How to make cabinet lighting when doors open

Lighting in the closet not only makes storing and finding things more convenient, but also improves the appearance of the furniture. In some models, it comes by default, but most often you need to do it yourself. The process is not difficult if you follow the recommendations for the work and use safe lamps.

The backlight should perform not only a utilitarian, but also a decorative function.

Choice of lamps and fixtures

To make the light comfortable and safe, it is worth considering a few tips, they will help you not to make mistakes and get a good result. Since the closet is a closed space, only certain types of lamps and fixtures can be placed in it. It is better to deal with this issue in advance, the nature of the work performed and the materials used depend on the choice.

Lamps for lighting

Too bright light in a limited space is not needed, it will bring more discomfort than good. When choosing, you need to take into account the size of the fixtures, the features of their installation and energy consumption. The following options are currently in use:

1. Halogen lamps give good light, which almost does not deteriorate over time, have a compact size. But at the same time, the lamp and the ceiling become very hot during operation, so it can be placed on top so that the body is outside and cools down, otherwise there is a risk of fire. For cabinets, 12 V options are used, which require a power supply. It is impossible to touch the flask, as it deteriorates from this. If there is still a fingerprint on the surface, you need to wipe the place with alcohol.
   Built-in halogen lamps in the outer part of the wardrobe.
2. Fluorescent lamps They consume much less electricity than halogen ones and do not heat up much during operation. Therefore, they can also be used in furniture, especially since there are options for different power and with different color temperatures. But at the same time, the fixtures are quite large, which complicates installation. Another disadvantage is that there is mercury vapor inside the flask, if it is damaged, then toxic fumes will enter the room.
3. LED lamps are the best solution for cabinets and any other furniture for today. They consume the least electricity, almost do not heat up and are small in size. You can find compact models for limited spaces that operate on a 12 V voltage that is safe for people, and some options are battery operated. LEDs typically have a lifespan of 50,000 hours, which guarantees decades of service when used in furniture.
4. LED Strip Light - a convenient option. It takes up the least amount of space, can be glued anywhere and still gives a bright and even light. The intensity of lighting is easy to adjust, and if you put an RGB tape, you can change the color of the backlight, which provides ample opportunities for interior design. Power consumption is small, it is easy to connect the system with a minimum set of tools. Suitable for both clothes and kitchen cabinets.

If luminaires with fluorescent lamps are already installed, then instead of them you can put more economical LED, you need to select according to the cartridge.

Luminaire types

All options used for cabinets and other furniture can be divided into two main groups. Each of them has features that you should consider when choosing:

1. Mortise models are built into holes that are pre-cut in chipboard or other material. Most suitable for a visor in a closet or its top panel, since the case will be visible from the reverse side and it will not work to put such a lamp on the middle shelves. Typically, such solutions give directional light. The outer part is beautiful, and the body should be hidden under the surface, its size is usually at least 7 cm, that is, there should be a small niche above the top.
2. Overhead models are installed in any convenient place, have an attractive body that is fixed on the surface. Using options with halogen or fluorescent lamps is problematic, they take up a lot of space. But LED lamps can have a thickness of less than 2 cm, which allows you to put them almost anywhere.
   Overhead LED options are very convenient when used in cabinets.

The LED strip is distinguished as a separate type, as it differs from standard equipment and can be fixed almost anywhere, which simplifies the lighting of the cabinet and allows you to decorate it without any restrictions.

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Choice of mounting location and switch type

The light in the closet should provide ease of use of furniture and good visibility of shelves and compartments. According to SNiP, in dressing rooms it is necessary to provide a lighting level within 50-75 lux. Regulations also recommend the use of equipment with reduced voltage to ensure safety and eliminate the risk of electric shock.

When using a standard voltage of 220 V, an RCD is required to be installed in the system, which will turn off the power supply if the insulation is damaged. It is also important to ensure reliable contact of the connections, it is recommended to make them either with the help of terminals, or by soldering, followed by insulation and placement in a heat shrink tube.

