Balcony lighting with LED strip • pkvitrina.ru

Residents of multi-storey buildings often try to save living space and grab precious square meters, saving on literally everything. It is with the aim of increasing usable space that work is underway to develop balconies and loggias.

For some they serve as a small shed, for others they organize a study on them, and in other cases it is a place for relaxation or gatherings for the whole family in Turkish style. But no matter what role is assigned to this space, a fairly important issue is the lighting of a balcony or loggia, which you often have to do yourself.

How to make LED lighting for balconies with your own hands

When the renovation of the house has already been completed, you can turn your attention to improving the balcony or loggia.
Many people here prefer to do the finishing themselves. When that is completed, it’s time to think about how to organize decent lighting here. For many, the LED strip has become a real find. By correctly installing lighting on your balcony or loggia using an LED strip, you will add another room to your apartment in which you will enjoy spending time. And all this can be done with your own hands.

Installation instructions

If you managed to buy an assembled LED strip with connected wires, then the task is simplified. Otherwise, the order of work will be as follows:

It is better to provide an inconspicuous corner for the power supply, hide it behind a curtain or furniture.

If everything was done correctly, after connecting to the network you will be able to enjoy soft diffused light in the area of the window opening.

Source

Features of the room

Loggia and balcony are often used by people as warehouses for a variety of things. But if you gather your strength here, you can completely redo everything with your own hands so that you can spend warm summer evenings here with pleasure. And good lighting is not the last place in this matter. With this approach, it is necessary to take into account several requirements that apply to lighting fixtures on a balcony or loggia:

protection from moisture. Very often there is no heating here, so when organizing lighting using an LED strip, you need to choose its moisture-proof versions;

Note! The tape must be protected from moisture, regardless of where it will be located: on the ceiling (plasterboard or tension type), under the railing or on the floor.

protection from dirt and dust. The balcony and loggia always have wide windows, which are often open during the warm season. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the lamps from possible contamination.

This is where the main features of the premises end.

Primary requirements

Since at the stage of construction and commissioning in houses they do not even lay power supply lines on the balcony, the laying of wires and planning the location of lighting fixtures falls entirely on you. Since the climatic parameters on the balcony can differ significantly from those in the interior, the operating conditions for electrical equipment here will be relatively harsh.

Due to the danger of a combination of electricity, temperature changes and moisture, when designing and installing lighting on a balcony, a number of requirements and rules should be taken into account:

Thanks to the development and implementation of modern technologies, a huge range of lighting devices allows you to use various types of lighting on your balcony, which you can use either individually or in combination.

Let's talk about LED strips

Combined balcony lighting

Today, LED strip is a common lighting device that can be used to create a wide variety of types of lighting in any room of the house. Very often it is used to create hidden lighting for ceilings, especially suspended or plasterboard ones.

Note! Very often, LED strips are used in tandem with other types of lighting fixtures. This combination is often found on balconies and loggias.

LED lamp has many advantages:

quick and easy installation. On the back of the tape there is a self-adhesive base, which makes it possible to install the lamp on any surface in a matter of minutes;

Note! To connect the LED strip, you need a power supply. And if you want to be able to estimate the color mode of the glow, then you will also need a controller with a remote control.

a great way to decorate a room;
significant product flexibility;
high-quality luminous flux, thanks to which the lighting of walls or ceilings is complete;
Can be installed on any type of ceiling. Often used for stretch and plasterboard ceilings;
presence of a wide variety of colors. You can use both single and multi-color ribbons.

In addition, with the help of such a lighting product you can create lighting both around the perimeter of the room and local (in certain areas of it). On a balcony or loggia using LED you can make the following types of lighting with your own hands:

are common. Here it is assumed that the light source will be placed around the entire perimeter. This option is great for the ceiling;
local. For example, you can install the product under the railing. As a result, the light will beautifully flood the lower part of the room;

Local lighting of the balcony with tape

decorative. This involves highlighting certain decorative elements. For example, such a tape can illuminate shelves, paintings or the bottom of furniture placed on a loggia or balcony;
combined. This is the most common lighting option used on balconies. Here, LED lighting can be combined with spotlights from a suspended stretch or plasterboard ceiling.

