Do-it-yourself installation of spotlights: installation stages and network connection diagrams

If in the event of a power outage for household consumers, the problem does not pose a great threat, then during emergency conditions at large industrial facilities, in organizations and places with large crowds of people, there may be a risk of incidents and injuries to people. To prevent such situations, emergency lighting is used.

The main task of such lighting installations is to create the minimum required level of visibility on staircase landings, at exits, near high-risk objects and in other premises. To ensure the safe evacuation of personnel or visitors in the event of a power failure.

What is a spotlight

A standard lamp is used everywhere and is a structure consisting of the following elements:

• frame;
• wires;
• cartridge (can be electric);
• clamps (2 pcs.).

It is possible to complicate the design, in which case it is supplemented with hinges. With their help, adjustments are made and the direction of lighting changes. The lamps themselves are sources, the light from which emanates directionally.

The industry offers consumers a variety of incandescent lamps, many of which are designed specifically for individual spots. Each lamp consists of a flattened bulb containing a special reflector. There are also halogen products on sale; these lamps have an additional glass housing.

Prices for spotlights

Spotlights

Design and selection of spotlights

Lamps into which halogen lamps are screwed are smaller in size. If compared with conventional products, such lighting devices are half the size. Halogen lamps last two to three times longer than regular lamps.

Enterprises also produce LED lamps; they perfectly replace all of the ones mentioned above. Such lamps have powerful LEDs that replace conventional tungsten filament. The products are energy efficient and have no equal in terms of service life. Experts say that the future lies with such light sources.

Table. Correspondence between LED lamps and incandescent lamps.

LED lamps, W Correspondence to incandescent lamp, W

Even the most beautiful chandelier will not protect the ceiling from the appearance of shadows. The thing is that light, coming from one source, illuminates the center and corners of the room unequally. By installing spotlights, also called spots, you will create uniform lighting and emphasize the dignity of the interior.

When using one light source, shadows appear on the ceiling, and the room itself is illuminated unevenly

Types of lamps for a pool or pond

Lamps and lighting sources used to decorate a pool or pond are divided into two main types:

Lamps for underwater lighting must have a waterproof shell and absolute tightness. The color of the lamps can be any and even change within a few minutes. The lamps are installed on the bottom of the reservoir or fixed to the walls. Unusual models of lamps are immersed in water and they float freely there, moving under water.

Overwater lighting is considered safer. The light source is located outside, often has a waterproof coating, but only illuminates the top edge of the pond. This lighting option is better suited for the safety of all vacationers - the boundaries of the reservoir are visible, so accidental swimming in it at night is excluded. A sub-type of it is a sealed lamp that floats on the surface.

What to pay attention to before starting work

It should be noted that most suspended ceilings are made from materials that burn.

The following types of surfaces that have this disadvantage can be listed:

• plastic panels;
• canvases that are needed to create suspended ceilings;
• panels for the production of which MDF was used.

That is why you should not forget about fire safety. When installing wires, make sure that they are securely connected.

How to choose a wire

Industrial companies supply different brands of wires to the market, but you must find those products that strictly comply with safety requirements.

Buy a wire with the following characteristics:

• resistance to high temperatures;
• non-flammability.

RKGM wire has proven itself well; this brand is in demand among specialists. Copper wire, heat-resistant. The product has two layers of insulation. The wire does not burn, it is heat resistant. The outer layer of insulation is represented by varnished fiberglass winding, and silicone rubber was used to make the inner one. This made it possible to give the inner insulation layer special strength.

Wire RKGM

This wire can be used when installing lamps in a sauna or bathhouse, since the product performed well at temperatures from -60 to +180 degrees Celsius.

Festive decorative lighting of the site

Many owners of country cottages often carry out non-standard decorative lighting on the eve of holidays (New Year, Easter, March 8). To create a special atmosphere, you can use the following types of lamps:

Fairy lights

They can be completely wrapped around trees or used to stylize the facade: placed above window openings, along the perimeter of the roof. For trees, garlands in the form of thin sticks with LEDs inside can also be used.

Grids with LEDs (a subtype of modern garlands)

They can be fixed in flower beds or placed on the walls of the house.

Glowing figures

They are a metal frame supplemented with LEDs. They produce a bright, soft light, allowing you to illuminate a small area around you. There are also small figures (in the form of New Year's wreaths, flowers or flat silhouettes) that can be mounted on the facade for festive lighting.

Requirements

The lamps, fixed at the same level with the ceiling surface, according to their technological parameters, have a 30-degree lighting angle. Therefore, to create brightness, they must be installed at intervals of up to a maximum of 1 meter, and the distance from the last lamp should not exceed 60 cm to the wall. Provided that the ceiling height in the room is standard - 2.5 meters.

To create sufficient brightness for lighting the room, preliminary calculations are made so that the intersection of the corners of each spot is at a certain height, taking into account the height of the furniture and the configuration of the suspended ceiling.

Conclusion

Any advice on lighting a room, without a detailed floor plan, furniture arrangement and color design, is doomed to failure. Therefore, in our article we only outlined the basic requirements and focused your attention on important aspects.

At the same time, if you draw up a floor plan, right down to arranging books on shelves, then the most correct and convenient lighting system will be clearly visible. The main thing is not to overdo it with decorative elements. After all, everything in lighting should be in moderation.

Preparation

If you decide to install a lamp in a suspended ceiling, you need to know that all installation work is carried out before installing the suspended ceiling, and according to the connection diagram.

