Not everyone knows about the features of bathroom lighting, what the pitfalls are and how to properly ensure safety. First of all, protection from moisture is very important in this room. And it is not surprising, because such a lamp is, first of all, an electrical device, the operation of which is associated with certain risks. And the humidity level in the bathroom is always high. Moreover, even in the case of high-quality modern repairs, it is not possible to overcome excessive humidity, so the contacts must be protected so that the lamps are safe, durable and functional. So, today we will talk about lamps for the bathroom, consider their types and selection criteria, and also do the installation yourself. But first things first.
Spotlights for the bathroom
Note! Lighting fixtures for the bathroom must be waterproof - there is no place for ordinary light bulbs and primitive sockets. But the average consumer, alas, does not always understand all these subtleties. As a result, for a room where temperature/humidity changes are constantly observed, and steam is often more like a curtain, ordinary lamps are purchased. Except that the power is greater, and the dimensions are smaller. However, this approach is fundamentally wrong!
The bathroom is a room with high humidity levels
Characteristics of bathroom lamps
There is a misconception that special waterproof lamps look unattractive and are equipped with some kind of protection that immediately catches the eye. In reality, such lighting fixtures can hardly be called ugly. Their design is thought out to the smallest detail, all – even the most insignificant – nuances are taken into account. The only difference is that the design of such lamps is somewhat more complicated than traditional ones.
Waterproof bathroom fixtures
On a note! With the naked eye it is not always possible to distinguish an ordinary lamp from one that is protected from moisture. The presence of special protection will only be indicated by a corresponding inscription.
Design of a halogen spotlight
From everything said above, another important point follows. To buy a spotlight, it is better to visit a retail outlet that has a good reputation and really deserves your trust. This is explained by the fact that such products are often counterfeited. And since you cannot determine the protection class with the naked eye, you will have to rely solely on trust. It is important that you are sure that the lamps you purchase are waterproof and are truly intended for use in the bathroom.
What is the secret of these lighting devices? It's simple - they have a special “filling” . All moisture protection is hidden in the internal structure. For example, the connection holes are protected by rubber plugs, and the places where the glass is adjacent to the light bulb are equipped with a high-quality rubber layer.
Luminaires protected from moisture must have a sealed housing
Waterproof lamp Ecola GX53 H9
Installation of lamps in the Armstrong ceiling
Depending on the material of the panels, holes are made with crowns or a knife. Armstrong is mounted on suspensions, so there are no intermediate profiles there. The essence of Armstrong is a frame hanging on hangers attached to the ceiling. The frame is filled with panels. The panels can be transparent (let light through), then you can install lamps directly above the ceiling and you will get a luminous ceiling, very good. beautiful - but that's a topic for another article!
Armstrong ceiling in the bathroom with built-in lights
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What types of spotlights are there?
All lighting devices are divided into groups based on general principles. Let's look at them. Thus, according to the installation method, devices can be external (or overhead) and internal (in other words, built-in).
The device of an overhead spotlight
Classic surface mounted lamp over the mirror
In addition, lighting fixtures can be wall, floor, or ceiling. Let us note that recently we have even started to see lamps that are mounted directly into the floor covering - the solution, frankly speaking, is original, but it instantly takes the room to a qualitatively new level in terms of design. Such lighting goes especially well with floors that have an original artistic design (for example, with self-leveling 3D floors).
Bathroom wall lamp Astro SAGARA
Floor recessed lamps
The lamps used in this kind of lamps are also different. These can be either traditional incandescent lamps or fluorescent or halogen lamps. Light bulbs are also classified according to the level of temperature they emit, power, ergonomics, brightness, etc.
Prices for spotlights
Spotlights
Main types of lamps for home
For bathrooms or saunas - specific lamps!
When choosing lighting devices for rooms with high humidity, one more important parameter should be taken into account - the protection class of the device housing. You can read more about this in a special publication on our portal dedicated to waterproof lamps for bathrooms .
