LED lighting in the steam room. Do I need special lamps for a Russian steam room? Features of the placement of lamps in the steam room

What are we guided by when choosing bulbs for a sauna or bath? In addition to sufficient lighting, it is important for us that the light bulbs we use are sufficiently resistant to temperature changes and high humidity.

You can’t just hang a lamp in the sauna, no matter what the consultant in the hardware store says. Situations when it is the wrong choice of light bulbs that leads to a fire are not uncommon, so try to protect yourself from this in advance.

The three key points that you should pay attention to when choosing a lamp are as follows:

tightness of the product;
sufficient tension;
product labeling.

Full tightness will protect the lamp from water ingress. It is believed that matte lamps with a ceramic body are considered one of the best options. Ceramics tolerate high temperatures well, and frosted glass allows you not to think about the additional wooden crate that ordinary light bulbs need.

Light bulbs in the sauna should not only be bright, but also protected from humidity and heat. Specialists of the light hypermarket "Nalampe.Ru" talk about the types of lamps suitable for use in a steam room.

Choosing the right bulbs for your sauna

In the sauna, the conditions for lamps are not the best - high temperature and humidity place serious demands on the quality of the lamps used.

Incorrect selection of a light bulb causes a short circuit and damage to the wiring from water ingress.
To buy sauna light bulbs, study the strengths and weaknesses of different models. Here are the comparative characteristics of the model that can be used in the sauna:

Halogen lamps. For a steam room, this is a suitable option, as the lamp is not afraid of high temperatures and is protected from splashes. Power up to 35 W allows you to create the right lighting that meets the standards. With internal heating up to 400 degrees Celsius, such lamps effortlessly cope with the heat of the sauna.
Fluorescent lamps. One of the types of lamps suitable for energy saving. They can serve up to 10 thousand hours, are inexpensive and pay off well. You can safely install energy-saving light bulbs in the sauna - they are not afraid of high temperatures. However, you can not put them in the waiting room, since temperature changes and frosty air flows from the street are not for them.
Fiber optic lamps. They allow you to provide designer lighting for the sauna, but requires compliance with all the established parameters for proper connection.

Each of the listed types of lamps can be safely installed in the sauna. However, there are types of fixtures that either cannot be installed, or can be mounted, but with great care.

Light-emitting diodes are among the luminaires with a limited area of use. They can only be used to illuminate the floor or decorate benches. This is due to the fact that LEDs do not tolerate heat well, and at the floor level it is the lowest in the sauna.

Incandescent lamps cannot be used in the sauna - they can explode if accidentally splashed with water. This, in turn, can lead to injury to those who were in the room at that time. Yes, and such a load, which is in a sauna or a bath, an ordinary incandescent lamp simply will not withstand.

Regardless of what type of light bulbs you use, they must be additionally protected from water and not count on structural strength alone. Take care of special shades for lamps that protect against splashes.

Hypermarket of light "Nalampe.Ru" will deliver suitable light bulbs for the sauna. The goods are protected from high temperatures and endure the conditions of the steam room. Managers will help you choose a lamp with the right power level, size and type of base.

A lamp for a bath is a specific type of lighting fixtures, which, first of all, carries a practical functional load. The aesthetic side of such products is secondary.

Peculiarities

Lamps designed for baths differ from other lighting devices in that, due to special operating conditions, they are subject to increased requirements. For long and safe service, products must have the following properties:

strength. To exclude damage from mechanical impact and destruction from elevated temperatures, the luminaire body must be very strong;
environmental safety. The materials from which the product is made must not release harmful elements into the environment;
fire safety. It is preferable that the cartridge and other structural details are ceramic. This will prevent them from igniting in unforeseen situations, for example, a short circuit or an emergency sharp increase in the temperature in the bath room, which may occur in the event of a thermostat malfunction during electric heating;
heat resistance. The lamp must withstand temperatures ranging from 100 degrees in Russian and 150 in Turkish baths, up to 200-250 degrees for ceiling options;
moisture resistance. The level of protection for sockets and switches in baths requires at least IP 44, and for lamps - IP 54;
reliability. The lighting device must be sealed with rubber or silicone, especially for lamps equipped with an incandescent lamp. Otherwise, in a steam room, the lamp will break into small fragments and injure a person;
durability and anti-corrosion properties. Details of the product should not quickly become unusable, and the ceiling or lampshade should not lose its aesthetic original appearance.

materials

Not all materials are suitable for the production of lampshades and plafonds of lamps due to the specific external influences to which the products are exposed. More suitable are:

glass. For plafonds with a wall-mounted type of fastening, thick glass of a milky or matte shade is used. Provided that the product is completely sealed, you can use an incandescent lamp. Glass lamps differ in the color and shape of the plafonds; they can be covered with a metal grate from above. There are also exclusive options, for example, a lamp made in the form of a kerosene lamp. The combination of glass and dark antique metal looks very impressive. Since the product is quite voluminous, it is recommended to use it in spacious baths;
heat-resistant types plastic and plastics, aluminum and stainless steel are also used in the manufacture of lighting fixtures for the bath. The main requirement is heat resistance and environmental friendliness;

Himalayan salt. A natural material with a beautiful structure that creates a soft shimmering light and has a healing effect. It can be used in the form of lampshades or solid plates, which serve as a diffusing screen for various light sources. When the salt surface is heated, the room is ionized and useful elements are released, which creates a powerful therapeutic and prophylactic effect.