It is necessary to decide at what height and in what place the lighting fixtures will be located.

Calculate the number of lamps in advance and allocate the ceiling space for their installation. Draw a diagram to make it clear how to connect. Think about the power of lighting fixtures, taking into account the material of the suspended ceiling. You may need a transformer.

Wires must be installed in advance at the locations where ceiling lighting fixtures are to be installed. The wiring will pass through corrugated tubes so as not to come into contact with the suspended frame structure. In each case you will need a diagram.

Functionality check

Both during commissioning and during operation, such a system must be tested for serviceability. For this, two options can be used - local and central.

1. Local monitoring provides the ability to check each device one by one. Of course, this method is only appropriate for objects with a small area, where it is possible to bypass each lamp. For this test, a manual test function is used, which is built into some types of equipment or a corresponding button. They forcibly turn off the main power and give a signal to the display or indicator about the health of the device.

The disadvantage of the local method is local peculiarities when inconvenient placement: clutter or high location creates difficulties for verification.

2. Central monitoring collects health information from a group of devices. What are data cables, existing logic circuits or wireless channels used for? The formation of such a monitoring system is appropriate for large industrial or strategic facilities. The advantage of central monitoring is the speed of testing for automatic activation, the ability to obtain detailed test data and reporting.

Based on the results of the inspection, a report must be drawn up with data on the testing of each lamp. If problems are identified, they are eliminated, after which a retest is carried out. Commissioning or subsequent operation with faulty elements in the system is not permitted.

Selecting a lighting fixture

To choose shades or a chandelier for a hanging canvas, you need to imagine what kind of lighting you want to see in the room. Chandeliers and shades differ in the following parameters:

• number of light bulbs. When connecting, it is convenient to make two groups of light bulbs with a separate two-key switch. This way you can easily adjust the brightness of the lighting;
• cartridges. When purchasing light bulbs, make sure they match the base.

When buying light bulbs, pay attention to their power.

Drawing up a lighting scheme

To correctly draw up a lighting scheme, you should draw a floor plan of the apartment. It indicates all the locations of lamps, electrical wiring lines, exit points of switches, sockets and other devices. Note the type of each switch and the number of keys on it. The arrows indicate which devices it is used for.

If the apartment’s lighting design plan is simple, then use the general recommendations.

Living room

This room requires bright general light (200-250 W). Based on the area, the number of local sources is determined. For example, if the living room also includes a workplace, then it is additionally illuminated with a table lamp.

Bedroom

Here it is appropriate to use a lamp with a matte shade or a short chandelier (100-150 W). Sconces (60-100 W) are placed at the head of the bed on both sides.

Opposite you can place a floor lamp or a pair of less powerful lamps (40-60 W). This combination helps create a calm environment.

Kitchen

If the room is small, then general lighting is not necessary. It is recommended to move the lamp closer to the dining table. LEDs can be used to additionally illuminate the kitchen unit.

Bathroom

General lighting is required. The local source can be hung above the mirror. Since this is a room with high humidity, the lamps should have shades.

Children's

In this room, it is better to create lighting using multi-point lamps. They do not emit bright directional light, which avoids negative effects on vision.

Corridor and hallway

Since these are often small and narrow rooms, the light here needs to be bright and versatile. Install lamps along the perimeter of the walls. Additionally, a mirror can be highlighted with soft natural light.

For modern apartment lighting, it is important to take into account the color rendition of sources. This will allow you to comfortably arrange all the rooms and prevent color distortion of interior items.

It is optimal to use lamps with an index of Ra-100. This light allows you to display colors most accurately. The lower the value of the indicator, the worse the color rendering.

If you still haven’t decided how exactly to make lighting in your apartment, look at photos on the Internet and you’ll probably come up with ideas. Otherwise, you can hire a designer and he will solve this problem.

If problems arise with the lighting circuit, you can seek advice from a lighting engineer; he will tell you how to correctly calculate the lighting and give practical advice. Remember that with the help of light you can turn an inconspicuous home into a masterpiece. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Serial connection

It is quite easy to implement such a scheme for installing ceiling lamps with your own hands, since it does not require a large number of wires. However, no more than six lamps can be connected in series, and the lighting will not be as effective. In addition, with a serial connection, a malfunction of one light source breaks the circuit, therefore, the operation of all lamps stops. To restore the functionality of the circuit, it is necessary to check each light bulb.

The connection diagram is as follows: the phase sequentially bypasses all lighting devices, and zero is applied to the output of the last lamp.

When deciding how to connect LED ceiling lights, special care and attention should be exercised. It is very important that the phase goes exactly to the switch and then to the lamps. Zero should go to the last element of the electrical circuit. This scheme will make the operation of the lamps safe and reliable.

When connecting to three-wire wiring that has an additional ground wire, the third wire must be connected to the appropriate terminal of each lamp. In this case, the grounding wire can come from the “ground” block, from the nearest outlet or switch.

A similar circuit for connecting spotlights is used very rarely, since the phase constantly breaks on the lamps. At the same time, the neutral wire remains intact all the way from the junction box to the output of the last lighting device in the chain.

Types of emergency lighting

Depending on the assigned tasks, such installations can perform certain functions - some act as alarms for passage places, others maintain the required level of illumination to carry out any technological processes. According to the requirements of SNiP, which regulates lighting standards, emergency lighting is divided into two types: evacuation and backup.