At the same time, the LED strip is so easy to use that almost anyone can install it with their own hands, even if they have little knowledge of electronics. Which option for lighting a balcony using an LED strip you choose depends only on your preferences and the characteristics of the room itself.

Choosing lighting elements for the balcony

Balcony lamps such as sconces, table lamps or even floor lamps can act as lighting elements. Lighting of a large balcony and loggia can be organized using several lighting sources, say, a chandelier and sconces or spotlights.

Photo of lighting on the loggia

The choice of the type of lamp is also based on the functional purpose of the room.

Depending on the mounting method, there are wall, recessed, ceiling and floor lamps.

Floor lamp on the loggia

Lamps are divided according to purpose:

to general
decorative,
local,
combined,
indicative,
expositional.

Decorative lamps for a loggia photo
The direction of the light flow is of particular importance when choosing lamps for a balcony and loggia. According to this principle, they are divided into the following types:

Direct light

The lighting of these devices is directed downwards. This is the best option for balconies with low ceilings. Devices of this type are also used to create local illumination zones for certain interior items, when reading and working in a balcony office.

Lighting stylized to match the design of the balcony

Reflected light

Lighting from the lamp directed upward creates smooth and measured illumination. The absence of a glare effect ensures special comfort in the room. To increase efficiency and illumination, materials with a maximum reflective coefficient are used for finishing the ceiling in balconies and loggias.

Color design

LED products, as noted above, have a wide variety of colors. For balcony lighting, it is recommended to use the following colors:

Colored loggia lighting

You can also use RGB strips, which will allow you to get a huge number of shades of any colors using the controller. In addition, such a system will work in several modes (color change, fading, and others). It is necessary to choose the color of the glow based on the finishing available in the room, as well as your preference. All the colors listed above will create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. You can also organize a romantic or fairy-tale atmosphere, depending on the need and the created surroundings using special decorative elements of interior decoration.

Pros of LED lighting

LED lighting on the balcony can be an economical and stylish solution. This option has been gaining popularity in recent years due to a number of advantages:

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efficiency - LED lamps are more expensive than conventional lamps, but are energy saving. So they will quickly pay for their cost during use;
simplicity - LED lighting on the balcony can be done independently, without the help of hired craftsmen;
suitable for plants - this is one of the most suitable options for those who are interested in floriculture or use a balcony for growing seedlings;
style - LEDs can help create a unique atmosphere on the balcony;
durability - with proper installation and operation, an LED lamp can last up to 16 times longer than the more common fluorescent lamp.

Installation of lighting on the loggia

Installing such lighting can be done by almost any homeowner who has changed a light bulb at least once in his life and has an idea of what wiring is. Moreover, LED lighting on the balcony can be installed regardless of what ceiling finish the owners preferred for this room - such light bulbs are suitable for both wooden and plasterboard ceilings.

Briefly, the LED lighting installation process is as follows:

bring the wires to the places where the light bulbs are installed. Attention - this should be done not from the outside of the casing, but from the inside;
mark the installation location and cut out a window for the light bulb;
install and connect the light bulb.

For those who are alien to such manipulations, there is such an invention as an LED strip. This LED strip can be mounted both on the ceiling and along the perimeter of the glazing. The effect is guaranteed to be stunning.

Recommendations for choosing lamps

How to choose LED lamps for balcony lighting? You need to take this choice seriously, then this promising technology will not disappoint.

