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Do you need cabinet lighting? Choosing wardrobe lighting. Preparatory stage of installation

A wardrobe is furniture that is present in the decor of every apartment. An LED strip in the closet will help turn an ordinary piece of furniture into a highlight of the interior.

Features and advantages of cabinet lighting with LED strip

Lighting the interior space of the furniture will diversify and refresh the interior of the room. LED cabinet lighting is used not only as a decorative device, but also has a practical function. Often, the storage module occupies the darkest place in the room, so in the morning and evening hours the contents of the shelves are not visible; to access things you need to turn on the light in the room. A strip with LEDs will make it easy to find the necessary item on the illuminated shelves even in the dark.

In terms of performance, LED backlighting prevails over its halogen counterparts. Key advantages include a longer operating life and lower energy consumption.

The advantages of LEDs are also:

compact dimensions;
low operating voltage;
impact resistance;
vibration resistance;
possibility of adjusting the brightness of the light flux;
environmental Safety;
fire safety.

What you need to install an LED strip in a cabinet

To equip cabinet lighting, in addition to the strip with diodes itself, you will also need other elements of the lighting system - a power supply, switch, brightness controls, etc.

LED strip - what is it: types, characteristics

The LED strip is a flexible strip, on one side of which there are conductive copper tracks, LEDs and current-limiting resistors.

LEDs are a lighting element consisting of semiconductor crystals enclosed in a housing with contact leads and a light-forming lens. When connected to an electrical outlet, LEDs convert electrical energy into light output. The intensity of the emitted light directly depends on the technical parameters and chemical composition of the LED.

LED strips are classified according to many criteria; the fundamental parameters when choosing a product are:

type of glow;
direction of light flux;
supply voltage;
LED density;
power;
moisture protection.

Based on the type of glow, monochrome and color LED strips are distinguished. Monochrome stripes highlight only one glow color. Standard colors are:

blue;
green;
red;
yellow;
white.

The designs of multi-color LED strips use multi-crystal LEDs, each of the crystals emits a specific color of light. The multi-color stripe has wider design possibilities.

Based on the direction of the luminous flux, LED strips are divided into two main types

frontal;
end

Frontal glow strips create a dispersion angle of up to 1200, which is why they have gained wide popularity among consumers. Edge LED strips are less in demand; the luminous flux dispersion angle does not exceed 900.

Supply voltage is an important parameter for every electronic product. The modern market of electronic goods includes LED strips operating on direct and alternating current. The power of the light strip is related to the number of diodes, their type and supply voltage.

The density of LED placement is an indicator on which the power consumption and brightness of the luminous flux depend. The number of diodes per linear meter of strip can be 30,60,120 and 240.

Based on the degree of moisture resistance, LED strips are divided into open and closed type strips. The protection class is indicated by the letters IP and a two-digit number, the first indicates the degree of protection from dust, the second - the level of protection from moisture. Open type LED strips are designated IP 33. The front side of the strip has a transparent protective varnish coating that provides exclusively dielectric protection.

Closed strips are marked IP 65 and IP 68. LED strips IP 65 are characterized by an average level of moisture protection and can be used as lighting for kitchen cabinets. Protection is provided by a clear epoxy resin coating.

IP 68 marking tapes are enclosed in a polyvinyl chloride tube and filled with epoxy resin. Double protection provides reliable protection against moisture, which allows the product to be used in rooms with high humidity.

LED backlight brightness control – why is it needed, what are they?

A dimmer is a component that allows you to adjust the intensity of the light glow. Dimmers are used to regulate the flow intensity of a single-color strip; controllers are used for multi-color strips.

There are several types of LED regulators:

stationary;
remote.

A stationary controller is an affordable, non-portable device equipped with a single program that ensures a smooth flow of one color into another.

Remote controllers allow you to adjust the brightness of the light from a distance. The devices operate on batteries or a rechargeable battery. The standard remote controller has the following features:

choice of glow color;
change in the brightness of the light flux;
regulation of color change frequency;

The electronic goods market offers controllers with infrared and radio frequency remote controls.

