This is an artificial light source, which is a narrow flexible tape with conductors up to 5 m long, on which LEDs are installed equidistantly. The LEDs on the strip are divided into groups. Each group consists of several LEDs connected in series and is a complete circuit, which allows you to cut the tape crosswise into segments of any length that is a multiple of the length of one group.
LED strips
LED strips are available in monochrome, glowing in only one color (red, blue, green, yellow or white) and universal (RGB), the color of which can be changed independently using the remote control remote control, including one of the primary colors or choosing any that exists in nature.
It is also possible to turn on the mode in which the color of the glow LED strip will change smoothly over the entire range with a given rate of change over time.
R G B LED strips
According to the organization of light emission R G B LED strips are of three types.
The first type of strip uses LED-R-SMD3528 or LED-R-SMD5050 (red), LED-G-SMD3528 or LED-G-SMD5050 (green) and LED-B-SMD3528 or LED-B-SMD5050 (blue) , soldered in three pieces next to each other in repeating triads along the entire length of the tape. Changing the glow color of the tape is achieved by group changing the glow intensity of the LEDs of each color. Such LED strips are well suited for interior lighting in cases where the LEDs are hidden from human eyes. If the LEDs are visible, the color change will be less effective.
R, G and B LEDs of the SMD3528 series have a size of 3.5 × 2.8 mm 2 and emit a luminous flux from 0.6 to 2.2 lumens, depending on the color of the glow. LEDs of the SMD5050 series are larger in size (their size is 5 × 5 mm 2) and accordingly they shine brighter, the luminous flux is from 2 to 8 lumens, depending on the color of the glow. Therefore, by the size of the LEDs soldered on the strip, even without knowing the technical characteristics, it is easy to determine which of them will shine brighter.
The second type of strips uses R G B LEDs of the LED-RGB-SMD3528 or LED-RGB-SMD5050 series. A distinctive feature of these LEDs is that three LEDs are mounted in one housing - red, green and blue. Therefore, their luminous flux is much lower and is only 0.3-1.6 lumens for LED-RGB-SMD3528, and only 0.6-2.5 lumens for LED-RGB-SMD5050. But due to the fact that the color emitters are located practically at one point, high efficiency of color gradation is achieved.
More recently, a new type of LEDs WS2812B (has four pins) and WS2812S (has six pins) have appeared. In terms of geometric dimensions and appearance, these LEDs do not differ from LED-RGB-SMD5050. However, thanks to the installation of the WS2811 PWM controller in the WS2812 LED housing, it became possible to control each of the LEDs installed on the LED strip personally using just two wires.
Thus, designers have the opportunity to change the glow color of any section of the tape, regardless of its length, at their discretion. The widespread use of LED strips based on WS2812 LEDs is hampered by the high price and the need to use an expensive specialized controller. Without supplying a control signal from the controller to the WS2812 LED, it will not light.
LED strip marking
LED strips are marked by all manufacturers, usually in the same way international standard. The protection class in the marking is indicated in accordance with the requirements of the standard for protecting electrical equipment from exposure to external factors IEC-952.
| Reference table for LED strip markings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serial number of the alphabetic or digital sequence in the marking | Designation in marking | Explanation of the designation | ||
| 1 (light source) | LED | Light-emitting diode | ||
| 2 (glow color) | R | Red | ||
| G | Green | |||
| B | Blue | |||
| RGB | Any | |||
| CW | White | |||
| 3 (type of pins on the chip) | SMD | Leadless chip for installation directly on a printed circuit board | ||
| 4 (geometric size of the light source body) | 5050 | in the example 5 mm×5 mm | ||
| 5 (number of LEDs per meter of length) | 60 | pieces | ||
| 6 (class of protection from external factors) | IP | The protection class in the marking is indicated in accordance with the requirements of the standard for the protection of electrical equipment from external factors IEC-952 | ||
| 7 (first digit after IP, protection against penetration of solid objects) | ||||
| 0 | No protection | |||
| 1 | From penetration of bodies with a diameter of 50 mm or more | |||
| 2 | From penetration of bodies with a diameter of 12 mm or more, a length of no more than 80 mm | |||
| 3 | From penetration of bodies with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more | |||
| 4 | From penetration of bodies with a diameter of 1 mm or more | |||
| 5 | Dust may enter in quantities insufficient to disrupt the operation of the equipment. | |||
| 6 | Dust is not allowed | |||
| 8 (second digit after IP, protection against liquid ingress into the housing) | 0 | No protection | ||
| 1 | From vertically falling drops of water | |||
| 2 | From water drops falling at an angle of 15° | |||
| 3 | From water drops falling at an angle of 60° | |||
| 4 | From water splashing from any angle | |||
| 5 | From a jet of water sprayed at any angle | |||
| 6 | From strong water jet (100 l/min, 100 kPa) | |||
| 7 | From water ingress when immersed to a depth of 15 cm | |||
| 8 | From water ingress during prolonged immersion | |||
Let's consider, for example, how the marking of the LED strip LED-CW-SMD-5050/60 IP68 is deciphered. LED - LED strip, CW - white light, SMD - made on the basis without output LEDs, 5050 - LED housing size 50x50 mm 2, 60 - 60 LEDs are installed on one meter of strip length, IP68 - in terms of protection level, the strip is designed for long-term operation depth (for example, to illuminate an aquarium or pool from the inside).
If the IP parameter is missing in the marking, then the LED strip does not have any degree of protection, that is, the degree of protection corresponds to IP00.
Moisture resistance of LED strips
Based on the degree of protection from moisture, LED strips can be divided into three categories: moisture-proof, moisture-proof and moisture-resistant.
Moisture-proof ones can only be used in dry rooms where there is no high humidity. Waterproof ones are intended for use in rooms with high humidity (bathrooms, bathhouses, building facades, where direct contact of water with the tape is excluded).
Moisture-resistant tapes are designed to work directly in an aquatic environment, such as an aquarium, and can be placed for illumination on the bottom of the pool.
The photo shows an LED strip completely sealed with silicone, so the LEDs and resistors are reliably protected from water. Waterproof LED strips can be used without restrictions for outdoor advertising, lighting decoration of streets and buildings. When choosing a waterproof tape, it should be taken into account that part of the light flux is lost when passing through the silicone layer.
For outdoor decorative lighting, there are special LED strips called Duralight, which belong to the waterproof category.
Density of placement of LEDs on the tape
The brightness of the LED strip depends not only on the type of LEDs installed, but also on their number. The unit of measurement is considered to be the number of LEDs installed per meter of strip length. The more LEDs, the naturally, the luminous flux will be greater. Typically, the number of LEDs per meter of strip length for 12 V LED strips ranges from 30 to 120 pieces. For LED strips designed for a supply voltage of 24 V, the number of LEDs can reach up to 240 per meter of length; in such strips the LEDs are placed parallel in two rows.