There are several main criteria:

Power. In order to determine the required power, you need to understand what level of illumination you want to achieve. For a balcony, it is recommended to pay attention to 6-8 watt light bulbs, which approximately correspond to 60-watt fluorescent ones;
Color. For any residential premises, you should not choose specimens with the inscription “cold white”; they are detrimental to the atmosphere of home comfort;
Radiator. A cooling system for LEDs is desirable to increase their service life;
Guarantee period. The best specimens have a service life of one to five years;
Package. The box in which the LED light bulb is located must contain as much information as possible: base type, power, name and location of the manufacturer, color rendering coefficient, warranty period, luminous flux. After reading these inscriptions, the buyer should know everything about the light bulb. If there is little information, it is better to refuse the purchase.

How to install?

Places for cutting

Once you have decided which method of lighting a balcony or loggia is most suitable for you, you can begin installing the LED strip with your own hands. Here you will not need any special tools or additional materials, and the installation itself will take a minimum of time and effort. Installation will be carried out as follows:

Determine the length of the LED strip and cut it off from the main skein. The incision site is marked with a picture of scissors;

Note! Today, LED products are sold in skeins of several meters. The skein should be cut only in special places. Otherwise you will damage the product.

after all the pieces have been cut, you need to solder them together and with the wires with which they will be connected to the power supply. The wires should be soldered to special contact pads located at the edges of the cuts. All elements of the lighting system should be assembled according to the diagram shown below;

Diode strip connection diagram

All wire soldering areas must be well cleaned and insulated.

When the entire system is assembled, you can begin installing the LED strip at a permanent location. To ensure that the backlight holds tightly and does not fall off over time, before gluing it, all dirt must be removed from the surface and degreased with alcohol. Next, we tear off the paper tape from the back side that protected the sticky part and carefully apply it to the surface. We even out any possible curvatures and run it with our palm so that the strip sticks to the surface as tightly as possible.

LED strip under the windowsill

Once you have decided what type of LED strip you will use for your lighting, and have installed the wires to connect it, the next important question arises - how to securely fasten it.
Let us consider in detail the five main methods and the common mistakes made in this case.

Roughly speaking, there is already double-sided tape there. On one side it is glued to the tape itself, and on the other, you stick it on the corresponding surface of the ceiling, wall, or kitchen cabinet.

Lighting on the loggia and balcony: do it yourself

Thanks to the use of various finishing options, the balcony can be turned into a cozy and stylish room. But in addition to the finishing solution, it is necessary to decide on many other issues, such as organizing good light on the balcony or loggia. Only with good light will a balcony become a full-fledged room in the house. But how to make balcony lighting with your own hands?

There are many design decisions that affect lighting. The main thing is that the lighting is in harmony with the texture and shades of the finish. For safety, the wiring must be done perfectly. What lighting options are there?

Where to begin?

In an apartment, plants should be placed so that they have enough light; if there are few such places, then special lamps are used. We talked about which lamps to choose for plants in a separate article. Illuminating flowers with your own hands is very simple, for this you need:

Prepare the place where the flowers and lighting will be located. This can be done in several places. For example, on a windowsill, on a window, on a stand or on a shelf.
Design fasteners for lighting elements.
Conduct wiring to the lamps to connect them to the electrical network.

Using lamps on the balcony

Lamp is a broad concept. It includes not only ceiling lighting, but also other types. In addition to their immediate purpose, lamps are designed to emphasize functionality and style.

Lighting can be general, local, decorative, combined, exposure or indicative. As for the installation method, the following lamps are distinguished:

Using sconces on the balcony

They create an unusual diffused light coming from the side. In the relaxation area, sconces look great. They are attached above the chair. This job is so simple that you can do it yourself. The disadvantage of this option is the relatively small flow of light. In such lamps you can use no more than two light bulbs.

Sconces on the balcony as lamps

Using LED lamps on the balcony

Previously, they were practically not used on balconies and loggias. Today, this is one of the most versatile and inexpensive methods of lighting, allowing you to implement a variety of design ideas on the balcony. The disadvantages of this type of lighting include only the increased cost compared to most other lighting devices, even if the same level of illumination is provided.

