LED strips for lighting in the sauna: selecting and installing. Can LEDs be used in a sauna? How to properly light a sauna LED lamps for a steam room

A bathhouse lamp is a specific type of lighting fixture that primarily carries a practical functional load. The aesthetic side of such products is secondary.

Peculiarities

Lamps intended for baths differ from other lighting devices in that, due to special operating conditions, increased requirements are placed on them. For long and safe service, products must have the following properties:

strength. To prevent damage from mechanical impact and destruction from elevated temperatures, the body of the lamp must be very strong;
environmental safety. The materials from which the product is made must not release harmful elements into the environment;
fire safety. It is preferable that the cartridge and other structural parts are ceramic. This will prevent them from igniting in unforeseen situations, for example, a short circuit or an emergency sharp increase in temperature in the bathhouse, which can occur in the event of a malfunction of the thermostat during electrical heating;
heat resistance. The lamp must withstand temperatures ranging from 100 degrees in Russian and 150 in Turkish baths, to 200-250 degrees for ceiling options;
moisture-proof. The level of protection for sockets and switches in bathhouses is required to be at least IP 44, and for lamps - IP 54;
reliability. The lighting fixture must be sealed with rubber or silicone, especially for lamps equipped with an incandescent lamp. Otherwise, in steam conditions, the lamp will break into small fragments and injure a person;
durability and anti-corrosion properties. Parts of the product should not quickly deteriorate, and the lampshade or lampshade should not lose its original aesthetic appearance.

Materials

Not all materials are suitable for the production of lampshades and lamp shades due to the specific external influences to which the products are exposed. More suitable are:

glass. For wall-mounted lampshades, thick milky or matte glass is used. Provided the product is completely sealed, you can use an incandescent lamp. Glass lamps differ in the color and shape of the shades; the top can be covered with a metal grill. There are also exclusive options, for example, a lamp made in the shape of a kerosene lamp. The combination of glass and dark antique metal looks very impressive. Since the product is quite voluminous, it is recommended to use it in spacious baths;
heat-resistant types plastic and plastics, aluminum and stainless steel are also used in the production of lighting fixtures for baths. The main requirement is heat resistance and environmental friendliness;

Himalayan salt. A natural material with a beautiful structure that creates soft flickering lighting and has a healing effect. Can be used in the form of lampshades or solid slabs that serve as a diffuse screen for various light sources. When the salt surface is heated, the room is ionized and useful elements are released, which creates a powerful therapeutic and prophylactic effect.

Staying in such a microclimate is very useful for bronchial pathology, skin and nervous system diseases.

Lampshades and decorative diffuser screens made of Himalayan salt do not lose their healing properties throughout their entire service life.

The ionization intensity remains at the same level even after a long period of time. When heated, the molecules of the substance release vapors containing many useful microelements. This property explains the healing effect, which is similar in healing power to the healing effect of salt caves, which have been so popular lately.

Himalayan salt slabs and lampshades differ from each other in shades. You can choose more saturated colors with slightly less transparency, or you can choose products in soft pink shades that transmit light well and simulate mesmerizing lighting, thanks to the beautiful pattern of the material structure.

Lampshades and screens made from Himalayan salt do not require special care. It is enough to carry out wet processing, removing dust and dirt. Salt lamps can be used in any room of the bathhouse and sauna, but from the point of view of health improvement, they will be most useful in the steam room. The products are produced in a wide price range, the cost depends on the size of the model and the complexity of the design, which allows you to purchase a budget version of the lamp.

Wood fits harmoniously into the bath interior, continuing the image and being the final touch of the design. Natural and environmentally friendly material is ideal for the manufacture of wooden screens and grilles. In the factory production of wooden lampshades, abasha, linden and cedar wood is used. These breeds perfectly tolerate the high humidity of a Russian bath and the dry heat of a Finnish sauna, without losing their beautiful appearance, without swelling or drying out.

The cheapest material is linden. It smells nice and withstands temperature changes well. Abash and cedar are expensive species with a beautiful wood structure, durable, moisture-resistant and durable. You can’t get burned on them, which is very convenient in steam rooms and washrooms.

Wood products are used in any room in the bathhouse.

Lampshades that are made from several wood species with different structures look impressive. For independent production of gratings and screens, it is better to use bast, wicker and birch bark. These are inexpensive species, they cut and polish well, are moisture resistant and are not afraid of high temperatures. Coniferous wood, namely pine and spruce, should not be used in the production of lampshades due to high resin release in hot steam rooms. You can burn your hands on such a product.

Wooden lampshades are made in the form of a grid or screen with one or more dispersive holes, through which the light flux passes. Lamps can be attached to the load-bearing surface in a corner or wall manner. Corner is suitable for small rooms, allowing you to save space and evenly illuminate the space.

The lamp in corner-mounted models is protected more reliably than in wall-mounted ones.

The decorative grille is in perfect harmony with the wooden interior of all rooms of the bathhouse and can be made of slats or round rods fixed in the grooves of the frame. This type of lampshade looks great with decorative barrels, buckets and tubs, as well as with foot grates.