But we must take into account that the more LEDs per meter of LED strip length, the more powerful the power supply will be required and the more expensive the purchase will be. The choice of this parameter must be approached from the position of "necessary and sufficient". For example, there are 30 LEDs per meter of tape, therefore, the distance between them is 3.3 cm, which is quite sufficient in the vast majority of cases.
Selecting an LED strip based on luminous output
The main lighting characteristic is the intensity of the luminous flux, which is expressed in lumens per meter (lm/m). The amount of luminous flux is determined by the type and number of LEDs installed on one meter of strip. Knowing the type of LEDs and their number, it is easy to independently determine the luminous flux.
For example, on a meter of white light LED strip there are 30 LEDs of the LED-CW-SMD3528 type (size 3.5 × 2.8 mm2), each having a luminous flux of 5 lm. We multiply 5 lm by 30, we get 150 lm. This luminous flux is emitted by a 10-watt incandescent light bulb. If the strip is made on the basis of 30 LED-CW-SMD5050 LEDs (size 5 × 5 mm 2), already having a luminous flux of 12 lm, then 12 × 30 = 360 lm, which is equivalent to using a 24-watt incandescent light bulb. Everyone has experience in using incandescent lamps, therefore, using the above method, it is easy to determine the type of LEDs installed on the strip, their number and the length of the strip. And if the length of the tape has already been determined, then perform the reverse calculation.
Let's do the reverse calculation for specific example. You need to make ceiling lighting in a room measuring 5 mx4 m. The perimeter of a room of this size will be 5+4+5+4=18 meters. You want to create soft and not very bright lighting. If you use incandescent lamps, their total power will have to be about 200 watts, the luminous flux from which will be 3000 lm (15 lm × 200). The length of the tape should be equal to the length of the perimeter of the room, that is, 18 meters. To determine the luminous flux that should be emitted by one meter of LED strip, you need to divide 3000 lm by 18 meters. This turns out to be 166 lm/m. For our case, a strip with 30 LED-CW-SMD3528 LEDs per meter of length is suitable. The calculation was made without taking into account losses due to reflection from the ceiling, and they are at least 50%. Therefore, to guarantee room illumination, you need to choose a tape with twice the luminous flux. There are two options, either take a strip with 30 LEDs LED-CW-SMD5050, or LED-CW-SMD3528, but in the amount of 60 pcs. on the meter. The first option is preferable, as it will provide a guaranteed supply.
For R G B and monochrome LED strips, the calculation is performed in exactly the same way as for white strips.
LED strips are not always marked, which makes calculations difficult. But it’s very easy to find out the technical parameters of an LED strip if you use the data given in the reference table. Modern LED strips typically use three types of LEDs: SMD3014 (super-bright) 3.0 mm × 1.4 mm, SMD3528 2.8 mm × 3.5 mm and SMD5050 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm. Therefore, by the size of the LEDs, you can determine what type of LEDs are sealed on the strip. By counting the number of LEDs per meter of length, using the reference table below you can obtain data on technical specifications LED strip.
Table of main characteristics of LED strips
for voltage 12 V
Using the table, it is easy to select the type and length of the LED strip - analogous to incandescent light bulbs. For example, to replace one 80 W incandescent light bulb with an LED strip, you need to take 8 meters of SMD3528 (30) or two meters of SMD3528 (120) or SMD5050 (60) LED strip.
| Main technical characteristics of LED strips for 12 V voltage | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED type | LED size, mm 2 | Number of LEDs per meter of LED strip length, pcs. | Power consumption of one meter of LED strip length, watt | Luminous flux per meter of LED strip length, lm | Equivalent incandescent lamp power, watt |
| SMD3014 super bright | 3.0×1.4 | 60 | 6,0 | 600 | 40 |
| 120 | 12,0 | 1200 | 80 | ||
| 240 | 24,0 | 2400 | 160 | ||
| SMD3528 | 3.5×2.8 | 30 | 2,4 | 150 | 10 |
| 60 | 4,8 | 300 | 20 | ||
| 120 | 9,6 | 600 | 40 | SMD5050 | 5.0×5.0 | 30 | 7,2 | 360 | 24 |
| 60 | 14,4 | 720 | 48 |
How to connect the LED strip to the mains
Connecting the LED strip to the car's on-board network
LED strips are ideal for direct connection to the vehicle's on-board network. The main thing is that the tape matches the supply voltage to the voltage of the vehicle's on-board network. For passenger cars you need to choose a waterproof tape designed for a supply voltage of 12 V, for cargo - 24 V.
What voltage is the battery installed in the car for, this is the voltage you need to take the tape for. When connecting the LED strip to the vehicle's on-board network, it is necessary to observe the polarity; the strip has the symbols “+” and “–”. If the polarity is reversed, then nothing bad will happen, the LEDs will just not light up.
Connecting the LED strip to a 220 V household power supply
Unlike electric lamps, LED strips cannot be connected directly to household electrical network 220 V. They require a DC supply voltage of 12 V or 24 V. The supply voltage is indicated on the tape along its entire length. Voltage converters are used to obtain the required voltage.
While there is no established terminology, they are called differently: drivers, adapters, converters, power supplies, power supplies. All these words refer to one device that converts 220 V AC mains voltage into DC voltage of the required value, for tapes depending on the type, 12 V (often used) or 24 V (rarely used, usually in RGB tapes).
To select a power supply for an LED strip, it is important not only the value of the constant voltage at the output, but also the amount of current that it can supply to the load. To select the appropriate power supply for a particular case, you need to find out the total amount of current that all installed LED strips will consume.
An example of calculating a power supply for an LED strip
For example, let’s select a power supply unit (PSU) for the LED strip that we selected above for ceiling lighting. Typically, the current consumption of a tape meter is indicated in the accompanying documentation, but if there is none, then it is easy to perform the calculation yourself. It is enough to multiply the number of installed LEDs by the current consumption of each of them.
We chose an LED strip with installed LEDs of the LED-CW-SMD5050 type, the length of the strip is 18 meters, and there are 30 LEDs per meter of length. The total number of LEDs is 18×30=540 pcs. One LED-CW-SMD5050 LED (according to the reference table) consumes a current of 0.02 A, therefore the total current consumption of the entire backlight will be: 540 × 0.02 A = 10.8 A.
But we did not take into account that the LEDs with a strip supply voltage of 12 V are connected three in series through resistors, therefore the calculated current must be reduced three times: 10.8 A / 3 = 3.6 A. But in one LED-CW-LED housing SMD5050 contains three elementary LEDs, so the resulting current must be multiplied by 3. That is, the resulting current will be 10.8 A. As a result of the calculation, it was determined that a 12 V power supply with a permissible load current of up to 10.8 A is required.
