Depending on personal preference and usable area bathroom, select the brightness of the lighting and the type of lamps. The light in the bathroom should be comfortable and sufficient for the operation of plumbing fixtures.
The light in the bathroom should be comfortable and sufficient for the operation of plumbing fixtures
As a rule, in urban environments, a bathroom is characterized by an almost complete absence of natural light, so all kinds of lamps are used for artificial lighting. Shaving and applying makeup in front of a mirror, as well as showering and doing laundry, will require directional or local lighting.
Rules for light distribution in the bathroom
When independently planning and organizing space in the bathroom, it is important to divide the room into certain zones that have their own lighting. Such areas may be represented by:
- plumbing fixtures;
- shower stall;
- sink;
- mirror;
- cabinets and shelves;
- household appliances, including a washing machine.
Of course, not every bathroom has the opportunity to arrange the above zoning. For example, in rooms that are too small in size there is no space to accommodate household appliances or pieces of furniture.
How to organize lighting in the bathroom (video)
Lamps on the wall
Wall lamps can be presented:
- slightly protruding shades, fixed with a minimum distance from the surface;
- wall sconces, the lampshade part of which is fixed on a special bracket;
- sources hanging type, made in a bowl-shaped form and mounted on special hangers.
The design of the bathroom is original, made with architectural elements represented by pedestals, steps or niches. Light sources installed in such areas serve as an excellent complement to wall lights.
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General ceiling lighting in the bathroom
The most important thing in a room is overhead lighting, which is planned depending on the overall style and characteristics of the ceiling covering used. If in a small room it will be enough to install a single ceiling lamp, then in a large room with high humidity In order to achieve a uniform light flux, it is necessary to install several devices.
The power level of installed light bulbs is selected using a similar principle. All produced ceiling lights are built-in and open. Built-in models are best used on suspended ceilings. However, experts recommend using floodlights with an adjustable angle of rotation for lighting rooms with high humidity.
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Decorative floor lighting in the bathroom
Floor lighting is popular not only in living spaces, but also in the bathroom, which makes it easy to zone the room and bring originality to the environment. Floor lighting can be represented by:
- lighting fixtures spot type, including halogen bulbs;
- LED diffused systems;
- spotlight-type light sources.
Such stylish option in the bathroom it serves at the same time not only as additional, but also as decorative lighting. Very important in a room with high humidity levels, use not only beautiful and durable, but also sealed lamps, the power of which does not exceed 5.0 W, and to create an unusual lighting effect, you can use original colored light bulbs.
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Bathroom mirror lighting options
The surface near the mirror installed in the bathroom must be designated as an individual functional area. In rooms with a niche, podium or other design elements, functional zones maybe several. Professional designers recommend using symmetrical placement of lamps on both sides of the mirror, which will ensure sufficient and quality lighting, but it will not blind your eyes. Also, very important so that light from lighting sources is not reflected in the mirror surface.
Shower cabin lighting
When using a shower cabin with closed doors, such a plumbing fixture in mandatory it is necessary to ensure the availability of light, which can be:
- built-in lamps;
- color LED backlight.
Built-in lights can be placed on the ceiling of the shower stall or on its side panels. Any lighting devices used must be covered with transparent covers and also have a high degree of protection. Also in modern shower boxes can be installed various options original LED backlights around the perimeter of the cabin or in the shower head. Despite the fact that the purpose of the second option is, as a rule, purely decorative, it is very important to especially carefully check its serviceability and safety of operation.
Gallery: bathroom lighting ideas (95 photos)
Organization of lighting in a bathroom with a suspended ceiling
Properly organizing lighting in rooms equipped with suspended ceilings is not too difficult. In this case, it is advisable to give preference not to classical, but to modern light sources.
Selection of fixtures and lamps for the bathroom
If a suspended ceiling is chosen during the arrangement, then in the process of planning the lighting solution you should definitely take into account the type of surface of the walls and ceiling, which can be matte or glossy. The second option stands out strongly against the general background and helps create a three-dimensional reflection. Such surfaces look very stylish and also help to visually enlarge a small space.
Matte surfaces are able to muffle glare and do not cause distortion at all. With a competent approach to the issue of installing a stretch ceiling, there is a great opportunity to create in the bathroom not only exclusive, but also very stylish, modern design. One of the most interesting solutions if available matte ceiling and walls are illuminated with special ceiling spots. If you connect such light sources correctly, you can make the entire space very bright and beautiful.