Varieties

Lamps differ in their purpose and the possibility of use in a particular bath room due to the light sources with which they are equipped. The following types of lamps can operate in conditions of high temperatures and high humidity:

incandescent lamps. The housing of models with this type of lamp must be moisture-resistant and sealed using rubber or silicone seals. The safety class of the lamp must be at least IP 56, the lamp power must not exceed 60 W. Products with this type of lamp are the worst suited for use in baths and saunas due to the fact that during operation the lamps become very hot, and if splashed they can burst, injuring visitors;

LED elements moisture resistant, fireproof and reliable. Some models with a safety index of IP 65 can even be used under running water. They significantly save energy. When placed in a steam room, it is necessary to install a protective diffuser screen, grille or matte lampshade due to the very bright light flux, which will quickly tire the eyes.

Many products with such lamps are equipped with a remote control, which allows you to adjust the brightness and shade of the emitted light flux.

Such specimens are expensive, but with their help you can get the effect of a starry sky or a play of shadows and light.

In a bathhouse, both lamps and strips can be used, which provides great opportunities for decorating the room and allows you to diversify the design.

The tape can be installed under the shelves without disturbing visitors to the bathhouse and creating dim, diffused lighting. A backing made of heat-resistant plastic, stainless steel or aluminum must be installed under it. The disadvantage of lamps with LEDs is that under constant exposure to high temperatures, the LED elements quickly fail, and the remote control requires a protective, moisture-proof cover;

Fiber optic light sources are absolutely safe due to the transmission of light by glass wires via a light wave and the absence of electricity in the elongated tubular wires. They can be used even at the bottom of the pool; they can easily withstand temperatures of 300 degrees, so they are quite suitable for ceiling lamps. Good for wet Russian baths and dry Finnish saunas. They emit soft light, are easy to install and durable.

The light of the fiber optic element does not dazzle the eyes, which allows you to avoid the use of grilles and lampshades when implementing interesting design solutions. The advantage of fiber optic elements is the ability to create numerous lighting effects, including northern lights and fire, to achieve which you will need to purchase a filter, colored lens or a special decorative attachment.

Fiber optic lamps are expensive, but the result obtained and the complete safety of the product justify the high price;

Other varieties also include:

halogen the lamps are suitable for use in pairs, they are low-voltage - they have a power of 20-35 W and an emission spectrum close to natural, therefore they are absolutely safe for vision, resistant to high temperatures and high humidity. They are not afraid of splashes and are available with shades and half-shades of different colors, which allows you to choose a lamp suitable for any room in the bathhouse;

luminescent lamps. They have the ability to adjust the brightness, they are energy-saving, but do not tolerate frost well, so they should not be used in country baths located in cold climates and not used daily;
gas-discharge lamps can only be used in auxiliary rooms of baths and saunas: in the locker room, dressing room and relaxation room. They are absolutely not suitable for operation at elevated external temperatures;
infrared lamps. They have a power of 250-300 W. The radiation frequency ranges from 1400 to 3000 nm, and the remote control allows you to adjust its intensity. When installing the lamp, silicone wire must be used. Infrared radiation has a healing effect, so products with such a light source are becoming popular;
energy saving lamps. Devices equipped with such lamps can be installed in rooms with a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees. For a steam room where the air heats up above 100 degrees, their use is dangerous. The use of energy-saving lamps is permitted in the locker room, corridor, dressing room, washing room or rest room.

Installation

Before you begin installing the lamp, you should carefully read the instructions for use of the product.

Installation should begin by securing the lamp body to the supporting surface.

After securely fixing the base, you should put on the lampshade, secure the lampshade, screen or decorative grille. Next, you need to completely de-energize the room if the installed models are not wireless. If there is insufficient illumination, use a portable light source or install a flashlight, and only then begin electrical installation work.

The lamp must receive power from an electric meter, which must be equipped with automatic fuses, which, in the event of an unforeseen situation, will quickly de-energize the device.

Since the operating conditions of lamps are quite specific, there are some rules for their location. One of the main rules is that lighting fixtures should not be installed in areas with the highest temperatures. Some models of lamps can only be placed in auxiliary rooms - dressing rooms, locker rooms and rest rooms. That's why before purchasing lamps, you need to draw up a plan for their placement in the bath zones, determine the quantity and level of protection for each room.

You should also determine in advance the places where installation will take place. This must be done, guided by the type and characteristics of the lamps with which the devices are equipped, taking into account their brightness, tendency to overheat and moisture resistance.

Lamps should not disturb vacationers with an overly bulky design or poor location.