Evacuation lighting

Evacuation lighting is considered to be a category of devices that are installed in tight spaces, passages, and outside buildings for the safe exit of people. This category of lighting devices is included in the event of breakdowns, fires, or natural disasters that cause a drawdown or complete absence of the main source of power supply.

Must be installed:

• In passages and on stairs, at emergency exits, if the calculated number of people moving along them in an emergency is 50 or more.
• In buildings with 6 or more floors.
• If the number of workers is more than 100, the placement of lamps must be carried out in all production premises where there is an increased risk of injury and along the entire route of personnel.

For the correct operation of such lighting installations, special technologies and connection diagrams are used.

Security lighting (backup)

Backup lighting is considered to be a category of lighting equipment that, in the event of a loss of the main power supply, continues to illuminate production areas that pose a potential threat of an accident or where strict compliance with fire safety standards is necessary.

This includes technological processes that need to be completed, even in emergency situations, for example, at power plants, pumping stations, communication points, in children's institutions and others. Therefore, safety lighting must provide sufficient conditions for performing certain operations in production.

It should be noted that such artificial lighting is mandatory for preschool and school organizations, regardless of how many people are in them.

Distinctive features of European standards.

According to EN-1838, emergency lighting is further divided into three categories:

1. For rescue routes – provides the ability to safely leave the production area along an established route;
2. Anti-panic lighting – provides the ability to get to the exit from crowded places, for which emergency lighting is used;
3. For particularly hazardous areas - installed near machines and mechanisms with rotating or other dangerous elements, when the working lighting disappears near which there is a risk of injury.

When comparing the remaining separation criteria according to SNiP and EN presented in Figure 1, you can see their identity regarding the main types of emergency lighting.

Comparison of lighting standards

Parallel connection - diagram

Lighting devices with parallel connections shine with the same intensity, but installation involves the use of more wires. Despite this, installation of spotlights with parallel connection is popular. This method allows you to install an unlimited number of lighting devices, including LED lamps, the main thing is to use a non-flammable VVG ng cable. The shape of the cable can be round or flat, but it must be non-flammable. This especially applies to installing lamps on wooden ceilings.

Parallel connection is carried out in two ways:

• Beam connection.
• Daisy chain connection.

In the first case, solving the question of how to connect lamps on the ceiling involves connecting each point lighting device to its own piece of wire. Using this option requires a lot of cable consumption, however, if one lamp fails, the entire circuit works without interruption. The cable routing along the ceiling should look like this: a cable is pulled from the junction box to the center of the room and fixed in this place. Wires go to the lamps from one central point. The presence of a large number of wires converging in one place requires reliable fixation. Single-core wires can be twisted, and the twisted area can be crimped with pliers and soldered.

The mounting of ceiling lamps is strong, reliable, but not detachable. A simpler method involves using connectors with a certain number of inputs to which wires are connected. In addition, there are special devices - terminal blocks, they are more expensive, but the wires in this case, the problem of how to connect spots on the ceiling is solved quickly, easily and firmly. You can use terminal blocks with screw connections; they also provide a reliable connection, but in order to supply voltage to all wires, additional jumpers must be installed on the terminals involved.

In the second case, two wires are alternately fed and exited to each lamp. The connection diagram for spotlights on the ceiling is as follows: a cable goes from the distribution box to the first lighting device. A second cable is connected to the output of the same device and stretched to the next lamp. Similar actions are performed with other devices.

If desired, you can divide the lighting fixtures on the ceiling into two groups; in this case, you must connect to a switch with two keys. The complexity of such a scheme lies in the use of more wires.

Lighting in the country: tips

• The paths can be illuminated with solar lamps; they are inexpensive.
• Incandescent lamps should not be used, they consume too much electricity and also have a short service life.
• The protection of all devices must be at least IP 43, but it is not entirely advisable to use anything higher.
• Remember to connect wires and insulate them.
• You can make emergency lighting using an old car battery.
• Make the correct calculation of the cable cross-section; if done incorrectly, you risk a short circuit. In this case, even a small error can lead to this.

Using these tips, you can create really high-quality and complete lighting. Our resource has sufficient information; understand, after reading one article, you won’t be able to do it well. Lighting in a summer cottage is a complex and multifaceted process; everything needs to be taken into account.

How to choose the right transformer power

Before connecting ceiling lamps, one point should be understood: for normal operation of all connected lighting fixtures, it is necessary to use a transformer whose power is 20% higher than the total power of the lamps in the electrical circuit. For example, a power reduction device is required for 8 40-watt light bulbs. First, the total power is determined: 8*40=320 Watts. Therefore, for this voltage you should purchase a driver with a power of about 400 Watts.

When calculating voltage, it is important to take into account that a large number of light bulbs requires a higher power converter. However, the cost and size of the step-down device increases with increasing power value. To solve the problem, spotlights are divided into several groups and a transformer is connected to each of them. But in this case, the converters must have less power.

Is it better to use cold light?

In the work area (at the desk or in the office), it is important for us to be active, feel cheerful and focused. The temperature of the light can help with this: warm light relaxes us, and cold light invigorates us. Therefore, in the work area it is better to install light bulbs with a temperature of 4,000–5,000 K - these are also installed in offices.

If you work with color (for example, design), then, among other things, accurate color rendition is important to you. For domestic use, this indicator must be at least 80 Ra/CRI. Ideally, 95 Ra/CRI, but few manufacturers are currently producing such lamps.