Staying in such a microclimate is very useful for bronchial pathology, diseases of the skin and nervous system.

Plafonds and decorative diffuser screens made of Himalayan salt do not lose their healing properties throughout their entire service life.

The ionization intensity remains at the same level even after a long period of time. When heated, the molecules of the substance emit vapors containing many useful trace elements. This property explains the healing and healing effect, which is similar in healing power to the healing effect of salt caves, so popular in recent times.

Plates and lampshades made of Himalayan salt differ from each other in shades. You can choose more saturated colors with slightly less transparency, or you can choose products in soft pink shades that transmit light well and simulate fascinating lighting, thanks to the beautiful pattern of the material structure.

Lampshades and screens made of Himalayan salt do not require special care. It is enough to carry out wet processing, removing dust and dirt. Salt lamps can be used in any room of the bath and sauna, but they will be most useful in terms of healing in the steam room. Products are produced in a wide price range, the cost depends on the size of the model and the complexity of the design, which allows you to purchase a budget version of the lamp.

The tree harmoniously fits into the bath interior, continuing the image and being the final touch of design. Natural and environmentally friendly material is ideal for the manufacture of wooden screens and gratings. In the factory production of wooden lampshades, abash, linden and cedar wood is used. These breeds perfectly tolerate the high humidity of the Russian bath and the dry heat of the Finnish sauna, without losing their beautiful appearance, without swelling or drying out.

The cheapest material is linden. It smells good and withstands temperature extremes well. Abash and cedar are expensive species with a beautiful wood structure, durable, moisture resistant and durable. You can’t burn yourself about them, which is very convenient in steam rooms and washing rooms.

Wood products are used in any room of the bath.

Lampshades look spectacular, which are made of several tree species with different structures. For independent production of gratings and screens, it is better to use bast, vine and birch bark. These are inexpensive breeds, they are perfectly cut and polished, moisture resistant and not afraid of high temperatures. Coniferous wood, namely pine and spruce, should not be used in the manufacture of lampshades due to the high resin separation in a hot steam room. This product can burn your hands.

Wooden lampshades are made in the form of a grating or a screen with one or more scattering holes, through which the light passes. Luminaires can be attached to the bearing surface in an angular and wall way. Corner is suitable for small rooms, allowing you to save space and evenly illuminate the space.

The lamp of the models of the angular type of fastening is protected more reliably than that of the wall-mounted one.

The decorative grille is in perfect harmony with the wooden interior of all the bath rooms and can be made of slats or round rods fixed in the grooves of the frame. This type of lampshade looks great with decorative barrels, buckets and tubs, as well as with foot grates.

Varieties

Lamps differ in their purpose and the possibility of using a bath in a particular room due to the light sources with which they are equipped. In conditions of high temperatures and high humidity, the following types of lamps are able to work:

incandescent lamps. The case of models with this type of lamp must be moisture resistant and sealed using rubber or silicone seals. The safety class of the luminaire must be at least IP 56, the lamp power must not exceed 60 W. Products with this type of lamps are the worst suited for use in baths and saunas due to the fact that during operation the lamps get very hot, and if splashed, they can burst, injuring visitors;

LED elements moisture resistant, fireproof and reliable. Some models with an IP 65 safety index can even be used under running water. They save a lot of energy. When placed in a steam room, it is required to install a protective diffusing screen, a grille or a frosted ceiling due to a very bright light flux, from which the eyes will quickly get tired.

Many products with such lamps are equipped with a remote control, which allows you to adjust the brightness and shade of the emitted light flux.

Such specimens are expensive, but with their help you can get the effect of a starry sky or a play of shadows and light.

In the conditions of the bath, both lamps and ribbons can be used, which gives great opportunities for decorating the room and allows you to diversify the design.

The tape can be installed under the shelves without disturbing the visitors of the bathhouse and creating subdued diffused lighting Under it, you need to install a substrate made of heat-resistant plastic, stainless steel or aluminum. The disadvantage of lamps with LEDs is that under the constant influence of high temperatures, the LED elements quickly fail, and the remote control needs a protective waterproof case;

Fiber optic light sources are absolutely safe due to the transmission of light by glass wires by means of a light wave and the absence of electricity in the elongated tubular wires. They can even be used at the bottom of the pool, easily withstand temperatures of 300 degrees, so they are quite suitable for ceiling lights. Good for wet Russian baths and dry Finnish saunas. They emit soft light, are easy to install and durable.

The light of the fiber-optic element does not blind the eyes, which allows not to use grilles and lampshades when implementing interesting design solutions. The advantage of fiber optic elements is the ability to create numerous lighting effects, including northern lights and fire, which require the purchase of a filter, a colored lens or a special decorative nozzle.