Features of installing a lighting device in a steam room:

the lamp should be installed away from the heating element or stove;
When placing, you need to take into account the brightness of the lamp. Too bright light will not allow you to relax, and dim light will cause eye strain, so it is better to use diffused lighting;
It is preferable to place the device in a corner or at the junction of the ceiling and wall. In this case, it will not interfere with those steaming, which will eliminate mechanical impact and accidental damage to the device;
LED strips can be installed in various areas: corners, on the backs of benches and walls. They are not afraid of exposure to moisture, so they are not afraid of clouds of thick steam;
the ceiling is the hottest place, so it is necessary to choose lamps that can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees;
placement of decorative grilles. The location of the lampshade in the form of a lattice determines the shape of the lamp. For a corner location, a grid in the shape of a trapezoid or triangle is suitable. Rectangular and square models are best placed on the wall. A grille made in the form of a semicircle will allow you to achieve diffuse lighting.

Rules for placement in the sink:

You need to use only moisture-resistant models with closed, sealed housings and a high protection class - IP 55 and 56, or fiber optic and LED strips;
you should choose products of medium brightness, with soft, pleasant light;
wooden decorative lampshades should be made from species that are not prone to swelling. It is better to point the lamp towards the wall, onto a pre-nailed curved plate. This will help avoid streaky shadows.

Tips for installing in the break room:

due to the absence of extreme external conditions, the lighting device is selected in accordance with the design of the room and the taste of the owner;
The simultaneous use of several lamps of different intensity is allowed to conditionally divide the room into different functional zones, using the effects of blinking, fading and alternating colors; a chandelier can also be used.

The owner of a real Russian bathhouse may wonder: does everything in it need to be done with a reserve of thermal strength, like for a sauna? After all, in principle, it would be possible to save money if we take into account exclusively the traditional Russian bath conditions...

Russian bathhouse: how does its condition affect the lamps?

But before we deal with the issue of saving, let's just go through the main characteristics of our national bath regime and see what requirements they put forward for lamps for a steam room.

An increase in air temperature automatically increases a person's sweating. This is an ancient mechanism of self-cooling of the body, which requires that the released moisture evaporate, taking with it excess thermal energy. But In order for water to evaporate, the air must be dry enough. The more water vapor is already in the air, the more difficult it is for water to evaporate from the skin (the air, as it were, is already clogged with other water molecules).

If water from an overheated human body cannot evaporate, the body begins to suffer from heatstroke. The cardiovascular system is primarily affected.

So here it is. Russian bathhouse does not overheat a person, because the entire bath procedure is based on excess water vapor. Enough 40-60 degrees to steam using light, that is, finely dispersed steam. We wrote a lot about this when we talked about stoves, if you are interested, read it.

Steam in a Russian bath comes from stones heated to several hundred degrees, so starting steam temperature is above one hundred degrees. It rises to the ceiling, where it forms a cloud, a steam cake. There the temperature will be higher, but still not as high as in the sauna.

The characteristic excess steam is quantified as 50-55% humidity.

It is clear that in such conditions, electrical equipment is more vulnerable to moisture than to high temperature– 40-60 degrees are not critical for wire insulation designed, say, 70 degrees, but increased humidity places higher demands on the moisture protection of electrical appliances, including lamps.

IMPORTANT! Yes, in fact, in a steam room, all electricity should be limited exclusively to lamps, and switches, sockets, transformers, power supplies and wiring should be located exclusively outside!

In practice, moisture protection of lamps comes down to ensuring they tightness. For this purpose they are used gaskets between the lampshade and the base.

ADVICE! The silicone gasket is considered to have the best longevity.

As for the influence of temperature, it can be reduced if the lighting is not on the ceiling, but on the walls, and preferably below the level of the steam cake, although this applies primarily to LED lamps or strips.

Types of designs

One cannot expect a wide variety of designs in this case. This is due operating conditions. Read more about bath lighting, with an analysis of all the components.

All models that you find (or try to make yourself) will consist of a durable, moisture-resistant, heat-resistant base (the best in this regard is the base ceramic), inside which the cartridge is mounted, as well as a cap, which is screwed on top, covers the lamp from splashes and diffuses light through frosted (most often) glass.

Depending on how exactly is the cartridge secured?, the light bulb can either lie on one side on the base (this gives elongated oval or round, relatively flat shade shapes, something like a cabochon, if you know this cut shape),

or be perpendicular to it (the lampshade is a protruding, elongated bulb-cylinder),

or attached at an angle, which repeats the previous shape with one difference - the lampshade is tilted.

There is also an L-shaped design, in which the lamp is installed vertically in a cylindrical cap, some distance away from the wall due to the base.

The manufacturer can supply a standard cartridge E27, Suitable for incandescent, LED and halogen lamps. Or he can supply a non-standard one, for example, E14– this point needs to be monitored and when purchasing, you need to clarify whether the lamps that you were going to install are suitable for this particular lamp.

The lampshade may be transparent or matte, be made from glass or plastic. Plastic, of course, does not produce such fragments as glass, but its use at high temperatures undesirable. This is where almost the only point of choice for a Russian bath lies - at its temperatures, it is quite cost-effective to install plastic.

IMPORTANT! In all other respects, the lamps for the steam room are designed for moisture protection, which is exactly what is essential for a Russian bath.

Why is it better to take heat-resistant ones for a Russian bath?