This option is quite compact and highly elastic. If you decide to organize lighting on the loggia, the photo below shows how the LED strip is mounted. It can be installed in almost any interior item.

Installing LED lighting on the balcony with your own hands

Using Spot Lighting

Typically used as overhead light. It allows not only to organize general diffused light, but also harmonizes with local and exposure lighting. But this lighting option also has its drawbacks. So, if you push a powerful light bulb too deep into the ceiling, the lamp may overheat. This will not only damage the lighting fixture, but will also damage the finishing coating of the ceiling.

In what cases is it worth installing decorative structures?

Imitating a window opening will help decorate the space and correct shortcomings.

It should be installed in the room in the following cases:

if there is a void between the openings that negatively affects aesthetics;
the main lighting fixture is not enough and there are dark areas in the room;
to visually expand the space if the room has a small area and a low “pressing” ceiling;
to fill dark niches that make the interior gloomy.

The availability of modern materials and the use of technology makes it possible to create false windows of various shapes and sizes. The selected landscape can appear as a two-dimensional or more realistic three-dimensional image.

Features of organizing lighting on the balcony

If you are interested in how to install light on a balcony with your own hands, the video accompanying the article will help you familiarize yourself with the process. First of all, it is necessary to lay reliable wiring. There are two main wiring options - open and hidden.

Lighting in the arch between the room and the balcony

Open wiring is laid along the wall in a specialized box. You can also use a protective corrugated sleeve. As for hidden wiring, it is laid in the ceiling or wall. Often it is laid behind the casing.

Features of open wiring

This wiring option is laid directly on the surface of the ceiling and walls. This wiring option has several important advantages:

convenient installation, you will not need to punch grooves in the walls and seal them in the future;
ease of repair work: all communication elements remain open, ensuring constant and easy access to them.

But open wiring has one significant drawback. It is difficult to use on the balcony, because it does not combine with almost any design solution.

Features of hidden electrical wiring

As a rule, hidden wiring is used in apartment conditions. This option has one significant advantage - invisibility. For this reason, on a balcony it is better to organize hidden electrical wiring. The choice of wiring method is determined by the chosen method of finishing the ceiling and walls.

Balcony lighting option

If you look at the interiors of loggias and balconies, it becomes clear that along with plaster on the walls, only hidden wiring is used. At the same time, it is laid in pre-created furrows called grooves. It is necessary to carry out the following sequence of actions:

marking of the future placement of lamps and distribution boxes, switches and sockets is carried out;
purchase cables of the required length with a suitable cross-section;
using a hammer drill and a grinder, grooves are made in the surfaces of the walls and ceilings into which the cable is laid;
the grooves are sealed with alabaster;
carry out high-quality insulation of the connection in the distribution box;
all newly laid wiring is connected to electricity; if you do not plan a high load of electrical appliances on the balcony, then you can connect it to the light wiring of the apartment;
connect and install lamps, sockets and switches.

It is important to carry out work when the power is turned off. The phase wire is connected through the switch “for break”. Otherwise, when changing light bulbs, you may get an electric shock even with the switch off.

Wiring installation diagram

Self-installation

The choice of materials depends on the specific situation. Do-it-yourself installation of lighting on a balcony is divided into stages depending on its type.

Selection of materials and tools

To install the wiring you will need the following materials:

cable: it is better to use a model with 3 copper cores and a cross-section of 1.5-2.5 mm. It is also worth choosing a cable with soft insulation, which bends easily and is practically not deformed;
terminals: they connect the wires to each other;
cable channel: this is a plastic part in which the cable will lie. It is an elongated rectangle with an opening top cover;

fastening elements: these can be dowels and screws;
distribution box: the cable comes from it. It is best to place it inside the apartment;
mounting boxes: switches and sockets are “hidden” in them.

In addition to materials, you will need to prepare some tools in advance:

a hammer drill for drilling holes in the walls and laying holes for the cable itself;
multimeter to determine voltage;
tape measure, screwdrivers, pliers.

