220V LED lamps: characteristics, labeling, selection criteria + review of the best brands

Incandescent lamps are becoming a thing of the past. The reason for this was low efficiency and fragility compared to modern lighting sources.Now at the peak of popularity are 220V LED lamps, which have many advantages. It is difficult to understand the huge range of LED devices without preparation. Do you agree?

We will talk about how to choose diode light bulbs to optimize your home lighting network. Our article describes in detail the types and characteristics of LED devices. A decoding of the markings is given, and recommendations are given to help you find the required option.

Features of LED lamps

Modern LED lamps are more complex than their incandescent filament predecessors. To operate LEDs, a number of electronic components are required, which are located on a printed circuit board.

All structural elements are compactly hidden inside the case. The light sources themselves take up a minimal amount of space in the lamp.

The weak point of inexpensive LED lamps is the capacitors, the low quality of which leads to pulsating light. In addition, they can burn out before the LEDs themselves.

The design of a standard LED lamp includes the following components:

1. Light diffuser made of plastic.Promotes uniform distribution of light flux in all directions around the lamp.
2. Printed circuit board with capacitors, voltage converters and other electronic components.
3. LEDs. Their number and operating voltage are in strict accordance with the built-in electronic circuit.
4. Aluminum radiator designed to remove heat from high-power lamps.
5. Ventilation slots provide passive cooling of the board and LEDs.
6. The socket with which the lamp is attached to the lamp.

Thus, an LED lamp is a device with a complex internal structure. It is demanding on external temperature and power supply parameters.

Types of LED light sources

All LEDs can be divided into two large categories: indicator and lighting. The first type is used in electrical engineering for illuminating instrument panels, displays, signal indications, as well as in other devices that do not require a large luminous flux.

And lighting LEDs are used just in household LED lamps. Such lamps can be classified according to their purpose, external structure and type of radiation sources.

By area of ​​use

LED lamps are capturing more and more technological niches. They are used in consumer electronics, industrial and commercial equipment.

LED spotlights for street lighting are made mainly on the basis of one large LED, so it is not possible to adjust their brightness

The main areas of application of LED lamps are:

1. Street lighting.
2. High performance floodlights.
3. Lighting of industrial premises and apartments.
4. Agriculture. Lamps with a radiation spectrum capable of initiating photosynthesis are used.
5. Car lights.
6. Illumination of products in shop windows.
7. Space lighting in explosive environments.

A large number of areas of use of LED lighting are due to differences in the characteristics of LEDs and the spectrum they emit. Innovative types of lamps are constantly being developed to fill new market niches.

By appearance

One of the reasons for the prevalence of LED lamps is the minimal size of their semiconductor crystals. Thanks to this, lamps can take on a wide variety of shapes.

It is not recommended to install high-power LED devices in places with limited air circulation - this may cause the LED to overheat

The main designs of LED lamps are:

1. Classic design like an incandescent lamp with a base. Such lamps usually contain several multi-directional LEDs.
2. "Corn". This lamp looks like a cylinder covered on all sides with LEDs.
3. Ribbon-shaped LED lamps in which individual crystals are arranged in series on a narrow, thin substrate.
4. Spotlights with one large luminous crystal.
5. Spot ceiling lights.
6. Flat LED panels of round, rectangular or arbitrary shape.

The small size and unpretentiousness of LEDs to the installation site allows them to be used to produce designer lamps of unusual shapes. And the low heating of LED lamps does not prevent their placement near plasterboard and plastic surfaces.

By LED type

Lighting LEDs are divided according to their physical structure into several types, each of which has its own characteristics and predominant areas of application.

LED lamps are manufactured in three main types:

1. SMD (surface mount LEDs).
2. COB (device on a chip).
3. Filament (LED filament).

Surface-mount LEDs have low luminosity, but they can be independently soldered to any surface without fear of overheating.

Therefore, they are often used in the manufacture of LED strips and portable lights. The radiation angle of SMD LEDs is 90-130 degrees, so to illuminate the entire room around the lamp, a radial arrangement of crystals on the base is necessary.

The power of an LED lamp with LED filaments depends on the number of glass fibers, their length and the characteristics of the crystals placed on them

COB LEDs are high-luminosity crystals placed on a metal substrate. It is designed to remove heat generated during operation.

The emission angle of on-chip devices approaches 180 degrees, making them poorly suited for highly targeted lighting. COB is used in the production of floodlights and premium lamps.

LED filaments are a series of miniature crystals placed in series on a glass fiber. Sometimes other transparent materials are used instead of glass. This structure allows for uniform circular lighting.

The main problem with high-power small LEDs is overheating, which reduces their service life and luminous flux levels.

Advantages and disadvantages of LEDs

Until recently, fluorescent lamps were at the top of their popularity, but within a few years they were supplanted by LED lamps.