Let us list once again what makes a lamp heat-resistant:

ceramic base;
glass shade (borosilicate glass);
RKGM or PRKS wire in silicone insulation.

However glass And ceramics They also do not react to water in any way and do not deteriorate from it. That is, the properties overlap, and you can take a heat-resistant lamp for the steam room without thinking too much. Unless you save on plastic, if it really is cheaper, by the way. Well, on the wires, installing a wire with PVC insulation.

But we will give one argument that will make even this saving unnecessary. The fact is that There are not so many devout traditionalists regarding the Russian bath, basically, habit rules, who is accustomed to what by family, social circle... And this can differ very significantly from the above figures of temperature and humidity.

In addition, many people choose iron stove, which, without lining and other manipulations that reduce its heat transfer, is simply unable to create the standards of a Russian bathhouse.

Therefore, the real heat in the steam room, which the owner sincerely considers Russian, can be like in a sauna. And this moment of conviction cannot be changed in any way. Therefore, there is no need to be clever, sharpening the electrics to impossible conditions (for a steam room with an iron stove - absolutely impossible) conditions.

What can you buy in the store?

You can find a variety of models on sale at prices ranging from hundreds before several thousand rubles. The base is not always made of ceramic, and the shade is not always made of borosilicate glass. Some models are clearly not intended to be placed in a steam room at all, but can be used on the porch or in the dressing room, some are good for the washing room.

We repeat - for the steam room you need a simple waterproof lamp with a protection class of at least IP44. For tightness, it has a rubber or silicone gasket. The ground won't be made neither wood nor plastic. Transparent or matte part, if it is made of plastic, then some kind of protection should be given to it temperature guarantees(check with the seller).

If you don’t want to deal with the entire assortment that will be offered to you in the store, first decide on a budget - Russian lamps for a steam room in a bathhouse are several times cheaper than foreign ones. Some of them are made as analogues of the most popular foreign models.

Those who have decided that a supply of heat resistance to the lighting will not harm them at all can read our review of sauna models made in.

Video instructions for DIYers: DIY bath lamps

An interesting video that demonstrates the process of making a Chinese LED lamp yourself (by the way, a full article in which we talk about LEDs can be found at):

And this video is literally a guide to the correct installation of lighting fixtures in a steam room:

The author of this video will share with you ideas, but not master classes for their implementation:

For more information, see the sections about, and.

Express your opinion in the comments, share your experience with other readers - it’s always interesting.

In contact with

Bathhouse lighting is different from what we have in an ordinary home. The modern view of arranging this room involves taking into account two components: safety standards and aesthetic appeal. To understand how to choose a lamp for a bathhouse, we will consider the main criteria that it must obey, and also study the nuances of each variety.

Requirements

It's no secret that the bathhouse is a place with a high degree of humidity. This is especially true for the steam room, where moisture rises and has a negative effect on switches, sockets and lamps. For this reason, lighting fixtures located in the bathhouse must have the correct placement, which is decided at the design stage.

There should be no socket or switch in the steam room. They are taken to a dressing room or other room with a lower moisture coefficient and connected at a height of at least 80 cm from the floor.

Let's consider the basic requirements for lamps in the steam room, which should not be less than the established IP-54 standards. These devices will have to work in difficult conditions, the marking in the form of a red IP-54 icon says about the safety of the lamp when used in conditions of high humidity:

IP stands for international protection;
5 – degree of protection against solid objects;
4 – protection against steam and moisture leakage.

There are 4 main criteria that you need to pay attention to.

All components of the lighting device for the steam room must be heat-resistant. This means that they must withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees.
The lamp housing must be sealed. This rule is especially relevant for devices that use incandescent lamps. Each lamp must have a closed shade.
It is important that the device’s lampshade is durable. The design must withstand not only random mechanical impacts. A sharp change in temperature is also important, which should not affect the material of the lampshade.
The brightness of the lamp should be moderate. The bathhouse is a place for relaxation; there is no need to create bright light. It is important that the glow is soft and diffused.

Selecting housing and lamp power

The body of the heat-resistant lighting device for the walls and ceiling of the steam room is different. If the lamp is mounted in a wall, it must withstand temperatures of about 250 degrees. When the device is mounted to the wall, a 100 degree mark is sufficient.

The material of the lampshade can be:

porcelain;
ceramics;
heat-resistant plastic.

The seal must be made of rubber or silicone. This way moisture will not be able to get inside the lampshade.

You cannot use pendant lighting in the steam room - it is better to purchase surface-type lamps.

The maximum permissible power of light sources should not exceed 60-75 Watts. If the power of the light bulbs is greater, this will cause the lampshade to heat up. The recommended voltage is 12 V. To maintain it, you will need a transformer, which should be placed outside the steam room.

Layout principles

Installation of lamps for a bath in a steam room is subject to certain placement principles.