To calculate the power of the required power supply, you need to multiply the voltage by the current: 12 V × 10.8 A = 130 W, it turns out that you need a power supply with a power of 130 W. For reliable operation of the power supply, a 20% power reserve is required. As a result, a 156 W power supply will be required. In practice, you can use any power supply that meets the necessary requirements.
Design and installation of LED strip
On a flexible plastic tape up to 5 m long there are thin copper conductive tracks of the required configuration. LEDs of the SMD3528 or SMD5050 type and current-limiting SMD resistors of the P1–12 type with a power of 0.125 W are soldered to the tracks. Please note that the designation of an LED is based on its size, for example SMD5050 has a size of 5.0 mm x 5.0 mm. With a supply voltage of 12 V, three LEDs connected in series and one or more current-limiting resistors are installed. The number of resistors is determined depending on the amount of power dissipated on them. The resistor can be installed anywhere in the circuit; in the diagram it is located on the positive side, you can also install it on the negative side or between any LEDs.
Electrical circuit and wiring diagram
LED strip segment
Resistor markings
The resistor is marked with the number 151. This means that the resistor value is 150 ohms. The markings are easy to decipher. It is indicated by a three-digit number. The last digit in the number tells how many zeros should be added to the first two digits. For example, the resistor is marked 153, which means you need to add 3 zeros to 15, we get 15,000 Ohms.
For clarity, I have provided an eclectic wiring diagram below. A complete LED strip circuit consists of a large number of such circuits connected in parallel. With a supply voltage of 24 V, the number of LEDs connected in series in the circuit can reach up to 10 pieces. Pay attention to the markings of the LEDs, on the side connected to the cathode (minus), the corner of the LED body has a cut. Bottom right corner of the photo.
Connection and fastening of LED strips
The side of the strip opposite the LEDs has an adhesive layer protected with film. In order to secure the tape to the surface, it is enough to remove the protective film and apply the sticky side to the installation site. When organizing lighting using LED strips, often a length of 5 meters is excessive, so it is possible to cut the strip into pieces. The places where the tape can be cut are indicated by the image of conventional scissors and the cutting line. The step of cutting the LED strip into segments is determined by the number of LEDs connected in series. Near the cut line, there are contact pads on both sides that allow you to solder wires to them in case of splicing strip sections together. You need to solder very carefully with a low-power soldering iron.
Next to the contact pads there is a marking for the connection polarity and the supply voltage. There are special clips that allow you to connect LED strips together without soldering.
Conductors for connecting to the power supply are usually already soldered to one end of the LED strip. To connect monochrome tapes, two wires are required, for RGB tapes - four wires: black (the common one is connected to the positive terminal) and three color ones. The length of the wires is no more than half a meter, and if the power supply cannot be installed next to the LED strip, then the conductors will have to be increased to the required length.
LED strips are indispensable when you need to provide lighting or illumination over a long length. Only LED strips that are not protected from moisture can be cut into pieces, that is, only those that are intended for indoor use. It is unacceptable to cut waterproof and moisture-resistant LED strips without subsequent sealing.
To eliminate this drawback, LED modules have been created that allow interior lighting and illuminated advertising easy, fast and reliable. The scope of application of LED modules in practice is limited only by human imagination. Modules for lighting in a car are especially convenient. It is enough to connect it via a fuse to the on-board network and glue or secure the module with self-tapping screws inside the car interior or on the outside.
The design of LED modules consists of a shallow bed made of plastic or metal in which a printed circuit board with LEDs is installed. The top of the board is filled with transparent silicone. This ensures protection against moisture and splashing water. The LEDs are connected in the same way as in the LED strip above.
On the outside of the bottom of the crib there is a sticky layer, which can be opened by removing the protective film and the module can be fixed on any flat surface. It is possible to attach modules to the eyes using self-tapping screws. All lighting and electrical calculations given above on the page for LED strip are also valid for LED modules.
Rectangular LED modules are sold in the form of blocks; in the photo there is a block of 20 modules.
The modules can be easily separated from the block one by one or in groups. Electrically, all modules are already connected to each other. It is enough to supply power to any outermost one and the LEDs on all modules will light up. Blocks can be increased in any quantity by connecting them in parallel.
About choosing the wire cross-section for connecting LED strip
An LED strip consumes little power, and the current consumption for a strip length of one meter, even the brightest SMD5050 (60), is no more than 1.2 A. Therefore, you don’t have to think about the cross-section of the wire when connecting such a piece of strip; almost any available voltage will do. stranded wire by hand.
But when connecting an 18-meter long LED-CW-SMD5050(30) strip, which we selected to illuminate the ceiling of the room above, you should seriously think about how the total current consumption will be 10.8 A. Unfortunately, I didn’t find it anywhere, what current is allowed along the copper path of the tape itself. But, knowing the power consumption of one meter of LED strip and the supply voltage, I calculated the amount of current that LED strips of different lengths of popular types would consume, and summarized the results in a table.
| Reference table for current consumption of LED strips at a voltage of 12 V | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED strip type | Number of LEDs per meter of LED strip length, pcs. | Current consumption (A), LED strip length: | ||||
| 1m | 2 m | 3m | 4 m | 5 m | ||
| SMD3014 | 60 | 0,5 | 1,0 | 1,5 | 2,0 | 2,5 |
| 120 | 1,0 | 2,0 | 3,0 | 4,0 | 5,0 | |
| 240 | 2,0 | 4,0 | 6,0 | 8,0 | 10,0 | |
| SMD3528 | 30 | 0,2 | 0,4 | 0,6 | 0,8 | 1,0 |
| 60 | 0,4 | 0,8 | 1,2 | 1,6 | 2,0 | |
| 120 | 0,8 | 1,6 | 2,4 | 3,2 | 4,0 | |
| SMD5050 | 30 | 0,6 | 1,2 | 1,8 | 2,4 | 3,0 |
| 60 | 1,2 | 2,4 | 3,6 | 4,8 | 6,0 | |
Since LED strips are produced with a maximum length of up to 5 meters, the manufacturer must provide the required cross-section of the tracks that can withstand the current consumption of the LED strip, and you can take its value as the basis for developing a wiring diagram for connecting the LED strip to the power source.
Based on economic considerations, the load current margin of the tracks does not exceed 20%. Therefore, it is not permissible to connect all four of our strip sections in series, soldering the end of one section with jumpers to the beginning of the next LED strip, since a current three times higher than the permissible one will flow through the conductors of the strip connected directly to the power supply.
This will lead to overheating of the first tape, which can lead to its failure, and a weak glow of those switched on behind it. Therefore, it is necessary to connect each strip separately directly to the output of the power supply using a double wire with a core cross-section of at least 0.5 mm2. Below is a typical diagram for connecting LED strips to a power source when organizing room lighting by installing LED strips along the corners of the ceiling behind the eaves.