Fiber-optic lamps are expensive, but the result obtained and the complete safety of the product justify the high price;

Other varieties also include:

halogen the lamps are suitable for use in steam rooms, they are low-voltage - they have a power of 20-35 W and an emission spectrum close to natural, therefore they are absolutely safe for vision, resistant to high temperatures and high humidity. They are not afraid of splashes and are produced with plafonds and semi-plafonds of different colors, which allows you to choose a lamp suitable for any room in the bath;

luminescent lamps. They have the ability to adjust the brightness, they are energy-saving, but they do not tolerate frost well, therefore they should not be used in country baths that are in a cold climate and are not used daily;
gas-discharge lamps can only be used in auxiliary rooms of baths and saunas: in the locker room, dressing room and rest room. For operation in the mode of elevated external temperatures are categorically not suitable;
infrared lamps. They have a power of 250-300 watts. The radiation frequency is from 1400 to 3000 nm, and the remote control allows you to adjust its intensity. When mounting the lamp, silicone wire must be used. Infrared radiation has a healing effect, so products with such a light source are becoming popular;
energy saving lamps. It is possible to install devices equipped with such lamps in rooms with a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees. For a steam room, where the air warms up above 100 degrees, their use is dangerous. The use of energy-saving lamps is allowed in the locker room, corridor, dressing room, washing room or rest room.

Installation

Before proceeding with the installation of the lamp, you need to carefully read the instructions for use of the product.

You need to start the installation by fixing the lamp body on the bearing surface.

After securely fixing the base, you should put on the ceiling, fix the lampshade, screen or decorative grille. Next, you need to completely de-energize the room if the installed models are not wireless. With a lack of illumination, use a portable light source or put a lantern, and only after that proceed with electrical work.

The luminaire must be powered by an electric meter, which must be equipped with automatic fuses, which, in the event of an unforeseen situation, will quickly de-energize the device.

Since the operating conditions of lamps are quite specific, there are some rules for their location. One of the main rules is that lighting fixtures should not be installed in areas with the highest temperature. Some models of lamps can only be placed in auxiliary rooms - dressing rooms, changing rooms and rest rooms. That's why before purchasing lamps, you need to draw up a plan for their placement in the zones of the bath, determine the number and level of protection for each room.

It is also necessary to determine in advance the places where the installation will be carried out. This must be done, guided by the type and characteristics of the lamps that the devices are equipped with, taking into account their brightness, tendency to overheat and moisture resistance.

Lamps should not interfere with vacationers with too bulky design or poor location.

Features of installing a lighting fixture in a steam room:

the lamp should be installed away from the heating element or furnace;
when placing, you need to take into account the brightness of the lamp. Too bright light will not allow you to relax, and dim light will cause eye strain, so it is better to use diffused lighting;
it is preferable to place the device in a corner or at the junction of the ceiling and wall. In this case, it will not interfere with steaming, which will eliminate mechanical impact and accidental damage to the device;
LED strips can be installed in various areas: corners, on the backs of benches and walls. They are not afraid of exposure to moisture, so clubs of thick steam are not afraid of them;
the ceiling is the hottest place, so you need to choose fixtures that can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees;
placement of decorative grilles. The location of the lampshade in the form of a lattice determines the shape of the lamp. For a corner arrangement, a lattice in the form of a trapezoid or a triangle is suitable. Rectangular and square models are best placed on the wall. And the lattice, made in the form of a semicircle, will allow you to achieve diffusing lighting.

Rules for placement in the sink:

you need to use only moisture-resistant models with closed sealed enclosures and a high protection class - IP 55 and 56, or fiber optic and LED strips;
you should choose products of medium brightness, with a soft, pleasant light;
wooden decorative lampshades should be made of species that are not prone to swelling. It is better to direct the lamp towards the wall, onto a pre-nailed curved plate. This will help avoid striped shadows.

Break Room Installation Tips:

due to the absence of extreme external conditions, the lighting device is selected in accordance with the design of the room and the taste of the owner;
simultaneous use of several lamps of different intensity is allowed for conditional division of the room into various functional zones, using the effects of flashing, fading and alternating colors, a chandelier can also be used.

The range of lighting devices on the modern market is huge and constantly expanding. But not all lamps are suitable for certain conditions and premises.

The article will discuss how to choose the most durable and suitable devices for lighting a steam room in a bath.

Requirements

Lighting devices are primarily used for their intended purpose - to add light to the room. But in the case of a steam room, they should be selected according to a number of criteria.

First of all, it is an aesthetic component. Lighting in the bath should be conducive to relaxation, not irritate the eyes, cause pleasant and comfortable feelings. The second important point is safety, since in steam rooms there are rather difficult operating conditions, the lamps must withstand them.

What should be taken into account?

There are few factors to consider when choosing fixtures:

high humidity. In some steam rooms, the moisture level is over 90%. Not every device can cope with such an indicator.
Sharp temperature fluctuations. In many cases, the bath is located on the street and is a separate building. Therefore, if you heat it in winter, then the temperature difference can be from -40 degrees and below to +120 and above.
Prolonged exposure to hot air. The bath is heated to high temperatures and can be in this state for hours.

