If the lighting of the apartment is successful, then a small hut can be turned into a palace. Theaters use light to change the atmosphere and mood of the audience.
Today, there is a very huge selection of various lamps in stores, the days when you could see a lonely chandelier on the ceiling and a floor lamp next to an armchair with newspapers are gone.
Today, from the provided floor lamps, chandeliers and sconces, you can create a real theater in the apartment.
Common lamps when used in modern designs when lighting an apartment:
- incandescent lamps, more comfortable lighting for the eyes, but they emit a lot of heat and when using a large number of such bulbs, the room where they are used will be quite stuffy;
- fluorescent lamps can completely replace incandescent lamps, plus such bulbs, they do not heat up, and you can choose the light that is pleasant to your eye;
- halogen and metal halide light sources are more often used to illuminate individual zones or compositions in the interior of an apartment;
- LEDs last longer than incandescent lamps, but they do not shine brightly enough, so it is more relevant to use them for decoration or a night light;
- light cords "duralight", such lighting is made on the basis of LEDs, it can also be used for outdoor use;
- optical fibers, with their help you can create indescribable beauty of lighting effects in the apartment.
Architects use lighting to correct the geometry of the apartment. If you need to expand the room, then we will add reflective decor items in the apartment to bright lighting.
By dimming some areas, we can apparently reduce the area of the apartment. In the same way, you can play with the height of the ceiling. If the lamps are raised to the top with reflectors, then the height of the ceiling visually increases.
We shade the high ceiling with downward-pointing lampshades on floor lamps. The main lighting in the apartment must be completely compatible with additional zonal lamps.
It is imperative that the main lighting is controlled separately from the additional. The main lighting in the interior of the apartment may not be very strong, it just supports the light, for comfortable movement and communication.
But local lamps are directly responsible for their zones.
Such as in the kitchen, cooking area, office, work area. It is necessary to highlight the wall behind the TV or behind the computer monitor so that the eyes do not get tired of the light.
The bedroom will have diffused lighting and ceiling landing. And to the bedside table to organize brighter lighting.
For a large house, where everything is already divided into zones, these are only recommendations. But if you have a one-room apartment, then dividing the apartment into zones with the help of lighting is simply a necessity.
In the bathroom, as a rule, spot lighting is used as the main one, and it is recommended to hang lamps to the mirror above the sink.
In the corridor, on the contrary, bright light should be available instantly and be the main one. So that you can get dressed and fix your makeup without any problems. If you make the right lighting in the corridor, then the smallest hallway may seem like a theater hall.
In order to avoid mistakes in zoning rooms, you can turn to modern magazines, where you can choose exactly your apartment lighting from a photo.
For proper lighting of the apartment, it is necessary to resort to the calculations of specialists. According to their recommendation, for every 5 sq. m. You can use 60-75kW.
For modern apartment lighting, develop special plans. Which includes all devices and light control units. If the lighting is carried out correctly throughout the apartment, then it will sparkle in your eyes with new colors.
Photo of lighting in the apartment
Light zoning has long been used in the design of residential and work premises, because a competent combination of natural and artificial light can transform any space. Lighting in an apartment requires careful preparation and compliance with certain design rules. A well-chosen scheme can visually increase the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, hide design errors, and an unsuccessful one will only exacerbate interior flaws. In this article, we will look at how to choose light sources for different rooms, as well as analyze current trends in this direction.
How to arrange lighting?
Lighting planning is an integral part of renovation work. This process must be started at the design stage. The organization of light in the apartment should begin with the division of the room into several thematic zones. In the classic version, lighting is divided into two types: general (basic) and local.
Local lighting is designed to highlight specific elements of the interior or corners of the apartment, while the general one plays the role of a key element of artificial light.
In turn, local illumination is of the following types: working and spot. In most rooms, there is a so-called working area (kitchen table, study, children's play area). To ensure sufficient illumination, large chandeliers, floor lamps and sconces are used.
Spot light supply is most often used as an additional element; it performs a purely decorative function.
A distinctive feature of artificial light is the ability to use at any time of the day or night. By changing the color of the light zoning, you can instantly change the proportions of the room and divide the room into functional zones.
It is also worth noting that the shade of light greatly affects the human perception of reality. To give an example: green is calming, while yellow is uplifting. Thus, when choosing a lighting scheme in an apartment, it is necessary to take into account the functionality, safety and aesthetics of the design.
Norms of power and number of lamps
In order to achieve the most efficient and comfortable lighting in the interior of the apartment, one should take into account the uniform standards of power and the number of lamps in the illuminated area. So, experts advise placing devices with a capacity of about 70 kW for every five square meters of the room. This figure may vary, depending on the specifics of the premises. Moreover, we are talking only about central lighting, it can be supplemented with various kinds of decorative or point light sources.
Having studied the basic requirements for the illumination of residential premises, you can independently calculate the required number of lamps in an apartment. You also have the right to use all sorts of design tips. Most often, they consider the organization of electric lighting in studio apartments.
For one-room housing, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich is 30 square meters, you need about eight lamps (one central chandelier, task lighting, three spotlights, a floor lamp and several sconces).
An example of lighting in a one-room apartment How to check the quality of light?
When purchasing a chandelier or any other lighting device, you first need to find out which lamp is used in the installation. The most common option is an incandescent lamp - it gives a bright uniform glow. However, the disadvantage of such devices is the rapid consumption of electricity.
Today, most lighting companies are switching to energy-saving lamps. Their cost is slightly higher, but the reliability and low electrical costs worry buyers no less than the price.
There is one easy way to check the quality of light in a chandelier, for this you need a mobile phone. Bring the device to the lighting device and turn on the camera, watch the moving light strips on the screen. If you find significant flicker and numerous banding, be aware that the quality of the light leaves much to be desired. In this case, it is better to immediately replace the product, because over time, you and your family members may begin to have vision problems.
Colorful temperature
As already mentioned, the color temperature of the lamps plays an important role in light zoning. Three colors are distinguished: warm white (up to 3300 K), standard white (up to 5000 K) and cold white (from 5000 K). In accordance with European standards, it is customary to use warm white light in living rooms, but in secondary rooms, such as a hallway, it is recommended to use classic white.
Sources of light
To date, a variety of light bulbs, all kinds of chandeliers, sconces and floor lamps are used to illuminate apartments. In specialized stores in Moscow and other major Russian cities, a wide selection of such products is presented for every taste and budget.
As a direct light source are used:
- incandescent lamps;
- LED devices;
- fluorescent lamps;
- optical fiber;
- metal halide bulbs;
- halogen bulbs.
