How to choose spotlights for ceilings. Spotlights Lighting installations and their dimensions for suspended ceilings

As a rule, spotlights are not trusted to function as central lights. Their task is to create additional and uniform lighting throughout the entire area of ​​the room. But, even remaining in a secondary role, spotlights can radically influence the perception of the interior and serve as its decoration.

The Lampart online store offers inexpensive purchase of spotlights for suspended and suspended plasterboard ceilings. We have - best price in Moscow and the largest assortment on the market. Judge for yourself, the Lampart catalog contains more than one and a half thousand models. We have everything:

• many spotlights for suspended ceilings;
• products for plasterboard ceilings;
• models for suspended ceilings made of lining and wooden panels;
• new items from Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Hungary, China, and other countries;
• with classic and modern design;
• all colors and very different prices.

In the same section you can use a special filter. With its help, devices are easily and quickly selected according to the criteria you specify.

Our advantages

We are proud that Lampart offers the maximum range and best prices. But these are just a few of our advantages. Also for you:

• reference level of quality for each lighting fixture;
• assistance in calculating power and selecting photos of suitable lamps and a catalogue;
• delivery to all regions;
• installation;
• extended warranty 18 months.

The latest trends in lighting are multi-element systems using a large number of small lighting fixtures. Massive chandeliers are not left in all interiors, and even if they exist, they are still complemented by spotlights. All this creates a lot of options. But choosing spotlights is even more difficult than choosing a chandelier - there are too many nuances to take into account.

With the advent of suspended and suspended ceilings, such a thing as spotlights appeared. Firstly, on the ceiling they look like a luminous point, and secondly, a spot also remains on the floor, but of a much larger diameter.

There is another name - spots. This is a transliteration English word“spot” which translates as “point”, that is, in this case we are talking about the same type of lamps - spotlights. Some people mean rotary models by this word, but this is not entirely correct.

Understanding the types and varieties

Walking into any more or less large store that sells lighting fixtures, you can get confused by the abundance of different spotlights. It's very difficult to choose. Eat different designs, different thicknesses, they are designed to work with different types of lamps. In order to competently choose spotlights, you need to understand all these subtleties.

Let's say right away that there is no official classification. There is some division into types accepted by sellers and professionals. However, it is she who helps to navigate a huge number of models.

Installation method: built-in and surface-mounted

First of all, you should know that spotlights differ in installation methods and can be surface-mounted or built-in.

It’s easy to choose turned lamps based on this feature. For suspended ceilings, your desire is important, because you can install any type - both built-in and overhead. Only built-in models are suitable for suspended ceilings, and even then not all of them.

Recessed luminaires for suspended and suspended ceilings

Recessed spotlights are divided according to purpose: for suspended and suspended ceilings. They differ in the method of fixation and design. Let's start with the fixation method.

Spotlights for plasterboard or other suspended ceilings have spring-loaded spacers on the body. When they are inserted into the hole made, the spacers are clamped with your fingers. When they are released, the springs bend these “wings”. It is they who hold the lamp due to elasticity.

This design on suspended ceilings is unacceptable - the film or fabric clearly does not have enough bearing capacity. Therefore, for suspended ceilings, models are produced with an adjustable suspension attached to the body. The suspension itself is attached to the main ceiling. Then, after installing the film or fabric, set the desired height.

This does not mean that the models you like for suspended structures cannot be adapted for tension ones. You can find separate height-adjustable brackets on sale. Perforated hangers used for drywall work are also suitable for these purposes. It is much more difficult to set the required height with them, but you can cope.

These are not all the differences between spotlights for suspended ceilings. There are design differences. They are made so that light does not penetrate into the ceiling space. Otherwise, it will “highlight the insides” and debris that eventually ends up on the fabric or film. If you encounter such a problem, there are two options. The first simple one is to install a light bulb with a mirror-coated bulb. Their light is directed mainly only forward and the illumination effect will disappear.

The second option is to leave the old light bulbs, but wrap the outside of the housing with foil or foil material. This method works, but it is better not to use it. It significantly impairs heat dissipation, which will lead to greater heating of the adjacent film or fabric. This will result in a dark and/or deformed spot around the light fixture, or even worse results...

Choosing spotlights based on this criterion is also easy - for tension lamps, it is advisable to choose from your category. In addition to all the described nuances, they are also equipped with additional sealing rings that protect the film from damage.

Rotary

Most spotlights have a fixed bulb position. But there are models in which they can rotate. They are called rotary.