How to make lighting with and without wiring

The light on the balcony can be powered either from the electrical network or from batteries. In the first case, you will need to lay out the wiring in advance, in the second, you just need to stock up on batteries.

Important! Before laying the wiring, it is necessary to calculate the voltage with a slight excess and turn off the electricity in the apartment

Wires can be laid in 2 ways - open and closed. In the first case, the wires are not hidden and can act as a decorative element; in the second, they are hidden in the wall. Exposed wiring is usually laid if it is impossible to remove it into the wall without additional repairs.

Open wiring is laid in several stages:

It is necessary to measure the required amount of wire and mark the places where grooves, lamps, sockets, cable channels (if any) will be laid;
Next, drill through (drill through) the wall, and through this hole pull the cable from the apartment to the balcony;

Lay cable channels according to the chosen scheme between sockets and switches, stretch the wiring inside and combine all the elements into a single circuit;
Check the voltage level in the network;
Seal the grooves with mortar, close the cable channels;
Connect the network to the switch at the input site.

The laying of hidden wiring is similar to the laying of open wiring, but has one feature - the wires run inside the wall in special channels and can only be carried out until finishing repair work is completed. When working, instead of cable ducts, corrugated pipes are used, which protect against wetting and fire; fastenings are made with special clamps.

Important! After completing the work, it is necessary to test the lighting and only then finish the finishing, otherwise, if problems arise, the repair will have to be redone. If desired, you can do without wiring

In this case, there is no need to drill walls or stretch and lay wires - the entire lighting system will be powered by batteries or accumulators. Three batteries usually last for 100 hours, but this is an average value: it depends on the power of the lamps, their number and the power source itself

If desired, you can do without wiring. In this case, there is no need to drill walls or stretch and lay wires - the entire lighting system will be powered by batteries or accumulators. Three batteries usually last for 100 hours, but this is an average value: it depends on the power of the lamps, their number and the power source itself.

You can install such a system in several steps:

Choose a lamp and its location;
Secure it to the selected location and connect to the power source;
If necessary, install additional elements, for example, a motion sensor.

When choosing lighting for a balcony, it is necessary to take into account many nuances: whether the space is glazed or open, renovations have been completed there or are ongoing, how the room will be used

It is equally important to resolve the issue with power: lamps can be powered by batteries or mains power, wires can run on top of the wall or in it

How to lay wiring under the casing

This is a compromise method of wiring that can be implemented for lighting on a balcony. In this case, electricity is laid under the casing. This method of electrical wiring is applicable if you are using cladding with a frame. It has no significant disadvantages; rather, on the contrary, it combines the advantages of hidden and open wiring.

To install wiring in this way, you do not have to make grooves. The wires will not spoil the interior design. But you will have to lay the wiring in a protective corrugated sleeve made of plastic. This is necessary for additional insulation of wires and safety during operation.

Lighting on balconies and loggias

In principle, you don’t need much to illuminate a balcony or loggia: its area is usually small, one or two light sources are enough. Today we will tell you how to choose them wisely.

Lighting for an enclosed balcony or loggia

Wall lights

In his project, Legko.com designer Andrey used a wall lamp to illuminate a cozy reading corner

Sconces and wall lamps are the most commonly used light sources for a balcony. A couple of small lamps will do a great job of illuminating a small space. In addition, attaching the sconce to the wall does not cause any particular difficulties, so you can do it yourself. An original solution for lighting an insulated balcony can be a garland of ordinary or LED lamps mounted on a load-bearing wall.

Ceiling lamps

Ceiling lamps, including spotlights, require more installation costs: for them it is necessary to prepare mounts on the ceiling, and for spotlights, you also need to organize a false ceiling behind which the wiring will be hidden. The balcony ceiling in this case is made of plasterboard or wood.

Large chandeliers or lamps hanging from the ceiling will visually hide the already small space of the balcony. But if you have a huge loggia, such lamps, on the contrary, can become an interesting accent in the interior. A good option is spot lamps that can be directed in different directions. Using one such ceiling or wall chandelier, you can organize lighting for all areas of the balcony at once.