All of the above types have both advantages and disadvantages of use. Let's take a simple example: previously popular incandescent lamps do not correspond to modern trends, as they consume a large amount of electricity, and the quality of light is very low.
natural light
The best decoration of a wooden country house, and even an ordinary apartment, is natural light. It not only does not harm vision and has a positive effect on people's well-being, but also looks spectacular in any interior. In order to fully enjoy the living light, in private houses they make full-wall windows, it looks simply amazing. However, this effect is very difficult to achieve in a one-room or two-room apartment.
artificial lighting
There are many lighting options in the apartment, but not everyone fits the chosen style of the room. It is worth remembering that artificial light involves not only the installation of expensive fixtures. This process should be approached responsibly, because the health of the eyes and the human nervous system depends on the final result.
To create a functional light zoning system for an apartment, you need to familiarize yourself with the possibilities of installing devices in advance. The photo below shows a universal version of the living room design using different types of lamps.
In the video: what you need to consider when designing lighting.
Types of lighting
There are four types of artificial light: general, local, combined and emergency. The latter type is rarely seen in residential areas, but it is indispensable in rooms where turning off the light threatens serious injury. Next, we consider all types of lighting in apartments in more detail.
General or basic lighting involves a uniform (directional) scattering of light over the entire area of the room. Most often this type is used in living rooms and in the kitchen. Due to the same distance between the lamps, an optimal level of illumination is achieved. Another option for such light zoning is a single light source localized at one point. As an example, a large chandelier located in the center.
Local lighting in the apartment is used to draw attention to certain parts of the room. Thus, the light source is located directly next to the illuminated interior item (on the desktop, in the sleeping area or in the kitchen). As the designers note, it is this type of light zoning that brings completeness and integrity of perception to the interior space.
Separately, general and local lighting have certain functional disadvantages. That is why a combined scheme of light zoning was developed.
Since the European renovation began to be carried out everywhere in Russian apartments, spotlights have appeared on ceilings, walls and decorative objects. Such built-in lighting fixtures are becoming more and more popular over time. Now you will not surprise anyone with a multi-level ceiling with halogen bulbs.
It is worth noting that there are two types of spotlights - fixed and rotary. The latter are very convenient to use, and if desired, you can independently change the direction of the light.
When choosing such devices, pay attention to the beam width. Let's give an example: 40-50 degrees is great for highlighting large objects, and for minor decor elements, halogens with a beam of 10-20 degrees are suitable.
Neon lighting is a special type of artificial light, which is a gas-discharge lamp in the form of a tube (neon is contained inside under low pressure). The "native" shade is bright orange, but the color of the backlight may vary depending on which inert gases are added to the composition.
A neon lamp will help to bring colors to the interior of the apartment. The photo below shows the lighting design in the apartment in pink and purple tones.
LED strips
Recently, various LED devices have been used for decorative lighting of rooms. The most popular is the LED strip. This is a flexible board, the coating of which is made of LEDs. Bright neon colors, unusual appearance and low price - all this makes this light source an excellent addition to the outdoor lighting of a wooden house.
In the interior design of premises, such lighting can be used both on the ceiling, walls, and on small built-in structures. For greater effect, you can arrange the ribbon in the form of graphics, thereby creating a unique atmosphere.
LED duralight
For additional illumination of individual parts of the room, various LEDs are used, as well as a novelty on the market "duralight". This functional device is a flexible cord made of elastic plastic. A continuous garland of led-bulbs - light-emitting diodes - is pressed into the base.
Flexible neon
It is also a flexible tube, inside of which a lighting circuit is fixed. It is nothing more than an electroluminescent wire. Outwardly, it really is no different from an ordinary wire - it is just as flexible, it can even be tied into a knot.
Unlike LED strips, flexible neon glows from all sides, it is safe and even waterproof, and has a wide range of applications.
Luminaire placement options
The main design rule is that bright light enlarges the space. From this it follows that the decoration of the ceiling and walls should be carried out using all kinds of reflective materials. Upward-directed lamps visually make the ceiling higher. And to darken part of the room, you just need to correctly distribute the light sources around the room.
New ideas in lighting design say that universal electric lighting at home should combine general and local (spot) lighting. This guarantee the so-called multi-level zoning.
There are no strict rules for organizing electric lighting in apartments, but there are certain tips that you should follow when planning your own interior.
Living room (hall)
The main source of light in the hall is the central lighting, it can be a luxurious chandelier or a row of spotlights laid out around the perimeter of the room. For classic interiors, the first option is suitable, and when arranging modern apartments, you should first of all focus on the preferences and material capabilities of the residents.
For a high-tech living room (hall), a neon lamp, LEDs, and even a light floor are suitable.
Bedroom
As in other living spaces, it is wiser to use combined lighting in the bedroom. A chandelier and several floor lamps are suitable as a base light, and spotlights around the perimeter of the ceiling will only complement the overall picture. You can also transform your bedroom with the help of local lighting fixtures - they are quite inexpensive, and the range of their purpose is very diverse.
Children's
Most of the time the child spends in his room. This is the reason for the large number of requirements for the lighting design of the nursery. It is necessary to choose lighting devices of suitable power and shade, because the mood and psychological health of the baby depends on competent planning. Particular attention in the children's room should be given to decorative lighting. The photo below shows options for light zoning for children.
Kitchen
The kitchen is characterized by multi-level lighting. It involves the visual division of the premises into functional areas: a dining room, a workplace and a corner for relaxation. In the kitchen, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of adjusting the brightness of the light - this is especially true for the dark time of the day.
In the kitchen, the selected type of lighting can work independently of other lighting elements. Even if only central lighting is installed in the room, make sure that it can be turned on in parts.
Hallway
There is no natural light in the hallway and corridor, so the room needs a large number of built-in lights. There are no special requirements for organizing light in the corridor, it all depends only on the tastes of the residents.
Bathroom
There is no natural light in the bathroom (there are no windows), due to which the role of artificial light increases significantly. For the bathroom, the use of local high-power appliances is unacceptable. The backlight should be sufficient, but not too bright. When choosing fixtures for the bath, it is necessary to take into account the increased humidity of the room.
Light zoning in a studio apartment
Most often, light zoning is used in studio apartments, since in such premises there is a problem of lack of free space. Dividing the apartment into thematic zones allows you to visually increase the area of the room and give the home a logical completeness.
