How to install LED strip on a curtain rod
LED curtain lighting is often used by craftsmen to give the interior of the room originality. Also, this method of decoration can often be seen in commercial and sports halls, administrative buildings. Such lighting serves as an additional source of light, with LEDs consume a minimal amount of electricity.
Another advantage of LED strip is that it can be installed in the ledge without the help of a master. The most difficult part of the job is to install and connect the power supply for the LEDs.
What are the advantages and popularity of backlighting curtains
By installing backlighting for the curtain alcove with LED strip, you will be convinced of the following benefits:
- The room will have a distinctive design. Creates the effect of sunlight falling on the window, regardless of time of day or weather;
- LEDs emphasize the contours of the room and create an attractive look not only inside but also outside the house;
- due to the lighting, the living space is visually enlarged.
Another indisputable advantage is that LEDs consume a small amount of electricityespecially when compared to incandescent bulbs. They are also less dangerous and last longer. For lighting is sufficiently low voltage, so the LEDs do not have a detrimental effect on the appearance of fabric blinds or curtains.
We advise to watch video: Curtain rod lighting with their own hands.
How to install lighting with their own hands
Before you go for materials and tools, you need to come up with an idea for the interior. First of all, it is recommended to choose the colors of backlighting. Also, under a particular shade, you can choose curtains, if they have not yet been bought. One of the most important stages of preparation is the selection of the power supply. Only after this begins the process of preparing tools, materials, and, directly, the installation of the LED strip.
Choosing a place for installation
LED strip, which is used as a curtain light, comes in two types of lighting - side and end. Due to its compact size, it can be installed even in a narrow window opening. LEDs will not be visible when the lights are off.
It is considered that the backlight is properly installed if the LEDs themselves are invisible and only the light that comes from them is visible. For such curtains, it is recommended to hide the ledge in the ceiling niche. If this option is not suitable, the source of light is hidden special cornice of polyurethane.
Decorative lighting with diodes can install in two ways - in front of the curtain or behind it. Most often the first option is used. Thus, the light is directed downwards onto the fabric. To achieve this effect, a box is mounted near the edge of the curtain and a diode strip is placed in it. As a result, the light will fall tangentially.
To create a very unusual effect, sometimes not the entire curtain, but only the lambrequin is illuminated. Such a solution will provide the room a special magical aura. Also LED lighting is not necessary to be hidden in a box. This option is used to illuminate the blinds. In this case, the tape is used with a dense arrangement of diodes.
Where to direct the light strip
Designers recommend directing the light in a tangential line to the curtains. In other words, the LEDs "look" at the end of the curtain, parallel to the ceiling.
Selecting the power supply
Before you buy an LED strip you need to deal with calculate its powerYou will need to select the power supply unit based on these data. For example, if the power of 1 m. is 15 W., 3 m. = 45 W. It is worth bearing in mind that the power supply must only be installed with a power reserve. Therefore, you should safely add about 20-30% to any values obtained. In our case the power supply unit with 60-70 W is suitable. It is better to find out the exact power of the tape from the seller when buying.
For reference: 1 amp = 220 W.
A more detailed calculation of the power supply is described in a separate article.
What you need for work
In order to avoid problems with the installation of lighting, it is recommended to install it in the process of repair. But if the installation is done afterwards, you need to be careful not to damage the finish. To facilitate the work in the installation process, you need to buy the following:
- A one-way switch. It will be used as a means of additional security;
- transformer. Recommended nominal values: voltage - 220 V, frequency - 50 Hz, output - 12 V (constant current). Such requirements are explained by the fact that LEDs will not work with standard mains parameters. Chips require a lower voltage and a different current quality;
- screwdriver (indicator screwdriver) and nails;
- plastic boxes are desirable for the wires. The required length corresponds to the length of the wiring;
- Heat shrink tubing or tape for insulation. If it is necessary to make a niche, behind which the tape will be mounted, you will need plasterboard;
- drill;
- glue;
- wire. To know the required length, it is necessary to make measurements. The cross section should be at least 1.5 mm2, and the product that will be connected to the tape - 0.75 or 1 mm2. For these purposes, a wire with 2 cores of different colors will be suitable;
- scissors;
- LED strip. Before you buy it, you need to measure the distance required for lighting. It is also worth remembering that the operating parameters of the transformer must correspond to the ratings of the tape;
- soldering iron;
Review of prices for popular models of tapes.
Step-by-step installation instructions
The first step is to begin installing the box along the window opening. It is along its edge that the cornice is subsequently attached. If the lighting is mounted under the suspended ceiling, the box is not needed.
The next step is to install the transformer. It can be installed on the ceiling with standard wall plugs in the place where the LED strip begins.
When the transformer is installed, it is brought to the operating voltage. This is suitable for this nearest outlet or junction box. Next, you must take the previously purchased wire with 2 wires. One of them (red) must be connected to the phase, and the other to zero. To determine the phase, you will need a screwdriver.
The next step is to proceed to LED strip installation. Here you will need construction adhesive, applied to the back surface of the tape. It is important to make a thorough cleaning of the surface on which the tape will be installed. If this is not done, over time it will fall off. When the adhesive is fully applied, the tape should be applied and secured by applying light pressure. The remains of the composition can be removed with an ordinary rag.
Next, you need to connect the LED strip to the transformer. To do this, it has two leads - "V-" and "V+". From here to the same conclusions on the strip lead wire with the above cross section of 1.5 mm2. If these leads are mixed up, the strip can burn out completely when you turn it on. A switch is made to control the light. It is installed only on the phase. Otherwise, even after the strip is turned off, dangerous voltage will remain on it.
Detailed instructions on how to connect are described here.
Installation Tips
Before you start installing the lights, you should consider the following tips:
- The lighting should be chosen based on the type and color of the curtains. As a result they should form a complete composition.
- To avoid short circuits, make sure that the insulation is in good working order.
- It is not recommended to block the path of light flow with other decorative elements.
- Diodes should be placed as far as possible from flammable objects.
- It is not necessary to choose cheap Chinese products and too bright LEDs.
Finished options with photos
The result obtained directly depends on the idea. Above described the standard installation option, which can be varied at your discretion. Below (in the photo) are bold solutions, but at the same time difficult to implement. Therefore, if you are not confident in your own abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals.
Conclusion
To be able to make the lighting brighter or dimmer, you can install an adjustable switch. But this will require the help of a master. It is also not uncommon to use RGB tape, which changes the colors of luminescence. With its help in the room will be able to create an atmosphere depending on your mood.