How to install the right lighting in the bathroom (video)
Ceiling spot lighting
If there is a stretch ceiling, then ideal option The backlight will be using a standard LED strip. The color scheme of such lighting can be completely different. As a rule, the lighting strip is mounted directly under stretch ceilings and serves as decorative lighting, so it is advisable to use powerful lighting fixtures located in the corner area as the main ceiling lighting.
Original bathroom lighting ideas
As a rule, the concept of high-quality room lighting is based on the use of classical ceiling chandelier, and also installation of halogen light sources in the floor, around the bathtub, as well as around the entire perimeter of the shower stall:
- installation of halogen lamps inside cabinets;
- creating a false window with decorative lighting;
- installation in the floor of sealed and durable lamps with a power of no more than 5.0 W;
- highlighting plumbing fixtures using directional light beams.
Some manufacturers currently offer modern models baths with independent system lighting. The disadvantages of such products include high cost, so if you have a limited budget, it is advisable to use original ideas lighting.
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Choosing lamps for a small bathroom
Ideal in small rooms is three-level lighting, represented by:
- lighting fixtures located in the upper part of the room. IN small rooms It is enough to install a central ceiling lamp;
- as working lighting, a pair of lighting fixtures are installed near the mirror, located parallel in the upper part;
- An advantageous solution is to install wall lamps on flexible brackets, which allows you to adjust the direction of the light flux.
Wall lighting at the bottom of the wall plays a decorative rather than functional role, but is quite suitable for small spaces.
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Lighting options in the toilet
IN toilet room it is allowed to install modern suspended ceilings, made of plasterboard boards followed by uniform embedding of traditional spotlights around the entire perimeter. When using such a lighting system, it is possible to obtain a soft and diffused light that does not irritate the eyes at all.
At proper organization, light sources in the toilet room not only perform their basic functions, but are also original element design that helps hide all the imperfections in the room.
It is not recommended to use one or a pair of traditional lighting fixtures, which are capable of fulfilling their main functional purpose, but cannot be considered as a decorative element. As a rule, The choice of lighting option in the toilet directly depends on the size of the room. Lighting devices must fully comply with all safety requirements and be comfortable in daily use. All lamps installed in bathrooms must be waterproof, and switches must be placed outside the room.
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How to make bathroom lighting with your own hands
Carry out work on arranging a lighting system in the bathroom It’s quite possible on your own, taking into account the specifics of using lighting devices:
- Creation electrical diagram lighting, with a mark of the number and location of all lighting fixtures and switches;
- at proper arrangement the distribution box is usually located outside the bathroom;
- installation of point light sources and traditional sconces takes little time, and the devices themselves cannot take up large number free space;
- to design hidden ceiling lighting, it is best to use a modern LED strip;
- lamps must be waterproof and placed, if possible, at a sufficient distance from water;
- it is advisable to give preference to modern low-voltage lighting devices operating on 12V;
- a very good alternative traditional sources lamps with directional and adjustable luminous flux will become light.
DIY installation of spotlights in the bathroom (video)
It's important to remember that in rooms characterized by high humidity levels, only lighting and electrical products with a degree of protection of IP-44 or more are used, and cable laying is carried out in a hidden way, with mandatory protection of electrical wiring with a corrugated pipe.
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August 23, 2016Specialization: facade finishing, interior decoration, construction of cottages, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)
Bathroom lighting must be approached responsibly, because here we not only perform hygiene procedures, but also rest, relax after have a hard day and just being alone with ourselves. At the same time, the lighting determines how comfortable it is to be in the room and how convenient it is to use all the functions of the bathroom, not to mention the visual perception of the interior. Therefore, next I will tell you how to correctly implement lighting in the bathroom with your own hands, and what principles you need to follow.
Principles of lighting organization
Before you make lighting in the bathroom, you need to decide on a number of nuances. To do this, in turn, you need to know the principles of its implementation, which are given below:
Below I will tell you in more detail about the principles of organizing lighting in the bathroom, and also give examples of lighting from professional designers.