The lamps have a number of technical characteristics, according to which it will be easier to choose them for use in the steam room.

The main characteristic for steam rooms is the degree of protection IP. It is marked with two numbers.

The first digit shows how the luminaire is protected from various kinds of particles and mechanical influences. The number 5 indicates that the protection from external contacts and dust is complete. The second number indicates the resistance to moisture. Moisture-proof lamps from small splashes spreading from any direction are indicated by the number 4.

According to the level of exposure to temperature it is worth stopping the choice on devices that can withstand temperatures from 130 degrees. Consider the installation location of the lamp. The closer it is to the ceiling, the more heat it must withstand.

And you also need to provide sufficient lighting. It will depend on the number of devices, and on their location, and on power. Recommended wattage may vary for different types of lamps.

Incandescent lamps should not be installed if their power is more than 60 watts. During operation, they get very hot and can cause a fire.

Another important selection criterion is the color of the lighting. The most favorable will be the usual yellow light. It is comfortable for the eyes, creates an atmosphere of comfort and peace. White color is colder, more disturbing. You can choose a color backlight, but you should not use it as the main. Bright colors can be annoying and distracting when relaxing in the bath.

There are varieties of lamps in which you can adjust the direction of light. It is convenient in steam rooms, unexpectedly and effectively. You can adjust the lighting according to specific conditions.

And also a practical solution would be to install a controlled lighting system, when some of the devices can be turned off and on as needed.

When choosing the type of lighting, you need to think about how the whole system will look like.

To do this, do not forget to consider the following parameters:

room dimensions;
is it possible to provide electrical wiring;
the maximum number of lamps for each fixture;
functions of the room - a separate steam room, combined with a shower room, a wet or dry steam room; these conditions will affect the degree of humidity;
angles of the luminous flux of devices.

As a result of studying all of the above, it may seem that the number of factors is too large, and is it not easier to choose the lamp you like in the store. But compliance with these conditions will allow you to create a comfortable, beautiful, unusual and safe interior that will last you a long time.

How to arrange?

First of all, it must be remembered that no matter how the lamp is protected from high temperatures, it cannot be placed directly near the stove. This is an additional risk for the safety of the premises and your health.

Installing lighting fixtures in a steam room requires a special approach.

The layout of their placement should take into account important features:

It is better not to install a clearly directed light, especially towards the area where the vacationers will sit. This will cause great discomfort. Scattered rays will soften the situation and will not irritate the eyesight.
Ceiling lights will be exposed to the most heat, so be prepared to change them quite often, even if they are high-quality heat-resistant products.

All appliances must be equipped with protective screens or grilles. This will protect others in the event of flying fragments.
The ceramic base of the luminaire is less susceptible to heat, and there is less chance of burns if accidentally touched.
Sufficient lighting should be considered in high-traffic areas. In the case of a steam room, this is the entrance, the shelves on which the vacationers sit, stones or a stove where heating takes place.
Additional lighting of important functional areas (shelves, doors, heater).

There are various options for installing fixtures. If you decide to mount them above shelves, consider the height at which they will be installed so that users do not touch them with their bodies or touch their heads.

The best option for installation would be an angle. It is unlikely that someone will sit there, so the device will not interfere. If, according to the design of the bath, you need to place the lighting as close to the ceiling as possible, install the devices horizontally on the walls at the point of their connection with it.

In Finnish baths, emphasis should be placed on high temperatures. A Russian bath involves high humidity. Therefore, the materials of the body and lamp for both types will be different.

Types and features

It is necessary to consider what types of lamps are in order to choose the option that suits you:

Halogen lamps. This type is becoming increasingly popular due to its many advantages. Lamps have their own reflectors. The power is low (about 30 W), but the products can withstand high temperatures. This is also due to their own design. The temperature inside the lamp reaches 400 degrees. The structure is thought out in such a way as to protect the lamp as much as possible from moisture penetration and other influences. Light turns out natural, comfortable for the person. Safety of use is also explained by the standard voltage required for operation. There are multi-colored species, but they are not widely represented on the market.
Fluorescent lamps quite convenient to use. It is worth choosing products without an electromagnetic choke. A significant advantage of such lamps is the ability to control the brightness of the light. This adds convenience to the application, and expands the possibilities for design. There are energy-saving varieties for economical consumption. It is important to take into account the peculiarity of fluorescent lighting - it does not tolerate frost. And if your bathhouse is located outside in a region with a cold winter, it is better to refuse to use them.

fiber optic devices very durable, withstand the most stringent requirements, but it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations for their installation for fire safety. Devices in the form of a bundle can operate at temperatures up to 200 degrees. The scattered flow of light and placement everywhere give great scope for design imagination.
LED lights- a real fetish for designers. But in the case of a steam room, they have a somewhat limited application. LEDs under normal conditions serve many times longer than conventional lamps, but at high temperatures they quickly fail. If you still decide to install them in the steam room, place them close to the floor (under or behind the shelves). Lighting can be quite bright and have any color. The LED strip must be glued to non-flammable and environmentally friendly substrates using safe formulations.