Since one power supply is designed for a current consumption of 6 A, we had to use two identical blocks, each powering half the length of the backlight. The switch connects both units simultaneously. If you use a double switch, you can turn on the tapes in sections. By connecting parallel sections of the tape to the power supply, you can turn them on individually or all at the same time, changing the lighting design. RGB strips are connected according to exactly the same wiring diagram. Only instead of two wires, 4 are laid. One common and one for each color.
If one powerful power supply is installed at a considerable distance from the strips, then it is advisable to stretch a couple of thick wires from the power supply to the LED strips. You can select the required wire cross-section for a given current using the table. For example, in our case, with a current of 10.8 A, you will need a wire with a core diameter of 1.6 mm (cross section 2.0 mm 2). Place the distribution box and, using thin wires, connect the tapes through the terminal block or by soldering to the incoming wire from the power supply. In each specific case, an individual decision must be made based on the boundary conditions.
Powerful power supplies usually have large dimensions, and it is often more advisable to use several less powerful units, placing them in close proximity to the LED strips.
When deciding how to make a light box, you should first study all the subtleties of the design of this type. For example, for operation in more severe conditions (outdoors), it will be necessary to prepare a reinforced frame. For premises, a simplified frame is sufficient; in addition, the manufacture of a box with lighting for advertising in this case does not involve the use of a metal profile for installation as side walls.
Learn more about lightbox signs
To attract the attention of passers-by on the street or visitors shopping center, store, cafe, a more advanced type of advertising is used - one of the designs of which is boxes. These are three-dimensional structures in shape, illuminated from the inside by light sources. different types. The simplest – rectangular versions of lightboxes can be made with your own hands.
The scope of such signs is very wide: from cafes to commercial enterprises. Basically, illuminated boxes are used for advertising, brand promotion or interior decoration. In the latter case, it is customary to use thin light boxes; their lighting is carried out using LED strips located around the perimeter.
Overview of species
For use with certain conditions and in order to solve various types of problems, boxes with special purpose lighting are usually used, which are characterized by individual design features.
Types of boxes
Their main varieties:
- One-sided.
- Double-sided.
The first version of the advertising medium is used to install various objects on the facade, since only the front panel is illuminated. Double-sided illuminated boxes can be placed perpendicular to the facade of the building, while both sides of the lightbox are illuminated, which increases the effectiveness of advertising. In addition, there are designs that differ in purpose:
- for internal use;
- for outdoor installation.
There is also a division according to the type of lighting: ultra-thin light boxes, thin versions, volumetric structures of large thickness. The latest performances are usually used for outdoor advertising. But the first two types are used in interior design. In such designs, it is assumed that LED lighting is used along the entire perimeter of the panel.
Design and operating principle
If we consider one-sided boxes, this type involves using the front panel to illuminate information, while the rear panel is the base for installing lighting equipment. To increase the glow intensity, it is recommended to use milky acrylic when making the front panel. But the main material can be polycarbonate, banner fabric, or composite.
Double-sided device
Side panels are usually made of polymer or metal (steel, aluminum) profiles. The inscription is applied using self-adhesive film. Double-sided boxes have two front panels. The operating principle of such structures is simple: when turned on, the light sources illuminate the panel with the inscription. Versions operating on LEDs are energy efficient and have a long service life.
Stages of work in the manufacture of a lightbox
For outdoor signage, a reinforced frame is used. Its production involves the use profile pipes different sections, which is determined by the load level: from 20x20 to 20-40 mm. All frames are welded from this material. They must subsequently be connected with many jumpers to obtain a frame of sufficient rigidity.
Next, the hand-made structure is cleaned, primed and painted. A metal or polymer sheet is used as the back panel. The front wall is often made of acrylic, since cellular polycarbonate and polystyrene are not resistant to deformation when heated. In addition, these materials are prone to rapid contamination.
To ensure high light intensity of the sign, you need to calculate the number of LED modules based on their passport data. Manufacturing requires the use of connecting wires for LED-based modules. A transformer is used to operate them. The final stage is the installation of the front panel, previously prepared with your own hands, with a self-adhesive film applied.
Installation and connection
A power supply is used for electrical installation. It is important that its power matches the number of LED modules used. The intensity of the glow is affected by the depth of the box, the thickness of the front panel, as well as the distance between the LED light sources. But first of all, when making it yourself, it is important to correctly calculate the number of modules.
Brackets (for installation of a double-sided version on the facade), suspensions or supporting structures (separate installation) are used to secure the sign.
Thus, it is quite possible to make an advertising box with illumination on your own, for which LEDs are often used. They are selected based on the area of the lightbox, the depth of the box, and also on the basis of the electrical parameters specified in the light source passport. Taking into account the same parameters, the total number of LEDs is calculated.
Using LED solutions in outdoor advertising- a relatively recent solution that quickly gained popularity and in some places replaced more traditional ways advertising, for example, billboards.
- high brightness and color saturation of the image even in daytime;
- ease of installation;
- relatively low cost of equipment;
- durability (service life - up to 100,000 hours of continuous operation);
- low power consumption;
- low maintenance costs;
- modularity - the ability to modify the display surface.
Types of LED advertising
Advantages:
- the ability to demonstrate dynamic content (videos, animation), which more effectively attracts and holds the observer’s attention;
- high brightness and good quality color rendering: the image does not lose saturation in any weather conditions;
- large viewing angle reaching 120° in all directions;
- relatively small in depth.
Flaws:
- low resolution: due to the large pixel size, small text and image details are lost and become invisible;
- reduction of the declared service life in the event of systematic interruptions in the supply of current and voltage;
- the need to shade scenes where white color predominates: due to the high brightness, the glow of the screen in such scenes will be too strong and heavy for the observer’s eyes.
Signs
LED or LED media sign is an organic development of the familiar sign for a store, bar, restaurant, banking institution or any other business. 
A situation has arisen in which people living in cities have stopped paying attention to static advertising: advertisements, advertising banners and billboards are losing their effectiveness and profitability every year.
Traditional signs have also become ineffective: people often automatically ignore them, mistaking them for just another advertisement or some other “visual garbage.”
This is where an LED sign comes to the rescue.
The ability to display dynamic content makes LED signs an indispensable tool for promoting any business.
Such signs are well perceived by the observer against the backdrop of an abundance of static advertising and stationary signs. There are two types of media signs:
- single-color (monochrome) - diodes display only one color; it is possible to use monochrome modules of different colors in one sign;
- color - capable of displaying all colors.
The pros and cons of LED signs include: already mentioned advantages and disadvantages of all LED technology and diode screens, since the same principle is used here.
Letters
Volumetric luminous letters that are used in outdoor advertising can be of several types:
- with fluorescent lamps;
- neon;
- LED
Fluorescent lamps are mostly used 
parts for large letters (at least 500 mm high) and in roof installations. The scope of application of neon and diodes is much wider - they are used in letters of any size.
