a long light source. Spotlights work in the same way, but they are not assembled into a single structure.
How to make LED kitchen lighting under cabinets
First, you need to decide on the type of backlight you want. The classification of tapes is made according to the following criteria:
- type of glow - monochrome or full color;
- the number of crystals (from one to four);
- size ranging from 1.06x0.8 to 5x5 mm;
- the degree of moisture protection;
- the density of the arrangement of LEDs (30, 60, 120 or 240 pieces per meter of tape).
In the case when the main task of illumination is additional illumination of the working area, bright and uniform light is required. For this, a 5x5 mm tape is best suited. If the LEDs are planned to be used exclusively for decoration, then a 3.5x2.8 mm single-crystal tape will be enough.
Note! To avoid too bright light from a high-power tape getting into the eyes, the diodes can be fixed in a special profile box that directs the main light down.
When installing LED lighting under cabinets, you must:
- Observe polarity.
- Choose a power supply based on the type of tape. It must be located as close to the tape as possible, within ten meters.
- Avoid kinks and twists to extend service life. If necessary, the tape is cut and the required angle is made by brazing. It allows you to ensure high-quality contact, avoiding loss of electricity. This requires insulation of the conductive tracks, carried out using a heat-shrinkable tube.
Note! To preserve the performance of the tape when cutting, it should be done along the lines indicated by the manufacturer.
- Use the maximum wire size. It is also worth making as few connections as possible. This will reduce electrical losses.
- Connect a couple of pieces of tape in parallel.
- Protect the unit against overheating. This can be done by placing it in a place with good ventilation. This will ensure long-term trouble-free operation.
LED lighting in the kitchen under the cabinets can be easily assembled by hand, providing the necessary lighting. A correctly chosen model will create a comfortable working environment and a cozy atmosphere.
Video: LED lighting of the kitchen working area