They are used in places where it is necessary to create an emphasis on some detail by highlighting it. For example, in order not to broadcast sconces over the paintings, you can illuminate them using rotating spotlights. They can also be installed in a built-in or regular wardrobe - it will be possible to direct the light into right place. Selecting spotlights based on this criterion is simple - they are placed where necessary. It’s unlikely that anyone will install rotary models “just like that” - they cost much more, because the body design is more complex.

How to choose spotlights according to technical parameters

To choose spotlights, in addition to the features of the device and design, you also need to understand the technical parameters.

Selection of spotlights by technical parameters- going into details

Supply voltage

There are spots powered by a 220 V network, and there are low-voltage ones - powered by 24 V or 12 V. The former are installed in ordinary “dry” rooms, the latter are more often used in bathrooms, for lighting swimming pools, etc. This does not mean that lighting in an ordinary room cannot be done using 12 V spotlights. It is very possible. But for their operation, a voltage converter or battery with the appropriate characteristics is required, as well as the use of wires with a larger cross-section (due to the reduced voltage, the currents increase, which leads to an increase in the cross-section of the wire). But if you use light diode lamps, the cross section will be small.

12 V spotlights can be connected to a common powerful transformer or have an “individual”

So, if you want to choose spotlights for the bathroom and safety is important to you, look for suitable models powered by 12 V or 24 V. They come with LED or halogen lamps. Using LEDs will also save on bills, while halogens provide the most pleasant light and more accurate color rendition. These same light sources can be used outdoors, for illumination, for example, front door and porch.

In ordinary living rooms or “dry” technical rooms (entrance hall, corridor), the use of low-voltage lamps is a rather rare case, but solely for reasons of practicality of such a solution.

Lamp type and base

To choose spotlights, you also need to decide on the type of lamp and base. Such lighting devices are equipped with:

• Low-power incandescent lamps. Their maximum power is 40-60 W; it is better to install models with mirror coating to form a directed light flux. The disadvantages are known - high power consumption, large amount of heat generated during operation. Therefore, this type is not advisable to use for suspended ceilings.

  

  It is better to use incandescent lamps with mirror coating for spotlights - at least some direction of light

• Halogen lamps with reflector and external bulb. Very similar to incandescent lamps. You can tell the difference by the fact that inside the flask there is another miniature one - in fact, halogen lamp. They have standard screw sockets (E 27 and E 14) and pin sockets (for low-voltage GZ 4, GY 4, GX 5.3, GU 4, GY 6.35, GU 5.3, for 220 V network G9, G10). More economical (30% less energy consumption with the same luminous flux), are more durable, but get very hot. Once upon a time, 12-volt spotlights used exclusively such lamps (there were no LED lamps yet).
• Halogen capsule lamps. Also called “finger”. Miniature light sources that consist of a small bulb and two wires/leads. Installed in closed luminaires, they require special care during installation - a fingerprint can cause burnout. Available only with pin sockets, and small sizes- for 220 V spotlights - G9, and for those operating at reduced power - G4; G5.3; GY6.35.

  

• Economy or compact fluorescent lamps. They do not look very good in spotlights since “compactness” is in relation to linear counting sources, which appeared first. In general, even the smallest housekeepers stick out from most buildings. They mainly replace incandescent lamps, since they consume 2-3 times less energy. But they provide a “colder” and more pulsating light (which is much worse).
• LED lamps. Here again, there are light sources with two types of bases: screw and pin. Moreover, there are all standard sizes. And for installation instead of incandescent lamps, and for replacing any halogen lamps. In addition, there are spotlights with built-in LEDs - these are the so-called “tablets”, which have a very small thickness. Of all the above, LED lamps are the most economical in terms of energy consumption, emit the least amount of heat, and have the longest operating life. But they are also the most expensive. In addition, there are a huge number of low-quality products that have strong pulsation and impaired color rendition; due to the use of cheap parts, they quickly burn out. That's why it's not easy.

How to choose spotlights in this category? Incandescent lamps are becoming less and less popular: they are too uneconomical, although they give a pleasant light. If eye comfort is very important to you, use halogen ones, but bulb or finger ones make no difference. If there are too many lamps and even halogen ones are expensive, use LED ones. But it is worth remembering that high-quality llamas cost a lot of money, and cheap ones, firstly, burn out quickly, and secondly, they can be harmful (due to the high pulsation coefficient). But this is the only type of lamp so far that can produce any light.