Which ones can't be set?

When entering a lighting store, you need to immediately understand which devices for installation in a steam room are not suitable at all. These are normal incandescent bulbs. They are quite fragile and are almost guaranteed to explode if hit by drops of water.

It makes no sense to choose gas-discharge products. Their high power is not justified in low light conditions.

Lattice decoration

Most of the baths located on personal plots, however, as well as saunas inside country houses, are finished with wood - most often clapboard made of various types of wood. In this case, I want to complement the interior with natural elements in order to maintain the integrity of the picture. Therefore, decorating lamps with wooden gratings has not only practical, but also aesthetic value.

From a practical point of view, the grille protects the space from splinters when the lamp is damaged. The appearance complements the peaceful and cozy atmosphere. The light that breaks through the individual cells loses annoying brightness and diffuses softly and everywhere, creating interesting shadows and reflections.

In the market of specialized products for the bath, you can find many beautiful and extraordinary grating options. But if you wish, you can do them yourself.

The most diverse wood can become a material for a decorative element. If you like a mono-interior, then the base can be made of the same type of wood as the sheathing of the rest of the bath surfaces. Most often, linden is chosen for these purposes.. Linden wood has a pleasant light shade, is very durable, exudes a pleasant smell and has healing properties.

But if you are a fan of aromatherapy, you should pay attention to coniferous products (larch or cedar). They are not suitable for walls and ceilings, since resins are released when heated, and a small grate will emit a specific aroma that has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. The product will serve you for many years.

The main elements of the lattice are the frame base and the lath mesh attached to it in several places, depending on the type.

When planning a design, you should pay attention to some features:

It is necessary to take into account the shape and type of the lighting device itself. It should be placed under the grate with a margin and conveniently fastened.
The place of installation significantly affects the design of the protection. If the lamp is located on the wall, then the shape of the lattice can be any: rectangular, semicircular, curly. If you install lighting in the corners, then the protection can be triangular or have another convenient number of edges.
The lengths of the rails are selected according to the parameters of the fixtures.

If the product has sharp corners, roughness and irregularities, they must be sanded and smoothed. These manipulations carry not only a decorative component, but also increase the safety of operation - reduce the risk of injury or getting a splinter.
Fasteners must be hidden. In this case, metal products can also be used to fasten the elements. If the hardware heads are on the outer surface of the grate, there is a risk that vacationers will be able to burn themselves about them during the washing process.
The shape of the rails depends mainly on your preferences. Rectangular elements are used for simple and strict products. They can be arranged in parallel rows. Products with various bends are suitable for curly intricate lattices. But it will be harder for a novice master to work with them. Although as a result you will get a unique design element.

In order to embody the most daring decorative ideas, you can build a diffusing screen. It performs the same functions as the grille, but there are many more design possibilities.

Not only wood can serve as a material for the execution of a product. Bark, natural fabrics, ceramics, plastic, and glass varieties perfectly cope with protective functions. The most short-lived type of coating will be cardboard or paper.

Many bathhouse owners are currently inclined to believe that LEDs should be installed in the steam room. But this is too much like a fashion when "everyone ran, and I ran." We believe that for a reasonable choice, you need to understand what you are dealing with and how it suits your goals and objectives. In our section “”, all its types are considered, so you can get a comprehensive idea.

Device and characteristics of LEDs

Before moving on to the practice of using them in the bath and sauna, let's find out what we are dealing with.

The LED is semiconductor element in which the passage of current causes the material to glow.

IMPORTANT! The main characteristic of current for semiconductors is current strength, not voltage. This means that fluctuations in this value are most significant for the operation of such elements.

Like any diode, it passes current in the forward direction and locks it in the opposite direction. Important Features LEDs are:

direct current, that is, the amount of current that provides passport luminosity;
maximum forward current - peaks that last for a very short time, which do not lead to a breakdown of the diode;
maximum reverse voltage– value, when applied, the LED will also not fail;
maximum power dissipation- the amount of heat that the body dissipates without collapsing.
volt-ampere characteristics- a graph of the relationship between voltage and current, helps with the selection of resistance.

These and other characteristics can be found in data sheet(technical description). It’s worth dealing with them if there is a desire not to burn the diodes, choosing the right characteristics for them step down transformer or power supply (driver). But if you do not assemble the device yourself, but use purchased lamps or ribbons, then there should be no problems.

However, you should also distinguish current and voltage sources- the first, when connecting the consumer, keep the current strength stable, varying the voltage drop, and the second keep a certain voltage, varying the current strength.

ATTENTION! LEDs need a source permanent current with stable characteristics, because even a 20% excess of the current will significantly reduce the life of the diodes.

Power supplies are available for sale. linear And impulse. Linear are suitable for the least powerful LEDs or strips of them. It is better to give preference to a pulse driver that has galvanic isolation.