Principle 1: Correct placement of luminaires
When choosing places to install lighting devices, do not forget that there is never too much light. Therefore, ideally, lighting should have three levels:
- overhead lighting – as a rule, it is a chandelier that is installed in the center of the ceiling. True, in small rooms better use spot lighting, i.e. several small lampshades located evenly on the ceiling or around the perimeter of the room.
Another modern and original solution is a “star scattering” consisting of many diodes. True, such lighting can only be realized if there is a suspended ceiling;
- working - provides illumination of important areas. For this, sconces and lamps are usually used, which are most often located near the mirror above, as well as near the bathtub, shower stall, etc. Working lighting should be bright enough, but at the same time it must be implemented in such a way that it does not dazzle the eyes, especially for devices located near the mirror;
- bottom lighting is more decorative than functional. It is usually used to decorate pedestals, niches, steps, baseboards and others. architectural elements. In this case, the lighting can take the form of portholes, multi-color lanterns or even solid ribbons.
Small lamps can be built into furniture - cabinet drawers, shelves, etc. Thanks to this, the interior will look more attractive, and you will find the things you need faster.
Principle 2: harmonious lighting design
When choosing the design of lighting fixtures, you need to consider the following rules:
- The dimensions of the central lighting source and its design determine the height of the ceilings and the area of the room. For example, if the walls are low, you should not use a hanging chandelier. But spotlights and spots would be an excellent solution;
- When choosing the design of a lighting device, be guided by the style of the interior of the room. If the room is decorated in modern style, for example, high-tech or, then metal lamps of simple and strict shapes will look great. If the interior is classic, give preference to chandeliers and sconces;
- if the bath area is large enough, it is better to use a central lighting source with several lamps that provide uniform diffused lighting;
- if the room is decorated catchily, then the lamps should also be noticeable so that they serve as an accent and decoration of the room even when daylight. If the interior contains a minimum decorative elements, it is better to use inconspicuous lighting devices, for example, built-in ones.
Avoid using lamps with plastic or colored glass bodies, as similar models greatly distort the light. It is better to give preference to lamps with white frosted glass.
Principle 3: Optimal lighting power
The comfort of staying in the bathroom largely depends on the level of lighting, as it affects vision and, in general, nervous system. But what kind of lighting should be in the bathroom to ensure maximum comfortable conditions? It's actually very simple.
As you know, light power is measured in lumens. So, There are certain standards for the number of lumens for a bathroom - this is ~ 200 Lm per square meter .
True, lamp manufacturers most often indicate the power consumption of devices, and not the light power. However, knowing it, you can find out the luminous flux power from the table below:
When calculating lighting power, also take into account the colors of the finish and the type of materials. If the room is decorated in light colors and has many glossy surfaces and mirrors, the lighting level can be left within 200 Lm per square meter or even a little less. If the finish is dark, this figure can be increased slightly, for example, to 250 lm.
Principle 4: Safety
Bathroom and toilet lighting should be safe. This is perhaps the most important requirement for him. Therefore, when choosing lighting devices, you need to pay attention to the index, which is deciphered as follows:
- The first digit indicates the protection of the device from the penetration of dust and other small particles. No protection is indicated by the number 0, and complete protection by 6.
- the second digit is responsible for the level of moisture protection. Complete water resistance is indicated by the number 8. In this case, the device can even be immersed under water for a long time. The absence of moisture shields, accordingly, is indicated by the number 0 - such devices cannot be used in the bathroom.
- the third digit indicates the impact resistance of the product and can vary from 0 to 10. It should be noted that at the maximum value of this indicator, the formation of dents, chips or cracks is allowed after mechanical impact at 20 J, however, the device must still continue to operate and even meet electrical and fire safety requirements.
It must be said that sometimes manufacturers do not indicate impact resistance, in which case the index contains two numbers - the level of dust protection and protection from moisture.
Switches and sockets should be located outside the bathroom. The wiring must be hidden and protected from moisture. It is better to entrust the connection of all devices to specialists, so that it is also carried out in compliance with all standards.
Thus, A bathroom fixture must have protection from negative external factors of at least IP 442. In this case, of course, one should take into account the operating conditions of the device, which depend on the area where it is located.
For example, lamps near the bathtub and sink, as well as inside the shower stall, should use the most secure fixtures, i.e. with a marking of at least IP 674. Moreover, they must operate under a voltage of no more than 12V.