Dimensions of spotlights

When installing recessed spotlights for a suspended or suspended ceiling, such a parameter as the height of the lighting fixture is very important. After all, this parameter determines to what height the finishing ceiling will have to be lowered. And in the conditions of our apartments this is very important.

If we consider spotlights with lamps of various types, a general pattern is observed:

This is basic information on the size of spotlights depending on the type of lamps used. And let us remind you once again: there are LED energy saving lamps — complete analogues with the same dimensions and base.

In general, you understand - choosing spotlights is difficult. We have to take into account a lot of parameters. And this is without taking into account the appearance and choice of manufacturer. In general, it’s still a task.

Protection class

This parameter is important if you need to choose spotlights for a bathroom or other wet room. In the technical specifications there is such a line as the protection class. there are two letters IP and two numbers, which encrypt information about the lamp’s ability to withstand the ingress of solid objects (first number) and exposure to water (second number). The higher the numbers, the greater the degree of protection. For mixing on the bathroom ceiling - at least IP 44.

You can bet with more security, but with less, it’s better not to. Especially if spotlights are located directly above the bathtub, they must be protected from water.

Appearance and lighting effects

Lighting is not only functional. Often this is also a decorative component. To make choosing spotlights based on this principle a little easier, let’s divide them into categories:

In fact, choosing a design is almost the most difficult thing, because there are also rotating models, and two, three, or four light bulbs in one housing, and with various inserts of a different color, and with painting, embossing, etc. . etc.

A special atmosphere in the interior of a room can be created with the help of simple and compact light sources. Such, for example, are spotlights for ceilings. They are universal solution and can serve as both the main light source and decorative lighting elements. A feature of spotlights (as the name implies) is the formation of a powerful directional beam of light. At the same time, the lamps themselves have a small diameter, which allows them to be placed in a wide variety of places.

Spotlights are divided into two types: mortise and overhead. The first ones must be built inside the surface, while their body is not visible to the eye. The latter protrude above the surface, and they can be rotary, which allows you to adjust the direction light beam according to your needs. Specifications Both types of lamps are no different.

You can buy spotlights in our store. Their range is very wide, which will allow you to easily create your own unique interior. With the help of spotlights, you can highlight some decorative element or locally highlight, for example, a work area.

Recessed lamps as lighting equipment are used to create additional light in a room, decoratively decorate a room, and are used to illuminate individual objects or buildings.

A wide selection of objects for using these lamps implies a wide range of models for purchase. The search is carried out according to criteria that determine the aesthetics of the room where the devices are installed, and their practicality - the level of illumination that they provide.

When choosing lamps, they take into account factors that influence how convenient further operation is. Options include:

• Size (diameter);
• Type of lamps used;
• Functional purpose;
• Characteristics – waterproof, outdoor use.

Street lamps

The main selection criterion is functional purpose. This will save the buyer money when purchasing a device that is convenient for him. So, for the bathroom, the ideal choice is devices that are waterproof, and small-sized models are suitable for decoration. A separate type is intended for installation on the street - to illuminate the facade of a building.

When the installation location and use of the lamps have been determined, they proceed to selecting devices from the category.

Buyers are determined by 2 criteria: design and size.

The smaller the purchase, the less powerful the lamps are used, but there are models whose power is enough to illuminate a small room - a bathroom, toilet.

Size and design of luminaires

Modern recessed lamps use various types of lamps, such as ice, incandescent, and economy lamps.

To use incandescent lamps, choose a sufficient diameter of the lampshade, otherwise it will not be possible to install the lamp. Ice, incandescent lamps, and housekeepers are offered with the same type of base. But installing an incandescent lamp in a lamp designed for ice will not work.

More often, built-in lamps use ice lamps for operation, with the advent of which they gained popularity. Their advantages include:

• Small device dimensions;
• Ease of installation;
• Ease of replacing the lamp if it fails;
• Versatility - such lamps are used in residential, commercial, office and industrial premises.

As for the design and size of the lamp, today the market offers different options design, shape and type of fastening.

One of the types of lamps is overhead or external. It is used on basic ceilings as the device is attached to the ceiling. Such models are relevant for rooms with concrete ceilings. Although they are also applicable for suspended ceilings, interior designers often use them to decorate a room due to their non-standard design.