In such conditions, you can experiment with lighting fixtures - use local devices, large chandeliers, decorative elements.
ceiling lighting
Modern lighting design ideas give ceiling lighting a special role. In most cases, the choice of lighting fixtures evokes positive emotions, but placing the purchased light bulbs, hiding them (when creating hidden lighting with your own hands) is not always easy. Before starting the installation of spots, it is recommended to identify three main light sources in the interior (local, local and decorative).
For low ceilings
If the ceiling in the apartment is rather low, then there can be no talk of any tension and, moreover, suspended structures. Pendant-type chandeliers, as well as massive lamps, will not work. Recessed spotlights cannot be built in here, but you can install their overhead options. Flat-shaped ceiling chandeliers, track lighting systems and led panels will harmoniously fit in.
Concealed ceiling lighting
With your own hands, you can build two types of hidden lighting: using a drywall niche and with a polystyrene foam cornice. And the combination of a plasterboard box and a stretch ceiling with hidden lighting perfectly hides minor errors that occur during the self-construction of the ceiling.
Layered lighting
For a comfortable stay, you can not do without competent lighting of the room. For more than ten years, all designers have been leaning towards the system of multi-level light in apartments in their work. Such light zoning is an optimal division of space into several functional zones.
It is customary to distinguish four main levels:
- upper (spots, sconces and chandeliers);
- medium (lamps, floor lamps);
- lower (local illumination);
- internal (used to highlight dressing rooms and cabinets).
Multi-level zoning of rooms with the help of light does not require special skills and knowledge. If you wish, you can radically transform the appearance of the living room or children's room with your own hands. To do this, you need a little imagination and a set of different lighting fixtures. A competent combination of chandeliers, spots on the walls and on the floor will bring comfort and tranquility to your home.
On the video: multi-level lighting in the apartment.
Decorative lighting
For decorative lighting, an inexpensive LED strip is most suitable. The positive features of this product include ease of operation, easy and quick installation. If the interior of the room is made in a classic style (with wooden furniture, pastel shades of walls and tapestry), then the LEDs are replaced by local lamps and special luminous elements for decoration.
A distinctive feature of decorative lighting is the specificity of its use. It is used if necessary to hide the lamps and make the light more subdued.
Neon lighting in the apartment
Such decorative lighting can be equipped using various LED and led-devices. Most often they are installed in a false ceiling, in plasterboard niches. Often, flexible tubes or cords are used that glow with neon light.
Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment with lighting
Glass blocks are hollow cubes with glass walls about one centimeter thick. In Soviet times, such decorative elements were often used; they could be seen in the interior of baths, hospitals, and stairwells. Today, glass blocks have been improved - they have decorative lighting installed.
floor lighting
Floor lighting is another solution that can give the room an unusual look. Various devices are used for illumination, these can be spotlights, LED strip, duralight cord, which are mounted in the plastic case of the plinth or in glass floors.
Modern lighting trends
Lighting design is a unique combination of technical progress and artistic planning. All new design trends come first to the light zoning of the premises, and then spread to the entire interior. A distinctive feature of modern design is high functionality, this is the so-called smart design, which is aimed at satisfying all the needs of its owner. This trend is called personalization of lighting.
If you carefully study the appearance of modern lamps, it becomes clear that they have completely lost their clearly defined boundaries. Now, round, asymmetrical, small-sized built-in spots are especially popular in interior design. Track systems have become an integral part of the ceiling, which has also lost its boundaries.
Night lighting is not essential for interior design. However, it allows you to avoid accidents in the dark. Night light can be installed along the perimeter of the strategic movement or in separate parts of the room.
With motion sensor
Recently, in the construction of country houses, light sensors or, in other words, a twilight switch, have become increasingly used. The light sensor is a device for automatically controlling light sources, depending on the level of light zoning of the surrounding space.
If you still use incandescent lamps in the evening, feel free to replace them with the latest night lighting system. So, in just a month you will save several thousand.
Wireless lighting
What is wireless lighting? This is a special design, a single panel with luminous elements mounted inside. In turn, the light bulbs are responsible for the movement of current. The operation of such panels is completely "mobile", which allows you to mount them on any surface and not worry about damaging the wires.
The principle of operation of such an installation is comparable to night lighting - when residents move from one room to another, lighting fixtures automatically start.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the organization of lighting in the apartment should be thought out in all directions. Modern trends gravitate towards freedom, the absence of clear boundaries of light sources, which, in turn, guarantees comfort and high functionality of the room. Just a couple of built-in lights can change the perception of space, making it more expressive and deep.
How to place lights on the ceiling (2 videos)
Lighting in interior design (90 photos)
Designer Ekaterina Malaya helped The Village figure out what lighting design is for, what tiers and lighting scenarios are, and why it is necessary to know exactly where your favorite figurine will stand already at the stage of planning an electrician.
Ekaterina Malaya
designer
Even if you found the “right” shade for the walls, invested in wooden floors, brought back a Moroccan carpet from a trip, and ordered furniture from the latest collection of a successful brand in Milan, the result can be disappointing. All your six months of efforts can be crossed out by one single mistake - illiterate lighting. This happens when, at the planning stage, an electrician is laid at random. And not from a lack of diligence, but simply because they have not yet decided where the sofa will stand, how long the dining table will be, and they did not think about accessories at all.
Rule One
Start electrical planning when a detailed furniture layout plan is ready
At least this way you will make your new home comfortable for life. Switches are usually located at a distance of 15 centimeters from the edge of the doorway, on the side where the door has a handle: you must be sure of the door opening pattern. For the overhead light in the bedroom, I always recommend to my customers a walk-through switch to be able to turn the same overhead light on or off both at the door and at the bed. It is also convenient for a long corridor leading from the hallway to the bedrooms. But try to avoid too many switches. If on the way from the front door to the kitchen you have to turn on the light more than twice, then the scheme is bad: you simply will not use it to the fullest.
Rule Two
Light must be different.
The space we live in is three-dimensional, and tiering your lighting will help emphasize depth and dimension, which is impossible to do with a single light source. Designers distinguish four tiers of lighting: the upper one (ceiling lamps, chandeliers, built-in spotlights), the first middle one (wall lamps, sconces, floor lamps), the second middle one (bedside lamps, lamps on low window sills and coffee tables) and the lower one (lamps built into plinth and floor, floor light sculptures).
The lower the light source, the more intimate the atmosphere it creates, and vice versa. When the overhead light is on (even if it is a stunningly romantic chandelier with candles and crystal pendants), you cannot achieve the effect of a cozy room. The two lower levels of lighting are best suited for this purpose - candles in a decorative fireplace or a real fire in the hearth also apply to them.