In addition, for any work, the light should be uniform and diffused, and shadows should be kept to a minimum. The golden rule from childhood works here: “If you write with your right hand, then the light should come slightly to the left.” It is better that there are no glare effects at all in the work area: they will tire the eyes, which means that you need to be careful with glossy surfaces and adjust the height of the light to a comfortable level.

How to correctly position and connect lamps

After the ceiling is sheathed, the lamps can be distributed, since the location of the spot spots has already been taken into account when designing the frame.

It is necessary to take into account the passage of seams on a suspended ceiling, especially when choosing plastic or aluminum cladding for the ceiling frame. It is best not to install lamps at joints.

Main lighting

As the main lighting in living rooms, lamps are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Experts recommend longitudinal installation of spotlights in straight lines strictly perpendicular to the windows, the interval between lamps is from 80 to 100 cm, at a distance of 60 cm from the walls. In order to achieve the required lighting brightness, you can combine both spot installation schemes.

Backlight circuit

When choosing a layout of lamps to illuminate individual zones, it is necessary to install spots with a maximum distance of 80 cm between them, and 40 cm from the wall. Most often, lighting is performed zonally in places of relaxation, for reading books, periodicals, or for practicing hobbies: knitting, drawing, sewing, etc.

LED strip

The LED strip provides room illumination in selected areas, that is, it is installed in the room in rest areas, creating dim light. The light from LED strips is very useful and gentle on tired eyes if a person works a lot at the computer.

Choosing an installation location

When installing lighting, you can install it around the perimeter of the room. For a more convenient lighting arrangement, it is best to consult a specialist.

Requirements and regulations

The main regulatory documents regulating the requirements for design and operation are: GOST R IEC 60598-2-22-99 for emergency lighting fixtures; GOST R 55842-2013 (ISO 30061:2007), SNiP 23-05-95 in the scope of the relevant section; Rules for Electrical Installations in the scope of the relevant chapter. They indicate the requirements for the lamps themselves, as devices, provide a classification of devices and establish rules for placement, connection to the electrical network, and standards for their normal operation.

Based on the above documents, the following regulatory requirements are imposed on emergency lighting devices:

• Autonomous power supply should provide illumination of areas for movement indoors from 0.5 lux, and in open space from 0.2 lux.
• Due to the uneven placement of lamps or LED luminaires, the unevenness of the illumination level along the axis of movement should not exceed the maximum to minimum ratio of 40:1.
• In premises it is permitted to use safety lamps for power supply from backup sources as evacuation lamps.
• The use of evacuation signs is a mandatory norm for such passages and exits from buildings where 100 or more workers may be present at the same time. And in cases where there is no natural light, the minimum number for installing illuminated signs is reduced to 50 people. The same requirements apply for premises larger than 150 m2.
• In addition to light signs, you can install signs that do not light up on their own from an autonomous power supply, but are illuminated by emergency lamps.
• The overall dimensions of the signs must ensure their sufficient visibility, and the distance between them should not exceed more than 25 m. Additionally, they are placed at turns at the junction of other rooms, entrances and exits.
• It is possible to install both those that operate only in autonomous mode, and those that support combustion in conjunction with a centralized power supply.
• Security lighting, as an emergency option, can be performed with any lighting devices, except for those options when the light turns on only when it is triggered. Then only incandescent lamps can be used for electrical installation.

Depending on local conditions, one of the methods for connecting and implementing the system may be used.

Features of installation in different types of ceilings

Connection of ceiling lamps is made after their installation. Since the body is hidden under the surface, such models can only be used in hollow structures. Most often, work is carried out on ceilings made of PVC, plasterboard, as well as in tension systems. Each type has its own characteristics, so it is worth studying the option you need to properly install the lamps.

Stretch ceiling

In this case, some of the work must be carried out before stretching the canvas, since it is impossible to do this later. First you need to find out how much the ceiling level will drop in order to assemble racks for attaching lamps or install ready-made ones. Instructions for carrying out work:

1. Make a diagram with wiring and the location of lamps on the ceiling. This will help you calculate the required amount of cable and fasteners, as well as a corrugated hose, if needed. Electrical wiring in a corrugated sleeve.
2. After taking measurements, place marks on the ceiling where the lamps will be. The wiring should be carried out with a reserve so that later it is convenient to connect; the wire should hang below the surface of the stretch ceiling by at least 10-15 cm. Secure with special clamps.
3. Place a stand for mounting the lamp housing. The easiest way is to buy a ready-made version with the ability to adjust the height. But you can make them yourself from a plastic ring or a piece of plywood and drywall hangers. Fix the structure to the ceiling and press it to the surface so that it does not interfere. Homemade plywood mortgage.
4. When the ceiling is stretched, you can begin installing the lamps. The easiest way to find the location is by touch - lightly press on the surface in the right place and find the center of the hole in the rack. Then lubricate the mounting ring with glue and glue it on the outside. The glue will dry in 3-5 minutes. Rings and glue for stretch ceilings.
5. Carefully cut out the fabric inside the ring. Adjust the stand so that it is level with the surface, pull out the supplied cable. The ends of the wires on the lamp should be cleaned, and then connected to the cable using a block.
6. Gently press the clamps and insert the lamp into the hole. Check if the light turns on.

For your information! You also need to connect overhead point options. But they may have a different type of fastening, so check this in advance.

For normal installation, there should be a distance of at least 5 cm between the ceiling and the lamp, or preferably a little more. When purchasing, check the height of the case so that later it does not turn out to rest against the ceiling.