It is impossible to install lighting devices near the stove, even taking into account the fact that the lamps are heat-resistant and moisture-proof. Not a single device is designed for the powerful steam of a heater.
Excessively yellow and cold shade of the light flux is unacceptable. You cannot equip a space with a large number of devices - this is harmful to the eyes and will create pressure on the retina.
The arrangement of the devices must be such that no movement can touch it with your head, hands, or broom.
To prevent the device from hitting your eyes, it should be positioned so that it is behind your back or in the corner of the steam room.
The ideal placement is to install the lamp on the wall at a distance equal to half the height of the wall. This way the load on the device will be less.

Varieties

Today, lamps for a steam room in a bathhouse are classified according to the type of device and the source of the lamp. Let's look at the types of models.

Traditional

These devices are nothing more than classic lamps in closed shades that are mounted on a wall or ceiling. The design is distinguished by a laconic shape (usually round), consists of a reliable and sealed body, as well as heat-resistant glass, mainly of a frosted type. These models have a low cost, which makes them in demand among buyers. They are functionally reliable, but the deciding factor is the type of light source used under the shade. The design does not have parts prone to corrosion under the influence of moisture; they are equipped with a special waterproof gasket. Models are subject to the protection class of the established standard.

LED

These devices are now firmly among the top three most popular models; they have a lot of varieties. The main advantage of these devices is their resistance to any temperature and moisture. Depending on the type of lamp, it can even be mounted on the bottom of the pool, so this device for a bathhouse is much better suited than other varieties. The appearance of such devices depends on the wishes of the buyer.

A distinctive feature of sealed devices is the presence of a special silicone film, which protects light sources. The sizes of LEDs can be different, which affects the intensity of the light flux. At the same time, the presence of the film makes the light soft and diffused. In shape, LED lamps are spot models, panels and flexible diode strip with different densities of diodes per square meter.

Fiber optic

These devices are glass threads with light sources at the ends. Outwardly, they resemble a lamp in the shape of a panicle with luminous ends. This lighting has a high degree of safety, since fiber optic threads can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees. They are not afraid of any extreme conditions; these lamps are durable and provide even and soft light in the steam room.

The advantage of such lighting is the fact that you can do it yourself without resorting to the help of an outside specialist. In this case, an important factor is to install the projector outside of moisture and heat (in another room), while the wires themselves can go into the steam room, forming, for example, a wall panel. Moreover, the greater the thickness of the beam, the more design possibilities (for example, you can recreate a starry sky with twinkling stars of different sizes).

Sources of light

Based on the type of light source, lamps are divided into several categories. Let's look at the main ones to understand their relevance in the steam room. Ignorance of these nuances can cause a dangerous situation.

Incandescent lamps

These light sources are classic Ilyich bulbs. They have an incandescent filament and produce a predominantly warm light. The advantage is the price, but they have more disadvantages. They convert the bulk of the electricity consumed into heat - a small part is used for light (no more than 5% of total consumption). At the same time, the lamps become so hot even without high temperature that touching them can cause a burn. They are uneconomical, add heat to the lampshade, and are dangerous for the steam room. These also include halogen lamps, whose properties are slightly better.

Luminescent

LED

These light sources are rightfully recognized as harmless. Their price is not much different from fluorescent ones. At minimum power they shine quite brightly, in fact they are energy saving and do not contain mercury. The service life of such light sources is longer than any other analogues.

Their glow is directional, so it will not be possible to illuminate the entire space without shadow corners with one such lamp.

However, if you use a perimeter strip light with two rows of diodes, you can achieve even lighting in the steam room. Due to its elasticity, the tape can be laid around the perimeter without the need for cutting. It is easy to mount, which allows for angular lighting options.

How to choose?

When choosing a lamp for a bath in a steam room, you should pay attention to several nuances, knowledge of which will prolong the operation of the device and will not make you think about its safety.
When choosing, give preference to a device with a matte anti-fog lamp. With its help, the glow will be soft and diffused.
Portable mains powered lighting devices must not be used.

Exclude fluorescent lighting devices containing mercury from your selection list. In addition to the fact that during operation they will release it into the air, in case of an accidental impact the concentration of toxins will be especially dangerous to health. If the temperature in the steam room is high, these light sources may burst.
The class of sockets must not be less than IP 54, while the switch can be marked up to IP 44, but not lower.
If the steam room and washing room are combined, pay special attention to the safety of the lamps. If this device will be mounted to the wall, take care of an additional lampshade or shield.
If your budget allows, opt for models with motion sensors.
In addition to wall lighting, emergency lighting may also be needed. In this case, LED strip will be the best solution.

In addition, do not forget the 4 golden rules of purchase:

you need to buy lamps and fixtures in a trusted store with a good reputation;
this product cannot be made from cheap raw materials;
If possible, check the operation of the lamps in the store itself;
do not buy goods at a discount - this is the first sign of a defect.

Installation

Every head of a family can install lighting in a steam room with his own hands. To do this yourself correctly, you should take care of a preliminary diagram in the form of a wiring drawing, which indicates the location of the lamps. In addition, it is important to purchase a wire with the required cross-section, which depends on the number of lamps. It is necessary to calculate the load and study the organization of grounding.