3. Table lamps

Turning a balcony into a cozy office, reading corner or place for handicrafts is the dream of many. In this case, in addition to the main lighting, do not forget about local light sources. It is most convenient to use table lamps: they can be placed directly on the desktop, plus, they do not require additional communications. Work and read in comfort!

4. Fluorescent lamps

Bright fluorescent tube lamps (fluorescent lamps) will do a good job of lighting the balcony. They are mounted on the wall or ceiling. They are suitable for technological and minimalist design, for example, for high-tech interiors. In addition, if your balcony is a winter garden or greenhouse, fluorescent lamps will create the illumination necessary for plants.

LEDs

The recently fashionable LED strips are excellent for lighting indoor, warm balconies. You can place the tape around the perimeter of the balcony ceiling, or you can hide it under the railing, creating a kind of backdrop diffused light, as in the photo above.

Types of false windows

There are several types of false windows, differing both in design and functionality. Some of them can be brought into the interior with your own hands and without great expense; the installation of others is best left to professionals. Let's look at the main options in more detail.

Drawings and photo wallpapers

The easiest way to organize a fake window in a room is to draw it on the wall or stick a suitable image on it.

The image on the wall can be anything - with an exotic landscape or the expanse of your native country, decorated with closed or open window sashes, complemented by decor in the form of curtains and a window sill.

Photo wallpapers with windows, on top of which lay a real curtain with drapery, look good.

Illuminated simulated windows

A more complex, but also more effective option is a false window with lighting. This can be done in several ways:

using LEDs;
install energy-saving lamps;
install LED strip.

This technique is perfect for dimly lit rooms. The image of summer or spring nature in combination with LEDs will create a feeling of daylight, which will significantly transform the appearance of any interior.

The lighting behind the stained glass windows looks interesting - colored “sunbeams” will decorate the adjacent walls and nearby interior items.

Mirror false windows

The principle of implementing the idea is the same, but instead of the image “outside the window” a reflective surface is placed. It could be a solid large mirror, or it could be mirror tiles.

The main advantage of this type of false windows is that they visually enlarge the space and fill the room with light. If you arrange such decor correctly, you can achieve the desired effect - expand the room or, conversely, lengthen it; raise the attic ceiling or create a feeling of infinity of space.

There are two ways to create such windows:

A mirror of suitable size is hung on the surface of the wall, and a “window” frame, a window sill is mounted on top, curtains are hung, etc.;
The frame is assembled first, and the mirror elements are already inserted into it. Next, the entire structure is mounted to the wall.

The frame of a false window can be made of wood, metal or plastic - there are enough options for every taste and budget.

If the window sashes open freely, then you will be able to use the large mirror for its intended purpose - to look at it when getting dressed or changing clothes.

Open balcony lighting

If the balcony is open or not insulated, the choice is narrowed down to street lighting fixtures that are not afraid of low temperatures, dust, rain, snow and wind. These include wall lanterns, dust- and waterproof designs, as well as luminaires with a high degree of climate protection.

Balcony lighting without wiring

If you don’t want to waste time, effort and money on wiring, organize lighting using battery-powered LED lamps. LED lamps consume a small amount of electricity while producing fairly strong light. Since you will not use balcony lighting as often as regular room lighting, the battery life will last for a long time.