Place of installation

There are several options for setting the backlight, so you need to think in advance and determine which one is suitable:

1. Built-in lamps in the canopy or the top ledge of a sliding wardrobe. This option allows you to illuminate the space in front of the closet so that you can look in the mirror when dressing. Usually they are located outside, so they can be turned on even with the doors closed.
2. Instead of spotlights on the outer ledge to fix LED strip across the entire width of the facade or pick up a narrow and long LED lamp. In large-width designs, there may be two or three fixtures.Such solutions give even diffused light, the main thing is to choose an option with suitable brightness.
3. On top of the rod compartmentwhere outerwear, suits and dresses are hung. Here, too, it is worth using LED equipment. It can be placed both along the outer edge, and with an offset inward, if the depth of the compartment is large and it needs to be illuminated evenly.
   The top location is a classic solution for compartments with clothes on hangers.
4. On the bottom of the shelves. In this case, it is used LED Strip Light, which is glued along the edge and illuminates the compartment below. If the shelves are deep enough, the tape can be moved to illuminate the entire space evenly.
5. At the back top of shelves and compartments. This technique allows you to give the compartments volume and fill them with light. It is often used in compartments with dishes, books or on open and glazed shelves. Often it has a decorative, rather than a practical function.
6. On the side walls of cabinets. The method is well suited if the width of the compartment is large, or the section with the barbell has a great depth. You can use both lamps and tape, select the length and power depending on the amount of space.

By the way! You can combine different options if it improves the effect.

Type of switches

There are many types, both traditional and new, which are convenient. You can choose one of the following solutions:

1. corded switch - you just need to pull the installed chain to turn on the lighting. Shutdown is done in the same way.
2. Button the option is a hanging cable with a module, like floor lamps or night lamps.The button is pressed in one direction when turned on, and when turned off, in the opposite direction.
   A simple sconce switch will do.
3. Key switch - the simplest and most common solution, which can be both overhead and built-in. Because of the size, there are problems with choosing a location.
4. Terminal the switches are placed in an inconspicuous place, when the sash is closed, the circuit is open and the light is off. And when the door starts to move, the spring in the mechanical device straightens and closes the contacts. The system is simple, takes up little space and lasts a long time. Over time, the spring may weaken and the light will stop turning on, in which case the entire assembly must be replaced, since it is not separable.
   Scheme of the limit switch.
5. Touch devices - a convenient solution that works by touch, or when the hand approaches the sensor closer than 6 cm, it all depends on the model and workmanship. A reliable system, but you need to choose high-quality sensors, as cheap ones often fail or do not work correctly.
6. Motion sensors - Another popular option, it works when you open the sash or approach the cabinet. Most often they are installed at the top or bottom from the inside, they are small in size and do not interfere with the use of the cabinet. The devices are easy to install and connect.
   You can buy a lamp with a built-in motion sensor.

It is better to choose automatic solutions, they are much more convenient to use.

Installing the backlight in a closed way

Lighting in the closet best done by hidden wiring, it looks much neater and there is no danger that the cable will be damaged.To understand the work, it is easier to divide it into stages.

Preparation and wiring diagram

Before you start installation, you need to think over the system and make at least the simplest project. First of all, decide on the following aspects:

1. The type of lighting and equipment to be used. It is important to make sure that the stores have the right fixtures. If not, then select models that you can buy.
2. Determine the position of the lighting elements and their number. Based on the design of the cabinet, the number of compartments and the nature of use. Highlighting all the shelves does not make sense, it is better to highlight only those that are constantly used.
3. Consider a way to connect to the wiring in order to understand where the line will be drawn from. If using the low-voltage option, find a place to install the power supply and dimmer, if available.
   Schematic diagram for an LED lamp with a dimmer switch.
4. Draw up a simple diagram on which to mark the location of all elements and their number. You can also take measurements to determine the approximate distances between objects. This will help you calculate the right amount of cable.
5. Buy everything you need for work, do not forget about fasteners and pads or other wiring connectors. Take the cable with a small margin, since it needs to be connected to contacts and the actual consumption is usually a little more than planned.