Let's look at a brief step-by-step instructions for installing lighting in a bathhouse.

The location of the lamp is marked with a cross. If you plan to install two devices, they must be symmetrical.
Power wiring is carried out using a three-core wire packed in a protective corrugation.
The laying is done away from the recessed lighting in order to prevent the wires from melting during operation of the lamps, fixing the wire to the sheathing or frame using special clips.
When supplying power to a group of lighting devices, the cable is laid in a cable with loops. If you plan to install devices with small mounting caps, you should use a single wire running from the junction box.
It is necessary to check the wiring, for which they use a lamp socket and a wire. You should not rely on a tester indicating the phase: it will not show zero loss. If the result is positive, the stripped ends of the wires must be insulated.

After the wiring is completed, the walls are sheathed, while simultaneously cutting out holes for the lamps. The diameter of the required hole is indicated in the passport of the specific product. To do this, make markings, then use a drill or screwdriver.
If the model is a surface-mounted type, fasten the mounting plate using dowels, avoiding getting under the wire. Then connect the power, observing the polarity. The lamp is then secured with screws.
To mount the mortise model, cut the wire loops, after which the two resulting ends of the cable are connected to the ceramic cartridge using twists, trying to insert the ends from the bottom of the screws under the terminal block. In this case, you cannot do without wrapping it with electrical tape.
If the lamp power is 12 W, it is necessary to add a step-down transformer to the circuit. This is done through the hole for the lamp, placing the transformer up to 1 device (this will make it easier to change it if necessary).
Since the devices are mounted without lamps, at this stage it is necessary to check their operation.
All that remains is to close the lampshade and check the difference if there are several lamps.

When passing light into the steam room, you cannot use flax as a lampshade seal: it expands under the influence of moisture and promotes condensation in the lamp socket.

To see how to connect electrical wiring in a bathhouse, see the following video.

Manufacturers

Having studied the basic criteria for choosing a lamp for a steam room and installation techniques, the question arises of choosing a specific brand with a good reputation. There are many models on the modern market.

Products from Turkish and Finnish manufacturers are especially in demand. For example, Finnish brands Tylo and Harvia offer customers specialized moisture-resistant models for baths.

Not a single building is complete without lighting. In recent years, heat-resistant LED strip for baths has become increasingly used.

Some people think that building a bathhouse is very easy. But in fact, this is a complex process that requires certain knowledge. If the approach to construction and equipment is incorrect, the bathhouse will no longer be as comfortable as it was intended, and you will not be able to relax in it as efficiently as possible.

LED strip in the bathhouse makes the interior more impressive

A visit to the steam room is difficult to compare with any other type of relaxation. This is not only a very pleasant, but also a useful procedure. Nowadays, relaxing in a bathhouse is very popular, so many people try to install these structures on their suburban areas. Even if the dacha has all the amenities, a bathhouse will not be superfluous. Only there you can relax and throw off the burden of worries.

But in order to create a comfortable environment in the bathhouse, you need to try hard. Today, many interesting and easy solutions are used. The design of the room plays a huge role, where it is very important to pay attention to the lighting.

The use of LED strip in a bathhouse not only creates interesting lighting effects, but also increases its illumination

When choosing lighting fixtures for a bath, you need to be extremely careful. This is important, since high humidity and constant temperature changes can lead to short circuits and failure of the lighting. Therefore, you should be as careful as possible in this matter and choose only those elements that are suitable for rooms with high humidity.

The advantage of LED strip is that it is not afraid of moisture

One of the modern, but very convenient solutions is the use of LED strip in the bathhouse. Nowadays, such lighting devices are used in various areas, but they are ideal for a bathhouse. The thing is that the tape is absolutely not afraid of water and is easy to install. The result is a beautiful design for any room, from the dressing room to the steam room.

Features of lighting in the bath

Premises of this type are often built without windows. This is due to the need to control certain indoor temperatures. High-quality lighting in the bathhouse must be required in all rooms, since there are no natural light sources here.

The wiring in the bathhouse must be insulated

One of the convenient options for creating lighting is an LED strip for baths and saunas, which is made in such a way that all wiring is completely insulated, and numerous light bulbs are protected from external factors.

As a result, even at very high humidity and temperature, the lighting will work perfectly. Important!

Using an LED strip near water sources is not dangerous, which cannot be said about conventional lamps.

The peculiarity of lighting made from LED lamps is that there is a huge scope for creativity. You can create entire compositions from flexible tape, and the variety of colors allows you to even better decorate each room in the bathhouse. Manufacturers claim that their products are absolutely safe for use in rooms with high humidity and sudden temperature changes. Strips with LEDs can be used in the steam room, and in the shower, and in the room where the pool is located, and in the relaxation room.