Plasterboard ceilings

The wiring under the suspended ceiling is laid in advance.
It is convenient to mount lamps on drywall if you prepare correctly and do not miss a single important nuance. Here you also need to carry out some of the work before installing the sheets, since it is inconvenient to do this later. Follow the simple instructions:

1. Make a diagram with the location of the equipment, think over the connection. Calculate how much cable and other materials you need, buy everything you need.
2. Secure the wire to the ceiling with any suitable fasteners. If necessary, place it in fire-resistant corrugation. Don't just put the cable on the frame, that's wrong.
3. Tie the ends to the places where the lamps will be installed. Leave a margin of about 20 cm to make it convenient to connect. After this, you can attach the drywall to the frame and putty it.
4. It is better to make holes with a crown on drywall or wood. The diameter must match the size of the lamp. Finding the wire is not difficult - you just need to stick your hand in, feel it and pull it out. Crowns for wood or drywall are also suitable for plastic.
5. Connect the lamps with blocks to the cable. You can check their operation before installing them in drywall by turning on the power supply. If everything is fine, you can continue.
6. Insert the housing into the hole, holding the latches with your hands. After the lamp goes in all the way, they will open and hold. It's even easier to do the job if the outer ring is removable and can be installed in advance.

Connection option with driver.
Connecting furniture lamps is done in the same way, only you need to drill holes not in plasterboard, but in chipboard or other material. It is best to use models with LED bulbs, as they consume the least electricity and hardly heat up even after long periods of operation.

Ceilings made of PVC panels

Before connecting to a suspended ceiling made of plastic panels, you need to carry out a number of preparatory work. This option has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account. The wiring diagram is done in the same way, cable installation is no different, so there is no point in disassembling this part of the work. Regarding the installation of lamps, you need to follow simple tips:

1. Carry out the work simultaneously with fastening the panels. When it comes to the element in which you need to make a hole, place it on the ceiling, mark the center of the future location of the lamp, and at the same time make sure that the wire is installed correctly and is long enough.
2. It is better to draw a circle with a compass so that there is a guideline. The easiest way to cut through wood or drywall is with a drill and a bit; the work will take a few seconds. If there is no crown, then first carefully cut the upper part around the perimeter with a construction knife, then cut out a circle. Do the work carefully, do not go beyond the outlined line.

   
   The crown makes a perfectly shaped hole in seconds.

3. Place the panel in place, pull the ends of the cable through the cut hole. Secure the element, then connect the wires with a block (it is not advisable to do twists).

For your information! In narrow panels it is better to make holes at the joints, in wide panels - approximately in the middle.

Connect all lamps in the same way. PVC can be deformed when heated, so spotlights with incandescent and halogen lamps cannot be installed in a plastic ceiling. LEDs are best.

Creating a lighting plan for a summer cottage

The first step is to start by creating a lighting plan. It is necessary to determine how the lighting zones will be located. Then, you need to decide how the lighting will be connected. And, in the end, you should determine a convenient location for the switches. To create such a plan, you need to make a couple of copies of the plan of your summer cottage or draw it on a piece of paper (graph paper), using a scale of 1 to 100.

Having a drawn plan, you need to mark the dacha plot into lighting zones right on it and draw a situational diagram. Based on the diagram, you should draw up an electrical diagram, choosing generally accepted symbols for designations - the diagram is necessary for drawing up a lighting project.

For example, when drawing up a diagram, it turned out that it is enough to highlight three zones on the site: the toilet (L3), the entrance to the dacha (L1), the space from the entrance to the house (L2). Switches for zones L1 and L2 will be located at the entrance to the summer cottage. A bell button will be placed at the gate. The entrance to the dacha can be turned on by a motion sensor or a simple switch.

A motion sensor is a device that, when an object in motion enters its area of ​​influence, closes a circuit. The sensor is set to the size of the object so that it is turned on when a cat runs by. Having installed such a sensor, the owner no longer needs to look for a switch in the dark - the automation will work, and the lamps will turn on, and after the object leaves, the sensor will turn off the lamps. Very often, such motion sensors are implemented in conjunction with a photo relay, so that it does not operate during the day.

Serial connection

You can connect spotlights in series, although this is not the best solution. Despite the fact that this type of connection requires a minimum number of wires, it is practically not used in everyday life. This is because it has two significant drawbacks:

1. The lamps do not glow at full strength because they are supplied with reduced voltage. How much reduced depends on the number of connected light bulbs. For example, if three lamps are connected to 220 V, you need to divide by 3. This means that each lamp receives 73 V. If 5 lamps are connected, divide by 5, etc.

   
   Series connection principle

2. If one light bulb burns out, all of them do not work. The cause of the malfunction can only be found by sequentially changing the light bulbs in the entire chain.

It is for these reasons that this type of connection is used exclusively in Christmas tree garlands, where a large number of low-power light sources are collected. You can, of course, use the first disadvantage: connect 18 or 19 12 V light bulbs in series to a 220 V network. In total they will give 220 V (with 18 pieces 216 V, with 19 - 228 V). In this case, you don’t need a transformer, which is a plus. But if one of them burns out (or even the contact deteriorates), it will take a long time to find the cause. And this is a big minus that negates all the positive aspects.

Diagram of serial connection of light bulbs (spotlights)

If you decide to connect spotlights in series, this is easy to do: the phase bypasses all the lamps one after another, zero is supplied to the second contact of the last bulb in the chain.

