FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right power supply for LED luminaires to ensure they work
properly?
The sum of the wattage of all LED luminaires connected to one power supply must be less than the wattage of the power supply. For example, if you have three LED luminaires, each rated at 30W, the sum of their wattage is 90W. In this case, it is recommended to use a power supply of at least 100W to provide a safety margin.
What happens if I connect luminaires with a higher total wattage than the power
supply I have?
If you connect LED luminaires with a higher total wattage than the wattage of the power supply, the power supply may overheat, shut down, operate unstably (flickering light) or even be damaged. Always make sure that the power supply power is higher than the total power of the luminaires, with a safety margin.
Where should I place the switch in my LED lighting installation?
The circuit breaker should be placed between the power supply and the LED luminaire. This means that the switch cuts the power directly to the luminaire, ensuring that the lighting is switched off safely and reliably. This protects the power supply from possible voltage spikes during switch-on and switch-off.
How do I connect LED luminaires in a master system?
irst connect the master luminaire to the power supply. Then connect the other luminaires to the master luminaire. This arrangement allows the entire lighting system to be controlled synchronously. The master luminaire controls the operation of the other luminaires, thus enabling uniform control of the entire lighting system.
Can I use a 12V power supply for a 24V light fitting?
No, you cannot use a 12V power supply for a 24V light fitting. LED luminaires must be powered at the correct voltage according to their specification. Using a lower voltage power supply will result in the luminaire not operating correctly and using a higher voltage power supply may damage the luminaire.
What happens if I use a 24V power supply for a 12V light fitting?
Using a 24V power supply to a luminaire designed for 12V can cause serious damage to the LED luminaire. The luminaire will be exposed to overvoltage, which can lead to overheating, LED burnout and even fire. Exceeding the voltage rating of an LED luminaire will significantly shorten its life and can be a safety hazard. Therefore, always use a power supply with a voltage compatible with the requirements of the luminaire.
What should be included on the LED lighting nameplate?
The LED lighting nameplate should include the following information:
- Operating Voltage: The voltage required for the proper functioning of the fixture (e.g., 12V, 24V).
- Power: The power consumed by the LED fixture, usually given in watts (W).
- Luminous Flux: The amount of emitted light, given in lumens (lm).
- Color Temperature: The color of the light, specified in Kelvin (K), e.g., 3000K (warm white), 4000K (neutral white).
- IP Rating: The degree of protection against water and dust, e.g., IP65.
- Lifespan: The expected operational duration of the fixture, e.g., 30,000 hours.
- Certifications and Standards: Information on compliance with safety standards, e.g., CE, RoHS.
- Type of LED Chips: Specification regarding the type of LED chips used, if available.
What do the watts, volts, light colour and lumens values mean on the LED lighting
rating label?
- Watts (W): Measures the power consumed by the LED luminaire. Higher wattage means higher power consumption, but not always higher lumen output.
- Volt (V): Determines the operating voltage needed for the LED lighting to work properly. It must match the voltage of the power supply.
- Colour of light (K): Measures the colour temperature of the light, expressed in kelvin (K). Lower values (e.g. 2700K) indicate a warm, yellowish light, while higher values (e.g. 4000K and above) indicate a cooler, white light.
- Lumen (lm): Measures the luminous flux, i.e. the amount of light emitted. A higher lumen value means brighter lighting.
How do I correctly connect LED lights to the mains supply?
To correctly connect LED lighting to mains power, you must first select a power supply compatible with the voltage and wattage required by the LED lighting. The power supply should have a suitable output, greater than or equal to the sum of the wattage of all LED luminaires. Next, the power supply (AC) wires should be connected to the input of the power supply, as marked. The output wires of the power supply should be connected to the LED luminaires, paying attention to polarity. Solidity of the connections is required, which can be ensured by using suitable connectors or soldering. Once the installation is complete, switch on the power supply and check that the LED lighting is working correctly, making sure that all luminaires are lighting evenly and that the power supply is not overheating.
What is the difference between warm, neutral, and cool light colors?
The color of light differs in color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K):
- Warm light color (2700K-3000K) has yellowish hues and creates a cozy, soft atmosphere. It is often used in homes, particularly in bedrooms and living rooms, to achieve a pleasant, relaxing lighting.
- Neutral light color (3500K-4100K) is closer to natural daylight. It has white hues and is used in places where clear visibility is needed, such as offices and kitchens.
- Cool light color (5000K and above) has bluish hues and is similar to daylight on a sunny day. It is used in places requiring precise lighting, such as workshops, medical offices, or retail stores.
What is the lifetime of LEDs compared to traditional incandescent bulbs?
LEDs typically have a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours, which is significantly longer than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
How does dimming affect the performance of LEDs?
A dimmer can extend the life of LEDs and save energy, but requires compatible dimmers designed for LED technology to avoid flickering or damage.
What products can be used to clean mirrors?
Mirrors are best washed with the following products:
- Neutral mirror care products - specially designed for cleaning glass and do not contain acids or ammonia.
- Warm water with a small amount of mild detergent - safe for most mirror surfaces.
- A solution of vinegar and water - at a ratio of 4:1 (i.e. four measures of water to one measure of vinegar), although care should be taken not to use it too often so as not to damage the mirror coating.
It is advisable to avoid agents with ammonia, acids, large amounts of vinegar and strong organic solvents, as these can damage the mirror.
What fabrics can be used to clean the mirror?
The following fabrics are best used to clean the mirror:
- Microfibre - soft and effective in removing dust and smudges without scratching the surface of the mirror.
- Cotton - clean, lint-free cotton cloths will also work well for mirror care, as long as they are soft and free of dirt.
It is important that the cloths are clean and dry before use to avoid leaving streaks or scratches on the mirror surface.
What cannot be used to clean a mirror?
The following agents and materials should be avoided when cleaning the mirror:
- Detergents containing ammonia - can damage the mirror coating and lead to corrosion of the silver.
- Acids - such as vinegar in large quantities, can affect the durability of the mirror coating.
- Detergents with alcohol - such as acetone or organic solvents, can damage the mirror coating.
- Gritty detergents - such as cleaning lotions, can scratch the surface of the mirror.
- Rough cloths and sponges - can cause scratches on the mirror surface.
- Organic solvents - such as petrol, phenol or methanol, can be too aggressive for the mirror.
When choosing cleaning products, it is always worth checking that they are specifically designed for mirrors to avoid potential damage.