If mortise fixtures are installed, then you will need a screwdriver or an electric drill with a wood crown, the diameter of which is selected according to the size of the lighting equipment body. To lay the wire through the shelves and walls, small holes are drilled.

Cable laying in a closed way and connection of lamps

So that the wire is not open, and the view of the room and cabinet does not deteriorate, you need to hide the cable. Therefore, it is better to think over this moment in advance and carry out the necessary work:

1. It is best to make a strobe in the wall when carrying out repairs in the room and lay the wire in a corrugated sleeve to the location of the future wardrobe. Then you can connect inside the cabinet, which simplifies the work and allows you to do it neatly. When sheathing walls with drywall, it is still easier - you need to lay the wire behind the frame and bring it out where necessary, be sure to place it in corrugated protection.
   It is better to take care of the backlight power at the repair stage.
2. If the cable is not laid in advance, then you can connect to the network from the nearest junction box or outlet. Do not forget that during the work the electricity must be turned off. Connect the cable with a block, place it in the cable channel, which is mounted on the wall and leads to the cabinet.
3. When installing built-in lights, you need to cut holes. First, measurements are taken and marks are made so that the equipment is located at a selected distance and the indentation from the edge is the same everywhere. It is more convenient to work with a crown on a tree; when working, it must be kept strictly perpendicular so that the cutout is even.
   Usually, one lamp is placed above each sash.
4. If an overhead LED lamp is to be installed, determine its location inside and drill a hole for the wire, which is easiest to pull from above. If the cabinet is from floor to ceiling, then lead the cable through the side wall, inside the cabinet it is better to place it in a cable channel for safety.
5. Consider the location of the power supply and brightness control, if any. They need to be placed in an inconspicuous place, but the case must be well cooled, otherwise it will quickly break from constant overheating. A wire is also connected to the location of the switch, it can be either cut into the surface or mounted on it.
6. All connections are best made with blocks or special sealed terminals. In extreme cases, you can solder them and place them in heat shrink tubing to protect them from damage and oxidation.
   It is easier to connect the wiring with special terminals.
7. Light fixtures and other equipment should be fastened with self-tapping screws of small length so that they do not crawl out from the back of the walls.

After Assembly be sure to check the operation of the systemto troubleshoot problems if necessary.

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Installation of LED strip

When using tape, the work will be slightly different from the moment the wire is connected to the cabinet. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. The place of installation of the tape is determined, measurements are taken to determine the length of the cut pieces. It is worth remembering that cut it can only be in certain places, so the size is adjusted so that it is not too large or too small.
2. Cut the appropriate length wires that will be pulled to each tape. Solder it to the tape contacts or join special connector. Glue the tape in the right places.
3. Connect to the supply line with terminals or soldering, followed by packing the contacts in heat shrink. Connect the power supply and dimmer or color management system if available.

The tape must be carefully glued in a straight line, removing the protective layer from the back.

If the adhesive layer on the LED strip is not very reliable, you can stick additional strips of double-sided tape.

How to install a motion sensor

If a proximity switch is used, then most of the work will not differ, but you need to install the equipment correctly:

1. If a capacitive switch is installed, then it is placed in a place to which it is convenient to reach out to turn on the light. Usually it is enough to bring the palm to the surface at a distance of several centimeters. Mounting height - approximately at waist level or slightly higher if there are small children at home who can indulge in backlighting.
2. When installing the infrared sensor, choose a place in the upper part of the cabinet at a distance of no more than 10 cm from the edge. Position it so that when you approach the furniture, the light turns on automatically. Usually, with a furniture height of 220 cm, the radius is about a meter.
   Select motion sensors according to the characteristics that are needed for a particular cabinet.
3. If you need light in the cabinet when the door is opened, then a contact sensor is placed on the edge of the sash in any convenient place.

At the end of the video: LED lamp with infrared sensor M314.1.

It is not difficult to equip a sliding wardrobe with lighting if you choose safe fixtures of a suitable size and connect them in compliance with electrical safety standards. It is better to use modern non-contact systems for turning on the backlight, they are much more convenient.