Lamps for bath

Not for nothing in Russia was used the expression “to wash before dark”, since it was not possible to install torches or candles under conditions of high air humidity, and the windows themselves were always small so that as much heat could be spent. Currently, the market for lighting fixtures in general and lighting for the bath in particular is supersaturated with various models, even the most demanding taste will find here a product to their liking.

Special features

There are certain features of the lighting and electricity in the bath, much depends on the safety of the devices, as well as on other conditions - room temperature and air humidity. To summarize, it can be concluded that in the waiting room these parameters are approximately identical to the parameters of the atmosphere that prevail in the bathroom in a regular apartment.

If the bath is designed in such a way that sufficient quantity of steam enters the room directly in front of the steam room to accumulate it or condensate to fall, then during wiring it is necessary to somehow mark this place in the diagram.

The peculiarity is such that here only a model with a waterproof case will be suitable for efficient operation of the lighting device.

The modern market has several universal options for wiring for installation in rooms with high humidity, they have a specialized execution. However, the price of such materials is quite high, which is not beneficial for those who are building a small steam room for themselves and their families.

In this regard, there is an alternative solution to the problem, based on the fact that the main point to pay attention to when wiring electricity, as mentioned earlier, is the temperature and moisture level in the room.

Previously, wiring in such conditions was laid in pre-prepared pipes, they were galvanized and completely covered with thermal insulation. You can use this method now, but you also need to meet the following conditions:

  • when laying pipes it is necessary to make so that they were above all capacities and pipes with water;
  • there are red-hot elements in the room - stoves or other heating appliances; it is necessary to lay electric lighting wires as far as possible from them;
  • if the wiring is normal in its properties, then before laying it through a pipe, it must be wrapped with a protective layer of glass fabric, the required thickness is about 2 mm.

It is necessary not to forget about the switches and sockets that we can use in the waiting room, it is better to install devices with a waterproof housing there.

But in no case can you attach the contact and connecting devices in the steam room or in the room in front of her, they must be removed and installed outside - you can in the rest room or locker room.

Species

A wide range of lighting products are on the market, but not every model is suitable for a bath, as the difference in temperature and high humidity in the room is not enough for any lighting fixture.

There are several main types of lighting fixtures for the bath, among them are waterproof, heat-resistant, LED,moisture-proof, low-voltage, wireless and so on. All must be told in order:

Halogen lamps

The most resistant to high temperature lamps - halogen. The power of such lamps varies from 20 to 35 watts, the maximum heating for them will be 400 degrees. An important aspect is that the voltage used by the lamps is not dangerous to people, and their contacts are protected from moisture. In addition, halogen lamps have a pleasant appearance, it is possible to select the shades of different colors.

LED lights

LED lamps - one of the most economical and environmentally friendly lighting options, however, in the steam room it is better to place them as low as possible, since they transfer heat and moisture quite difficult. Such lamps are often used as a backlight, they can be placed behind the shelves, they will be able to highlight the room with different colors, since their spectrum is quite wide.

The room with LEDs will always be well lit, while these lamps do not consume a large amount of electricity.

Elongated tubular LEDs are placed, as a rule, on the ceiling, you need to take into account that there the concentration of steam and moisture will be maximum, such lamps must be resistant to the specified conditions.

Acquiring waterproof lamps for a bath, you need to consider several aspects:

  1. On the box or luminaire frame, you need to look at information about how high the degree of protection of this model from moisture, for this there is a certain international classification; An IP value of 45 or higher is acceptable.
  2. In addition to the fact that the lamps must be moisture-resistant and also heat-resistant - in the steam room the air temperature can vary from 60 to 120 degrees and the lamp should be designed for such temperature fluctuations; Well, for ceiling models, the standards are even higher, since they need to work at temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius.

It is important that the lamps are sealed, otherwise moisture or water can get inside the device and disrupt its operation. Good sealants are rubber and silicone.

Fiber optics

The best waterproof lamps can be called fiber optic lamps. By purchasing a fiber-optic lighting device you can be sure of its moisture resistance, even without paying attention to the degree of protection. This is possible due to the specific properties of the material, it is able to pass through itself only light waves, but not electricity.Such lamps can also be used in water tanks and pools.

Also, the advantage of these lamps will be a rather soft light, which will help to create a cozy atmosphere and relax.

Like light-emitting diodes, fiber-optic lamps consume a fairly small amount of energy and have a long service life.

Models

When choosing different models of luminaires, one should also start from where exactly it will be installed, the temperature and humidity of the air are also decisive factors that they rely on when searching for a suitable option.

If the light must be held in the steam room, then, most importantly, do not install it in a potentially dangerous place - near the heating elements. A good option would be the placement on the ceiling or at the junction of the walls.

Such placement is often underestimated, but in vain: the corner lamp will not only fit well into the interior, but will not interfere with people sitting in the steam room and hurt their heads.

Models of horizontal luminaires in the place where the ceiling and walls are joined can also be called a quite suitable option. Decorative screen for angular or horizontal type fixtures can be purchased atstore or do it yourself, then you can additionally be installed in the corner of the sauna LED strip, using non-combustible material to fix it to the wall.