ADVICE! It is better not to take cheap Chinese drivers. Their low cost will not pay for the rapid failure of the LEDs they feed. Indeed, for long-term operation, protection against fluctuations in the network, protection against overheating, protection against radio interference and output ripples are needed, namely, a cheap driver cannot provide all this.

Pros and cons of using in the bath and sauna

Still, LED lamps for saunas and baths are a slippery topic. On the one hand, you will find many ready-made offers specifically for these premises, on the other hand, no one hides the fact that it's too hot for semiconductors.

Indeed, the higher the temperature, the worse and less the semiconductor works. Pay attention to how the lamps are arranged - they must have radiator, which removes the heat generated by the diodes themselves. That is, they do not need external heating either - they themselves will overheat if there is no radiator.

But heat is effectively removed only when the ambient temperature is much lower than the critical temperature for crystal. And in the steam room, she simply cannot be like that. And it turns out that there is nowhere to remove the heat, and the LEDs die.

Nevertheless, a compromise is possible: even in the steam room temperature is not evenly distributed, and already somewhere under the shelves it reaches the limits allowed for the installation of LEDs. And in the floor area, the regime is even more favorable.

ATTENTION! Do not forget that this is a compromise. Therefore, it is not worth relying on the service life declared by the manufacturer. By the way, drivers often fail first.

In all other respects, of course, LED bath lights are good. If you put 9, 12, 24, 36 volts, there will be no more fatal electric shock in case of malfunctions. Of course, even at 220 volts, this can be avoided by installing an RCD, but supporters of low-voltage networks do not take this fact into account.

Of course, this is also just beautiful- Hidden, softly illuminating backlight instead of the usual lamps. Therefore, why think about some kind of RCD 🙂

energy saving it would be an important factor if the sauna was used daily, but for those who do not come to the site every week, this is not so important.

A nice bonus is environmental cleanliness, but the more important thing for a bather is that the same tape will not break into sharp fragments that can hurt you. Hence, LEDs are safer than incandescent bulbs.

minus we would only call that it is necessary to somehow stabilize the current, that is, to put stabilizer, qualitative transformer or driver, suitable for the parameters of the installed LED strips or lamps (the power margin of the driver should not be more than 20%, because otherwise the excess power returns to the network, and the driver breaks down faster). But if you understand electrics, then this minus simply disappears.

Varieties

LED lamps for saunas and baths differ in the following parameters:

by voltage;
by color;
according to the configuration of the LEDs (lamps or strips).

WITH voltage everything is simple - either these are lamps that can be put in a standard cartridge and connected to a 220 volt network, or these are lamps for the already mentioned 9, 12, 24, 36 volts that need a transformer or driver, or these are tapes that need a driver , calculated on their power and other parameters.

By color: LEDs can give different colors depending on the substance used as a semiconductor, and also depending on the color of the lens. There are monochrome color ones, and there are RGB ones that change color (there are three types of color diodes). White light It is obtained by combining a blue LED element and a yellow phosphor. It's funny that if it were paints, it would turn out to be green 🙂 White color varies in temperature - from 2,700 to 10,000 kelvins.

And let's talk a little more about tapes and lamps.

Ribbon

Someone guessed to mount a lot of diodes in a row on a long and narrow circuit board. This created a new type of lighting today called led strip. Flexible tape is sold in reels, usually 5 meters long.

Main destination - backlight interiors and exteriors. Since we are talking about LED strip for baths and saunas, here it is used to illuminate the shelves in the steam room and to illuminate pools.

Waterproofing tapes are divided into all the same degrees of dust and moisture protection, which apply to very different equipment. On sale you can find tapes protection class IP65 and IP68. In the first case, to protect the tape, it is poured on top with epoxy resin. In the second, a flexible and transparent PVC hose is put on the tape.

There are two modifications - when, for greater tightness, the inside of the "hose" is filled with silicone, and when it's just air. The most moisture-proof is the variation with PVC-filled silicone. It can be used to completely immerse the tape in water, for example, to illuminate the bottom of the pool. It is also suitable for a steam room.

To make it clear what the set of letters and numbers on the tapes means, let's decipher one of them.

SMD3528 120Led IP65 850Lm/m – smd- this is a technology for creating a tape, on sale there are either created using SMD or DIP technologies. 3528 is the size of the crystal (here 3.5 by 2.8 mm). 120LED– number of diodes per meter (here 120). Next comes the class of protection against dust and moisture that you already recognize, and behind it - the luminosity in lumens per meter.

In addition to power, you can also connect to the tape controller, which will control blinking and/or color. The controller may come with remote.

IMPORTANT! The length of the tape matters. If it is more than five meters, then it is better to divide it into pieces that will be connected to the power source in parallel. It is also worth taking care of increasing the cross section of the wire for overly long tapes.

To select the correct power step-down transformer or power supply, you should calculate total power of installed LED strips and add a power margin of 20% to them (recall that a larger margin is harmful).

