Installing and connecting a mirror with lighting in the bathroom
To connect the mirror with backlighting is not difficult, if you understand the features of the design. There are different options for lighting, you need to know the details in order to properly carry out the work. In addition, it is worth studying the installation instructions, which always come with the product.
Types of backlighting
Depending on the location, backlighting is divided into three groups, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Outdoor lights
Are very popular, as they provide quality lighting of the mirror itself and the space in front of it. With the right light bulb selection provides perfect color renderingThat is important when applying makeup and cosmetic procedures. Can be realized in different ways:
- Small sconces that are attached to the wall on the sides. Most often they use plafonds that give a homogeneous diffused light, comfortable for vision. The area in front of the mirror is well lit, providing comfort for all who use it.
- Rotating adjustable lights mounted above the mirror. It is a kind of spotlights, which can be directed to the right place to provide high-quality lighting. Not a bad solution, allows you to adjust the light, change the position if necessary, which is also convenient. At the top can be a long fluorescent lamp.
- Overhead options, which are fixed around the perimeter of the mirror and give a soft diffused light. Most often it is LED bulbs of small size, which look very good in such products.
- Models with built-in spotlights are also convenient, because you can achieve the desired position.
Side lights can also be attached to the body of the mirror.
Internal illumination
This solution is different because of the peculiarities of the design. Its main advantages are compactness and modernity. The features are as follows:
- The LED strip is located on the inside of the mirror. To distribute the light evenly, a strip of frosted glass is made to serve as a diffuser.
- Lighting can be placed on the sides or around the perimeter of the mirror, it all depends on its size and model of the product.
- It is important to be able to adjust the brightness to adjust it to your liking.
This option is good because the lighting elements are already included in the design and they do not need to be installed separately.
Decorative lighting
This solution has no practical function and does not illuminate the space in front of the mirror in the same way as the previous types. It is needed for decoration and to give an original look. Most often this type is combined with another one.
Backlighting can be located along the perimeter, in niches and shelves. In some models, there are small gaps on the mirror, from which different compositions are created.
How to install a mirror with illumination
Any person with minimal skills in such works can install a mirror with lighting. Before you start, it is necessary to study the instructions to understand how to mount the construction better. After reading the documentation, follow the steps in the table.
Step 1. The location of the mirror is determined, first of all, the height is important. Marks are made on the wall in the places where the mounts will be located. Ideally, make them on the joints between the tiles. | |
Step 2. It is best to drill first with a ceramic drill, and then with a concrete drill. The depth should be selected according to the size of the dowels used. If they are flimsy in the set, it is worth buying reliable. | |
Step 3. Fix the mirror on the surface, this part of the work is better to do with an assistant, so that he held the product. If the wire must be connected directly to the power cable, then pull it through the hole in advance during installation, so as not to remove the construction later. | |
Step 4. To connect the wires, you will need a connection diagram, there is a marking of the insulation, so as not to mix up anything. It is best to connect with special terminals, do not use duct tape and twist. After finishing work, check the power on and off to make sure that everything is normal. | |
Step 5. If the lights are placed on the side, you may need to mount them to the wall, in which case it is often necessary to bring the wires in the right places, which complicates the work. Sometimes the elements are attached to the sides of the body of the mirror, it is much easier. Mount fixtures must be strictly according to the instructions, most often on the frame are marked points for mounting. | |
Step 6. It is much easier to connect variants with a socket, as you just have to insert the plug. But in this case, you will have to pre-power where the mirror will be located. The socket should be of the highest class of protection against moisture and a lockable housing. |
Important!
Before you start work, be sure to turn off the power supply on the instrument panel to avoid any problems. Do not forget about the connection of the ground wire, if available.
Peculiarities of connection depending on the type of light source
To connect the mirror with lighting in the bathroom correctly, it is necessary to take into account and what elements will be used for lighting. Usually one of the listed varieties is used:
- Fluorescent lamps need to be connected through a special unit, so that they flicker to a minimum and give maximum brightness. They do not get hot when they work, so they are well-suited for the bathroom.
- Halogen variants can operate from a 12V power supply, this is the solution best suited for the mirror. These are directional light fixtures, which heat when working quite strongly, and when installing you can not touch the bulb with your fingers, as this will reduce the life of the bulb.
- LED Lights are easy to connect, they are powered from 12 V, usually included is the scheme, which should be followed.
- LED strip LED strip allows you to make lighting in any place, it is cut along the marked lines and connected to the power supply, the connections are best soldered and closed with heat shrink tubing.
By the way!
Fingerprints on the halogen lamp are best erased with alcohol.
Widespread mistakes
When installing a mirror with backlighting, mistakes are often made, the most common of them are as follows:
- When connecting to the network, twist or connect aluminum and copper without using a pad.
- The choice is power supply according to the power of the equipment. You should use options with a power reserve of at least 30%.
- A socket not designed for installation in a humid environment is used.
- The wiring diagram is not observed and the ground wire is not connected.
If a power supply is used, it must be located so that it is protected from moisture, but also so that it is cooled properly.
Video example of installation and demonstration of LED mirrors Cersanit functions.
Connect the mirror with lighting is not difficult, if you understand the types of designs and study the features of the connection of different options. When working, you should observe safety precautions and connect the wires according to the diagram that comes with the kit.