Manufacturing diode and neon letters will cost approximately the same; In terms of quality and durability, these technologies are also not much different, but diodes have a clear advantage in installation, operation, maintenance and repair.
Letters with LEDs are easier to install and maintain, they are much more unpretentious to operating conditions than neon ones, their design as a whole is more reliable and impact-resistant.
Until now, many visual advertising manufacturers continue to use LED strips as internal lighting for signs and volumetric letters, and do not adopt more advanced solutions in the field of LED technologies. We bring to your attention a comparison of the key parameters of LED strips and modern LED modules, based on research and years of experience.
It is unlikely that anyone could have imagined that the transition to the use of LED technologies in the internal illumination of volumetric letters and light boxes, which began about ten years ago, would become so large-scale and widespread. Initially, LED strips appeared on the market, which almost no one knew how to use properly, unlike classic fluorescent lamps. There were cases when this solution, outlandish for those years, sometimes spontaneously peeled off from the back wall of the box. And yet, thanks to their compactness, even conservatives began to use LED strips, following enthusiasts. Advertising manufacturers learned to mount strips using Cosmofen adhesive, protect them from external influences using polyurethane varnish, and after some time, LED strips began to be used more and more often...
What is the reason for the popularity of LED strips? Firstly, their use significantly lightens the weight of the sign, and in most cases the power supplies are placed outside the box or letters. Secondly, unlike fluorescent lamps, which emit light 360 degrees around their axis, the light dispersion angle of LEDs ranges from 105 - 120 to 160 degrees (when using a light-diffusing lens). So, if a 600mm long T8 lamp generates 1000 lumens, replacing it inside the light box requires a 400 lumen LED backlight. As a result, the energy consumption of the lighting installation is also significantly reduced: a standard fluorescent lamp can be replaced with LEDs, which consume only 4.4 W (with an average luminous efficiency of 90 lm/W). Thirdly, the design of LED strips makes them convenient to use and easy to replace. Finally, because LEDs are connected to low-voltage power supplies, they can be mounted, wired and connected safely in almost any weather.
The first LED strips were not of stable quality, could not boast of high efficiency and quickly lost their original brightness as a result of diode degradation. However, a few years later, full-fledged tapes with 5050 diodes and a luminous efficiency of 90 lm/W appeared on the market. It was then that the massive use of LED technologies in the industry began. A little later, quite economical solutions appeared in the form of LED modules and rigid bars, which accelerated the formation of the LED backlight market.
Meanwhile, many visual advertising manufacturers continue to use LED strips and do not adopt more progressive solutions in this area. We present to your attention a comparison of the key parameters of LED strips and modern LED modules, based on research and years of experience.
So, what is on the market today for indoor sign lighting?
These are, firstly, LED strips, which differ in the size of LED crystals (3528, 5050, 2835 and 5730), in the thickness of the substrate and resistance to external influences (for indoor use or for outdoor use - waterproof). The luminous efficiency of the tapes directly depends on the types of diodes and ranges from 70 lm/W to 110 lm/W. There are LED strips that consume 2.4 W/linear. m (3528), 14.7 W/linear. m (5050) and 24 W/linear. m (5730 and 2835). Depending on the required brightness, each manufacturer selects the appropriate type of tape for the task.
Having compared the parameters and efficiency of economy-class and premium-class devices when illuminating a light box 15 cm thick and measuring 1 x 1.5 m, we found that, taking into account the cost of the power source, with approximately the same illumination of the front surface of the sign, LED strips on 5050 crystals are the most profitable economy class (50 lm/W), and the most energy efficient are premium class tapes with 3528 crystals (87 lm/W).
However, the question is quite logical: how can you save on lighting? And now is the time to pay attention to LED modules.
The first LED modules were inefficient and were equipped with the same diodes that were used in strips, the only difference being that the crystals were placed in plastic cases. Over time, the quality of LED modules increased, their characteristics were improved, and standards for the dimensions of cases and boards were formed: 26 x 7 mm, 36 x 9 mm, 75 x 9 mm, 35 x 35 mm and 75 x 12 mm. A little later, modules appeared equipped with light-diffusing lenses to provide a wide angle of light flux dispersion, and modules for edge lighting equipped with Fresnel lenses. LED modules with lenses are not yet widely popular, which is due to their higher cost than standard modules, as well as the industry’s lack of experience in their long-term use, as a result of which the “unknown factor” becomes an argument for abandoning modern solutions.
Compared to LED strips, LED modules have the following advantages:
1) mechanical strength: due to the presence of the housing, the diodes are more difficult to damage;
2) less soldering: convenient connection with wires of different lengths;
3) protection from moisture and dust: most often the modules are filled with a transparent compound, which prevents contacts and boards from oxidizing;
4) optimal heat dissipation: in LED modules, heat is distributed evenly, unlike tape, which is preferably glued to a heat-conducting material;
5) easy replacement of failed modules on site: it is enough to dismantle the damaged cluster and install another one in its place, connecting it to neighboring ones using terminal blocks, and there is no need to use a soldering iron;
6) lower cost of lighting, taking into account the cost of power supplies;
7) energy efficiency: due to design features, sign lighting requires fewer diodes.
It is known that in order to optimize the costs of manufacturing a lighting structure, it is necessary to take into account the cost of illumination, labor costs for installation and the luminous efficiency of the light sources used. When comparing the parameters of LED strips and modern LED modules, it turned out that with illumination of 1 sq. m of the front surface of the light box, the cost of modules is almost one and a half to two times less than for tapes. This is exactly what advertising manufacturers should remember, who still believe that LED strips are the most affordable light sources for signs.
The most profitable, oddly enough, were the 2015 LED modules, equipped with a light-diffusing lens and a light dispersion angle of 160 degrees.
During the experiments, it was also discovered that, unlike modern LED modules, LED strips consume much more electricity and at the same time heat up much more, and high temperatures, as we know, is the biggest enemy to LED longevity.
If we talk about the characteristics of the latest LED modules, in practice we were able to verify that the new samples of two-diode modules 2835 are almost indistinguishable in brightness from three-diode modules on 5050 chips and consume not 0.72 W, but only 0.4 W. At the same time, the luminous efficiency of the modules has already reached 105 lm/W (including current-setting resistances). In turn, the three-diode module 2835 can be confidently used as an alternative to the previous generation LED modules on 5730 chips and four-diode modules on 5050 chips. And this is with a price difference of 1 - 3 rubles per product. Thus, four-diode 5050 modules are no longer as attractive as they once were, and LED strips become an impractical choice altogether.
Savings on light sources become obvious if you use LED modules with a rating of 1 W and a luminous flux dispersion angle of 160 degrees, equipped with a light-diffusing lens not only in the illumination of thin light boxes, but also in the illumination of three-dimensional letters. For example, to illuminate the letter “K” with a height of 30 cm, only 5 modules were sufficient, and for the entire “PRODUCTS” sign, 46 such modules were required. In addition to saving on light sources and power supplies, it is obvious that additional savings in labor costs and production time are provided light advertising design, and that's really important.