LED strip can be of various shades

LED lighting can even be used in a swimming pool

The great difficulty in building a bathhouse is that it requires the use of special devices that can withstand harsh operating conditions. If the equipment is incorrectly selected, the lighting will have to be changed frequently, as the lamps will quickly fail. But don't forget about safety. In the best case, the lamp will simply go out; in the worst case, it may burst, and this can lead to injury from small glass fragments, as well as an electric shock to a person. This is a very important point that must be taken into account when arranging rooms where high humidity is planned. Poor quality or incorrectly selected equipment can cause personal injury or even death.

With an LED strip in the bathhouse, you don’t have to worry about people who are relaxing peacefully getting an electric shock. Such lighting fixtures can withstand any level of humidity. Even if they start pouring water on the tape, nothing will happen to it. Considering the high level of moisture resistance of the strip with LED elements, such a device is even recommended for creating pool lighting. But in order to use the lighting device underwater, you need to purchase a device with special markings indicating a high level of water resistance.

LED lighting can be placed in the shelves of the bath

LED strip can be placed behind shelves

The big advantage of LED strip is that it is not only moisture-resistant, but also heat-resistant, so the lighting will withstand very high temperatures.

Moreover, heat-resistant tapes last a very long time with minimal energy consumption.

Thanks to such equipment, you can create a unique interior in any bathhouse. This will make your vacation more comfortable, and the time spent in the bathhouse will be remembered for a long time.

Using an LED strip, you can diversify the interior of the steam room and create interesting effects, for example, by placing it behind wooden wall panels It should be noted!

With low power consumption, diode strips in the bathhouse produce quite a lot of light.

Rules for installing LED strip in a bathhouse

Almost all lighting fixtures of this type have a high level of moisture resistance. But if you plan to use the tape under water, you should opt for certain products that are created specifically for such cases. As for the steam room, it is also worth choosing special equipment for this room. The thing is that ordinary LED strips work normally only at temperatures of -30...+50°C. Higher or lower readings may cause equipment failure.

For a bath, you should choose a heat-resistant LED strip

In the steam room, the temperature can reach +120°C, so you need a special heat-resistant LED strip for the bath that will withstand work in such conditions. It costs a little more than a regular one, but its purchase will be profitable, since the lighting will not have to be constantly changed due to breakdowns.

Installation of the tape itself can occur on any part of the wall, ceiling or floor.

When installing equipment, you need to take into account that such lighting devices do not consume a lot of energy, but require high-quality wiring, like any other lamps. Therefore, even at the stage of building a bathhouse, special attention must be paid to the issue of choosing an electrical cable. Then it must be properly installed and insulated from moisture and high temperature.

LED strip saves electricity

Experts recommend installing heat-resistant tapes for baths and saunas so that the switches are located in other rooms. This will reduce the risk of electric shock. It is best if the switches are located in the rest room, where, as a rule, there is no water or excessively high temperatures.

Each lighting fixture requires a power supply. It is also recommended to place it away from temperature extremes and moisture. It must be taken into account that one block is enough to service 5 m of LED strip. Most often, this is the skein that comes with the power supply. It is not worth increasing the length of the tape, as this may damage the lighting device. There must be a cap at the end of each LED strip. Particular attention should be paid to those tapes that will be located in the washing room, steam room and pool. The slightest mistake can lead to serious injuries and even tragedy.

The installation of a heat-resistant and moisture-resistant LED strip in a bathhouse itself is not considered a difficult job. But it needs to be done efficiently and carefully so that the lighting device decorates the room and does not cause trouble. Of all the types of devices that can be used to illuminate a bath, heat-resistant LED strip is considered one of the safest options. This is a good solution for bringing creative ideas to life.

A lamp in a bathhouse is not only a source of light, but also one of the ways to create a state of relaxation and peace. Therefore, along with the technical characteristics, you need to pay attention to the aesthetic side and the brightness of the light flux. Too bright lighting will not allow you to relax, and too much darkness can cause trouble. When choosing light, it is better to purchase a lighting device that gives a warm, slightly yellowish light. It promotes relaxation more than other spectrums.

To ensure safety, bath and sauna lamps must be protected from moisture with special shades and made of stainless materials. This limits the design thought somewhat, but safety is much more important. In addition, to make them more attractive, you can use wooden gratings. As they usually do. Therefore, the design of the lamp itself is not so important. It is important that it is of high quality and not afraid of high temperatures and high humidity.

Bath lamps must withstand temperatures above 100 o C. Lighting devices are usually installed under the ceiling, and the temperature in a sauna, for example, can be above 120 o C (the lamp also heats up). Therefore, bathhouse lamps should be able to withstand heating up to this temperature.

Types of lamps

The following types of lamps for baths and saunas are available on the market:

using incandescent lamps;
LED lighting fixtures;
fiber optic systems.

Bath and sauna lighting using classic incandescent lamps

The body of luminaires using incandescent lamps must withstand high humidity and temperature. To protect the lamp from moisture, various seals are used that seal the space between the body and the lampshade. When choosing a lamp for a bath, please note that its safety class must be at least IP56 (this protection class indicates that the lamp does not allow moisture to pass through).