Rule Three
Don't insist on bra
Wall lamps (first middle tier) are not currently used independently. 150 years ago, it was the candles on the wall that were easy to reach, while the chandeliers were lit only on special occasions. In modern classical interiors, sconces have remained by inertia, as an accessory. They rarely turn on, and always with a chandelier. Many of my clients ask to plan a sconce over the bed. But it's not functional. Ideal for the sleeping area is the combination of a soft diffused light on the bedside table and a small lamp with a flexible leg for reading, which can be mounted on the wall or in the headboard. So you get the opportunity to see the text well without tiring your eyes. The sconce only illuminates the wall or the top of your head.
Rule Four
Think about unusual lamps in advance
Another type of wall lamps: located at the same height as the classic sconces (140-170 centimeters from the floor), they look more like a sculpture or an installation and can become a central element in the interior. The appearance of such objects in the apartment is better not to postpone until the last moment. This is the same stove that is worth dancing from, thinking over the wall covering, the configuration of the furniture and even the proportions of the room. If you just put a free cable on the wall in order to pick up something here to illuminate a dark corner, you will be disappointed: such lamps do not give much more light than a nightlight, and they will most likely look out of place.
Rule Five
Avoid Mistakes When Planning Spot Lighting
Built-in, or spotlights, lamps came to us along with European-quality repair. A multi-level ceiling with halogens was designed to replace the bourgeois chandelier. 20 years have passed, but many of us still do not realize that this tool can be used in some other way. It is useful to know that each spotlight has a certain beam width. If you place a series of spotlights with a narrow beam very close to the wall, we get a rhythmic light pattern on the surface of the wall, built-in wardrobe or upholstered high headboard. In addition, this is the most effective way to emphasize an unusual texture - artificial stone, brickwork, embossed tiles.
Built-in lamps are fixed and rotary. The latter are especially suitable for accentuated illumination of art objects or accessories. If you are going to put a collectible grandfather sailboat on a console or mantelpiece, take care of a pair of spotlights built into the ceiling, the rays of which can be directed crosswise at the object, like spotlights on the stage. Beam width for accent lighting also plays a big role. 40–50 degrees is optimal for illuminating large paintings. Small sculptures in such a stream of light will get lost and merge with the wall, they need a narrow beam 10 degrees wide.
A common mistake is to use flat LED luminaires for spot lighting. The light source must be in a recess, otherwise it will draw attention not to the object, but to itself, and, even worse, simply blind the eyes. The same rule is true for illuminating the work surface in the kitchen, especially if the kitchen is combined with the dining room. The eyes of a person sitting at the table are below the level of illumination, fixed under the hanging kitchen cabinets. And if the lamps are not deepened into the bottom of the cabinets, the bright light hits the eyes and causes discomfort. Therefore, high-quality modern kitchens have a thickened bottom with built-in lighting. If your budget does not allow you to spend money on such a model, at the kitchen planning stage, do not forget to add a special plinth for the upper cabinets and mount the backlight strictly behind it.
Rule six
Experiment
If the possibilities of built-in lamps are constantly used in interiors on the ceiling tier, then the lower tier is completely undeservedly ignored, while embedding a spotlight in the floor is no more difficult. Such lamps are often waterproof and equipped with diffusers. Taking into account the fact that a rare repair does without leveling the floor, the centimeters necessary for the lamp from the ceiling to the surface of the floor covering will always be found, and as a result you get additional volume and depth of the room. If you are a proud owner of deep window sills, embed a couple of miniature spotlights in each of them near the slopes. So, firstly, you will emphasize the beautiful architectural feature of your apartment, and secondly, you will get another soft light source on the middle tier.
Rule Seven
Be careful when choosing bathroom lighting
The light in the bathroom is often undeservedly ignored. But he is able to change the room beyond recognition. Apply tiered lighting, embed an LED strip into the recess in the bathtub screen (you get the effect of a “soaring bathtub”) and under the sink, frame the ledge with the hanging toilet and the doorway with recessed fixtures in the floor. Use moisture-proof bi-directional luminaires in a wet area: sheaves of light will make your mosaic play on the wall.
The mirror area deserves special attention. Remember that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, and use this rule to get the most out of your face. A common mistake is to place a wall lamp on a leg above the mirror, the bright light of which is directed downwards. Your reflection under such lighting will appear 15 years older, the complexion will look lifeless, deep wrinkles will appear on it, and bags under the eyes will appear. The same thing will happen with the face as with the textured wall, which was emphasized with built-in lamps: its relief will increase many times due to hard shadows. Choose a swivel lamp and direct the beam, or use a diffused circular illumination of the mirror. A good alternative would be two wall lights on either side of the mirror: their cross-light will remove unnecessary shadows.
Rule eight
Do not overdo it with the light in the kitchen
It is customary to think that a lot of light in the kitchen does not happen. As a rule, apologists for this principle place a large number of light bulbs on the ceiling, creating a grid of spotlights. Nothing but harsh shadows, unnatural faces, and the atmosphere of an operating room can be achieved in this way. Meanwhile, the main thing in the kitchen is the illumination of the working area and the correct lighting of the dining table, on which the atmosphere and duration of family dinners depend.
The lamp above the table must necessarily have a long suspension. If it is above 150 centimeters from the floor, then, again, it casts shadows on faces and does not illuminate the table enough. Choose a lamp with a wide lampshade made of dense material: the ideal shape for a round and square table is a large upside down bowl. The dimensions of the table must be known in advance, otherwise you will not be able to avoid moving the lamp. And the stretch ceiling in the dining area does not give any room for error.
You can complement the lighting scheme in the kitchen with built-in lighting on the lower tier: for example, mount an LED strip in the bottom of the lower cabinets or spotlights in the kitchen basement.
Rule nine
The most important - lighting scenarios
An evening with the family, a children's birthday, a house party, work at home, a romantic dinner - it is obvious that in different situations you will need different light. For large apartments and complex schemes, the ideal solution is to install a “smart home” system that will control not only lighting, but also an acoustic system, electric curtains and underfloor heating. The lighting scenario in this case is programmable and can be changed according to your desire.
If you need to think over the lighting groups once and for all and separate them by switches, be guided by imaginary situations. If you go to the toilet at night, you don't need a bright light at all. This means that with one key all soft lighting should be turned on - the lower tier, the illumination of niches, and the second key, on which the flooding overhead light is connected, you will use during cleaning or in the morning to wake up.