Color temperature: what to choose?
The issue of choosing the color temperature of the white light emitted by LED modules is the subject of an eternal dispute between the client and the sign manufacturer, between the manufacturer and the supplier of the modules, and between sign makers among themselves. Why? It is worth turning to the history of the mass appearance of the product on the market. The first white LEDs were no different high quality glow and high color rendering index. As a result, the first major retail chains and car dealerships that have switched to new technology, we had to make appropriate changes to our brand books, based on the features of the light sources offered at that time.
But time changes the idea of quality, and new devices with a more realistic white temperature of 6000 - 6500 K began to appear on the domestic market, although in China modules with a white glow temperature of 8000 - 12000 K still prevail.
For illuminated advertising in our country, it is optimal to use LED modules with a white temperature of 5500 - 6000 K, which ensures higher color saturation on illuminated films, unless, of course, previous customers stipulate the need to use LED modules with a colder glow shade, according to earlier approved corporate standards. In some cases, especially for backlighting displays with subtle tones (for example, with the image of fashion models), LED modules with a color temperature of 4500 K will be preferable (which corresponds to lighting in neutral sunlight, typical for European countries). The color temperature indicator, as a rule, is not reflected in the cost of modern LED modules.
In conclusion - a few wishes Russian manufacturers signs:
1. Place the modules inside the box not only according to the “depth minus two centimeters” principle, but also according to the principle of sufficiency. The letter should glow evenly and brightly enough, so it's better to make a few prototypes for the demo and coordinate the brightness of the signs with customers on a "like here" basis.
2. An important problem that many people have to face is the loss of brightness in the chain on the last clusters. It is recommended to combine modules in a chain in the amount of no more than 20 pieces - for the classics and no more than 30 - for modules equipped with light-diffusing lenses and built-in drivers.
3. Try to provide the product with effective heat dissipation. It is best to make the back wall of the box from metal, in this case the degradation of the LEDs will be minimal.
Oleg Karpukhin, head of the company "OD-IN"
Added on 07/28/10
LED technology is developing rapidly, and many people involved in the production of illuminated letters and other advertising products are wondering what is better to use today: LEDs or neon? This article discusses some of the most important aspects regarding LED lighting for interior and outdoor illuminated advertising - LED letters, signs, etc., and also touches on the issue of household lighting using LED products. LED backlighting, of course, becomes every year more and more attractive in terms of brightness, and more and more affordable in terms of prices, and, therefore, more preferable, taking into account all the existing advantages of LED-based light sources. The article contains information that may be interesting and useful to managers, designers, production workers, as well as anyone interested in LED topics.
Neon or LEDs? Neon and LEDs!
The history of inventions in the field of artificial lighting sources indicates that the appearance of the next newly created light source does not overnight cancel out earlier inventions and does not make existing light sources useless to anyone. All of them, in one form or another, coexist peacefully to this day, each occupying their own specific niche and are in demand to one degree or another. This can be said about almost all light sources ever invented by mankind, including non-electric ones, with the exception, perhaps, of only the most archaic ones: the beam and the torch. If we take this fact into account, it becomes clear that the opposition in the question “LEDs or neon?” is not entirely appropriate, and the question “will LEDs replace neon?” you can safely answer: “No, they won’t oust them, but, apparently, they will oust them in order to take their rightful place!”
So today's question is "LEDs or neon?" has moved to a practical level, and for many people involved in the production of outdoor illuminated advertising, it sounds like this: “In what cases is it more appropriate to use neon for interior lighting, and in what cases is it better to use LEDs?” Neon has been used in illuminated advertising for a very long time, so, as a rule, practically no questions arise regarding neon lighting - everything is quite well known, understandable and quite well worked out. As for LEDs, not everything is so clear and simple, so we will talk about the practice of LED lighting in illuminated advertising.
Using the example of LED products offered by our company, we will try to carry out some comparative analysis, which will help to reveal and understand the main points associated with choosing the right product, calculations and, ultimately, financial side question.
What should you consider when choosing LEDs for internal illumination of illuminated advertising products?
There is now a lot of information on the range of LED products, but this information is often predominantly of an advertising nature, despite the technical characteristics present in the product description, which, by the way, may not entirely correspond to reality. Understanding the technical characteristics of LEDs and choosing the right one from the existing variety of LED products is not always easy.
Adhering to the point of view that it is impossible to achieve a real solution to the issue without solving this issue practically, we bring to your attention the results of a comparative test conducted in our company. The results of this test, in our opinion, can be very useful to both our regular customers, who have been professionally engaged in the manufacture of outdoor lighting for a long time, as well as everyone interested in the practical aspects of manufacturing products with LED backlighting.
The test is of a purely applied nature and does not contain any difficult-to-understand scientific and theoretical calculations or formulas. You just need to compare the results obtained during testing. The main criterion for comparison was the amount of illumination of the surface of the final product (while maintaining the uniformity of illumination), since in illuminated outdoor advertising the brightness of the sign and the uniformity of illumination are the most important indicators (after design, of course).
A 1 x 1 meter box, 140 mm deep, with a light-diffusing surface made of 4 mm milky acrylic plexiglass, was chosen as an object for measurements. Thus, all the data presented are valid for a surface measuring 1 square meter, which is the starting point for calculations for most managers of advertising and production companies.
For internal illumination of the box we used:
- flexible sealed strips with single-chip LEDs
To be able to compare various products in a comprehensive way, we combine all the data obtained in a table.
| Name | Number of sources nicknames |
Number of lights diodes in the source |
Luminous angle | Voltage nutrition |
Power consumption | Energy consumption kW per year (when working 10 hours a day) | Illuminated- surface ness |
Total cost of lighting (per square meter)* |
| 4-diode modules (single-chip LEDs) | 126 pcs. | 504 pcs. | 100 | 12 V | 72.5W | 265 kW | 1653 Suite | 7972 rub. |
| LED strip PL99 (single-chip LEDs) | 7.5 pcs. | 528 pcs. | 110 | 12 V | 72 W | 263 kW | 1896 Suite | 7040 rub. |
| 2-diode SMD modules (triple-crystal LEDs) | 78 pcs. | 156 pcs. | 120 | 12 V | 47 W | 172 kW | 1633 Suite | 7860 rub. |
| 3-diode SMD modules (triple-crystal) | 80 pcs. | 240 pcs. | 140 | 12 V< | 58 W | 212 kW | 2649 Lux | 8880 rub.** |
| Neon tubes | 6 pcs. | - | 360 | 5000 V | 175 (105) W | 639 (383) kW | 1797 Lux | 5800 rub.*** |
* The total cost is calculated based on the retail price (without discounts), so the table shows the maximum cost of lighting 1 sq. meters.