Lamps

Many have probably already installed such lamps at home, so they know that, according to the shape of the base, there are those that are screwed into standard cartridge E27 suitable for incandescent lamps and are powered by 220 volts, and there are other plinths, destined for spotlights and designed for mains voltage of 12, 24 or 36 volts.

It's a little easier with lamps than with tapes, because for those that work from 220 volt no calculations need to be made at all, and for lamps with low voltage it is enough to calculate the total power and select (not forgetting 20% in reserve) a suitable transformer.

On sale you can find lamps of different shapes and sizes, different power and luminosity, different warmth of white light, and most importantly - different manufacturers.

Of course, we will advise well-known manufacturers, but not because someone pays us for advertising, but for the simple reason that cheap LED lamps from unknown companies seldom meet the stated specifications, and their cheapness is due to the lack of important parts, including radiators for heat dissipation.

If you want to save money, order LEDs in China and assemble a lamp with the desired characteristics yourself. At least you will be sure of the filling.

The cold light in the bath will not be pleasant, so take warm yellow is up to 3000 kelvins.
To check how strong pulsating lamp light, use the camera of your smartphone. This can be done when checking in a store - just point the camera at a glowing lamp, and if flickering is noticeable on the screen, refuse to buy this model.
Color rendering index, probably not too important for lighting a steam room, but if you decide to put such lamps in the relaxation room, then focus on 80 CRI.
Another important characteristic is voltage range, handled by this model. It is better to take those with a wider range.

By the way, there is a hybrid of tape and lamp. Since we are talking about a circuit board, you are free to choose its configuration and the location of the LED elements on it. If such a board is placed inside a luminaire, in which instead of a base there is just a smooth base, and the top is covered with a ceiling, then we get LED lamp. Of course, you will need to select resistors (they take excess voltage if it is provided by the power source). The rest is the same as for lamps and ribbons.

Installation requirements for a sauna

There is an excellent video on the Web showing viewers the process of making a lamp from Chinese LEDs on their own. We think that craftsmen will find it useful:

Everything else concerns the direct installation of fixtures that use LED elements in the most problematic room for semiconductors - steam room.

The experts say that closer to the floor place the LEDs in the steam room, the better for them. But this inevitably means the need for the main lighting, which will be located higher and disperse the darkness 🙂

ADVICE! In the steam room, you should not mount lamps on the ceiling, because it is there that the temperature is highest, and in the Russian bath too, and not just in the sauna. Put the lamps on the wall or in the corners - this is the most correct location.

By the way, if you want to learn more about which lamps are more suitable, which ones, just follow the links. In addition, we have a good material dedicated entirely (with instructions for self-production). Another material will talk about and share tips on how to make them yourself.

If an LED strip is taken for regiment illumination and below them, then the class of its moisture protection (the last digit in the code) must be at least 7: IP*7 or IP*8. If an ordinary lamp is placed under the shelf, then its protection class must also be appropriate, because water will fall on it. (The store will tell you that they are all sealed, but the manufacturer usually specifies the protection class, and often this IP54).

IMPORTANT! If your lighting fixtures are powered from a low voltage network, then all power sources (transformers and drivers) must be outside the steam room!

Do not forget when installing how important heat removal for the normal operation of LED elements - it can be not only metal radiator with high thermal conductivity, but ventilation! It's true - some craftsmen create entire cooling systems for LEDs. But here is the time to think - maybe, after all, put an RCD and incandescent bulbs? 🙂

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With LED lamps, it seems, sorted out. By the way, do you know that you can learn about all the new materials on the site from the channel of the same name in Telegram? Become its subscribers, and you will find a lot of useful information about the bath.

In contact with

The lamp in the bath is not only a source of light, but also one of the ways to create a state of relaxation and peace. Therefore, along with the technical characteristics, you need to pay attention to the aesthetic side and the brightness of the light flux. Lighting that is too bright will not allow you to relax, and excessive dimming can cause trouble. When choosing a light, it is better to purchase a lighting fixture that gives a warm, slightly yellowish light. It promotes relaxation more than other spectra.

To ensure safety, lamps for baths and saunas must be protected from moisture by special shades and made of stainless materials. This somewhat limits the design thought, but safety is much more important. In addition, wooden lattices can be used to make them more attractive. As they usually do. Therefore, the design of the lamp itself is not so important. It is important that it be of high quality, not afraid of high temperatures and high humidity.

Bath lamps must withstand temperatures above 100 ° C. Lighting devices are usually installed under the ceiling, and the temperature in the sauna, for example, can be above 120 ° C (the lamp also heats up). Therefore, lamps for a bath should normally tolerate heating up to this temperature.

Types of lamps

The following types of lamps for baths and saunas are on the market:

using incandescent lamps;
LED lighting devices;
fiber optic systems.

Bath and sauna lighting using classic incandescent lamps

The body of luminaires using incandescent lamps must withstand high humidity and temperature. To protect the lamp from moisture, various seals are used that seal the space between the housing and the ceiling. When choosing a lamp for a bath, please note that its safety class must be at least IP56 (this protection class indicates that the lamp does not allow moisture to pass through).