The operating principle of an infrared controller is similar to a television remote control; the device comes complete with an infrared receiver; programs are selected and switched after transmitting a signal from the remote control to the infrared receiver.

A controller with a radio frequency remote control is the best option for regulating the intensity of the light flux. The LED strip can be controlled even from another room.

Brightness controllers differ not only in the control method, but also in operating voltage and power. For decorative cabinet lighting, it is better to use controllers with a power of 72 W and an operating voltage of 12 V.

Power supply for LED strip

Power supplies are designed to supply diodes with electricity and stabilize voltage parameters. To power the LED strips, electronic DC and AC transformers with an output voltage of 12 and 24 volts are used. The choice of power supply is based on the technical and operating parameters of the LED strip.

LED power supplies vary in type. The electronics market offers power supplies in plastic, aluminum and metal casings. A plastic case is the best option for organizing lighting inside the cabinet. The sealed aluminum housing does not allow water and condensation to pass through, so it can be used in damp areas.

Based on the cooling method, power supplies are divided into devices with active and passive cooling. In the first case, the design of the transformer provides for the presence of a fan mounted in the device housing. The main disadvantage of this cooling method is the noise when the fan operates. Passive cooling is provided by perforation of the case.

Types of LED lighting switches in the cabinet

The following types of switches are intended for connecting LED strips:

mechanical;
contact;
remote;
sensory.

Mechanical “switches” are distinguished by their simple design and affordable price. To turn on/off the lighting system, you must press the device button.

Contact switches are equipped with a sensor that allows you to automatically set the time to turn the light on and off.

Installing a remote “switch” makes it possible to control the LED lighting system remotely.

Touch devices are an innovative device that is very popular. The key difference between a touch switch and other “switches” is the presence of a sensor that responds to movement. To turn on or off the furniture lighting, just move your hand across the device panel.

Installation locations for LED cabinet lighting

There are a lot of options for placing furniture lighting. The LED strip can be located on the inside of the ceiling or walls of the cabinet, under the bottom, on the outer, outer and end surfaces of the shelves.

Installation of the LED strip on the surface of the cabinet is carried out with the back side, which contains a special adhesive layer. To fix it, you need to remove the protective coating from the adhesive side and press the tape to the selected location.

Halogen lamps .

The most widely used lighting is halogen lamps. On sale you can find lamps of different designs and functional purposes.

A row of downward-facing halogen spotlights, mounted into the canopy of the wardrobe, makes a spectacular impression.

LED lights.

LED lamp is a new, high-tech product that is increasingly used in the creation of furniture and interiors.

The main advantages of LED lamps:

Economical. LED lamps consume 2 times less electricity than fluorescent lamps and 10 times less than incandescent lamps.

Long service life. If a conventional incandescent lamp lasts only 1,500-2,000 hours, a fluorescent lamp lasts 7,000 hours, then LEDs last about 50,000 hours!

Safety. Fluorescent lamps, after completing their intended service life, require special disposal, as they contain mercury. LED lamps do not need such a procedure.

Lighting quality. The light from LED lamps is as close as possible to the spectrum of sunlight, which means it is more natural for the human eye. In addition, ordinary lamps, unlike LED lamps, create invisible flickering (about 100-120 flashes/sec), which is harmful to human eyes. Another important advantage of LED lighting is the absence of ultraviolet radiation.

Example of LED lamps: a set of three LED lamps, each lamp consists of 19 diodes, power 1.14 W. In total, the entire set of power consumption is 3.42 W:

LED lamp FARO is a self-contained lamp with a lightweight body, inside of which there are three bright LEDs:

The lamp is purposefully created to illuminate the contents of chipboard drawers in sliding wardrobes. The LEDs inside the lamp are placed in such a way as to illuminate the internal contents of the boxes. Thanks to a special sensor and electronic chip, the lamp automatically turns on when the drawer is pulled out. The lamp turns off automatically after 15 seconds.