Ceiling lighting for these same areas can be provided by devices rated IP 452 or higher. If the device is located at a distance of half a meter from the edge of the sink or bathtub, then its marking may be even lower, down to IP 242, i.e. There should only be protection from drops of water.
In cases where the bathroom is large enough and you will install the lamps at a distance of at least 3 m or more from the bathtub and sink, you can use models marked IP 011.
Of course, when choosing lighting devices, price plays an important role. So that you can get an idea of the cost of these products, the table shows prices for some common lamp models:
Principle 5: Optimal lamp type
Currently there are quite a few various types lamps that have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, below we will briefly review them, which will certainly help you make a choice:
Types of lamps | Peculiarities |
Incandescent lamp | Popularly known as the “Ilyich light bulb”. Possesses small level luminous flux and is not durable, however, despite this, it is most popular due to its low cost. |
Halogen lamps | As a rule, they are used in spots. They have a much higher light output than incandescent lamps, and also heat up less and last longer. There are 220 and 12 V lamps on sale, the latter require additional installation transformer. |
Fluorescent lamps | They have a powerful luminous flux and at the same time have a long service life. Disadvantages include susceptibility to voltage fluctuations in the network. |
LED backlight | According to manufacturers, LEDs will last you at least 100,000 hours. At the same time, they consume a minimum of electricity. They are usually used in spotlights. In addition, there are tapes used as decorative lighting. In particular, they can be used to create luminous ceiling and floor skirting boards, which look beautiful and modern in the interior. |
When choosing a lamp type, you should take into account the characteristics of the lamp. For example, incandescent lamps, which become very hot during operation, are not suitable for plastic appliances.
Conclusion
Properly and beautifully designing lighting in the bathroom is easier than it might seem at first glance. And for this you don’t have to be at all professional designers. The main thing is to adhere to the recommendations outlined above, and, of course, take into account individual wishes.
See the video in this article for more information. If you have any questions regarding the organization of lighting, ask them in the comments and I will be happy to answer you.
August 23, 2016If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!
Hidden lighting can make the space more airy and the atmosphere pleasant. Thanks to it, you can create a special mood in the interior, make it spectacular and attractive. How to achieve all this, and how to use hidden lighting in your home? We found many interesting examples!
When an apartment or house has a second level, there must be a staircase. Equipping it with backlight is a practical technique that will come in handy in the dark. In addition, it will make the flight of stairs more original and interesting in design.
Stylish solutions for the bathroom and toilet
Where is it best to use hidden lighting? In small spaces that do not receive natural light, such as bathrooms and toilets. These rooms are not very large, there is always not enough space in them, but the situation can be changed at least visually. Lighting the ceiling, floor, plumbing fixtures or mirrors is perfect for this. First of all, the space will look light and airy, and secondly, visually the interior will become larger and more spacious.
In the bedroom, hidden lighting is not used so often, but in vain, because it can create a harmonious and cozy atmosphere in the space. If you install it under the bed, it will seem that this piece of furniture is floating in the air. Hidden lighting also looks good at the head of the bed, and can become a stylish accent in the dark.
The best assistant in the dressing room
Where else is hidden lighting needed? In closets, small niches and dressing rooms. Sometimes you just can’t do without it here. She helps you find the things you need and also makes small spaces lighter. It is easy to install on the ceiling, on a shelf or in the back of a cabinet.
Where I most often use hidden backlighting is on small kitchens. And this technique is quite justified, so it is convenient to illuminate the work area, as well as the place near the stove and at the sink. Sometimes lighting is done on the bottom wall of hanging cabinets to give the space a visual lightness.
I would like the living room to always be harmonious and cozy atmosphere. It is not difficult to achieve this with the help of hidden lighting; it will come to the rescue when it is necessary to create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. In addition, in diffused light it is pleasant to just relax or watch your favorite movie.
Hidden lighting is so universal tool that it can be used not only in each of the rooms, but also in the exterior. It will look great on a balcony or in a private courtyard, will illuminate the house at night and will make the atmosphere in the courtyard special.
We have compiled more They are worthy of attention!
The toilet, of course, is far from the main room in the apartment. However, the bathroom must be equipped in such a way that it is as convenient and safe to use as possible. This applies, of course, to the wiring and connection of lamps in the toilet that must be done correctly.