In recent years, LED lighting has gained the lion's market share due to many consumer advantages, among which are the following:

1. Economical. New LED lamps consume 9-10 times less electricity than incandescent lamps with similar luminous flux.
2. Durability. The continuous service life of good LEDs is calculated in years, although their luminosity decreases somewhat over time.
3. High efficiency, thanks to which the lamps practically do not heat up.
4. Safety. If the LED lamp is damaged, no sharp fragments are formed and no harmful substances are released. There is no UV radiation in the emitted flux.
5. Possibility of regulation color temperature.
6. High strengthь LEDs.
7. Regulation brightness of the glow.
8. Performance over a wide temperature range.
9. A wide range of. Possibility of producing lighting fixtures of any shape.

The numerous advantages of LED lamps contribute to the massive transition of consumers to these lighting sources.

To ensure yourself the full benefits of LED lamps, you should buy models from famous brands that guarantee the quality of their products

However, LED lamps also have their disadvantages, which should be kept in mind when purchasing:

1. Expensive. The cost of cheap LED lamps is 4-5 times higher than incandescent lamps.
2. The use of frosted bulbs degrades the visual effects of crystal chandeliers.
3. A rapid drop in luminosity with regular overheating.
4. Light flicker in cheap models, which negatively affects vision and general well-being.
5. Unidirectionality of light, which forces the use of a radial arrangement of LEDs.
6. Electronic components of cheap LED lamps break down faster than the crystal burns out, which shortens the actual service life.
7. Incorrect operation when connected to a switch with an indicator.

Despite the disadvantages of LED lamps, the population continues to buy them. Real savings are achieved only in 3-4 years and only if all purchased lamps are in working order. Therefore, the feasibility of their purchase is still worth assessing.

Selection of LED lamps by characteristics

The operation of LED lamps with a voltage of 220V is characterized by more than ten technical parameters. Awareness about them will help you buy lamps that will best meet your lighting needs and ensure long-term operation of LEDs.

Nominal luminous flux

The luminous flux of lamps can be analyzed both in nominal units (lumens) and in relative units (lumens/watt). The higher the power of the LED, the brighter the emitted beam of light.

Fluorescent lamps are sensitive to frequent switching on and off, so their use in walk-through rooms quickly leads to breakdown

However, the ratio of luminous flux to 1 W of energy consumed is more important.

It differs between different manufacturers:

• for European, Japanese and branded Chinese - 110-125 Lm/W;
• for cheap Chinese ones - 60-80 Lm/W;
• from the largest international suppliers using COB technology – 180-190 Lm/W.

It is recommended to buy LED lamps after carefully studying characteristics of devices. We recommend paying attention to the highest luminous flux per 1 W of power. They are more economical, more durable, and do not cost much more.

Maximum power consumption

The luminous flux they emit directly depends on the level of power consumption of LED lamps. Within one model range, this relationship is almost linear.

Due to the fact that the LEDs themselves take up minimal space in the lamp, its power can be easily increased without changing the shape of the housing only by increasing the number of crystals.

But since the ultimate goal of purchasing lamps is still a sufficient level of illumination in the room, sometimes it is better to buy one reliable, expensive LED device than two cheap ones. Their luminous flux will be equal, but their power consumption will differ by a factor of two.

Color temperature level

The color temperature of LED lamps determines the shade of light they emit. It can range from yellow to white. Each color has a different effect on a person. Lamps with warm yellow light have a temperature of 2600-3200K and promote relaxation. They are recommended to buy for home.

In rooms with yellow walls, it is recommended to use LED lamps with a temperature of about 4000K so that the white light emphasizes the interior elements

Lamps with a temperature of 6000K have a cool white color with a blue tint and increase efficiency. They are installed in offices, industrial premises, and also at the desktop.

There are also lamps that emit neutral white light. Their temperature is 3700-4200K, and they provide an emission spectrum that is as close as possible to daylight.

Type of lamp base

When changing incandescent lamps to LED, it is important to pay attention to diode device base. The most common screw-in versions are E27 and E14, as well as with 2 pins - GU5.3, GU10 and GU13. When purchasing, it is recommended to take your old lamps to the store and show them to the seller so that he can suggest suitable LED models.

Purchasing a lamp with an incorrectly shaped base requires returning to the store, processing the return of the lamp and purchasing a suitable model

Manufacturers of LED lamps have also taken care of the owners of old fluorescent tubes. For them are issued replacement LED analogues, which have the same dimensions and connectors. They can be built into existing luminaire housings.

Operating temperature range

LED lamps are sensitive to overheating, so it is important to take into account their operating temperature written on the packaging.

The heating of lamps is influenced by the following factors:

1. The lamp has a cap.
2. Room temperature.
3. Distance from the ceiling to a spotlight mounted on drywall.
4. The presence of an aluminum radiator in the lamp itself.
5. Short-term increases in temperature in a room, for example in the kitchen when cooking.

LED lamps of a special design are sold for work in conditions of elevated temperatures. It is recommended to buy them if you want to avoid the negative impact of overheating on the LED.