Bath lighting with incandescent lamps

In the lamps for the bath, you can use incandescent lamps with a power of not more than 60 watts. You can not put a lot of power, because they get very hot. If we take into account that the walls are upholstered with wooden clapboard and they are already heated to fairly high temperatures from the stove, then the added tens of degrees from the lamp can cause a fire.

Bath LED lamps

These lighting devices are absolutely safe, economical and reliable. In addition, they are not afraid of moisture. Some of the specially designed models are IP65 rated, which means they will not become a source of danger even if they are directly hit by a jet of water. The disadvantages of these lamps include a rather bright light, but competent placement and their correct selection can turn this disadvantage into a virtue.

There are some models that allow you to change not only the brightness of the light flux, but also the color of the lighting using a special control panel. The range of LED lamps is wide, but the prices cannot be called low. But the most unexpected effects can be achieved: make a starry sky and beat colors.

The use of optical lighting systems is absolutely safe in any environment. The thing is that fiber only conducts light waves, not electricity. Therefore, such systems can be installed even at the bottom of a font or pool, creating incredible effects.

The fiber can withstand heating up to 200 ° C, which allows them to be mounted even under the ceiling of a Russian bath. The light they give is unsharp, contributing to the creation of an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. If we add economy, durability and ease of installation to the list of advantages, then the ever-increasing popularity of these lighting fixtures becomes clear.

Where to place and what markings

Choosing the type of light bulb is not even half the battle. There are still many problems to be solved. And the first is where to install.

in the steam room

If we talk about the steam room, then the main thing here is not to hang the lamp where it is impossible. And you can not near the stove. Even if it is heat-resistant, it is unlikely to withstand the flow of hot air that comes from hot walls.

Otherwise, you need to rely on logic and a sense of taste. It is logical to install lamps above the shelf. He won't interfere there. You just need to put it in such a way that those sitting on the shelf do not beat their heads against it.

Often they install lamps in the corner. They definitely do not interfere: corners are used extremely rarely. You can consider installing a horizontal lamp at the junction of the wall and ceiling. If you can find (or make) a suitable corner decorative screen, you can stick an LED strip on some heat-resistant non-combustible base in the corner. It will turn out well.

In a dry-air Finnish sauna, you need to put lamps with a ceramic base. All the rest, even expensive Finnish ones, sooner or later fail. For a Russian bath, with its temperature in the steam room of 50-75 ° C, any heat-resistant material is suitable. But high humidity makes its own demands: the base should not be afraid of moisture. These are stainless steel, aluminum, heat-resistant plastics. Just pay attention to the temperature regime: at least 100 ° C (with a margin just in case).

In the washing

There are no particularly high temperatures in the sink, but there is high humidity, water splashes. In combination with electricity, this is dangerous. Here they select the class of protection of lamps as in the bathroom: depending on how much water can get on the ceiling (see photo).

Conventionally, the entire room is divided into three zones where lighting devices of different protection classes can be used:

The first zone is located in close proximity to the water source (faucet, shower head, shower stall, etc.). There is very high humidity, water can get in any quantity and from any direction. Only 12 V lamps are installed here, the reception of the water protection class is at least 5 (IP 45, 46, 47, 55, 56, etc.).

The second hone is located at a distance of 60 cm from the water source, bath, shower, pool. Drops rarely fly here, therefore the water protection class can be 4 and higher.

In the third, relatively dry zone, moisture protection of 1 and above is sufficient.

What these coefficients mean is clear from the table. Now, when buying lamps, you will do it with the consciousness of the case.

In the rest room

There is periodically high humidity. Therefore, at least minimal protection against moisture is also needed here: class 1 and above.

Point or tape

A little about where and how to make lighting. In the steam room you feel better with diffused light. Therefore, it is appropriate to use LEDs and LED strips, rather than point sources. Moreover, it is better to take LEDs not for directional, but for diffused light. For a steam room - what you need.

Where the lamps are placed: as they said, above the shelf, in the corners. The backs and shelves themselves are often illuminated from below. It turns out very well.

The washing approach is utilitarian: it is necessary to be clearly visible, but too harsh light is also not needed.

In the rest room, things are a little more complicated. We need light of different intensity. If you want to relax after a broom, it is advisable to turn on diffused, if you need to read - the lighting should be brighter. All light sources are best zoned.

That's how difficult it turns out an electrician.

Manufacturers

As always, when choosing any equipment, the question arises about the manufacturer: whose products are better to buy. Finnish firms Tylo and Harvia have long been leaders in the bath and sauna lighting segment. They produce heat-resistant lamps. They are worth buying in the steam room. Although they have a decent price tag, they are of high quality and reliability, they have been tested more than once or twice in numerous baths and saunas.

In other rooms, you can get by with more budget products. Linder lamps have more affordable prices, but their quality is lower. They are usually recommended to be installed not in the steam room, but in the dressing room, shower room or locker room.

In general, there are many German, Czech and even Russian companies that make such equipment. Look for those that suit you in terms of characteristics, not manufacturers.