Wiring Tips

The first and most important tip: if you have never conducted electricity, seek help from a professional
All the work that you carry out on the balcony falls into the category of reconstruction or even redevelopment. This means that their implementation requires appropriate permission and subsequent approval by architectural and operational authorities
Wiring on the balcony must be done with double insulated cables. When installing external wiring on open and “cold” glazed balconies, the cable must additionally be placed in special corrugated tubes. Electrical equipment protection class - at least IP 44
In order not to complicate your life, balcony lighting needs to be thought out in advance - before insulation, cladding and arrangement
Decide in advance on the function of the room. There is a big difference between lighting a study room and a winter garden
Before starting work, be sure to draw a diagram of the future wiring: where the energy-consuming devices will be located, how much power will be needed for their operation, etc.
Open wiring is easier to do than closed wiring, but it looks less aesthetically pleasing. This option is good if you plan to cover the balcony with panels behind which you can hide unattractive communications

As you can see, lighting a balcony is not such a simple matter. You need to have certain knowledge and skills to carry out all the necessary communications here. If you feel that you have the necessary competencies, all that remains is to choose the type of lighting and get down to business. If not, it’s better to seek help from a professional and just enjoy the result.

DIY lighting on the balcony

Lighting on the balcony and its installation is one of the stages of its arrangement. When choosing a suitable option, you need to consider the following points: what will the balcony be used for? For example, in the office, the lighting should be bright enough, especially if you are supposed to work at a computer or read printed materials and manuals.

For a guest or recreation area, dim lighting and soft lamps are suitable. If it is planned to equip a flower gallery there, then it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the plants being grown and their lighting needs.

You also need to decide on the wiring diagram. In this regard, there are two main options:

open wiring;
hidden wiring.

The first option is simpler to implement and provide light on the balcony, but still a closed scheme is preferable for living space.

Step-by-step instruction

If you are going to do the balcony lighting yourself, you must follow the established sequence of actions - prepare the place for laying the wires, mount all the circuit elements and install the lamps. Next, we will consider all the points in more detail.

Preparation

At the preparation stage, you need to plan the outlet points for the electrical wire to the balcony if its power supply is not yet organized.

This can be done in three ways:

Next, draw up a wiring diagram with the location of the corresponding electrical components, switching devices and connection points. Transfer the diagram to the walls, ceiling and other structures if they will be involved when laying the wiring.

Before performing installation work, prepare all the necessary tools and materials: a hammer drill or wall cutter, an electric drill, a wiring cable (preferably with copper conductors of at least 1.5 mm2), boxes, a switch, a socket if necessary, the lamp itself and a set of plumbing tools.

Installation and wiring

If you are organizing hidden wiring, make holes for the wiring and drill niches for the boxes. For open wiring, this step is not required, but the open method is quite dangerous, so it is preferable to do internal wiring. The manufacture of hidden wiring for lighting consists of the following steps:

Installation of lamps

To install a sconce or any other wall lamp, follow these steps:

If the lamp is in good condition and everything works, you can install the lampshade.

If necessary, carry out finishing work to give the balcony an aesthetic, well-groomed appearance.

Option 1 - open wiring

This option is suitable only for those cases when all the interior decoration is finished. To perform open wiring you will need:

Cable. It is better if it is a three-core copper cable with a cross-section thickness of 1.5-2.5 mm.
Cable channel. These are special fastening elements where wires are inserted.
Fasteners - self-tapping screws or dowels.
Distribution box. It is installed in the apartment, and from here the wiring goes to the balcony.
Mounting boxes. Sockets and switches are mounted there (one in each box).
Terminals. Electrical tape is a thing of the past; now the wires are connected with special terminals with clamps.

Option 2 hidden wiring

Hidden wiring is fundamentally different from open wiring in terms of installation technology. But the list of materials and tools will remain the same. Only the cable channels will need to be replaced with special corrugated pipes, which will protect the cable from moisture and the risk of fire during a short circuit. As for the diameter, the thinnest ones will do.

Now about the intricacies of performing the work:

The cable is located inside the corrugated pipe under the external finishing of the balcony. If the sheathing is made of profiles or timber, then holes are made in the racks. The cables are pulled through these holes, but in such a way that there are no kinks or sharp bends.

If there is too little space for attaching the corrugated pipe, then fixation occurs using special clamps. It's very simple and quite reliable.

When the fastening process is completed, you need to check whether the system is working correctly. After this, the walls and ceiling are finished.