Fluorescent lamps.

Fluorescent lamps They are used relatively rarely for lighting furniture. You can find compact and linear (tubular) lamps. The advantage of such lamps is low energy consumption and high efficiency, the disadvantage is low impact resistance, bulkiness and not very sophisticated appearance.

An option for using such lighting is horizontal placement above the mirror.

Often a fluorescent lamp is used as part of a rod for hanging clothes.

Fluorescent lamps are also installed to illuminate the drawers in the closet. This is a lamp with a fluorescent lamp and a protective screen made of matte thermoplastic, a switch that is activated upon contact with the facade. It can be mounted inside drawers or inside a wardrobe.

LED Strip Light.

An LED strip is a flexible board with contacts on which LEDs are located in series one after another at a certain distance.

LED strip color.

LED strips can be either monochrome, single-color or full-color. Single-color ribbons are produced in the following standard colors: red, green, blue and yellow, as well as two types of white - cold white and warm white.

Full color or RGB tape changes its hue using a remote control and controller. The strip consists of RGB LEDs, which consist of three crystals - red, green and blue. Mixing these three colors allows you to create many shades.

The following LED strip is used to illuminate furniture:

1. SMD 3528 with a density of 60 LEDs per meter, with a supply voltage of 12V, glow colors W, WW, R, G, I or Y and protection class IP 33.

2. SMD 5050 with a density of 30 LEDs per meter, with a supply voltage of 12V, RGB color (full-color glow) and protection class IP 33.

The second option is more interesting because this type of strip has full color LED strip options, unlike the first type of strip.

LED strip you can highlight the following elements of the wardrobe or closet:

Wardrobe door lighting. To do this, you will need a side-lit LED strip of the dipled type. This tape is used to illuminate the glass on the inside of the door. It will look impressive if a sandblasted pattern is made on the sliding wardrobe doors. Dipled is a type of LED that is shaped like a cylinder. The tapes have reliable protection in silicone, making the tape airtight.

The lighting of the mirrored wardrobe doors from above looks beautiful. For such illumination, two small pieces of LED strip are enough.

Cabinet shelf lighting. The contour lighting of the cabinet shelves along the end is produced by a direct glow LED strip, it creates the effect of floating and lightness.

You can also use a special profile to illuminate glass shelves in a closet. Thanks to a set of components, you can illuminate a shelf of any size and along its entire length:

To illuminate a glass shelf, the following components are required: profile, LED strip, power supply with distributor, plugs for the profile, connector and cable for the ruler.

Profile “straight light” 13.85x15.3 mm matte aluminum, 3 m.p. for glass thickness from 4 to 8 mm

Profile plugs right and left made of aluminum

Flexible ruler

Cable for ruler (connects rulers and power supply), 2 mp

Connector for ruler (connects rulers together), 500 mm

Power supply with distributor

Cord with plug and switch

Contour lighting of a sliding wardrobe with LED strip is also performed using direct glow strips.

LED strips come in the following types:

self-adhesive, which can be glued to various surfaces

waterproof - for illuminating rooms and furniture with high humidity

multi-colored RGB strips in which you can change the backlight color using a special device - an RGB controller

According to the method of installation, lamps for sliding wardrobes are divided into mortise and overhead.

Recessed furniture lamps, are mounted in a pre-cut hole in the visor of the sliding wardrobe. Recessed lamps can be either halogen or LED, rotary or stationary.

Surface-mounted furniture lamp differs in power and size. There are models in the form of long lamps, in the form of spotlights, and there are also options for rod overhead furniture lamps.

The shape of overhead furniture lamps can be square, round, oval, triangular and rectangular.

There is a type of overhead lamp with a switch, dimming sensor and motion detector. This overhead lamp is simply mounted using clips and adhesive plates. The motion detector in the lamp has a range of 2m and is activated when the cabinet or drawer door is opened. There is also a built-in day-night sensor, which, depending on the time of day, adjusts the intensity of the backlight. Such a surface-mounted lamp can be installed inside the body of a sliding wardrobe, as well as in a drawer of a sliding wardrobe.