Bathroom lighting using incandescent lamps

In bath lamps you can use incandescent lamps with a power of no more than 60 W. You can’t set the power to high, because they get very hot. Considering that the walls are covered with wooden clapboard and they are already heated to fairly high temperatures from the stove, then the added tens of degrees from the lamp can cause a fire.

LED lamps for baths

These lighting devices are absolutely safe, economical and reliable. Moreover, they are not afraid of moisture. Some of the specially designed models have a safety rating of IP65, which means that even if they are directly hit by a jet of water, they will not become a source of danger. The disadvantages of these lamps include the rather bright light, but proper placement and proper selection can turn this disadvantage into an advantage.

There are some models that allow you to change not only the brightness of the light output, but also the color of the lighting using a special control panel. The range of LED lamps is wide, but the prices cannot be called low. But you can achieve the most unexpected effects: create a starry sky and play with colors.

The use of optical lighting systems is absolutely safe in any environment. The thing is that optical fiber only conducts light waves, not electricity. Therefore, such systems can be installed even at the bottom of a font or pool, creating incredible effects.

The fiber can withstand heating up to 200 o C, which allows them to be mounted even under the ceiling of a Russian bathhouse. They provide unsharp light, helping to create an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. If we add cost-effectiveness, durability and ease of installation to the list of advantages, the growing popularity of these lighting devices becomes clear.

Where to place and what markings

Choosing the type of light bulb is not even half the battle. There are still a large number of problems that will have to be solved. And the first one is where to install it.

In the steam room

If we talk about the steam room, then the main thing is not to hang the lamp where it is not allowed. But you can’t do it near the stove. Even if it is heat-resistant, it is unlikely to withstand the flow of hot air that comes from the hot walls.

For the rest, you need to rely on logic and a sense of taste. It is logical to install lamps above the shelf. He won't be a problem there. You just need to place it so that those sitting on the shelf don’t hit their heads against it.

Lamps are often installed in the corner. They definitely don’t get in the way: corners are used extremely rarely. You can consider installing a horizontal lamp at the junction of the wall and ceiling. If you can find (or make) a suitable corner decorative screen, you can glue an LED strip to the corner on some kind of heat-resistant, non-flammable base. It will turn out well.

In a dry-air Finnish sauna you need to install lamps with a ceramic base. All others, even expensive Finnish ones, sooner or later fail. For a Russian bath, with a steam room temperature of 50-75°C, any heat-resistant material is suitable. But high humidity makes its own demands: the base should not be afraid of humidity. These are stainless steel, aluminum, heat-resistant plastics. Just pay attention to the temperature: at least 100°C (with a reserve just in case).

In the washing room

There are no particularly high temperatures in the sink, but there is high humidity and splashes of water. This is dangerous when combined with electricity. Here they select the protection class of the lamps as in the bathroom: depending on how much water can get on the lampshade (see photo).

Conventionally, the entire room is divided into three zones, where lighting devices of different protection classes can be used:

The first zone is located in close proximity to the water source (tap, shower head, shower stall, etc.). There is very high humidity here, water can enter in any quantity and from any direction. Only 12 V lamps are installed here; the water protection class is at least 5 (IP 45, 46, 47, 55, 56, etc.).

The second hona is located at a distance of 60 cm from the source of water, bath, shower, pool. Drops rarely fly here, so the water protection class can be 4 or higher.

In the third, relatively dry zone, moisture protection of 1 or higher is sufficient.

What these coefficients mean is clear from the table. Now, when buying lamps, you will do so with a sense of purpose.

In the rest room

There is periodically high humidity here. Therefore, here you also need at least minimal protection from moisture: class 1 and higher.

Spot or tape

A little about where and how to do lighting. You feel better in the steam room with diffused light. Therefore, it is appropriate to use LEDs and LED strips, rather than point sources. Moreover, it is better to use LEDs not for directional light, but for diffused light. For the steam room - what you need.

Where are the lamps placed: as they said, above the shelf, in the corners. The backs and the shelves themselves are often illuminated from below. It turns out very well.

In the washing machine, the approach is utilitarian: it needs to be clearly visible, but too harsh a light is also not needed.

In the break room, things are a little more complicated. Light of different intensities is needed. If you want to relax after using a broom, it is advisable to turn on a diffused one; if you need to read, the lighting should be brighter. It is better to zone all light sources.

This is how difficult electrical work can be.

Manufacturers

As always, when choosing any equipment, the question arises about the manufacturer: whose products are better to buy. Finnish companies Tylo and Harvia have long been leaders in the segment of lamps for baths and saunas. They produce heat-resistant lamps. They are worth buying for the steam room. Although their price tag is decent, they are distinguished by high quality and reliability, and have been tested more than once or twice in numerous baths and saunas.

In other rooms you can get by with more budget products. Linder lamps have more affordable prices, but their quality is lower. They are usually recommended to be installed not in a steam room, but in a waiting room, shower or locker room.

In general, there are many German, Czech and even Russian companies that make such equipment. Look for those that suit you in terms of characteristics, not the manufacturers.