If we talk about the actual implementation, then the phase from the distribution box is supplied to the switch, from there to the first spotlight, from its second contact to the next... and so on until the end of the chain. The neutral wire is connected to the second contact of the last lamp.

Diagram of sequential connection of spotlights via a single-key switch

This scheme has one practical application - in the entrances of houses. You can connect two incandescent light bulbs in parallel to a regular 220 V network. They will glow incandescently, but will burn out extremely rarely.

Having trouble choosing emergency lights?

We will prepare a full calculation of the cost, necessary equipment and 3D visualization for emergency lighting of your facility. It’s FREE - even before purchasing and concluding a contract, you can find out: “How many and what kind of lamps are suitable?”, “How much will it cost?”, “What will it look like?” and even “How long will the counter wind up?”

More about this

In what areas is the use of CAO mandatory?

The system should be installed wherever artificial lighting is provided, with rare exceptions. We are talking about those buildings and areas where there cannot be a critical concentration of people on evacuation routes. These are, first of all, private cottages and residential buildings of no more than 5 floors with staircase landings of a simple layout and a small number of apartments per site.

General recommendations

If there is at least one turn from the exit from the apartment to the elevator or stairs, evacuation lighting is necessary. And, of course, they must be equipped with:

• High-rise residential buildings.
• All public, commercial and industrial facilities.
• Indoor and outdoor areas of gas stations, parking lots and transport tunnels.
• Experts in the field of man-made disasters believe that special attention should be paid to evacuation lighting when designing utility lines for:
• Objects characterized by high crowding of visitors (organization of mass entertainment events).
• Establishments with retail trade of alcohol on tap (bars, restaurants, nightclubs).
• Objects of old construction with high attendance (museums, galleries, clubs, etc. establishments in buildings related to cultural heritage).

Backup lighting in case of power supply failures not related to the need to evacuate people is necessary:

• In production with a continuous technological cycle.
• In medical institutions.
• At airports and train stations
• At any other facilities where even a short-term stoppage of activities can lead to casualties, accidents and/or significant losses.

Emergency lighting in cafes, bars, restaurants

Emergency lighting is installed in the foyer and areas with seating/bar counters. If the area of ​​these zones is > 60 m2, and the expected number of visitors reaches 30 people or more, the premises are also equipped with anti-panic lighting equipment.

In the simplest case (small coffee shops, snack bars with 2 to 4 tables with a basic layout), it is enough to ensure that an internally illuminated light sign with a corresponding pictogram is installed above the exit. But this is what concerns the main hall. In addition, regardless of the scale of the establishment, evacuation lighting is provided in auxiliary (dressing rooms, toilets, corridors) and production areas (kitchens, storerooms, administrative premises).

Large establishments and facilities with complex layouts require more comprehensive engineering solutions.

Important nuances when developing a self-regulatory system for cafes, bars and restaurants are:

• Taking into account the increased fire hazard of display cases, shelving and other places where alcoholic beverages are stored - the speed of flame spread, the high probability of smoke, the location of fire extinguishing equipment and fire detectors are taken into account.
• Lighting of high-risk areas in kitchens - anything associated with high temperatures and high-voltage equipment.

Emergency lighting in shops and retail facilities

All types of retail commercial enterprises are required to be equipped with CAO, regardless of their location and architectural features. In halls S < 60 m2, emergency lighting must be installed. Larger premises are also equipped with anti-panic lighting equipment.

Typical high-risk areas that require appropriate emergency lighting in retail premises include:

• Logistics hubs (area for loading/unloading goods, as well as warehouses with goods of flammability classes G2 and higher).
• Entry and exit areas for transport equipment (at escalators and elevators).
• Electrical switchboards, control points for utilities and equipment running on backup power).

Emergency lighting in medical institutions

The main feature of CAO at healthcare facilities is an extensive list of premises with mandatory backup lighting. Since they must continue to function in any emergency conditions accompanied by a shutdown of the main lighting, backup lighting equipment is installed in:

• Operating units, manipulation rooms and analytical laboratories.
• Intensive care wards.
• Maternity wards.
• Service posts.
• Pharmacy points.
• At the training and waiting points for ambulance teams...
• Dressing rooms, pump rooms, lobbies, heating points.

Other types of emergency lighting - evacuation, anti-panic and high-risk areas in medical institutions - are equipped in accordance with the general requirements of specialized standards.

Industrial and warehouse emergency lighting

Shops, workshops, warehouses, open technological sites and other production premises and areas are objects with mandatory equipment of self-propelled guns. In most workshops it is necessary to install all types of evacuation lighting: escape routes, anti-panic lighting, as well as high-risk areas.

In addition to evacuation systems, backup lighting is installed:

• In production facilities with a continuous technological cycle
• On installations and systems whose sudden shutdown could lead to loss of life (or threat to human health) and serious accidents.

Emergency lighting in offices

IAS for office premises, with one exception, are mandatory and are regulated by the general provisions of GOST R 55842, as well as the subclause of this standard “Emergency lighting of high-rise buildings”. Without emergency lighting equipment, only one type of office can be operated - simple-plan premises with an area of ​​no more than 30 m2, located on the first floors of buildings and having a separate exit to the street (it is also the only one). In this case, the total number of staff and visitors should not exceed 15 people.

In addition to lighting evacuation routes, anti-panic systems are relevant for offices, mandatory for areas of more than 60 m2 and the total number of staff and visitors ≥ 30 people.

Rice. 3. Lighting of key areas of escape routes

Where are emergency lights installed?

Technical standards only stipulate the location of evacuation lighting equipment, since the backup function is performed by the main lighting equipment of working lighting. Emergency/evacuation lamps are installed in:

• Key points along the evacuation route - this includes changes in direction of movement and floor level, staircases, entrances and exits, places with manual call points, fire extinguishing equipment and PPE storage, etc.
• High-risk areas (they should not be included in designated evacuation routes from buildings, but some people may be there at the time the alarm goes off and the emergency lighting turns on) are passenger elevators, escalators, open-air and multi-story parking lots.
• Corridors, foyers, halls, lobbies (registration areas, receptions), toilets (except for toilets in hotel rooms and toilets for one healthy person).

Evacuation infographics and its relationship with emergency lighting

All signs related to the designation of evacuation directions, danger zones, locations of emergency equipment, etc. - can be externally or self-illuminated. Self-illuminated pictograms are classified as illuminated signs. For pictograms, the rule of sufficient visibility applies: MIN sign height is calculated using the formula h = L/200, where L is the maximum viewing distance. For example, from 20 meters, infographics with a height of at least 100 mm should be viewed.

Rice. 4. Location and dimensions of evacuation and other emergency pictograms

Minimum operating time of the self-propelled gun system

In an emergency, lighting should be provided for a period sufficient to allow evacuation or essential work to be carried out. The minimum required duration of operation of the self-propelled gun system in the regulatory tables is called the design duration and is determined in hours. The maximum permissible response time of the system is referred to as “on time” or “response time” and is expressed in seconds.

For most rooms, the design duration is 1 hour or 3 hours. For backup lighting, the parameter can be increased to 8 hours. The response time to 50% of the design illumination should be ≤ 5 s, and to 100% should not exceed 60 s. In high-risk areas, the response time is reduced to 0.5 s to reach 100% illumination.

Standards of illumination and other parameters of emergency lighting

The required levels of illumination, design duration and response time must correspond to the types of objects, types of premises and typical areas.

Parallel connection

In most cases, a parallel circuit for connecting spotlights (lamps) is used. Even though a large number of wires are required. But the voltage is supplied to all lighting devices at the same level; if one burns out, one does not work, all the others work. Accordingly, no problems with finding the location of the breakdown.

Parallel connection diagram for spotlights

How to connect spotlights in parallel

There are two ways to connect in parallel:

• Ray. Each lighting fixture has a separate cable (two or three wires, depending on whether you have a ground connection or not).
• Trailed. The phase coming from the switch and the neutral from the panel go to the first lamp. A piece of cable goes from this lamp to the second one, and so on. As a result, four pieces of cable are connected to each lamp, except the last one.

  
  Methods for implementing parallel connection

Radial

The beam connection scheme is more reliable - if problems occur, then only this light bulb does not light up. There are two disadvantages. The first is high cable consumption. You can put up with it, since the wiring is done once and for a long time, and the reliability of such an implementation is high. The second disadvantage is that a large number of wires converge at one point. High-quality connection of them is not an easy task, but it can be solved.

You can connect a large number of wires using a conventional terminal block. In this case, a phase is supplied from one side and, using jumpers, it is distributed to the required number of contacts. On the opposite side, the wires going to the light bulbs are connected.

Methods for connecting wires in radial design

In almost the same way, you can use Vago terminal blocks for the corresponding number of contacts. You need to select a model for parallel connection. It is better if they are filled with a paste that prevents oxidation. This method is good - it’s easy to implement (strip the wires, insert them into the sockets and that’s it), but there are a lot of low-quality fakes, and the originals are expensive (and it’s not a fact that they will sell you the original). That's why many people prefer to use a regular terminal block. By the way, there are several types, but carbolite ones with a protective screen are considered more reliable (they are black in the picture above).

And the last acceptable method is to twist all the conductors with subsequent welding (soldering will not work here, since there are too many wires, it is very difficult to ensure reliable contact). The downside is that the connection is permanent. If something happens, you will have to remove the welded part, so you need a “strategic” supply of wires.

An example of a beam connection for spotlights

To reduce cable consumption with the radial connection method, a line is drawn from the switch to the middle of the ceiling, fixed there, and wires are routed from it to each lamp. If you need to make two groups, install a two-key (two-position) switch, draw a separate line from each key, then turn off the lamps according to the chosen circuit.

Daisy chain connection

Daisy chain connections are used when there are a lot of lamps and it is very expensive to run a separate line to each one. The problem with this method of implementation is that if there is a connection problem in one place, all others also become inoperative. But localization of the damage is simple: after a normally working lamp.

Actual implementation of parallel connection in a daisy chain method

In this case, you can also divide the lamps into two or more groups. In this case, you will need a switch with the appropriate number of keys. The connection diagram in this case does not look very complicated - just add one more branch.

How to connect spotlights to a double switch

Actually, the diagram is valid for both methods of implementing parallel connection. If necessary, you can make three groups. There are also such three-position switches. If you need four groups, you will have to install two two-position ones.

Consumer groups

Everyone who uses emergency lighting can be divided into several main groups. Each of them will be discussed in more detail below.

Strategic objects

If an emergency occurs here, it could cause catastrophic consequences. We can talk about violations of state security, injuries or deaths of people, as well as other similar consequences.

In such cases, an independent backup power network is installed, which can provide the same power as in the main network. It uses lithium-ion batteries, as well as spare diesel engines and generators. It is possible to use other emergency sources. Capable of supplying the necessary voltage for lighting during the entire period of restoration of the strategic facility.

Industrial buildings

The consequences of accidents can be injuries to people, decreased production, and serious disruptions in the operation of equipment. Here it is also necessary to use an autonomous emergency system. Unlike the first category, short-term power outages are allowed during repair work.

Here it is necessary to ensure the ability to manually turn on the system by specially designated duty personnel. Most buildings for industrial or administrative purposes fall into this category.

LED emergency lamp Source s3.ru

Other objects

Here, a power outage is allowed for a period that does not exceed a day. In such rooms it is customary to use low-power lighting fixtures. The emergency lighting can be started automatically or manually. Typically, the backlight is activated when a fire alarm is received.

In small rooms, it is sometimes practiced to use separate autonomous emergency lamps. Each of them has its own power source. The batteries used in them are charged in advance from the network and at the time of an emergency they provide a sufficient level of lighting.

Features of connecting 12V lamps

Many people prefer to use 12 V spotlights for lighting. Connecting them requires a voltage-reducing transformer and a device that stabilizes the current (can be made from a capacitor, resistor, diode bridge). Factory-produced devices are more reliable and are sold with a guarantee.

The driver parameters must be calculated after purchasing the lamps. Its power should be 20% higher than the total power of the lamp(s). It’s difficult to make a mistake with your choice, since popular manufacturers indicate the power on the packaging. It is imperative to evaluate the conditions at the installation site of this equipment. For example, for a bathroom you need to buy a driver that is resistant to high humidity.

The connection diagrams are the same as for a 220 V network. The transformer is mounted and connected first, wires are pulled from it to the lamps.

Most often, spotlights are used in suspended ceilings. These are built-in models that come with a driver and a connection connector. The cable in the ceiling structure is laid in advance. At the installation site of the lamp, a hole is drilled, the braiding and insulation are removed from the cable cores, and the covers hiding the terminals are removed from the transformer. The wires are connected according to the diagram on the case. Two terminals are provided for the cable, the rest (usually on the other side) for lamps. First, the cable wires are connected (exact polarity is not necessary, since the current from the network is alternating). On the other side, the wires of the lamp (or several lamps, if the driver is designed for this) are connected.

Next, the transformer covers are put in place, the device is hidden in the hole, and only the connector for connecting the lighting device remains outside. The lamp body is installed in the hole, the clamp is removed, the light bulb is installed, and secured with the clamp.

maybe in the living room?

This is the most unlimited fantasy room - it depends more than others on your specific needs. What are you going to do here? Receive guests, read, watch TV, play with children? In the living room you can and should experiment and create several levels of lighting for different tasks and in accordance with the needs of each family member.

Lighting levels both in the living room and in any other room can be divided into the following groups:

The central light in the form of a chandelier or several lamps (this depends on the parameters of the room) is responsible for uniform lighting, which is needed when you are cleaning or receiving guests: all parts of the room should be clearly visible.

Zoning lighting, or local light - for example, in the sofa area. This includes floor lamps or sconces; this light gives the room coziness.

Accent light: illumination of paintings, decorative lamps, garlands, luminous art objects.

Spectacular lighting for a party or other rarely used scenarios, which are developed based on the wishes of the customer.

Advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps

The continuous increase in the cost of electricity forces us to think about saving. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED ones reduces costs by 10 times.

There are other advantages:

• compactness;
• no soot;
• fast ignition (without warming up);
• long service life;
• low sensitivity to voltage changes;
• ease of installation;
• high quality (if you buy products from a popular manufacturer);
• environmentally friendly.

LED lamps have an attractive appearance, but they are more expensive than all others. If you purchase cheap Chinese-made products, the quality of the glow and service life will decrease.

Disadvantages include exaggeration of some advantages:

• the real service life is not 10-11 years, but 3-5 (taking into account the degradation of LEDs);
• narrow directionality of the light beam, requiring the installation of a large number of lamps;
• the need for expensive drivers and cooling systems.

The costs of reconstructing lighting systems are not reimbursed in any way. Those who have begun to use LEDs in residential premises claim that it takes some time to get used to their glow.

Switching method

Emergency lighting is turned on when the main one is turned off. In this case, a special relay reacts to a power failure, which turns on the emergency lighting system. This switch must be selected to operate reliably. If in an exceptional situation it does not work, then it will need to be turned on manually. This possibility must be provided when installing the lighting system.

Equipment designed to turn on or off the emergency lighting system must be located in a specially designated area. It must be accessible to personnel and protected from entry by unauthorized persons.

It is necessary that switches are located in fire-proof cabinets. Symbols should be provided to explain the use of the various elements.

Emergency lighting in the metro Source svetpro.ru

How to make lighting in a gazebo with your own hands

It’s not difficult to make lighting for a gazebo at your dacha or site with your own hands. To do this, you need to follow simple recommendations:

1. Think about an idea that needs to be implemented. Draw up a clear and detailed diagram indicating all elements of the system. Purchase the necessary equipment.
2. If electricity will be used from the network, connect the cable. It is better to do this underground, it is more difficult, but safer.
3. Install the equipment in its place. Connect the wiring using sealed terminals or soldering the connections and covering them with heat shrink tubing.
4. Check the functionality of the system and make sure that it does not pose any danger.

Open type wiring should be laid in corrugations.

If you use the option with a battery, then you need to choose a place to install it and think over a simple and reliable connection system. For autonomous lamps, it is better to place solar panels in a southerly direction so that they accumulate maximum energy.