SWITCHES FOR Sliding Wardrobes

Switches for lighting furniture and wardrobes According to the method of operation, they can be divided into mechanical and non-contact (touch) switches.

Mechanical switches– here a mechanical action is required to turn the wardrobe lighting on and off.

The switch can be mortise, inserted into a pre-drilled hole, or overhead, triggered by direct contact with a person’s hand, or triggered when the door is pressed against the pusher when closing.

Sensor switch consists of three parts: a sensitive element, a semiconductor analysis and control circuit, and a switching power section.

When the object of influence approaches the control zone of the sensitive element, a certain signal is generated, which turns into an electrical signal of sufficient power to trigger the switching part. The last part performs closing or opening (or both operations) of a direct or alternating current circuit.

Eg, infrared sensor turns on the lamps connected to it when you enter the sensor’s sensitivity zone (1-1.6 m cm in the figure), and leaves them on until you leave the zone.

The lamps turn off 10-180 seconds after leaving the sensor sensitivity zone. The sensor can be built into a cabinet hood, ceiling, wall, or decorative housing such as a lamp housing. In the latter case, the lamp and sensor will form a single module.

In furniture and wardrobes, touch switches are used, the operation of which is based on three types:

Capacitive switches– do not necessarily require pressing a button. This is how this touch switch works. You bring your hand to the so-called active surface of the touch switch (the surface under which the sensitive element is hidden - this is, as a rule, the front side of the switch) at a distance of 40-50 mm, and the device turns on or turns off the light. Some models require you to at least lightly touch the active surface.

Optical switches– work in both conventional and infrared radiation spectrums. The former work as light sensors, the latter as infrared sensors.

The basis of the second version of the optical switch is the sensitive element - a thermal radiation receiver. This is a semiconductor device that responds to infrared radiation. To help the sensitive element detect this radiation, it is surrounded by a collecting plastic lens, which may take the form of a hemispherical cap.

There are two main options for infrared sensors for furniture. The first option is triggered by a wave of the hand; they brought the hand to the sensitive surface at a distance of 2-3 cm from it - the sensor turned on, brought it again, the sensor turned off.

The second option is triggering as a result of the appearance or disappearance of an obstacle, for example, a wardrobe door from the sensor’s field of view. The sensitive area of the sensor itself can be located on the side and front surfaces of the sensor body, or placed on a wire.

High frequency switches– volume sensors or active type sensors. These sensors are based on modern high-frequency sensor technology.

Sending a signal at 5.8 GHz, the sensors record changes in the reflected signal that occur as a result of the slightest movements of people or objects. With any movement they are triggered almost instantly and regardless of temperature or direction of movement.

The difficulty of creating lighting in a closet, mainly lies in the need to organize convenient management of it. Of course, you can implement a standard scheme using a switch and each time, if some action is needed in the closet, manually turn on the light, and then turn it off. But this, you see, is not very convenient.

It is believed that The optimal algorithm for the lighting in a sliding wardrobe is as follows :The light turns on when any of the doors is opened, and turns off when closing, everything happens automatically, without human intervention.

With many options for implementing such a control scheme, the simplest and most accessible to everyone, in our opinion, is use in cabinet lighting. This is a method with virtually no drawbacks. When the doors are opened, the sensor will detect this and turn on the light in the closet, and when closed and there is no movement, it will turn off. If the motion sensor is correctly configured, the lighting in the cabinet will be completely autonomous and will not require further intervention in its operation.

To confirm the above, we present to you an option of how you can simply make lighting in the closet with your own hands.

EXAMPLE OF LIGHTING FOR A CLOSET WARDROBE

For an example of lighting a sliding wardrobe, we took a Steinel lamp with a built-in motion sensor. By the way, it is most convenient to use a lamp that uses a motion sensor, since it will turn on the lighting when it detects the opening of a door, and not the presence of a person. We chose the lamp for installation, not least, precisely according to this characteristic.