The peculiarity of bathrooms is, first of all, that in most cases the rooms are small. In addition, toilets usually have no natural light at all, since there are almost never windows in bathrooms. That's why artificial lighting in such rooms, in any case, it should be quite intense and powerful.
Which lamps to choose
Such devices are purchased depending on the design and layout of the bathroom itself. For example, lighting in small toilet, long and narrow, it is best to arrange it using some beautiful wall lamps. Using such equipment narrow room can be easily expanded visually. To do this, the lamps should be hung on both long walls higher.
For restroom with low ceilings Regular flat lampshades are best suited. Lighting in a large toilet can be organized using the most different lamps. These can be small ceiling chandeliers, and wall sconces, and even floor options similar devices.
When choosing lamps for a toilet, among other things, you should take into account the standards provided by SNiP. Otherwise, using the restroom will be inconvenient in the future. So, for example, according to the rules, normal lighting in a toilet per 1 m2 is 20 lux.
Wiring rules
According to SNiP standards, the cable in the toilet, as it is, is allowed to be laid only in a hidden way. That is, the wires in such rooms are pulled in grooves. Exception in in this case are only wooden buildings. In the toilets of such houses, cables can be laid in hermetically sealed metal pipes.
It is not prohibited to install sockets in toilets. However, such elements are most often installed only in combined bathrooms. In such premises they are used for washing machines, hair dryers, etc. Sometimes lamps in the toilet are also connected to sockets. In any case, only waterproof structures (minimum IP 44) should be used in bathrooms.
Distribution boxes Usually they are not installed either in separate toilets or in combined bathrooms. In any case, it is better to move such an element outside the restroom.
Cable selection
Of course, the wires used for installation in the toilet, as in any other place in the apartment, must be fire-resistant and reliable. When choosing a cable for a restroom, you need to pay attention to:
its section;
material and number of cores;
certificate.
For obvious reasons, such products should be purchased exclusively from trusted manufacturers.
As for the material, in most cases, property owners today use copper wiring for their electrification. Aluminum is considered outdated and does not meet the requirements of organizing modern life.
Wiring to toilets, combined or separate, is three-wire. That is, the cable must have a ground wire.
If everywhere in the rooms there are stretched copper wires, then, of course, you should use this type of cable for the restroom. The aluminum option is not particularly suitable in this case. It is believed that it is best to use low-smoke cables VVGng 3x1.5 or VVGng-LS in bathrooms. In any case, the cross-section of the wire purchased for the toilet should not be less than 2.5 mm 2.
Location of devices: standards
In individual restrooms, lamps can be hung almost anywhere. When installing such devices in combined bathrooms, the following rules should be followed:
It is allowed to place lamps in the toilet, as well as sockets, no closer than 60 cm to sinks, bathtubs and showers;
It is also not allowed to place sockets or lighting fixtures directly next to the floor, to avoid them getting wet due to leaks.
The wires from the restroom should be connected to a two-pole RCD. This method will allow you to immediately turn off the power to the bathroom in the future, if necessary.
How to wire a toilet
Perform the procedure for electrifying the restroom as follows:
make markings on the walls;
measure the required wire length;
buy the cable itself.
perform wall slitting according to the markings;
make sockets for sockets, if provided;
install switches.
How to make light in the toilet: wall strobing
IN brick houses Cables are usually pulled using fairly simple technology. It is not too difficult to ditch walls made of such material. After all, bricks are laid using cement mortar. This material is quite easy to use with a hammer and chisel.
The seam between the rows of bricks stretches in the vast majority of cases along the entire wall. So horizontal cable laying in such a house can be done in just a couple of hours. WITH vertical installation However, in this case you will have to tinker. After all, bricklaying is done with bandaging of seams. Therefore, in order to raise or lower the cable along the plane of the wall, you will have to use a grinder.
The same tool is usually used for gating concrete walls. In this case, horizontal knockout has to be done more carefully than in brickwork- using building level.
Wire routing
After the grooves are laid in accordance with the chosen lighting design in the toilet, they begin to hollow out the sockets for the sockets. For this purpose, a hammer drill with special nozzle. Next, we begin to actually lay the wires. Pulling cables in grooves is allowed without any additional protection. But it is best to lay the wires in grooves along the pipe. In this case, in the future, if necessary, they can be easily replaced.