The middle tier in the living room is convenient to start on one switch. Have you ever noticed how the heroes of American films come home and turn on all the table lamps and floor lamps with one click? This is the so-called evening lighting scenario, ideal for a situation when you have returned from a long day at work and dream of one thing - to throw yourself on the sofa. But you should not group the fixtures solely on the principle of tiering. Do not be afraid to show imagination: for example, a soft evening scenario for a corridor may include bottom lighting and an illuminated wall niche in a dead end. All this is your script and your dramaturgy.
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Light can transform the same room beyond recognition, creating the most varied mood in it: from the romantic soft twilight of a women's boudoir to the strict, illuminating light of an operating room. Such a phenomenon has long been successfully used by light artists in the theater, who, through lighting, without changing the scenery, change the atmosphere of the stage. Good lighting of the apartment will turn it into a fairy-tale palace, and bad lighting can ruthlessly expose all its shortcomings.
Gone are the days when the choice of light sources was limited to one chandelier on the ceiling, a table lamp on the desk and a floor lamp by the chair. Now everyone, with the help of light, is able to turn an apartment into a wonderful theater of shadow and light. And if you are planning to make lighting in the apartment, our tips below will help you with this.
For lighting in modern interiors of premises, such lighting devices are used:
- fluorescent lamps;
- incandescent lamps;
- LEDs;
- metal halide and halogen light sources;
- optical fibers;
- light cords "duralight".
Fluorescent lamps cannot heat up, but not so long ago they were reluctantly used to illuminate homes due to an unpleasant hum, bluish-white light that is uncomfortable for the eyes, and the need for additional starters designed to be connected. The current generation of such lamps is free from such shortcomings, and they can be used instead of incandescent lamps.
Metal halide and halogen lamps emit a narrow directional beam of light, which means they are more suitable for illuminating individual areas and highlighting the main elements of the interior - columns, sculptural groups, paintings, niches, etc.
LEDs are highly durable, do not heat up, in their wide spectrum there is no ultraviolet and infrared radiation that is negative for human health. The durability of LEDs is eighty times longer than that of conventional incandescent lamps. However, the light output of LEDs leaves much to be desired in order to use them as independent light sources, and for this reason they are used in the interior as a night lamp or decorative lighting.
Duralight light cords are decorative light sources made on the basis of LEDs, widely used in outdoor street lighting and for lighting design of various interior elements.
Optical fibers emit light from the ends, but by moving them far from the main light source and using special attachments, you can create incredible lighting effects.
Designers and architects have long used lighting in the interior of a house or apartment as a visual correction of poor room geometry.
One of the basic design rules is that bright light visually expands the space if reflective materials are used in the decoration of the ceiling and walls. If you need to visually reduce a large room, then the surfaces are shaded.
Luminaires with reflectors directed upwards visually “raise” very low ceilings. In turn, a ceiling that is too high will be lower if it is shaded by means of lampshades pointing down light sources.
A well-thought-out home lighting design should combine a general lighting source, such as a main chandelier on the ceiling, as well as a spotlight. Moreover, it is important that the lighting control in this case ensures the independent operation of each group or type of luminaires.The general lighting of the room can be subdued, as its main purpose is to ensure easy communication of the inhabitants and free orientation in the room. The role of brighter local light is to illuminate workplaces, which include a desk or secretary, a work area in the kitchen and a dining table in the living room or dining room.
The rules for organizing lighting are advised to highlight the space behind the computer monitor or the wall behind the TV. This is a technique that does not disturb the illumination of the screen, reduces fatigue and eye strain.
It is good if the general light in the bedroom is diffused, slightly reducing the height of the ceiling, and brighter lamps or lamps should be provided for the bedside tables and mirrors of the bedside tables. If in the interior of the house the listed rules for the use of light are advisory in nature, then the lighting of a small one-room apartment is often the only zoning tool that performs the functions of a bedroom, study, living room and even a dining room.
Usually in the bathroom, additional lights provide lighting for the toilet mirror, and halogen lights act as general lighting. But the lighting of the corridor needs to be planned so that you can turn on the general bright light at any time when you need to put on shoes, get dressed and fix your makeup.
The entrance hall, in addition to its utilitarian role, performs a presentable function, that is, it acts as a hallmark of the house, and so that the narrow corridor does not resemble the dungeon of a medieval castle with its appearance, it can be visually enlarged and expanded with the help of lighting. In addition, the lighting of the corridor should be in harmony with the lighting of adjacent rooms: if the living room has bright lighting, then bright overhead light enters the hallway and dim it if twilight reigns in the neighboring room. All these tasks can be solved by local lamps.
It is worth noting that there are no universal rules for working with light. Everyone chooses their own design concept, as well as the lighting of their home, but in order to avoid mistakes, you can look through illustrated magazines and read the advice of professionals on lighting an apartment.
Creating an apartment lighting project
The lighting project in an interior design project is usually performed as an independent section, taking into account the configuration of the ceiling, the layout of the rooms, the boundaries of ceiling and floor finishing materials, the location of stationary elements and the location of furniture.
Based on floor and ceiling plans, a lighting plan for the entire apartment is created, marking on it the places and dbs locations of sockets, lighting fixtures and switches, both wall and ceiling - the so-called lighting scenario.
Standards for the number and power of lamps
One of the main conditions for creating comfortable lighting for any living space is the correct ratio of the number, power of lighting devices and the illuminated area of the room. Lighting experts advise using lighting fixtures with a power of 60-75 kW for every 5 m 2.
- for a one-room apartment of 30-40 m 2, you will need no more than eight lamps, for example, three ceiling lamps, a chandelier, two sconces, a table lamp and a floor lamp;
- for two-room apartments, nine lighting devices are enough: three ceiling lamps, two chandeliers, a floor lamp, two sconces and a table lamp;
- for a three-room apartment you will need eleven lamps: just add a sconce and a chandelier to the set of lighting devices for a two-room apartment;
- for a four-room apartment, you will need eleven lamps: add the previous set with one table lamp and one ceiling lamp.
Apartment lighting scheme
The lighting scheme of the apartment is developed in accordance with the plan. This takes into account the connection diagrams of all devices, their groups and light control devices.
The drawing shows the view of each switch with the required number of keys and arrows that indicate for which device or groups of devices it is used. For long corridors or rooms that are too large, it would be a good idea to provide redundant switches for both devices by installing them at different points in the room. All ceiling and wall lighting fixtures should be tied with appropriate designations to the wall or the nearest opening, window or door.
In the same way, the location of switches, sockets and other devices used in the lighting system is marked on the diagram to the nearest walls or openings.
When the finished project is in your hands, you can begin to arrange the wiring and lighting fixtures, embodying the result of the designer's work in the material. As a result, your Cinderella apartment will turn into a princess and life will sparkle with new colors.
