Diffusers for LED strips - selection and mounting

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

LED lighting appeared on the domestic market relatively recently, but due to its cost-effectiveness, flexibility and high production resource, it is gaining more and more popularity in various industrial sectors, as well as in everyday life. One of the main structural elements that make LED lighting comfortable and the diode itself protected from damage are diffusers for LED strips.

Functions performed by diffuser

Although traditional incandescent bulbs are rather uneconomical to use and short-lived, the light spectrum emitted by them is the most optimal for human eyes, as it is largely identical to natural light. The diode tape provides bright, but cold and unpleasant lighting for the eyes.

The solution to the problem was diffusers, which are a structural part of many fixtures, making the light warmer and more natural. But there are also objects that do not need to "finish" the light spectrum. An example is architectural monuments or devices that do not require protection fromdamage.

The tasks that diffusers for LED strips perform are not only about obtaining inexpensive lighting. Such devices are used to decorate the appearance of any object: a room, a car or an interior item. We should also not forget about the protective function and anti-vandalism, which is especially relevant in public places.

Materials

Modern technologies have significantly expanded the range of materials used for the manufacture of diffusers. Today, in addition to the usual classic glass, combined compositions are used.

Diffusers for LED strips can be made from the following materials:

• Polymethylacrylate materials (acrylic/organic glass) are characterized by high transparency, strength, aging resistance, plasticity. It is also worth noting the flammability and fragility of the material.
• Transparent polystyrene - thermoplastic polymer is durable, versatile, low cost.
• Polycarbonate. Products are characterized by increased strength, durability due to resistance to UV radiation, high transparency and lightness. The addition of flame retardants and fire-extinguishing elements makes the material ideal for the manufacture of diode lamps. In terms of cost, it is more expensive than acrylic.

The choice of material depends on the financial capabilities of the buyer and the requirements for lighting equipment, as well as environmental conditions.

Viewsdiffusers

In addition to differences in material composition, LED strip diffusers have differences in the way light is supplied and the surface structure, thereby expanding the scope of their application. Surface may vary in color and structure.

Lamps made of prismatic glass, due to the effect of refraction of light rays, give the greatest effect of light scattering (up to 90%). With the use of frosted glass, we have a coefficient of no higher than 60%, while providing the room with a cozy, subdued light.

A separate type of diffusers, characterized by a variety of designs and colors, is made using a 3D polymer material. Such devices are mounted on lamps of large dimensions such as "Armstrong".

Installation Methods

Led strip diffuser profile can be installed:

• Invoice/universal.
• Mortise. Installed in chipboard or cardboard: ceilings, furniture.
• Angular. For lighting rooms, furniture.
• Interior. Easy to match with any room decor, suitable for installing LED strips.
• For mounting on glass shelves with silicone spacers.

Convenience and ease of installation allow you to do the work yourself, the main thing is to choose the required type of glass. It should also be borne in mind that due to the fragility of acrylic, it is advisable to order delivery from a trusted company, since installing a damaged profile can be dangerous forhe alth. Diffusers based on plastic and polycarbonate are more practical, as they have a structure more resistant to mechanical shocks.

Mount types

Diode tape has several ways of installation, therefore, diffusers are produced in the form of blanks, allowing for the fastest and most convenient installation.

To install the tape, a flat and smooth surface structure is required, these requirements are met by specially designed profiles for LED lighting. This ensures the installation of LEDs in the form of rulers, strips, lamps, spotlights, rings, allowing you to decorate car headlights, etc.

Flexible diffuser for LED strip is most often installed on a plastic profile to provide illumination of various interior objects in the form of a circle or in an arc on arches, car headlights and circular lamps.

Application areas

Diffusers for fixtures made using acrylic materials are of several types: with a high level of transparency, as well as with a prismatic or matte structure. The disadvantage is fragility. Therefore, such devices are recommended to be used indoors. They are available with a smooth or grooved surface.

Due to its ease of processing, the use of plexiglass is very popular for interior decoration of apartments, nightclubs and other public buildings.

Forstreet lighting, including transport, public places and in rooms subject to constant vibrations (metro, stations, transitions), diffusers made of monolithic carbonate will be the best option. Indoor use is impractical due to their relatively high cost.

The plastic diffuser for the LED strip is made of polystyrene, which is distinguished by its low price and ease of installation. It is widely used for outdoor and indoor installations, as well as industrial applications. Types: mirror raster aluminum (Armstrong lamps), opal (matte), prismatic, transparent.

Nuances

The task of the diffuser is to give a soft and uniform glow, removing the dottedness inherent in LED strips and lamps. Since the level of illumination for different residential areas and objects is different, the luminaires should have a different degree of dispersion. In this regard, a separate sale of components for installation is practiced. The diffuser is selected separately depending on the requirements of the customer. Ease of installation allows you to independently replace an unsuitable or damaged profile.

When planning your expenses, keep in mind that frosted lights, most commonly used to create warm twilight in bedrooms and children's rooms, are more expensive than transparent ones.

Street diffusers for luminaires must withstandtemperature fluctuations and impacts. Such devices should not contain cracks through which moisture can penetrate.

In conclusion

The new age requires new types of lighting. An ordinary fluorescent lamp, due to its low cost, still firmly holds its position in the domestic market, but the situation is changing. LEDs in combination with a diffuser, despite their high cost, are being chosen by an increasing number of buyers who want to not only illuminate and decorate the room, but also save energy.