By itself, the LED tape will look very advantageous in the bath, besides, it is rather insensitive to high temperatures and does not require the use of a lot of electricity.

If you want to creatively approach the decoration of the premises in the bath, then you can make some lighting elements with your own hands. However, it should be understood here that this is not about self-assembly of an electrical appliance, but, rather, about decorating an existing one, by creating additional elements. The interior of the steam room is often dominated by wooden materials, so the manufacture of the lattice or lampshade made of wood will be a suitable stylistic decision.

Such wooden lampshades will carry not so much an aesthetic function as to protect wall lights from damage and direct water. In addition, with the help of the grating, the lighting will be softer and more diffuse - it will become even more comfortable and pleasant to be in the room.You should not worry about the material for the manufacture of such decorative elements, it is possible to use the remnants that were not thrown out after facing the walls or ceilings of the bath, it will also help to maintain a single stylistic concept.

However, if there is a desire to fill the steam room with scents that promote relaxation and detachment from everyday problems, you can make a semi-antique lampshade made of larch or cedar, besides, these materials are also quite strong and durable.

In order to make the lampshade or the lattice independently, it is necessary to have elements for the frame and several small slats that will be fixed at the top and bottom of the finished product. Of course, in the manufacture of the lamp there are certain points that are worth paying attention to:

  • The size of the lamp itself will dictate the length of the rail for the lampshade, there should also be no sharp corners, they need to be polished or rounded, this is necessary from the point of view of safety, as well as to give a more aesthetic appearance to the product.
  • The shape and type of the grid will vary depending on the size of the lamp itself, for example,if we need a framework for a wall lamp, then it should be made in the form of a semicircle or rectangle; the grid for the corner lamp will be made in the form of a trapezoid.
  • Fix these lamps best on the screws, but, from the point of view of security, they must be hidden inside, so that when heated, they do not cause harm.

When lighting other rooms in the bath, you can use lamps no longer with such strict characteristics, traditionally a waiting room is decorated with a chandelier, which is located in the middle of the ceiling or a few lamps that are installed directly into the ceiling itself.

Modern models of chandeliers and lamps, stylized as antiquities or the chosen concept will look harmoniously. Such lamps can literally become a bright accent in the interior of the room.

Materials

There are various fixtures on the market that can be installed in a sauna or a bath, and if the model is already selected, then you need to think about the material from which such an appliance will be made.

Room lighting is gaining popularity with the help of Himalayan salt. It is a material formed at the bottom of a dry lake about two hundred and fifty million years ago.The unique salt of this kind is that it contains more than 90 minerals, and when heated it releases particles that positively affect human health.

It is thanks to these properties of the Himalayan salt, it was used in baths and saunas, and because of its high density, salt became a building material - bricks were made from it, used as a decorative element or as a steam generator.

Popular and Himalayan salt lampsbut often for baths it rather acts as an independent building element, the walls of such salt when heating the room create the effect of the sea coast. Such fumes contribute to the prevention and treatment of bronchitis and even asthma, negative salt ions contribute to the disinfection of air.

Any products from the Himalayan salt emit ions, however, at certain temperatures - more than 60 degrees Celsius, the air will be more saturated with useful substances.

It is also necessary to comply with the conditions of the necessary humidity in the room - no more than 50%, because, otherwise, the salt will absorb water, and this will be ineffective.

It is for this reason that the use of Himalayan salt is more profitable for a private bath, which is not designed for a large flow of visitors, the material in it cannot quickly get damp.Even in an ordinary Russian steam bath, you need to thoroughly air the room after each use, wait for the walls to dry so that the salt does not lose its properties.

In general, the shell from which the lamp is made is very important, as it has several main functions: protecting the light source from harmful influences, makes the light softer by diffusing it, which gives comfort to the steam room. The lamp made of wood meets all these criteria, it has undeniable advantages:

  • a wooden lamp will be perfectly combined with the furnishings of a steam room, with walls and a ceiling, since they are often also made of wood;
  • it is possible, making such a lamp with your own hands, to endow it with an interesting shape, to perform with a beautiful ornament;
  • quite pleasant to the touch.

In the recreation area, you can also install a ceramic lamp, that is, its base will be made of this material, resistant to temperatures.

You can use glass in decorating bath lighting, just do not put such lamps in the steam room itself - this is not safe.

Accommodation options

As mentioned earlier, there are quite a large number of different fixtures suitable for installation in baths and saunas. But each room has its own differences, respectively, and the lighting to them are selected corresponding parameters:

In the steam room

In order to install the lamp in the steam room, you must first carefully approach its choice. The thing is that it can be said that it is the main room in the bath, it is saturated with steam, moisture and hot air. All these factors affect the selection of the lamp, not every model meets these characteristics. In addition, too bright and contrasting lighting also does not speak in favor of certain types of lamps, for the holy of holies of the baths a soft light is needed to help relax.