- Finding the ingredients for success.
The lighting of each room is a combination of three terms: general, working and decorative. The general lighting group often includes lamps located under the ceiling and providing uniform light dispersion. As a rule, chandeliers that have several light bulbs with several frosted or textile glass lampshades do an excellent job with this function.
At the same time, the ceiling lamp should in no case cast glare and shadows, otherwise you will not solve the problem of soft uniform lighting. The decorative group includes a lamp with obvious shadows. Any lamps that give a directional beam of light are ideal as workers. These can be floor lamps, table lamps, projector-type spotlights, sconces and chandeliers of some designs. It is important that the working lighting is brighter than the general one, since its task is to form a comfortable environment for the eyes on the working surface (usually the lamp is close enough to it).
Working lighting should be planned depending on the task: in the kitchen, it is imperative to illuminate the countertop and dining table. A desk, a headboard, a reading chair - the choice of a place for working lighting directly depends on the lifestyle of the household.
When you have managed to create comfortable working lighting, it remains only to create the necessary atmosphere in the room. As a rule, this is achieved by using your favorite LED strip, which can change colors. Sometimes it can be installed in such places that it even takes your breath away from surprise - that's why it is a decor.
- We come up with a lighting scenario.
This is a pleasant, but at the same time an important point: you need to present a set of works for all lighting in the apartment throughout the day. It is required to sit down and describe the desired scenarios for any room.
If you do not set any special tasks for your own apartment, such combinations may be suitable for the vast majority of cases.
Living room
Permanent general lighting, working in the coffee table area, decorative as accents. If the living room combines the functions of an office or dining room, additional work lighting should be above the desktop or dining room.
Kitchen
General lighting is not necessary at all, since the kitchen basically only has a functional role. First of all, if it concerns the kitchen of a small area. It is more appropriate to shift a single-lamp lamp from the central part of the room to the dining table and turn its light into a working one.
Also in the kitchen, it is important to provide illumination of the work surface emerging from under the upper drawers. It is worth taking care of the ceiling directional lighting, as well as lighting the work area and upper drawers.
As an additional illumination, decorative, for example, along the basement of a kitchen set can be used.
Advice! Position the lights so that they do not cast a shadow on the work surface. Often such a mistake is made when lighting.
Dining room
General lighting is desirable, but not required in all. But as for the working lighting above the dining table, this is a necessary thing. You can organize decorative lighting, but in no case should it intersect with task lighting.
Bedroom
In this regard, everything is much simpler: paired working lighting (on the sides of the bed), general lighting - table lamps, sconces, single-lamp lamps used on a long suspension. For atmosphere, use decorative lighting as an evening light.
Advice! Do not light up the bedroom, as this does not contribute to relaxation in any way.
bathroom
Regardless of the area, working and general lighting is necessary near the mirror area (it is most convenient to place paired lamps on the sides). Decorative lighting is appropriate, for example, from under hanging furniture or a plinth.
Advice! Illuminate the area near the mirror with soft diffused light, which is located on three or four sides. This way you will get rid of hard shadows.Attention! For bathrooms, many premium devices with the chromotherapy function are produced: hot tubs, shower racks illuminate the water, and also change the mood during ablutions. But whether or not to use devices with chromotherapy function is up to you.
- Let's start the calculation.
So, you have come up with a lighting scenario to the smallest detail and are eager to spend money on a tool that would make your dream come true. The creative part is over and the technical part has begun: without precise calculations for each individual lamp, you will not get the desired effect. In addition, you can spoil the overall impression of the interior.
No matter how expensive your kitchen is, the light is not important. It may happen that an expensive lamp will upset you even more, because without an accurate calculation of lighting, it will not work in team with other devices, which will lead to the destruction of the lighting scenario.
Attention! If you are seriously thinking about investing in lighting and creating a quality project, then you simply cannot do without the help of an experienced lighting designer. Not every architect or designer will be able to independently make such calculations.
- Features of the choice of light bulbs according to their characteristics.
Once you make the calculation, it is worth considering the choice of lamps. This generally depends on the type of lamp you buy. It is one thing when it is a lamp for halogens, another for fluorescent lamps. The lamp determines everything: whether the lamp can shine brightly, whether it can be dimmed (smoothly adjust the level of illumination). Finally, whether the light will be warm or cold white (color rendering index and light temperature vary significantly between different light bulbs).
Types of light bulbs
- Incandescent lamps. Classic "Pears" are no longer produced, but there are a lot of incandescent lamps in collections with a retro thread. They consume a lot of energy, are very expensive, heat up (cannot be near paper lampshades), and quickly fail. However, at the same time, incandescent lamps have a comfortable light temperature and can be used with dimmers.
- Halogen. They are characterized by a high heat dissipation value: touching the metal cover, you can easily get burned.
- Luminescent. Among the advantages: energy consumption is up to eight times less, and the service life is up to 20 times longer than incandescent lamps. Virtually no heat. You can choose the lamp of the required light temperature. However, not all lamps can be used with dimmers, and others are unattractive and large.
- Light-emitting diode (LED). Despite their high price, they are very economical - they work with dimmers, last a long time, and have small dimensions.
Advice! Use an LED strip in combination with a diffuser, which will provide a softer glow and can eliminate the appearance of such troubles as a reflected strip on a backsplash tile or a glossy ceiling.
If five years ago, experts did not advise writing down the numbers of the optimal light temperature, now they are indicated on each lamp package along with comments on whether it is cold or warm light.
Remember the main rule: the higher the temperature in K (Kelvin), the colder the light. The most pleasant for the eyes is 2600-3500K (neutral white or warm white light) or 3600-5500K (neutral white). Anything over 5500-6500K is more suitable for offices.
Attention! Do not use cold light near mirrors, as well as in the eating area. So, you will create only unpleasant sensations.
light bulb power
From a design point of view, power is interesting in that when it increases, the luminous flux increases, and its value is required to calculate the lighting in the apartment.
Color rendering index
So that the sofa does not change color under electric light, it is necessary to choose light bulbs taking into account the color rendering index. The optimum value is Ra = 100: with it, the lamp emits light that optimally displays all colors. Also, the color rendering index of sunlight can be taken as 100. The lower the Ra index, the correspondingly worse the colors of the object are transmitted. It is worth starting from such values: the highest level of color rendering is 90Ra and more, very good color rendering is 80-89Ra, good color rendering is 70-79Ra.
- We take into account the main practical points.