** The calculation was made for old-style three-diode modules. New modules will require 70 pcs/sq. meter. The total cost will be 8430 rubles.
*** Neon lighting is designed as an average economical option (minimum possible number of tubes + transformer with a current of 35 mA). If you use a larger number of tubes and a transformer with a higher current (50 mA), the cost will naturally increase. The illumination of the surface will also increase.
Some useful calculations, comparisons and conclusions.
By simple calculations using tabular data, you can get an idea of the effectiveness of the tested light sources:
- 4 diode modules - 23 Lux from 1 Watt
- LED strip PL99 - 26 Lux from 1 Watt
- 2 diode smd modules - 35 Lux from 1 Watt
- 3-diode smd modules - 46 Lux from 1 Watt
- Neon tubes - 10 Lux per 1 Watt
Interesting information, isn't it?
Now we find out the cost of 1 Lux from each of the tested light sources; we will need it for further calculations:
- 4 diode modules - 4.8 rub.
- LED strip PL99 - 3.7 rub.
- 2 diode SMD modules - 4.8 rubles.
- 3-diode SMD modules - 3.4 rubles. (RUB 3.1 for new ones)
- Neon tubes - 3.2 rub.
We calculate the real cost of lighting 1 sq. meters.
Knowing the cost of 1 Lux from each light source considered in the test, you can calculate the total cost of illumination with a particular light source. This data will be especially necessary when terms of reference a certain level of surface illumination is specified. For example, a promotional item requires a surface illuminance of at least 2500 Lux (that is, a surface illuminance comparable to neon or fluorescent lamps).
We get the cost of lighting one square meter (at a depth of 140 - 150 mm) using various light sources from our test:
- 4 diode modules - 12,000 rubles/1 sq.m.
- LED strip PL99 - 9250 RUR/1 sq.m.
- 2 diode SMD modules - 12,000 rubles/1 sq.m.
- 3-diode SMD modules - 8500 RUR/1 sq.m. (RUB 7,950 for new ones)
- Neon tubes - 8000 rub/1 sq.m.
If we compare the calculation results, it becomes clear what we will get in the final and for what money, that is, there is an opportunity to make a more informed decision and make a more rational choice.
The performed calculations show a clear advantage of multi-chip 3-diode smd modules in all respects.
Calculation of the cost of boxes or volumetric letters.
Calculating the cost of backlighting for rectangular boxes using any of the listed LED products is now very simple - you just need to calculate the area of \u200b\u200bthe box and multiply it by the cost of lighting one square meter. Calculating the number of LED products is also not difficult - you just need to multiply the area of \u200b\u200bthe box by the number of products required to illuminate 1 sq. meters.
Calculating the cost of lighting for boxes with a complex configuration (various trademarks and three-dimensional letters) is somewhat more difficult, since you will have to use a program, such as Corel Draw or Autocad, with a module for calculating the area. But after the areas of objects with a complex geometric shape are calculated, the illumination cost is determined with the same ease as in the first case.
We calculate the required number of LED modules.
Since the calculations made above clearly showed the advantage of 3 diode smd modules of a new sample, therefore, we will do the calculation just for them.
As an example, let's make a calculation for the sign "FLOWERS", the height of the letters is 0.7 meters, the depth is 140 mm.
1. Let's measure the area of the letters in Corel Draw.
2. Knowing the number of modules for 1 sq. meters (70 pcs.), the resulting values of the area of the letters are multiplied by this amount.
3. We get the estimated number of modules in each individual letter, which will provide illumination of its surface equal to 2649 Lux: "C" - 12 pcs., "B" - 13 pcs., "E" - 13 pcs., "T" - 10 pcs., "Y" - 13 pcs.
However, it must be remembered that this is only an estimated amount. To ensure uniform illumination, it is necessary to correctly place the modules inside the letters. Placing modules inside letters, as a rule, makes its own adjustments: in some cases, slightly less than the calculated number of modules will be required, in other cases a little more than the calculated number. This is inevitable and depends mainly on the size of the letters and the complexity of the font.
Thus, when arranging LED modules in letters, we find out that their number has increased slightly, which we owe to the originality of the chosen font, and the surface illumination will be higher initial indicator at 2649 Lux. As the depth of the box decreases, the illumination of its front surface will correspondingly increase.
You can quickly select a power supply for the required number of LED modules using the table, which was compiled taking into account a 15% margin. This calculation scheme can also be applied to other LED products (modules or strips) that our company offers.
Can LED products be used for household lighting?
The use of LEDs for household lighting is another interesting and important aspect. Indeed, LEDs, as well as products made from them, have many advantages in their parameters compared to other sources of artificial lighting. Let's list them again.
- High mechanical strength. They don't break, they don't break.
- Electrical safety. Supply voltage 12 Volts.
- Energy efficiency. Power consumption is very low.
- Durability. The service life of white LEDs is 30 - 50 thousand hours.
- Low heat generation with high light output.
- Sealed. Do not require additional protection from atmospheric phenomena.
- Environmentally friendly. Do not contain substances hazardous to health.
- Continuous light emission. Frequency pulsations are absent.
- Good color rendering index. As a rule, at least 80.
The last three points are especially interesting from the point of view of using LEDs for household lighting.
So, the first thing worth noting is the environmental friendliness of LED light sources. LEDs do not contain liquid mercury, like fluorescent lamps, or mercury vapor, like neon.
An LED, unless dimmed, emits light continuously, and in this way it is similar to sunlight, as well as the light emanating from a flame. All other sources of artificial lighting that use AC power electricity, emit flickering light with a frequency corresponding to the frequency of alternating current. This applies to all types of incandescent and fluorescent discharge lamps.
The flickering of lamps operating on alternating current is invisible to the naked eye, but, nevertheless, the brain detects it and this is the cause of fatigue - a person gets tired faster. In addition, there is the so-called strobe effect, when the illumination of rapidly rotating or rapidly moving objects creates the illusion of them being static or moving slowly. In production, this can lead to various accidents and injuries, so fluorescent lamps located nearby are connected to different phases or use high-frequency ballasts.
With incandescent lamps the situation is somewhat better, since the filament cannot cool instantly and, as a result, continues to emit light for some time, although not as intensely. Therefore, due to this inertia, the flickering of incandescent lamps is not so pronounced and not so tiring.
The color rendering index of an artificial light source is also a very important indicator, as it affects the perception of the color palette of surrounding objects. If the source has a low color rendering level, then the natural colors of the objects will be distorted and will no longer look as natural. The one and only standard of our world is the light emitted by the Sun: it is continuous and has the fullest spectrum.