Types of shelving designs and manufacturing workshops

In addition to manufacturing materials, rack structures can be classified according to the degree of mobility:

Stationary.
Mobile (on wheels).
Collapsible.

Collapsible ones are the most convenient in terms of space saving. They can be folded and hidden in a pantry or garage as soon as you transplant the seedlings into the ground. Until next season.

The rack can be used only during the required season; for the rest of the time, it should be disassembled and put away in a place where it will not be in the way.

Rack for seedlings on the windowsill

Making a rack for seedlings on a windowsill with your own hands is not at all difficult. The manufacturing process is practically no different from a stationary floor structure. The main difference is the size. Since the area of the base is limited by the area of the window sill, and the height is limited by the height of the window opening. The optimal distance between tiers is 0.4-0.6 m.

The frame can be made of any type - both collapsible and stationary.

How to make a wooden shelving unit with lighting

Let's figure out how to make a wooden rack for seedlings with lighting.

Step 1. Think over the design and make a drawing. The width of the shelf should not be more than 0.5-0.6 m. Usually they are made from three to six.

The simplest version of the design with shelves can be assembled with your own hands from ready-made parts used in arranging storage areas in warehouses.

Step 2. Cut the timber to the required size. Coniferous wood needs additional antibacterial coating.
Step 3. Mark the attachment points with a pencil and connect the frame elements with a metal corner using self-tapping screws.

Wood remains the most affordable material for shelves.
Step 4. Sand and coat with protective compounds. We cut plywood shelves.
Step 5. Attach fluorescent lamps to the lower surfaces of the shelves. We connect the lighting to the mains.

If the size of the balcony or window opening is small, then in addition to sunlight, you need to add backlighting with fluorescent lamps.

Option 3 – light without wiring

And now for a little bit of magic - balcony lighting without wiring. Seems incredible? However, it is possible. Then you won’t have to do any electrical work, drill walls and make noise, or cover everything with dust. Everything can be done much easier. Namely:

To begin with, let’s designate the required degree of illumination and where the lamp is needed for the balcony. After that, you can think about specifics.

The best option would be a battery-powered lamp. They differ in power, operating time, intensity, appearance, method of attachment, etc. To save money, you can purchase batteries that can be charged multiple times. You can also equip the lamps with a motion sensor. Then the lighting will turn on only as needed, which will significantly save energy. Moreover, you can buy a lamp quite inexpensively.

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the ease of installation and dismantling of such structures.

General recommendations for carrying out work

In addition to the nuances of different methods of installing electrical wiring on a balcony, there are also a number of general recommendations that will be useful when installing lighting elements. Here they are:

On an open balcony it is better to install wall lamps, moreover, the switch is located in the apartment. You should also remember that the lamp itself must be designed for outdoor use. You cannot buy ordinary indoor sconces - they are not designed for exposure to moisture and other precipitation.

If the room is planned to be used as a relaxation area, then the best option would be bedside lamps, spotlights, and sconces. Diffused soft light in warm colors will help you relax and unwind.

If the balcony or loggia will be used as a workshop or office, then the work area should be well lit: add several additional lamps there - wall or spotlights.

To make it easier to navigate in the closet and find the right thing, you can also install a lamp there or install lighting on the loggia - for example, stick an LED strip. It's fast, easy and doesn't use up too much electricity. By the way, LED strip is also used in other parts of the balcony - it creates a pleasant-looking backlight on the balcony. Moreover, it is very easy to install and is not too expensive.

Tools and materials

In order for the window to sparkle with light in the dark, you will need the following materials:

There are 12 and 24 V varieties of backlight strips on sale. Professionals usually prefer more powerful ones; a novice electrician will only need to pay attention to the price and color.

The tape cannot be plugged straight into an outlet, as it is designed for direct current. A power supply is required. If the LEDs light up in different colors, then a controller will also be needed. It is recommended to mount powerful current sources in an aluminum rail profile for cooling.

Tools you will need: