Bath lighting with LED lights
In this article, we consider the basic requirements for tri-proof led light lighting equipment for a bathroom, and also analyze what degree of protection waterproof lamps should have. Use these detailed guidelines to avoid common mistakes.
Bathroom lighting with Tri-proof led light lamps
When it comes to proper lighting, one of the most important and challenging rooms in a home or hotel is the bathroom. More often than not, this is the first place people go when they wake up in the morning. Of course, the quality of lighting creates a mood throughout the day, and also significantly affects how tidy we look.
Another reason is that light, especially daylight, is what sets our circadian rhythms, which play an important role in overall health.
The third reason is of course security. 80% of older people fall in the bath. Let’s take a look at the key points that determine the quality of lighting in a bathroom:
- Daylight
- general lighting
- decorative lighting
- lighting above the bathroom
- light in the shower, lighting in the toilet.
Tri-proof led light Light quantity
Generally, how much Tri-proof led light is good for a bathroom? The answer depends on what tasks are performed indoors. More often than not, we need a lot of light so that we can shave cleanly or apply makeup that will not look unfinished or, on the contrary, overkill in daylight.
The older you are, the brighter the light you need. This is because the pupil size of the eyes shrinks and the lens fades and turns yellow with age, allowing less light to pass through.
How much illumination a does bathroom require?
If you need to achieve bright lighting, the overall illumination level should be around 700-950 lux. Use waterproof spotlights with a minimum power of 8W. If you are afraid to overdo it, a smart solution is to purchase dimmable lights. Then you can not only adjust the brightness of the light but also create various scenarios. Decorative wall sconces or mirrors with built-in light sources will look good as additional lighting.
However, when using bright Tri-proof led light, take care of the glare issue. Check the luminaire design. Light source – the LED must be “recessed” into the body, or a lens must be present that will refract and diffuse light. Otherwise, if the light source is simply covered with conventional spray glass, the bright light will cut your eyes.
Waterproof Recessed LED bath lights: IP44 or IP65?
Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. This is why, if you are buying bathroom fixtures, it is very important to make sure that they are sufficiently waterproof. You need to select the correct IP enclosure protection, which is indicated on the label as IP44 / IP65 / IP67.
The IP code consists of two digits. The first means protection from dust and other solids, the second – from water and other liquids. The degree of protection for luminaires in bathrooms is selected by zones.
For areas in close proximity to water – in a shower or in a bath – spotlights IP67 are definitely needed. The number 7 in this case means that the equipment is protected from temporary immersion in water.
IP65 Tri-proof led light will be the right choice for areas up to 2.25 meters high around the bath or shower. The number 5 on the label ensures that the structure is protected from direct water jets.
In other places located within a radius of 60 cm from water sources, it is sufficient to use lamps with IP44 protection, which means they are protected from drops, steam and moisture.
Color rendering of led light
For efficient bath lighting of any kind, it is wise to pay attention to CRI (Color Rendering Index). The number 100 is ideal, but almost impossible to find even in the most expensive brands. Anything over 80 is acceptable and will allow people to see colors fairly accurately.
Colorful temperature
Be sure to choose a suitable color temperature expressed in degrees Kelvin (K). The 2700K LED downlight emits the same warm yellow light as an incandescent bulb and is preferred by many customers. However, it is still yellowish, so we recommend choosing 3500K.
This is somewhere between too yellow and neutral 4000K. It is especially good where you need color matching accuracy when choosing clothes. For this reason, many clothing stores use 3,500K lighting.
How to avoid disaster when switching to LED lighting?
Thinking of retrofitting your room with LED lighting? Don’t buy anything until you’ve made sure you haven’t made the mistakes that this article talks about. Otherwise, you risk spending a lot of money on a lighting scheme that doesn’t work for you.
Dispersion angle mismatch
This is perhaps the most common problem. Tri-proof led light themselves are more directional. So, for example, if you replace metal halide lamps, you will get less ambient light, which can be useful, for example, for illuminating walls in hotel corridors. The same thing happens if you change your fluorescent lights to LEDs, you risk leaving the top third of the walls in the shade.
Too Dark or Too Bright Tri-proof led light
If you want to switch from fluorescent to LED and still maintain the same lighting effect, don’t just compare the lumen output. Since LED lighting is more directional, you will get lighter anyway. However, be careful, technical data on the label and in the documents are often overstated and do not correspond to reality. In this case, your room may remain dark.
Solution: Buy from trusted brands and companies.
Too cold
The color of light, cold or warm, is measured in Kelvin (K). Incandescent bulbs emit warm light with a color temperature of 2700K, metal halide bulbs – 3200K. Therefore, if you replace these lamps with LEDs with 5000K, your room will be absolutely cold and gray.
Solution: Check the spec and try a sample in the showroom.
Buying Tri-proof led light that are not compatible with a dimmer
LED luminaires rarely run smoothly with a dimmer designed for metal halide or incandescent lamps. At low levels, they will almost always flicker or blink.
Solution: Better to buy new equipment for dimming LED lights.
Buying luminaires without future proof properties
Imagine your fixtures are out of order after the warranty period. You call the supplier and ask for your model. In response: “Sorry, we no longer produce this model; we can offer you a new one ….” However, the new model may be very different from yours in design.
Solution: If critical, buy some spare lights.
Dull colors
The ability of Tri-proof led light to reflect the fidelity and brightness of the colors of the illuminated objects is measured by the Color Rendering Index (CRI). The general requirement is a CRI of at least 80, but better than 90. Make sure that the manufacturer and supplier appreciate this parameter and mentions it in the datasheets.
Solution: Be wary if the color rendering index is not mentioned in the description and documents for the lamp.