Since the steam room has its own special microclimate, it is possible to install a lamp in it only at the very top of the wall or at the joints - in the corners. This is due to the fact that the ceiling and walls are one of the hottest surfaces in the steam room, moreover, this arrangement can be called convenient, the light streams from behind and does not strain the eyes of those who rest in the bath.You can install fiber-optic lamps, then the lighting will definitely be soft and diffused, it will help to relax.

An important point is that such lamps have a high level of protection and are completely safe in rooms with high temperatures.

You can also choose LED lamps, they are heat-resistant, have several lighting modes and a rich color gamut, with them you can easily save energy, besides the LEDs have a long service life. But in any case, the lamp must be closed with a protective frame or heat-resistant canopy, also to create the surroundings and additional protection, you can cover the light with a wooden grille with a beautiful design.

Inside the bath, if the lamps are mounted on the ceiling, they must withstand a temperature of 250 degrees, if on the wall, then less - at least 100 degrees Celsius.

Such lamps are made of heat-resistant material, ceramics or porcelain, the body is additionally strengthened, making it airtight.

In washing

Unlike the steam room, in the washing room it is necessary, on the contrary, to hold a bright and powerful light, since this room is not intended for relaxation, it is necessary in order to wash after a steam room.It is for this reason that the light in the sink is set to be contrast and sharp, but it still should not hit the person in the room in the face.

But here it is also necessary to be careful, this room has a source of moisture, it is necessary to protect lamps and wires from accidental ingress of water on them. The switch should be located outside the sink, in order to avoid water entering there, for the same purpose all the lamps will have protective waterproof frames or ceiling lamps.

In the dressing room

In the dressing room the lighting can be made practically any, since the room does not have any special temperature drops and moisture concentrations. The classic option would be a chandelier in the center of the room, or a few lamps that are mounted on the ceiling. The light from such lamps is bright, but does not hurt the eyes and generally creates a rather comfortable atmosphere in the room.

It is also possible the stylistic design of the dressing room in a certain manner, then the lamps can be placed on the wall and executed according to the general concept of the interior.

In the rest room

In the rest room, as well as in the waiting room, there is a certain coefficient of humidity, therefore, when installing lamps there, you need to be sure that they have at least 1 protection class.Lamps for such rooms will fit quite ordinary, from 75 to 100 watts, you can also install conventional ceiling lamps or sconces.

For a sauna, in general, the same temperature difference for lighting is typical, you should pay attention to the classification of the international level of protection, make sure that the lamps are heat-resistant, heat-resistant and airtight.

Which lamp to choose and how to install?

Experts agree that in order to make the lighting in the bath, it is not necessary to choose fluorescent lamps, since they are not resistant to high temperatures and humidity.

It is better to choose halogen or LED lamps, a fiber-optic lamp will also work, but all this must be fixed with a protective canopy. In the dressing room you can use two lamps at once with parallel switching on of the light source to add brightness to the room lighting.

This is also done so that there is a so-called backup light, if one burns out, another can replace it - this will allow the waiting room to always be lit.

An interesting option would be to install small LED lamps on the ceiling of the room, they are placed dotted around the perimeter, LEDs for bathrooms are good for such purposes.It is rather an option for a waiting room or a rest room, since high temperatures will not always allow the ribbon of LED lights to work properly.

Also, LED luminaires can be used as emergency lighting in a steam room, this is done by installing a small 12-volt battery and several multi-colored strips of LEDs: they mark potentially traumatic places in the steam room, then the LEDs are connected to a special unit that has a voltage indicator network.

It is not recommended to fix lamps with incandescent lamps in the Russian bath, as they have the risk of creating increased voltage of the network, besides they have no special protection. The best option for a steam room would be a 12 volt halogen lamp with a ceramic cartridge, as well as a sealed with a special rubber ring.

A good protection for the lamps will also be the frame, which additionally acts as a decorative element.

It must be remembered that installing the lighting in the bath is not worth it on your own, this is a high-risk room due to sufficiently high temperatures.Be sure to comply with all regulations that are established by a set of rules for electrical installations.

First you need to hold the power cable from the nearest source of electricity, then the cable must be mounted on the outside of the building, all this happens through a specialized box, be sure to remember about grounding.

You can also put the lamp on your own in the bath, there are several steps:

  • First, you need to outline the places where the lamps will be located, as well as to mark with a pencil or a marker the places of the wires; It is very important to calculate the distance between the lamps, if there is a need to make several sources of illumination.
  • Next you need to conduct power, which is placed in a special corrugation, which protects against heat.
  • Prior to the start of all work it is necessary to check the wiring accurately.
  • Next, the walls are sheathed, holes are cut in them according to the shape of the lamps, the exact parameters of which are indicated in the passport.
  • The installation of the mortise fixtures is different from the overhead, the first wire is cut, and then attached to the cartridge, and the second fix the mounting plate.
  • If you plan to install lamps with a power of 12 W, then you must connect a transformer that reduces the supply of electricity to the required power; it must be laid in the frame.
  • The lamps are screwed in only after all the lighting has been mounted.

The most important rule when installing lighting in a bath is to be careful and check all dimensions for a recessed luminaire in advance, because incorrectly chosen parameters can spoil the whole appearance of the bath.

Learn more about the lamps for the bath you will learn from the following video.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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