Dear Reader,
Todays topic is about back lighting through perforated sheets. I would be using images from google, which best describe the intended techniques.There are several ways to back light a panel but some of the methods commonly chosen for a residential, hotel or indoor applications, are as follows:
Case 1
Lets focus on the perforated sheet, probably made of metal sheet or an MDF. Notice the bright inner edges. Its because the light source has been installed on the inner side of the assembly and placed on the perimeter. Such arrangements are often customised according to the design or available spaces. So the technique may also vary.
In this case a flexible-cuttable-linear lighting fixture has been chosen, in other words LED Strips (<--google it). These strips are mounted via aluminum, channel flat or in angular shape. Angular shape is preferred but in some cases the light source gets visible which causes glare and kills the effect, so choose carefully.
The other methods could have been:
1) LED modules (google it): which offer wider range output and controls.
2) Linear rigid lighting: for higher outputs, They resemble batten lights.
3) RGB version of LED Strips.
Case 2
This is a case of backlighting on the ceiling. Yes of course LED Strips can be used here. One should really consider a Panel LED Modules(google). These can be considered for ceiling, wall and even floor mount applications. They are basically best known for their uniformity of light effect and the drama that they create. You will need an expert hands for the job here as they are a delicate piece of light source.
Case 3
For outdoor application always use an IP protected lighting products (IP54 onwards). If the enclosure is housing the light source is an IP protected one then indoor products can also be installed, i.e. IP20 rated lighting products. Conditions of using an IP 20 lighting products for an outdoor application will be discussed separately. Please read about the IP ratings or Ingress protection ratings on wiki or google.
Do's and Don't
1) Light source should and always be invisible from the general visual field.
2) Can go for RGB version. Pay attention to the application and purpose for which the area will be used.
3) LED strips should be installed on aluminum channels which makes the installation and lighitng effect to be in a straight line. It also helps in dissipating the heat from the led strips.
4) Special heat absorbing adhesive can be used for higher wattage led strips.
5) NO DOTS. Yes, dots should not be visible. Its a sudden death. Try to use diffusers or aim / place the source away from the visual field.
6) Don't go crazy with brightness. Brightness is not the answer, if the effect fails to improve the look and feel of the area then its all waste of money and time.
References of pictures used in this blog:
1)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi2nPnRw8zeAhUN3Y8KHQFiBvQQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiamart.com%2Fproddetail%2Fdecorative-jali-4157134897.html&psig=AOvVaw3H7vtBSHhMFf8PZy0VZFLk&ust=1542031488199094
2)
https://i0.wp.com/img03.olx.in/images_olxin/302842995_1_1000x700_down-ceiling-designing-with-lighting-mdf-cutting-amritsar.jpg?resize=480%2C360&ssl=1