Connection diagram for lighting for a sliding wardrobe , may be different. For example, a cable can be installed that is always energized; in this case, the motion sensor built into the lamp acts as a switch and there is no special need for an additional control. But still, I would recommend, when designing the lighting of a sliding wardrobe, to lay out a circuit with a switch, this option gives in the future more opportunities for implementing lighting of different types.

In our example, initially, during electrical installation, the designer in the project did not determine the future configuration of the wardrobe, so the power cable was not routed where the lamp was currently planned to be installed. This is one of the additional difficulties of this installation. But it was not for nothing that I chose it as an example of installing lighting in a sliding wardrobe, because the owners of already installed wardrobes find themselves in a similar situation, who thought about the need for lighting after installation. Information about perform electrical wiring as carefully and at the same time correctly as possible before lighting the cabinets will be especially interesting to them.

It was possible, of course, to bring the cable to the lamp openly along the ceiling, but after weighing many factors, the key of which were the operating conditions of the sliding wardrobe, it was decided to hide it in a cable channel. After all, this is a wardrobe in the hallway, which is designed to store outerwear, as well as various other household items (umbrellas, skis, etc.), which can accidentally damage unprotected wires.

So, in First of all, electrical wiring is supplied to the future installation site of the cabinet lighting in the cable channel. To do this, you need to measure and cut the cable channel to the required length. Next, secure its base to the ceiling, as shown in the image below.

Then place the power cable there and close the cover of the cable channel.

Further connection is no different from installing any other surface-mounted lamp. The base is installed and fixed to the ceiling, while the power cable is laid inside through a special inlet hole.

The cabinet lighting is connected to power. To the terminal L- white phase wire, into the terminal N- Blue-white wire of working zero. All work must be carried out only when the power is turned off, it is best if the corresponding circuit breakers in the apartment's metering and distribution board are turned off!

As you can see, It’s not difficult to make lighting for a wardrobe. At the same time, in our proposed version, using a lamp with a motion sensor in the cabinet lighting, you have almost limitless implementation possibilities. After all, now you just need to select, from the entire range of models presented on the market, suitable lamps specifically for your closet, which is quite within the capabilities of everyone.

If you know another, even simpler way to make lighting for a wardrobe yourself, be sure to write in the comments of the article, it will be useful for many to know!

A large closet always requires additional lighting. Otherwise, it can be quite difficult to find the things you need on deep shelves. You can make this type of wardrobe lighting with your own hands. This work will not require significant financial expenses from you. The entire system is installed literally in one evening. And in order to make not only effective, but also beautiful lighting, you do not need special knowledge and skills.

Fluorescent lamps always remain cool, even if the owners forget to turn off the lights.

Preparatory stage of installation

Previously, halogen lamps were often used to illuminate wardrobes. But their main drawback was that they got quite hot during operation. Therefore, it was possible not only to get burned by such a lamp, but also to damage the clothes stored in the closet. In addition, it is unsafe to use them, since modern furniture is made of flammable materials.

Therefore, fluorescent lamps or LED backlighting are now used. Such lamps remain cool even if the owners forget to turn off the lights.

You can install lighting only inside the wardrobe.

But furniture can also be illuminated from the outside by building lamps, for example, into the upper cornices.

Image 1. Backlight connection diagram.

Then this piece of furniture will also become a real decoration of the room.

Before starting work on installing the lighting, it is necessary to draw up a detailed connection diagram.

If you are not confident in your knowledge, then it is wiser to involve a specialist at this stage. An example of such a scheme is shown in Image 1.

In modern stores you can purchase ready-made kits designed for lighting furniture.

Usually the set includes from 3 to 5 lamps. But sometimes a standard set may not fit a particular cabinet according to some parameters. Then you will have to assemble the system yourself.