To date, carrying out renovation in your apartment is not uncommon. But no matter what interior is chosen, without decent lighting it will not make the right impression. Considering that the availability of electrical appliances in apartments has increased significantly, the old wiring cannot cope with the load. To achieve stability and security, the correct lighting scheme of the apartment is necessary. We do not need to invite specialists. If there is a desire, the replacement of the old electrical wiring can be done independently.
For the correct distribution of light, they plan and think over the lighting of housing. It should not only match the interior design, but also provide residents with convenience and comfort.
How to do it right
There are two types of lighting: local and general type. By the names it is clear that the general is used to illuminate the entire room, and the local is used only in a certain area. If we talk in more detail about local lighting, then it is divided into working and spot. So, working type lighting is provided to illuminate the working area: a dining table in the kitchen, a place in the office, and so on. Spot lighting emphasizes details: lighting paintings, mirrors, decor elements.
When planning the arrangement of light, you need to carefully consider what you want to achieve as a result. They focus not only on compliance with the interior, but also on the personal preferences of the owners.
What do you need
To arrange proper lighting, you must remember the following facts:
- For each room, the light must be provided individually. If bright light is suitable for the living room, then for the bedroom it is necessary to provide a soft light flux.
- The layout of fixtures and other light sources is based on the location of functional areas that require lighting.
- Proper selection of power and number of lighting fixtures will create a comfortable environment.
The most important thing is to accurately determine the location of the fixtures Lighting plan
If you approach the provision of light in the apartment in accordance with all the rules, then the design is initially carried out. The lighting scheme in the apartment is based on the design of the house itself and the rooms themselves, the shape of the ceiling, finishing materials, and the placement of furniture. After evaluating all the factors on the drawing of the apartment plan, you need to choose the location of the devices for the light, as well as switches and sockets.
Lighting calculation (standards and number of fixtures)
To ensure proper lighting design, you need to determine what power will be optimal for a particular dwelling. From here, such an indicator as the number of light sources and incandescent lamps needed for a certain area is calculated. All in all, the light power is distributed in the following way: every 5 m 2 is illuminated by a lamp with a power of 60-65 kW. Based on these indicators, it will not be difficult to correctly calculate the number of light bulbs needed for a particular room.
Consider an example of how many lamps are needed to illuminate a living room with an area of 15 m 2. The table below shows the different types of lamps.
Wiring diagram
After the number of devices for providing light is determined, they begin to form a lighting plan in the apartment. It displays the locations of fixtures or lighting groups, as well as elements that serve to turn light sources on and off.
The type of switches used should also be noted. For example, you can set one-key or two-key. Sometimes, if the room has a large area, redundant light switches are used. They are intended to regulate the same lighting fixture, but are placed at different ends of the room.
An example of a lighting plan with redundant switches On the diagram drawing, the type of lighting is also noted - ceiling or wall. Be sure to mark on the diagram which control element the lighting point belongs to.
Circuit example
Let us give an example of a scheme for providing light for a one-room apartment with an area of about 40 m 2. In accordance with the norms, no more than 8 lamps will be needed.
Lighting with appliances in a one-room apartment can be done in the following way:
- 3 spotlights on the ceiling;
- one chandelier;
- two sconces;
- one floor lamp;
- desk lamp.
Lighting scheme in a one-room apartment Installation of lighting in an apartment having a similar area, but consisting of two rooms, is provided by:
- two chandeliers;
- 3-4 ceiling lights;
- table lamp;
- two sconces and a floor lamp.
Lighting strip
Lighting should be carried out by means of different types of light sources:
- Spotlights are built into a suspended or stretch ceiling.
- Ordinary chandeliers are mounted in two ways: hook-mounted in the ceiling surface or using dowels.
Wall lamps and table lamps are also used to illuminate a certain area. LED strips are also widely used to provide additional illumination. Depending on what types of lighting devices will be used, the wiring diagram is selected.
On the video: the principles of designing lighting in an apartment.
Do-it-yourself wiring wiring: from a diagram to installation
The implementation of laying electricity in the house is quite a responsible matter. You can't do without experience and certain skills. The main thing is to know the correct aspects of wiring, to read and create circuits, to have wiring skills. But all this can be mastered if desired and make the gasket yourself. To do this, we present recommendations on all aspects.
Fundamental rules
All the rules that must be observed when wiring, as in other types of construction work, are covered in SNiPs and GOSTs. With regard to electrical wiring, you must refer to the section "Electrical Installation Rules (PUE)". Getting started on the wiring, be sure to study this section.
We will provide a basic list of rules for installing wiring in an apartment:
- It is necessary to place the main components, such as a meter, sockets, switches, machines, etc., in easily accessible places.
- Switch placement parameters vary from 0.6 to 1.5 m from the floor level. The location should be in an easily accessible place at the door when entering the room. Wires must be laid starting from the top.
- The installation parameters of sockets are 0.5-0.8 m from the floor level. This is due to the prevention of a short circuit when the apartment is flooded. Do not place sockets near gas and electric stoves, as well as near grounded objects. The distance from them should be at least 0.5 m.
- According to the standard, the number of sockets is planned in accordance with 1 piece per 6 m 2. In the kitchen, more of them are allowed, as they are necessary for connecting electrical appliances. Sockets are not installed in the bathroom, and it is better to provide a separate transformer for the bathroom.
- It is necessary to lay wires only along a horizontal and vertical line, which must be marked on the plan.
- When laying, it is necessary to take into account the location of pipes, ceilings and other obstacles. In the case of horizontal wires, the distance should be about 10 cm, and vertical - 15 cm.
- Be sure to ensure that the wires do not come into contact with metal objects.
- When laying several wires, ensure a distance of at least 3 mm between them. It is also desirable to isolate the wiring in a special corrugation.
- For wiring, special boxes should be used. Connections are carefully isolated. Experts categorically prohibit the connection of aluminum and copper wires.
Project and wiring diagram
Like any job, wiring begins with design and diagramming. To create them, specialists are involved, of which there are quite a lot in Moscow. After all, the safety in the apartment, and throughout the house, depends on them. This service costs some money, but safety and peace of mind are above all.
If, however, a decision is made to do the work on their own, and there is initial knowledge in the field of electricity, then all the rules described above should be followed. Ensure that all light loads are calculated correctly.
To draw up a project and diagrams, it is necessary to start with the development of symbols. Their decoding is shown below in the photo.
They start the project by creating an apartment plan, on which all lighting points, the location of switches and sockets are marked. Further, taking into account all the rules, the lines for laying conductors are drawn. In order for the wiring diagram to be practical, the location of the devices is thought out in advance.