Light pulsation

The light of good LED lamps should not pulsate at all, because blinking with a frequency below 300 Hz has a negative impact on human health. There are several ways to determine the instability of the light flux.

The pulsation of LED lamps on the phone screen may appear as horizontal stripes. The high frequency of blinking by the camera matrix is ​​not registered

The first method is visual: you need to look at the lamp directly or with peripheral vision. In the second method, the smartphone camera is pointed at the lamp and its blinking on the screen is detected.

Ripple is detected mainly in cheap models equipped with a simple control unit.Expensive lamps do not have this drawback.

Degree of protection of the case

LED lamps, which operate 24 hours a day, last the longest. Therefore, the greatest efficiency can be achieved from lamps placed outdoors. However, they must be protected from moisture and dust to prevent their internal electronic components from being damaged.

The filling of LED lamps intended for outdoor use must be well insulated from the external environment. For yard lighting it will be sufficient degree of protection IP54 and higher. Such lamps can withstand heavy rain and dusty winds.

Light Beam Angle

LEDs are always attached to a substrate that prevents light from reaching its back side. Therefore, without special devices, one emitting crystal can effectively illuminate only the space in front of it.

When marking LED lamps, the value of the angle at which half of the luminous flux falls is also used. It characterizes the light scattering of the cap

To increase the illumination angle, special diffusing caps are used. But there are also LEDs on glass fibers or transparent substrates, which make it possible to illuminate the entire surrounding space evenly.

In flashlights, on the contrary, the LED beam must be narrowed, which is achieved mainly through a special reflector. Therefore, the choice of the shape of the LED lamp should be made only after determining the required angle of luminous flux.

Tips for choosing LED lamps

When purchasing LED devices, it is important to pay attention to both their technical characteristics and a number of other nuances.

The best way to choose an LED lamp that is comfortable for the eyes is to turn on several models in the store at the same time and compare their luminosity

The tips presented will help you purchase a high-quality lamp that will last a long time and be comfortable for the eyes.

1. The packaging of LED lamps must contain an inscription stating that there is no pulsation.
2. The luminous flux must be greater than that of the incandescent lamp being replaced.
3. It is recommended to compare the glow of lamps of the same power in the store.
4. If you have a switch with an indicator, it is advisable to first make sure that LED lamps work correctly with it.
5. Ceiling lamps with a small beam angle can cause glare.
6. It is recommended to buy lamps from large stores that provide a minimum of 2 years of warranty.

It is advisable to purchase lamps only from well-known manufacturers, because products from cheap, little-known brands often do not correspond to the characteristics stated on the packaging.

LED device marking

There is no generally accepted labeling of LED lamps. Each manufacturer puts its own symbols into the model name.

These markings apply to all types of lamps and help ensure compatibility between devices with different operating principles.

But there are a number of common abbreviations that are applied to lamps, regardless of their type:

1. E27, E14, E40 – screw-in base and its diameter in mm.
2. GU5.3, GU10 and GU13 pin base and size in mm between pins.
3. A, C, R, CA, CF, G, P, S, T – cap shape.
4. A, A+, A++ – degree of efficiency.
5. 2700K-6000K – color temperature.

Also, the lamp body can display general technical characteristics characteristic of an electrical device: voltage and frequency, operating temperature, power, service life in hours, luminous flux level and other parameters.

Leading manufacturers of LED lamps

World-famous manufacturers of LED products value their image, and therefore strive to produce lamps with parameters that fully correspond to the declared ones.

The best manufacturers of premium LED lamps are:

• Philips;
• Osram;
• Eurolamp;
• Gauss.

The prices for the products of the listed companies are the highest, but the quality of the lamps is excellent.

The difference in the cost of lamps of the same power from the best brands and cheap manufacturers is only 30-70%, so it is recommended to buy more reliable models

The middle price segment in the production of LED lamps is occupied by the following companies:

• Feron;
• Camelion;
• Jazzway;
• Estares;
• Era;
• Navigator;
• Ecola;
• Optogan.

These companies strive to use inexpensive components in production without severely compromising quality. Often their lamps break in the first days of operation, but are replaced under warranty without any problems.

It is not recommended to buy LED products from little-known Chinese and domestic brands, because their warranty period rarely exceeds 4-6 months. In addition, they do not care about the brand image, which means they can freely use second-class components in production.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Comparative reviews are an excellent opportunity to compare the characteristics of different types of lamps and choose the best solutions.

Video #1. Design and principle of operation of LED lamps:

Video #2. Selection of LED lamp manufacturer:

Choosing reliable LED lamps is not an easy task.Without a good understanding of their technical characteristics, it is easy to buy a low-quality or simply unsuitable model. Therefore, you should start purchasing LED lamps only after carefully studying their features and familiarizing yourself with the parameters indicated on the packaging.

Would you like to talk about which LED light bulbs you chose to illuminate your own apartment/office/home? You have useful information on the topic of the article that is worth sharing with site visitors. Please write comments in the block below, ask questions, post photographs.