LED lamps in many respects correspond to fluorescent: the size and appearance, brightness, the same base. LEDs differ from fluorescent lamps by long life, the source of light and the lack of the need for special disposal.
Thanks to this similarity there is an opportunity to save money - to replace in a failed or outdated lamps only the light source, leaving the old frame.
Replacement of fluorescent lamps on LEDs does not require special skills - if you have an algorithm of actions with remodeling independently cope and home master.
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Conversion advantages
Minimum LED lamp operating time, declared by manufacturers, is 30 000 hours. Much depends on the light elements and electronic ballast. But the benefit of remaking a fluorescent lighting device is obvious for a number of reasons.
Consider what is better - LED lighting fixtures or daylight bulbs:
- The main difference between fluorescent bulbs and LED bulbs is the energy consumption. Fluorescent fixtures use 60% more electricity.
- LED lighting fixtures are more durable in operation. The average lifespan is 40-45 thousand hours.
- LEDs do not need maintenance and revision, it is enough to clean the dust and occasionally change the tubes.
- LED tubes do not flash, it is advisable to install them in children's institutions.
- Tubes contain no toxic substances, do not require disposal at the end of life.
- LED analogues of fluorescent lamps also work in case of voltage fluctuations in the mains.
- Another advantage of LEDs is the availability of models designed to operate from 85V to 265V. Daylight bulbs require an uninterrupted power supply of 220 V or close to it.
- LED analogs have virtually no disadvantages, the exception being the high cost of premium models.
Luminaires with electromagnetic control gear
When converting a fluorescent fixture into a LED, pay attention to its design. If you remake an old lamp from the Soviet Union with a starter and electromagnetic control gear (ballast), modernization is almost unnecessary.
The first step is to pull out the starter, pick the right size LED and insert it into the housing. Enjoy bright and economical lighting.
If you don't remove the starter, replacing fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs can cause a short circuit. It is not necessary to remove the choke. The current consumption of the LED is on average 0.15 A; the part will serve as a jumper.
After replacing the lamps the luminaire will remain the same, there is no need to change the mount on the ceiling. The tubes are equipped with drivers and power supply units built into the housing.
Remodeling a luminaire with electronic ballast
If the model of luminaire is more modern - electronic ballast and no starter - you will have to make an effort to change the wiring diagram of LED tubes.
Components of the luminaire before replacement:
- choke;
- wires;
- plug pads, located on both sides of the body.
We get rid of the choke first, because without this element the construction will be lighter. Unscrew the mount and disconnect the power wires. Use a screwdriver with a narrow tip or pliers for this.
The main thing is to connect 220 V to the ends of the tube: phase to one end and zero to the other.
LEDs have a peculiarity - 2 pins on the socket are rigidly connected to each other. But with fluorescent tubes, the contacts are connected by a filament, which ignites the mercury vapor when it glows.
Light fixtures with electronic control gear do not use a filament and have a voltage pulse between the contacts.
It is not easy to apply 220 V between the hardwired contacts.
To make sure that the voltage is applied correctly, arm yourself with a multimeter. Set the device to resistance measurement mode, touch the probe to the two pins and take measurements. The multimeter should read zero or close to it.
LED fixtures have a filament between the lead pins which has its own resistance. Once the voltage is applied through it, the filament glows and causes the lamp to work.
Further connection of LED lamp is recommended to do 2 methods:
- without dismantling the cartridges;
- with disassembly and installation of jumpers between the contacts.
Without disassembling
Not to dismantle the cartridge is a simpler way: there is no need to understand the circuit, master jumpers, get into the middle of the cartridge and fiddling with the contacts. Before disassembly you need to buy some Wago clips. Remove the wires leading to the cartridge to a distance of 1-2 cm. Lead them into the Wago clamp.
Do the same on the other side of the lighting fixture. It remains to bring the phase on one side and the zero on the other into the terminal block. If you can not get clamps, twist the wires under the cap of the PPE.
With removing the cartridges and installing jumpers
This method is more scrupulous, but does not need to buy additional parts.
Algorithm of action:
- Remove carefully the covers from the sides of the lamp.
- Dismantle the sockets with insulated contacts located inside. Inside the socket there are also springs, which are necessary for better fixation of the lamp.
- There are 2 supply wires leading to the socket, which are secured in special pins without screws by snapping them together. Turn them clockwise and counterclockwise. Then pull out one of the wires by force.
- Since the contacts are insulated, when you remove one of the wires, the current will pass only through one socket. This will not affect the performance of the lamp, but it is better to put a jumper and thereby improve the device.
- Thanks to the jumper is not necessary to try to catch the contact by turning the LED tube to the sides.
- It is recommended to make a jumper from the extra supply wires of the main light fixture, which will be left after the work of replacing the lamps.
- The next step is to check the circuit between the insulated connectors after installing the jumper. Do the same on the other side of the lamp.
- Trace the remainder of the power wire. It should be a zero wire, not a phase wire. Remove the rest with a pair of pliers.
Fluorescent luminaires with two, four or more lamps
If you are modifying the luminaire for 2 or more lamps, it is recommended to bring voltage to each of the connectors with different wires. The design has the disadvantage of installing a jumper between multiple sockets. If the first tube is not installed in its place, the second tube will not light up. You take the first tube out, the second tube goes out.
On the terminal block, to which the phase, zero, ground are connected in turn, bring the conductors that supply voltage.
Check the operation of the lamps before attaching the luminaire to the ceiling. Apply voltage; adjust outgoing contacts if necessary.
LED lamps produce a directional beam of light, unlike fluorescent fixtures, which illuminate at 360°. But the 35° swivel function in the base and the rotation of the base itself will help to adjust and direct the light in the desired direction.
Not every socket in the lamp has this feature. If this is the case, move the socket's mounting to 90°. After checking, mount the device in the desired location.
The advantages of replacing the lamps are obvious:
- remodeling methods do not require special skills and knowledge, in addition, they are cheap;
- more economical power consumption;
- illumination is higher than that of fluorescent devices.
Extend the life of outdated fixtures and enjoy and benefit from bright, affordable lighting.
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