When laying a cable in a groove, you can fasten it, for example, with thin metal plates that you cut yourself. Each such element is nailed into a groove in the middle. The cable is then pulled over the plate. Next, bend the ends of the metal strip over the laid wire. Using the same principle, you can also secure a pipe under the cable in the groove.
After the wiring to the toilet has been laid, the groove is sealed with alabaster or cement mortar. After waiting for the material to dry, the section of the wall above the cable is carefully sanded using sandpaper.
Connecting devices
After the wall has dried, you can begin to actually arrange the lighting in the toilet. When using only one lamp in the restroom, it is best to move the switch outside the restroom, for example, into the corridor.
As with sockets, a socket is pre-hollowed out for this element. Switches are installed according to the diagrams drawn on their rear panel. In cables, the ground wire usually has a sheath yellow, "phase" - red, "zero" - blue. In accordance with this, the connection is made. When installing lighting in the toilet, sockets are installed using the same technology. That is, they connect the earth, phase and zero wires to the corresponding terminals of the product.
Smart connection
You don't have to use the light in the toilet too often. But many people simply forget to flip the switch after visiting the restroom. And this, of course, is very uneconomical. To avoid this, you can install “smart” lighting in the toilet rather than ordinary lighting.
In this case, in addition to the lamp itself and the switch, a special device is installed in the restroom - a presence sensor to turn on the light. Such a device is installed in the toilet right at the entrance. Equipment of this type is connected directly to the wiring coming out of the wall and to the lamp according to the diagram provided by the manufacturer.
Instead of a presence sensor to turn on the light in front of the entrance to the restroom, you can also install a motion sensor. Such a device will also make living in the house much more comfortable. It differs from a presence sensor in that it does not “catch” various types of small movements. However, such a device will still be able to “notice” a person passing through a doorway in any case. At the same time, motion sensors are somewhat cheaper than presence sensors.
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What should a toilet light look like in the 21st century?
Previously, it was generally accepted that light in the toilet was sufficiently provided by one small light bulb, turned on from the outside by pressing the appropriate switch. But it’s already 2016 and I personally decided to keep up with the times, using modern technological advances. I will tell you further what came out of this.
Selecting and installing a light source
Sad hanging from the ceiling wall lamp, consisting of one incandescent light bulb, has probably been in every toilet multi-storey buildings, and in some it remains to this day. At least, that’s how it was for me before I took up reforms.
This option was considered optimal for the bathroom, which is absolutely not true, which I will now prove to you:
Debunking myths
- Myth one - saving. The fact is that visits to the toilet are not very frequent and short-term, so it has practically no impact on your family’s budget;
- Myth two – no need for brighter light. Like: “What is there that needs to be considered?” But in general, being in a cramped space, shrouded in twilight, has a very negative impact on a person’s mental state, up to the risk of claustrophobia.
And if an adult is quite capable of enduring such conditions, albeit without much comfort, then if there are children in the apartment, it is better not to risk their health and mental state.
Advantages of LED spotlights
So, looking at the above, what should a lamp for the toilet be like? I won’t languish for a long time, I gave my preference to LED spot models for the following reasons:
- Economical energy consumption. Even understanding that the light in the bathroom is rarely turned on, you still want to make it more economical, such is human nature, and the lighting devices in question cope with this task quite successfully;
- Quite bright, but not cutting, emitted light. Four lamps installed in the corners immersed my toilet in a soft and all-encompassing glow, excluding any depressive mood;
- Simple hidden installation easy to do with your own hands. Fortunately, I sewed up the ceiling a little earlier plastic panels, so all that remains to be done, in fact, is to cut out the seats for the device sockets in them and extend the wiring to them from the location of the old light bulb. I’ll describe it a little lower this process more details;
- High level of protection against higher level humidity. Of course, the toilet is not as damp as the bathroom, but still an extra precaution won’t hurt, and owners of shared bathrooms need to be as careful as possible in this matter.
Current offers
Before you install led lamp, you need to buy it. I will give the characteristics of some models along with their cost so that you can get your bearings:
- Model “011278 Piano ip mini”:
- Model "A601 W Ambrella":
- Model "006410 MEDUSA CR":
As you can see, the price mostly fluctuates depending on the shape of the lamp. But here it is advisable to do it anyway emphasis primarily on the moisture resistance of the device, and not on its originality.
