Looking for a new downlight lighting with the latest cutting-edge technology and modernization? Then you must know the factors you need to look out for to make a perfect choice. Lighting is not just a facility to brighten a room.
Light is known to have a major impact on our well-being. Whether we feel comfortable and can cope with the various visual requirements without signs of fatigue depends not only on the number of light sources distributed in the room but also on their lighting quality. But how do you find the perfect lighting?
Downlights are simple and fashionable lighting fixtures that are easy to use in any room. In this article, we will introduce how to choose integrated LED downlights, eco-friendly and suitable for your apartment or establishment. Unlike pendant lightings that are attached to the ceiling via a hanging electric wire, downlights are usually attached to the ceiling which cast their beams at a specific angle.
Guides For Your Next Downlight Purchase?
The kind of downlight that would be suitable for a kitchen is not the same one that can be used in the bathroom. This is because each room have different use and characteristics and therefore must be lighted in different ways.
While led strip lights may be suitable for a club or the kitchen pantry, it would be an eyesore if installed in a library. This is why it is essential to know the features of downlights that would be suitable in different rooms. Here are the factors to consider.
1. The Lifetime of the Downlight
The lifetime of a downlight is expressed in hours. This is the 1st comparison factor, but it is of little interest if it is not accompanied by the conditions that made it possible to calculate this number of hours.
In addition, it is advisable to purchase one that clearly expresses the state in which the spot will be at the end of this number of hours. For instance, if the average life of a downlight is 30,000 hours and you use it for approximately 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, you will reach 2912 hours of consumption over the year. Therefore, you won’t need to change your led downlight for 10 years.
2. The Beam Angle of the Downlight
The angle of diffusion of a spot makes it possible to concentrate or widen the luminous flux. A concentrated flux will increase the luminance on the targeted area (Lux) as well as the quality of light on a precise point but will require more luminaires to cover the lighting of the entire surface of a room.
A reduced flux also makes it possible to create luminous effects and to highlight only the chosen elements, in contrast with the other zones, little or less lit.
A larger flux will cover a larger area but will provide lower light quality and higher glare. This solution is also the most economical because it greatly limits the number of devices required.
3. The SDCM of the Downlight
A MacAdam ellipse defines an area in the colour space within which the human eye cannot discern colour differences. The SDCM or standard deviation colour matching is an indicator that allows us to know this value immediately.
Included between 1 and 8, this index makes it possible to characterise the size of the McAdam ellipse. It is considered that up to an SDCM index of 3, the colour variation is imperceptible and indicates a very high quality of the LEDs of the luminaire. Above 4 the difference between 2 light sources may be slightly noticeable. All spots in the PIXEL Lighting range have an index of less than 3.
4. The Choice of White Colour
The colour temperature of LED lighting is expressed in Kelvin (k). The lower the number (minimum 1800k), the warmer the temperature, i.e. the white tends towards red. This light is more relaxing and is intended for decorative lighting, to create a welcoming, Zen atmosphere.
The neutral colour is 4000k. This is the most common white colour and therefore should be used when choosing led spotlights. The colour of 4000k whites allows good colour reproduction. This can be used in the kitchen or living room.
Above 4000k, and up to more than 7500k, we speak of cold colour, with a tint tending towards blue. This light, more conducive to concentration but more aggressive, is favoured in industrial and medical environments.
5. The UGR Index of the Downlight
The UGR or Unified Glare Rating is a unified formula for evaluating glare defined by the technical report of the CIE 117-1995. In concrete terms, glare is a complex concept to model and measure and only makes sense in a particular situation.
Assessing the glare of a led spotlight taken in isolation, and therefore its UGR index would not be accurate because it does not take into account a concrete situation that can strongly influence this index. In addition, the increase or decrease in the flux of the luminaire, or the momentary supply of external light can greatly vary this index.
It is, therefore, appropriate to grant only an indication value (average UGR, or maximum reached) of the UGR index noted on a product sheet.
6. LED Downlight
LED lamps are better when compared to other light bulbs because they are more affordable, more durable, produce less heat and provide quality lighting compared to other light bulbs. You can acquire very affordable and durable LED lights comfortably from a UK LED Supplier.
7. IP Ratings
The IP ratings of a downlight represent the level of protection the lamp has against penetration from foreign bodies. For instance, if a downlight is to be used in a bathroom, there should be a level of waterproofing that would protect the bulb from water splashes from the tap and shower. This would go a long way to prevent fire outbreaks at the contact of water and electricity. For the bedroom, a download IP rate is IP44, and above is suitable.
IP ratings determine the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies. This is an important rating to look out for when you’re looking to light certain rooms in your home.
Conclusion
When considering downlight in your apartment or establishment, the aforementioned factors should be put into consideration. In addition to that, the fire rating compliance, IP ratings of the downlight, and CRI (colour rendering index) should be taken into consideration.
Check out our selection of quality LED downlights today.