A few words about protection classes
If you want truly waterproof lamps to illuminate your bathroom, then be sure to find out what these devices are depending on the protection class. To do this, always look at the product label and take into account what exactly it means.
The moisture resistance class of the luminaire must be indicated on the packaging
Table. Protection classes – types of waterproof lamps.
| Marking | Short description |
| IP22 | It indicates the presence of protection from large drops of water. Ideal for ceiling installation or to illuminate an area directly above the sink. |
| IP44 | In this case we are talking about protection against splashes of any size. Such lamps are installed mainly in those areas of the room where the most moisture evaporates. |
| IP67 | These lamps are completely sealed. They can be installed even near water sources. |
| IP68 | The level of protection for such products is very high, the devices are durable and reliable. You can even place them in water for a while! If the bathroom is small or has poor ventilation, then such lamps will be an ideal option. They are also placed directly in shower stalls and steam rooms. |
Table of IP protection class values
When choosing spotlights, you should be aware of all these points and easily navigate the markings. Thanks to this, you can find the most suitable models. It is also better to place lighting fixtures in different places - this way you will properly organize the space, provide optimal lighting, and get a unique and beautiful design. In this case, each area of the room must be equipped with an appropriate lamp, selected taking into account humidity, usage patterns, location of water sources, splash distribution, etc.
Moisture-proof lamp Globo Lester 32213
Grouping of lamps
Below is a classification of lamps depending on the grouping.
- Single models. They are popular and provide room lighting using a wall sconce. There are usually few lamps, but they perform their decorative function well - they are a bright, memorable detail in the bathroom.
Single lamp - Remote models. They are sometimes used in niches, wall panels, and furniture. Compact, attractive, have small fastening elements. Sometimes they even put floor lamps in bathrooms, which in itself is quite original.
Bathroom wall lamp - Mortise models – the most efficient and convenient in terms of rational use of free space. They are easily hidden behind the cladding of the ceiling and walls. As a result, the lamps become practically invisible light sources (in other words, their structural elements are not visible to the eye). It looks beautiful and also visually increases the space.
Recessed waterproof luminaire Premium Line Hexa 99556
Important information! Among designers, it is the mortise-mounted fixtures that are most popular - in recent years they have been increasingly used to organize lighting in bathrooms.
Installation methods
Depending on the mounting method, luminaires can be rotating or non-rotating. The latter are much more common. For non-rotating models, the mount is rigid, which is why the light falls only on a specific area (nothing can be changed). In this case, you can use several excellent options, but without design skills it will be difficult. An experienced specialist will help you create an effective lighting system, correctly arrange the devices and think through the optimal zoning of the room, hiding/highlighting individual places. At the same time, the number of lamps will most likely be greater than when using rotary models.
Rotating and fixed spotlights
An excellent option is to use rotating lighting fixtures. Such models look beautiful and impressive, and provide more options when arranging lighting in the bathroom.
Surface mounted LED Reflector 1776-1C Favorite
The direction of light of rotary instruments can be easily changed. You yourself will be able to choose areas for illumination and adjust the position of the lamps. But the cost of such a system will be higher.
Spotlights for the bathroom: varieties
In principle, almost all existing types of spotlights, including spots, can be used in the bathroom. The main thing is to choose the right lighting fixtures for the interior of the bathroom. The only type of spotlights that should not be used to illuminate a bathroom are surface-mounted fixtures, as they are not safe in a wet area. The fact is that the connection of overhead lamps is carried out from the front side of the ceiling - despite the fact that the connecting terminals are covered by the lamp body, they still remain accessible to condensation, which can cause a short circuit.
Types of spotlights for the bathroom
In this regard, recessed bathroom lights look much more attractive, the connection of which is carried out above a suspended ceiling, where there is practically no condensation. The only threat comes from the neighbors above - if they flood you, the wiring may short out. In this regard, care must be taken to provide adequate protection in the form of a circuit breaker.