Installation of spotlight
Above, I already noted the ease of installation of spotlights, now I will describe in more detail how I did it:
- By inserting a crown suitable diameter V cordless screwdriver, I drilled a hole in plastic ceiling at a pre-designated place;
- Through the hole made got the right wire, having previously de-energized the electrical network;
If you cannot reach the cable by hand, then use a piece of wire bent into a hook for this purpose. This device will easily fit into a standard mortise hole.
- Next connected the wires to the lighting fixture itself;
- Then threaded the lamp into the prepared seat and fixed it with special springs;
- Final action put on decorative protection;
- Turned on the power to check the performance of the lighting device, then turned it off again and moved on to the next point.
If your bathroom is spacious enough to hold a mirror in it, then it is very interesting option will be the installation of LEDs in its frame. This move looks simply amazing, but in my apartment the toilet is standard small sizes, so I couldn't implement it.
Automation of light switching
So, in the end, after everything described, I received modern, economical, abundant, but not harsh on the eyes, lighting. If your apartment or private house layout also includes a small toilet, then I think four point light sources will be enough for you, although their number can be increased or decreased depending on the situation.
But this is not all that a bathroom of today should have. Automatic backlighting is what I decided to implement next. For what? Now I’ll explain everything:
Benefits of automatic lighting
- Tangible energy savings. Yes, yes, yes, I wrote at the very beginning that staying in the toilet is not so long that the light bulb has time to “wind” a lot, but this is only if you turned on the light, went in, dealt with all the things, went out and turned it off his.
What if, suddenly, they forgot to turn it off, which especially often happens with children who are always in a hurry to get somewhere? Then the lighting fixture can burn unnecessarily for a very long time, “burning” your money. Automation completely eliminates this problem; - Ease of use. You don’t need to press anything, you don’t need to reach anywhere, you just need to enter. Not only is this simply convenient, especially, again, for the youngest members of the family, but it also eliminates the possibility of accidentally turning off the light outside; many people have probably experienced such an unpleasant incident more than once at the most unfortunate moment.
Sensor selection
Automatically turning on the light in the toilet can be done by connecting one of three types sensors:
- Sound. It is activated by sound, which is usually set between 40-50 dB, which corresponds to clapping your hands. It has two regulators on the case, one of which is responsible for the level of noise closing the contacts, and the second for the duration of the period when the device is turned on.
Sold in a variety of variations, which will allow you to easily choose the most suitable model for your toilet. Their price starts approximately from 350 rubles.
Plus: the ability to set it to turn off, that is, the second clap will bring darkness. Sensors operating on other principles must withstand the set circuit closure cycle.
Disadvantage: short coverage area, requiring close proximity to the device. And if you use a hypersensitive model, then false inclusions from extraneous noise will become more frequent;
- Ultrasonic. It has a very small size, making it easy to camouflage, and a high response speed. The principle of operation is that the device propagates ultrasonic waves with a length of 20-60 kHz, the intersection of which, due to the Doppler effect, causes the circuit to close. The cost of such a device also starts from about 350 rubles.
- Infrared. The presence sensor has a lens system that focuses infrared radiation, directing it to a special highly sensitive sensor. When the radiation force reaches a certain intensity, as occurs due to the appearance of a person in the controlled area, a circuit closure is triggered, which lasts for some time. The cost of such devices is already somewhat higher, since they start from 600 rubles.
The downside is the frequent false positives that can occur due to various temperature changes resulting, for example, from turning on hot water or air conditioner operation.
I chose a motion sensor for my toilet, working due to the propagation of ultrasonic waves. By the way, you can even immediately buy an LED lamp with a built-in system, although it will cost much more. So, for example, the “IEK 3237D” model shown below will cost you around 1,700 rubles:
The connection process, after I had practiced with the lighting fixtures themselves, was not difficult. For you, I also provided auxiliary diagrams above. In a nutshell, it’s simple you need to connect the purchased device to the circuit between the power source and the lamps.
By the way, you can even make music play in the toilet when the lights are turned on, but this is absolutely not for everybody, since many people prefer to “think” in silence.
Conclusion
You can improve the toilet lighting system in two stages. The first step is to replace the old light source with lamps that better meet the needs of today's consumer, for which I chose spotlight LED models. The second is to automate their work by connecting a special sensor; an ultrasonic device handled this task perfectly. As a result, the whole family is happy with the bright and “smart” bathroom.