In incandescent lamps, the emission spectrum is more shifted towards orange and red, so the colors of objects with warm shades will be emphasized, and blue and green tones will appear darkened, gray. In inexpensive fluorescent lamps with conventional halophosphate phosphors, the emission spectrum, on the contrary, is shifted towards green and blue, so the colors of objects with cold shades will be emphasized, and yellow, orange and red tones will have an unpleasant “dead” tint. The color rendering index of such lamps does not exceed 70. Modern fluorescent lamps with modern broadband phosphors have a color rendering index of 84 - 90 and higher, but they are naturally more expensive.
The color rendering index of white LEDs is, as a rule, at least 80. Thus, in many respects LEDs are not only not inferior to traditional light sources, but also have some clear advantages and should theoretically be excellent for household lighting.
There is, however, one “but”: LEDs are a point and directional light source, while traditional lighting sources are not. Therefore, it will take a lot to completely replace the LEDs. Let's try to find out, using the example of the LED products we have, how many of them will be needed to fully replace more traditional household light sources - incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps.
To do this, we first need to turn to the concept of effective optical power. The effective optical power of incandescent lamps is a maximum of 5 W of the total lamp power. For fluorescent lamps this is a maximum of 15 W of the total lamp power. The effective optical power of an LED product is calculated depending on the brightness of the LEDs used, the light scattering angle and the emission spectrum, and it will be different for each product.
In order not to clutter up the text and not bore readers with the details of the calculations, we will immediately present the finished result of the calculations. The table shows the number of different LED products that can serve as an effective equivalent to the usual, traditional sources of artificial lighting: incandescent lamps with a power of 100 W and fluorescent lamps with a power of 18 and 36 W, as well as, for comparison, their power consumption.
| LED equivalent |
Incandescent lamp 100 W, 1 piece, (100 W) | Fluorescent lamp 18 W, 1 pc., (22 W) | Fluorescent lamp 36 W, 1 pc., (45 W) |
| 4 diode modules | 78 pcs. (47 W) | 42 pcs (25 W) | 84 pcs (51 W) |
| LED strip PL33 | 6 pcs. (20 W) | 3 pcs (10 W) | 7 pcs (24 W) |
| LED strip PL99 | 2 pcs. (20 W) | 1 piece (10 W) | 3 pcs (28 W) |
| 2 diode smd modules | 52 pcs. (33 W) | 28 pcs (18 W) | 56 pcs (35 W) |
| 3 diode smd modules | 27 pcs. (24 W) | 15 pcs (14 W) | 29 pcs (26 W) |
To complete the picture, let’s compare service life, cost and energy consumption costs.
Service life of light sources:
- LED products (white): 30,000 - 50,000 hours
- Incandescent: 1000 hours
- Fluorescent lamps: 12000-20000 hours
Since artificial lighting sources in living conditions work on average about 10 hours a day, the service life will look like this:
- LED products (white): 8.5 - 14 years
- Conventional incandescent lamps: 0.3 years
- Fluorescent lamps: 3.3 - 5.5 years
Thus, over the entire period of operation of the LEDs, it will be necessary to purchase and replace from 28 to 46 incandescent lamps or 2-3 fluorescent lamps.
Now let’s compare the cost of traditional lighting sources and LED ones. The cost is based on the starting kit “light source + necessary components”, that is, “lamp + socket”, “LEDs + power supply” and “fluorescent lamps + choke, starter and fittings”.
| Traditional light source / LED equivalent |
Incandescent lamp 100 W, 1 pc., (25 RUR) | Fluorescent lamp 18 W, 1 pc., (140 RUR) | Fluorescent lamp 36 W, 1 pc., (200 RUR) |
| 4 diode modules | 78 pcs. (4895 RUR) | 42 pcs (2915 RUR) | 84 pcs (5248 RUR) |
| LED strip PL33 | 6 pcs. (RUR 2,030) | 3 pcs (1140 RUR) | 7 pcs (2480 RUR) |
| LED strip PL99 | 2 pcs. (RUR 2,030) | 1 piece (1140 RUR) | 3 pcs (2980 RUR) |
| 2 diode smd modules | 52 pcs. (5410 RUR) | 28 pcs (3050 RUR) | 56 pcs (5770 RUR) |
| 3 diode smd modules | 27 pcs. (3430 RUR) | 15 pcs (2030 RUR) | 29 pcs (3630 RUR) |
The table shows that the most inexpensive alternative to traditional artificial lighting sources are sealed LED strips PL33 and PL99, as well as multi-chip three-diode SMD modules. Therefore, we will continue further comparison with them.
Let's add to the initial cost of light sources the cost of paying for electricity for the entire period of operation and the cost of light elements replaced during the same period. Since many doubt that the actual service life of LEDs is so long, we will make calculations based on the minimum service life of our LED products, that is, 8.5 years.
So, for example, per year 2 PL99 tapes (or 6 PL33 tapes) consume 73 kW with an operating mode of 10 hours a day. At a cost of electricity of 2.11 rubles/kW, the cost of paying for electricity over 8.5 years will be 1309.3 rubles. Let's add this figure to the initial cost of the same number of tapes and get the total cost for the entire (minimum) period of operation.
Let's perform the same calculations for an incandescent lamp. The lamp consumes 365 kW per year, that is, over 8.5 years the cost of electricity will be 6546.3 rubles. + 280 rub. for 28 lamps, which will have to be purchased and replaced during this period. The total cost will thus be 6851.3 rubles. Then we will do the same calculations for fluorescent lamps and LED modules.
In order not to bore the reader, we will omit further detailed description calculations, which, by the way, anyone can repeat at their leisure, and we will offer a table with ready-made results convenient for comparison. So, the table shows the total cost of lighting sources over a period of operation of 8.5 years, including their starting cost, the cost of replacing light elements and electricity costs.
| Traditional light source / LED equivalent |
Incandescent lamp 100 W, 1 pc. - 6851.3 rub. | Fluorescent lamp 18 W, 1 pc. - 1665.2 rub. | Fluorescent lamp 36 W, 1 pc. - 3416.7 rub.> |
| LED strip PL33 | 6 pcs. (RUB 3339.3) | 3 pcs (RUB 1,794.7) | 7 pcs (4051.1 rub.) |
| LED strip PL99 | 2 pcs. (RUB 3339.3) | 1 piece (RUB 1,794.7) | 3 pcs (4289.3 rub.) |
| 3 diode smd modules | 27 pcs. (5001.1 rub.) | 15 pcs (2946.5 rub.) | 29 pcs (5333.8 rub.) |
The table clearly shows that in relation to incandescent lamps, LED strips have a clear price advantage, but in relation to fluorescent lamps, the difference in price is not so great. Considering that fluorescent lamps contain substances that are harmful to human health (and environment too) liquid mercury, as well as the fact that lamps can break from time to time (since they are made of glass), then perhaps the difference will not seem significant at all.
Thus, perhaps the only argument against the use of LED products for household lighting was, and remains to this day, their rather high initial cost compared to traditional lighting sources. But for how long?
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