But let's return to the types of spotlights. We have already figured out that they come in overhead and mortise types, now it’s time to clarify the situation with their sizes. When choosing ceiling lights for the bathroom, you need to pay attention to this factor almost in the first place. The size of the lamp largely determines its ability to emit a certain amount of light. If the lamp has a small diameter, then most likely it involves installing lamps with low power - you won’t get a lot of light from them. As a rule, they are used to illuminate mirrors and shelves in the bathroom. If we are talking about full-fledged ceiling lighting, then the best option would be either LED bathroom lights with a power of at least 3.5 W, or devices that allow you to install energy-saving lamps in them.
Bathroom recessed lamps photo
Using incandescent or halogen lamps in suspended ceilings is not the best idea, especially if the free space behind them is kept to a minimum. These lamps produce too much heat energy for which there is no outlet - as a result, they overheat and simply burn out. Practice has shown that despite the high cost, the best option is LED spotlights for the bathroom.
And one moment. It is imperative to pay attention to waterproof spotlights for the bathroom - they are the ones who will make the use of lighting in this room safe for humans.
LED bathroom lamp photo
Other features of spotlights
We found that such lamps have the most advantages, because they are modern devices that are ideal for use in the bathroom. Typically, many still consider such lighting exotic, even despite the rapid development of technology. People are used to having only one light source in a room, but in reality, dividing into groups is more attractive, economical and efficient.
Spot waterproof ceiling lamp
First of all, let's get acquainted with the advantages of spotlights.
- They weigh a little, which is very good.
- They use ergonomic LED bulbs.
- The lamps are compact in size.
- The modern range of spotlights with moisture protection is huge; you can choose a model of any shape and color.
LED lamp with E27 base without bulb
In view of everything said above, we can conclude that such lamps are truly the best option for the bathroom.
Video - What types of spotlights are there?
Decoration of furniture, niches, shelves
In the bathroom, the lighting element not only performs its main role, but can also be used to improve the design of a separate piece of furniture.
- For example, niches and shelves are decorated with white LED strip. They are attached under the protruding parts. A bathroom shelf illuminated in blue or blue appears light and airy.
- One or two large spot LEDs (5 cm in diameter) decorate a wall chest of drawers or a side cabinet.
- Furniture recessed into a niche is illuminated with a strip or spotlights. A stream of rays of white, gold, blue light fits into any interior.
- In the bathroom, an installed automatic switch regulates the flow of light in the cabinet with LED strip lighting. When the door is opened, 3-4 LED strip lights are activated.
About the advantages of waterproof lamps
In any situation, safety comes first. But when designing/arranging lighting in the bathroom, this is especially true. The problem here is mainly due to high humidity; splashes of water may well get on the surface of the lamp. Moreover, due to humidity, condensation settles on the lamps, because there is strong evaporation of moisture.
Prices for ceiling lamps
ceiling lamps
Swivel waterproof lamp
It is also worth remembering other important points.
- Moisture-protected lamps are safe to use, they prevent short circuits in the electrical network and protect the user from electric shocks. And all this plays a big role in ensuring the comfort and safety of residents.
- In each specific case, the complexity of using lamps in the bathroom should be objectively assessed. This room has high humidity, as mentioned above, moisture is constantly evaporating. This makes working with electricity especially dangerous.
- The quality and duration of operation are also important. Devices protected from moisture will operate without failures and for quite a long time (for comparison: conventional lamps quickly fail in such conditions). As a result, the purchase costs are more than recouped in a fairly short time.
On a note! Of course, if you give preference to more technically complex and, accordingly, more expensive models, then you should definitely inquire about the authenticity of the products. When shopping, it is better to go to a trusted store that has a good reputation, otherwise there will be a risk of stumbling upon a fake.
What to look for when purchasing?