Required materials and tools

If you decide to use halogen lamps for lighting, then you definitely need to purchase a transformer. When choosing, you must consider the following parameters:

Rated power. With its help, you can calculate the total power of the lamps that can be connected to this device. This means you can determine the number and personal characteristics of the lamps. But remember that the power of the transformer itself should be 5% greater than the sum of the power of the entire connected backlight.
Output voltage. It should be equal to the operating voltage of the lamps that you want to use for the wardrobe.
Transformer type (winding or electronic). When installing lighting for furniture, it is preferable to use option 2.

The device of a fluorescent lamp.

In addition to the transformer, you will need the following backlight components:

electrical plug;
wire (two-core cross-section 0.75);
household switch;
connecting terminals.

When planning lighting for the cabinet, remember that you should not use a wire longer than 3 m. Otherwise, power will be lost. When choosing a location for a transformer, do not forget that, unlike lamps, it heats up during operation. Therefore, it must be mounted at least 15-20 cm from the heat source. When calculating, it is also necessary to take into account central heating radiators, which are often located close to the walls of the wardrobe. Do not place the transformer in too narrow cavities.

To install the backlight you will need the following tools:

screwdriver tester;
a set of screwdrivers (it is wiser to prepare tools with flat and Phillips tips of different calibers);
drill;
special cutter attachment (crown).

The diameter of the cutter must match the internal diameter of the lamps. Otherwise you will have to widen the holes manually.

Furniture lighting installation

Table of characteristics of fluorescent lamps.

First you need to prepare the sockets for the lamps. To do this, it is wiser to remove the panel on which the lamps will be attached. Before forming holes, be sure to mark their location. Moreover, both on one and the other side of the furniture panel.

The nest is drilled to a depth of 7-10 mm. Next, you need to turn the panel over and finish forming the hole on the other side. If this is not done and you drill right through, then there is a high probability of damaging the wardrobe part. Especially if your furniture is made of chipboard.

The lamps are installed in the sockets intended for them and connected to each other. In this case, it is wiser to use a parallel connection. Then one lamp that has become unusable will not disable all the lighting. The transformer is connected last.

All lighting elements are connected to each other using terminals or terminal blocks. Modern pads are an aluminum plate with contacts. Such features allow you to connect wires with aluminum and copper conductors.

This cabinet lighting is controlled using a switch. It can be located outside the wardrobe or inside it. Sometimes chains are used as a switch, which give the furniture an original look.

Installation of LED lighting

Installation work of LED lighting.

To illuminate your closet using LED strip, you need to purchase:

power supply (it can be replaced with an open type transformer);
strip with LEDs (if you buy an RGB strip, you will have the opportunity to customize the color of the lighting as you wish);
controller (now you can find inexpensive models that come complete with a control unit);
connecting terminals or blocks;
electrical wire;
fork.

When purchasing a tape controller, pay attention to models with infrared sensors. They can be controlled not only using a special unit, but also from a regular remote control designed for a TV. If you prefer single-color diodes, then you won’t need a control panel for the wardrobe lighting.

At the first stage of installation work, it is necessary to sequentially connect all elements into a single circuit. To do this, the supply wire is connected to the power supply. The controller is connected next.

As a rule, the wires intended to connect this element are quite thin and short. This makes them difficult to work with. Therefore, it is wiser to first strip them of the insulating coating, freeing the ends to a length of approximately 1 cm. To thicken the contacts, solder is applied. Thanks to this simple manipulation, contact becomes much more reliable.

It is very easy to connect the tape to the controller due to the fact that manufacturers mark the corresponding connections in different colors. That is, you just need to connect wires of the same color together. You can connect them using terminals or soldering contacts. If you use soldering, be sure to insulate the joints. If you decide to use terminals, add solder first. Otherwise, the contact may not be reliable enough.

Before the furniture lighting is finally installed, check the LED strip by connecting it to the network. If you used RGB diodes, then test their operation in different light. If you are completely satisfied with the result, then the tape can be glued inside the wardrobe. Usually it is fixed to the ceiling of the compartment and to the rear walls. But part of the tape can be displayed on the front panel. Then your furniture will become an original interior decoration.