At the next stage of drawing up the scheme, the connection to the connection point is thought out. This point requires more detailed consideration. This is due to different types of connection: parallel, serial or mixed. The latter method is the most economical in terms of material use and work efficiency.
To facilitate the process, connection points are divided into groups:
- lighting layout for the kitchen, corridor and living rooms;
- ensuring the illumination of the bathroom and the bathroom;
- installation of sockets in a residential area;
- power supply for the kitchen;
- electrical socket outlets.
This is one example of grouping for a wiring diagram. The bottom line is that the more carefully the groups are thought out, the more economical the cost of materials will be, and the simpler the drawing of the circuit. The dimensions of the apartment also matter. In a one-room design, design is carried out in one way, and in a room with a large area - with the addition of elements.
The next important point is the calculation of the load. It must be specified in the project. Calculations are made according to the formula I=P/U. It uses the values P - the sum of the powers of all devices that are planned to be used, U - the voltage indicator in the network.
Example of voltage calculation: electric kettle - 2.2 kW, lighting for 10 light bulbs with a power of 100 W, the power of the refrigerator and microwave in the amount of 1.4 W. In apartments, the current strength is traditionally 220 volts. After calculations, they get: (2200 + 1000 + 1400): 220 = 20.1 A.
There are small assumptions. You can add a little to the calculated load. But, according to the standard, it is required not to exceed 25 A. Having calculated the load, they begin to purchase the necessary materials, based on the result. To facilitate the selection, the table below shows the main parameters of the wire and cable.
Installation of electrical wiring
Important! When installing new wiring, the old one is initially dismantled. In this case, a voltage tester must be used.
Mapping and channel preparation
All work begins with transferring the drawing directly to the walls. Prepare the surface according to the following algorithm:
1. According to the plan, we mark with a marker the necessary places for the passage of wiring. Then mark the places of installation of elements: sockets, shields, machines, etc. Everything is laid out according to the plan.
2. With a drill with a “crown” nozzle, holes are made for boxes under them at the locations of sockets and switches.
3. With the help of a perforator, strobes are made. You can also use a turbine for this. The strobe must be of a certain size so that the wire can easily fit in it.
After the surface is ready, lead the wires into the space from the side of the corner. To do this, you need to make a hole in the wall. It is best if it is placed in the corner of the room.
Open type wiring
At the initial stage, a shield is installed at a certain height. The RCD is placed directly in the shield. By quantity, they are determined according to the lighting groups. In terms of its structure, the shield looks like this: terminals for neutral wires are located at the top, and at the bottom for grounding. Between them are machines.
The connection in the switchboard device is carried out in the following way: the blue wire to the zero terminal, the white wire to the RCD in its upper part, the yellow wires to the ground terminals. The connections of the automata are made in a parallel way.
For an open type of installation, they are first fixed along the marked lines of the box. Fastening is carried out by means of dowels with self-tapping screws. The extreme ones are settled at a distance of about 5-7 cm, and then they adhere to a step of 0.5 m.
Important! When mounting open wiring, there is no need to prepare holes for sockets and switches. They are used as products that are hung on the plane of the wall.
All wires along marked lines are placed in boxes and led to distribution boxes. Connections are made directly to them. This can be done by tight twisting, after which the wires must be carefully insulated.
Hidden wiring installation
Hidden wiring is mounted a little easier in terms of the amount of work. According to the principle of connection, it differs from the open type only in that it is placed inside the walls, in a strobe prepared in advance. Before placing the wires in the strobe, they mount boxes for switches and sockets. They are fixed with alabaster. When the material has hardened, electrical wires are brought into them and, according to the plan, they are led to junction boxes in the strobe.
After all the sockets and switches are installed, the lighting devices are connected, the wires in the boxes are connected, it is necessary to check the correct connection. In order to avoid a mistake, the connections are “ringed out” with a special device for electrical testing.
On the video: TOP 10 wiring rules.
Which wire to use
Cables for providing electricity in the apartment must be selected according to certain criteria. It is advisable not to change anything at your discretion, since the safe functioning of the system depends on this.
Material and construction
There are two types of materials used to make wires: aluminum and copper. Aluminum is inexpensive, but copper is much more reliable and able to provide high-quality functioning.
According to their structure, the wires are divided into single-core and multi-core. In the first case, the material is covered with an insulation shell. The characteristics of single conductors include: cheap, easy to install, have a high degree of rigidity. The latter property leads to frequent fractures of the conductor.
Masters prefer to work with stranded wires. They have good resistance to twisting, bending. If the circuit involves a sharp turn, then you can be sure that the conductor will not break.
Cable cross section for wiring in the apartment
Cable cross section is one of the important characteristics. It directly depends on its indicator whether the conductor can withstand the applied voltage. Measured in square millimeters. So, in aluminum conductors with a core cross section of 1 mm 2 withstands a voltage of 8 A. With regards to copper products, 1 mm 2 is able to pass 10 A.
The choice of the conductor section must be carried out under load. It is not allowed to use wires whose cross section is less than the expected load.
Core insulation thickness
Every conductor has insulation. To ensure it, plastic materials are used. The thickness of the vein insulating layer is determined by the articles of regulatory documents. For example, for a conductor rated for a load of 660 V, with a cross section of 1.5-2.5 mm 2, the insulation thickness is 0.6 mm.
Shell thickness
The next point to pay attention to is the outer sheath of the cable. It is she who closes several wires of the conductor. Similar to core insulation, plastic materials are used for external insulation, but its thickness is much larger. Basically it is 1.4-1.8 mm. Take into account the fact that there are allowable deviations.
Marking
On any cable there are signs that are called markings. It allows you to better read information about the characteristics of the product:
- The first letter indicates the material from which the outer shell of the product is made.
- The following letters may indicate properties such as the degree of tightness, combustibility of the insulating layer, the presence of steel tapes in the insulation, flatness or flexibility.
- The material from which the conductor is made is marked only on aluminum cables with the letter "A". On copper products, the letter of the material is not indicated.
- Additionally, you can read information about the manufacturer and date of manufacture.
Liver colors
The insulation of the cores can have a single color, and sometimes, a strip 1 mm thick can be applied along the entire length of the product.
The color of the core insulation characterizes the purpose of the conductor:
- the first is the phase, it is red, brown and white insulation;
- the second is zero, blue;
- the third is grounding, green or green-yellow.
The process of planning lighting in the house is quite responsible. But if the goal is achieved with all compliance with the rules, then this will lead to an amazing result. The right light in the interior enhances the effect several times. Consumer impressions are evaluated from comments found on the Internet.
How to choose cables and machines for an apartment (1 video)