Surface-mounted lamps

The shape of such models is offered in the form of a cube, a hemisphere, or a full ball. Their diameter ranges from 5 cm to 15, although there are also options in larger sizes. Several such devices of minimum diameter are enough for a room, but 4-6 are enough for a bathroom. For a living room they are used as the main lighting - one lamp for 4 square meters, or as an additional option - in this case they decorate one of the walls of the room.

Other types of lamps

The usual types of lamps are recessed and pendant.

Pendant lamp

The difference between them is insignificant. Built-in ones are installed in the suspended ceiling fabric, mounted directly on its slabs. If you use pendant spotlights, then the housing itself, in which the lamp is located, is attached to the suspended ceiling. But for fastening, a base is used, which is fixed to the main ceiling, hidden by suspended ceilings.

The second type is called universal - it can be easily attached to any surface, although built-in models are cheaper.

The choice of lamp diameter is often related to the design features of the room and the need to fit the device into the existing interior.

If you purchase built-in models for illumination, then they prefer devices minimum sizes so that they are invisible, but provide sufficient lighting.

Common models of recessed luminaires offered by stores, with standard sizes. Depending on the type of lamps used, they are divided into:

• Spot diodes - offered with a diameter of 77mm, cut-in diameter is 52mm;
• For halogen spot lights, the diameter is 110mm, but keep in mind that the standard here is not exact, since much depends on the base and design features;
• Devices using ordinary lamps incandescent - diameter is at least 8 cm.

Be sure to take into account the type of base. So the Gu5.3 type often requires 7.5-8 cm, the pin base offers smaller sizes.

The same threaded base implies a lot of standards - from E5 (the smallest, so-called micro-base) to E40 (large base). Spot models use threaded sockets from minimum to E27 (medium socket).

Fixture for lamp with E27 socket

Ceiling models involve the use of lamps with a pin base.

They are divided into several types, differing in the distance between the contacts, or which require contacts on the bottom of the lamp and on the side. In ceiling models, the most popular today, a pin base is more often used, located on the rear (bottom) part of the lamp. This solution simplifies lamp replacement.

Choosing a decorative element

A separate point is the selection of decorative panels. After the main characteristics have been established, which will ensure ease of installation, the buyer seeks to choose a device based on its appearance.

A common practice is to choose a device with the same color as the ceiling. The lamp seems to be recessed and is minimally noticeable in daylight. Otherwise, lamps are purchased with a contrasting color in relation to the ceiling - to match the walls or floor. This solution is often used by interior designers.

An example of designing lamps with unusual colors

The diameter of the decorative panel for a small room does not exceed 5-8 cm, otherwise the lamp is too noticeable. If this is the main goal, then in stores there are also lamps with large panels.

Often the decorative element, like the entire lamp, is made of white plastic. Such devices are the most common and accessible. Therefore, the failure of an existing device will allow the owner to quickly find a replacement or buy a similar lamp appearance and using the same type of lamps.

Devices with original panel patterns or colors are also purchased. If the room is sheathed in plastic with a natural wood pattern, then use regular lamps white, means ruining the design. For such purposes, devices are offered whose design, pattern and color are suitable.

Dependence of ease of installation on the diameter of the luminaire

There is no fundamental difference between installing a device with a small diameter and a large one. The owner takes into account the fact that if suspended ceiling panels are prepared for the installation of large-sized lamps, then it will be impossible to install devices of a smaller diameter. It will be necessary to replace the panels in which holes were prepared for mounting large lamps.

Calculate and think through the location of the lamps in advance. This will allow you to calculate their optimal number per room, their power, and select the appropriate type both in diameter and depth.

The installation speed depends on the number of installed luminaires. Large-diameter devices will be required in smaller quantities than small-diameter lamps. Therefore, the installation speed will increase.

If the main criterion for the buyer is quick and high-quality installation, then they prefer simple models - lamps for light bulbs with a G5.3 base. Light bulbs are used various types.

Luminaire for lamp with G5.3 socket

Such devices are quite easy to install and connect. Their sizes are ideal for different types suspended ceiling and for any room.

The benefits include:

• Simplicity of design;
• Ease of installation and connection;
• Wide selection of models in design and color;
• Versatility – in terms of installation location and size. The depth of such lamps is minimal, the diameter is standard.

Even a person who has never performed such work before can connect such lamps to the wiring.

The convenience of these models also lies in the ease of replacing the light bulb or the device itself in case of failure: remove the lamp by bending the clamps in less than a minute, and turn off the light bulb by simply disconnecting the contact plug.