When choosing devices you should also act carefully. Read the tips that will help you at least roughly determine the degree of protection of the lamps. Such tips are given below.
How to choose a bathroom lamp
- Where the housing comes into contact with the glass, the principle of tightness is required.
- The springs that hold the antennae must be well fixed in one position.
- The glass of the device must be of high quality, especially if it will be used in the bathroom.
- For the manufacture of waterproof models, special materials that are resistant to high humidity are used. These are, as a rule, “stainless steel” and aluminum alloys.
- The strength of the antennae mentioned above must be checked. If they are of high quality, they will bend with difficulty.
The photo clearly shows the antennae with which the spotlight is attached to the ceiling.
In addition, spotlights can be additionally protected from moisture if the fasteners and the main mechanism are located inside the wall or ceiling.
Calculator for calculating the required luminous flux of lamps for lamps
Go to calculations
Installation of lamps in the ceiling made of PVC panels on a frame
A ceiling made of PVC panels is mounted on a frame, just like a ceiling made of plasterboard. Therefore, the same rule applies here: installation of lamps is carried out between intermediate profiles.
Cutting the holes is carried out with a wood crown and a screwdriver or an ordinary stationery knife (wearing gloves). Everything else is described. Installation of a ceiling made of PVC panels in a bathroom is also described in the article → link.
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How to install it yourself?
To begin with, it’s worth deciding on some important points regarding electrical wiring.
- The voltage should be low - 12 V.
- The distribution box should be located outside the bathroom.
- It is important to minimize the number of high voltage cable connections.
Approximate installation diagram of a spotlight with a transformer.
Now let’s take a look at the step-by-step installation instructions.
Step one. To begin with, a “garland” is mounted from electrical wiring, to which the spotlights themselves will be connected in the future.
Connection diagram for recessed lamp
After all the wires have been laid, the suspended ceiling is installed. Next, holes are carefully cut out in it corresponding to the diameter of the lamps and the wires are carefully routed out and connected to the terminals of the lamp
Step two. It is necessary to make holes in the ceiling in the right places for the lamps. For cutting, the example uses a diamond-coated hole saw. A crown is installed on an electric drill or screwdriver. After applying the markings, you can begin cutting out holes in the appropriate places.
The location of the lamp is marked
Drill or screwdriver bits
A hole is made
Step three. The diameter of the crown is selected as accurately as possible, otherwise the hole will not fit the lighting fixture. By the way, crowns are bought in sets, and therefore you need to choose an option that matches the diameter of the lamp body.
We turn off the electricity at the installation site. To do this, in the electrical panel, it is necessary to switch the circuit breaker levers to the “Off” state, usually this is the position in which the lever is pointing down
Step four. The wire laid earlier is removed from the hole to connect the lighting fixture.
Getting the power wires
Step five. Instead of traditional sockets, the described lamps have a terminal connector (usually included in the kit), which is a pair of wires that must be connected to phase and neutral. Good insulation is very important here.
Wires are fixed in the terminal block
Power wires are attached to the terminal block
Step six. After this, the lamp itself is installed. Its clamping antennae are unclenched and held, then a wire is threaded through the middle and the device is inserted into the cut hole. Then, when the antennae are released, the lamp will automatically fix itself in the required place. All you have to do is fix it.
Prices for LED lamps
LED lights
Spring fastenings on the body
Spring fasteners bend
The light fits into the installation hole
After this, you need to remove the cartridge from the niche, which we have already connected to the power wire
Step seven. The lamp is secured with an expanding locking ring. It must be removed from the device before installing the lamp.
Expanding retaining ring
Step eight. The lamp is inserted and checked for functionality (just press the switch).
Lamp installation
Step nine. If everything is in order, then the device is finally fixed.
The fixing ring is installed in the groove
It is important to do everything carefully, carefully and in full accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Important! When installing the lamp, do not touch its surface with your bare hands, then it will last you much longer
