The organization of lighting is an important stage in the arrangement of a bath or sauna. For each room of this building, its own system is selected. Luminaires for baths must not only meet safety requirements, but also have characteristics that correspond to the operational conditions of the room where they will be installed. This article will help you choose the optimal type of lighting for rooms with high humidity levels and place the devices correctly.
For a bath, it is recommended to create subdued soft lighting.
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What are the requirements for lamps for baths
There are a number of criteria that must be met by a lighting system directly in the steam room. This requirement applies mainly to Russian baths, as well as saunas where steam is used. It is desirable that the lighting in the room be dim. A light twilight atmosphere enhances the relaxing effect. The steam room is not intended for cosmetic procedures, so there is no need for bright lighting.
Beautiful lighting in the sauna using LED strips and screen backlight from Himalayan salt
It is recommended to select lamps for a pair that emit soft light. This is necessary so that a person in a state of relaxation does not strain his eyes and does not feel discomfort.
Sometimes fixtures break down or get damaged. To prevent injury, you need to cover the devices with a special grill or protective screen. These guards will prevent direct contact with electric current, which is especially dangerous in high humidity conditions. In addition, a person cannot cut himself if the device is damaged and the lamp is broken.
It is undesirable to take ceiling lamps for the sauna. Hot air is much lighter than cold air. It accumulates in the upper part of the room, so the temperature in this area is very high. Not every device is capable of withstanding such a load.It is better to place the lamps at the lower or central levels, and the devices themselves must have a heat-resistant housing.
As a beautiful and convenient addition, you can install wooden lamps in the bath. Such structures look great on the ceiling, in the area of the doorway, and they can also be placed near a barrel of water or near a font.
Popular models of lamps for saunas and baths
Lighting devices for baths and saunas are quite specific. Despite this, manufacturers offer a wide range of models in various shapes and colors. On sale you can find devices for all rooms of the bath.
Corner lamps for a steam room are very popular.
The most popular models of lamps for the sauna:
- Plafonds.
- Chandeliers.
- Lamps.
For lamps with shades, the light source is covered with a shade made of transparent or translucent material. Such products are made of glass. There are also plastic options. So that the light does not dazzle the eyes, it is better to take models with translucent shades. They can be placed in a recreation area, steam room and washing room. There are designs with vertical and horizontal installation type.
Among the ceiling lights for a bath, chandeliers have the most beautiful designs. They differ from other models not only by their high decorative qualities, but also by the design itself. It is desirable that the body of the device is wooden. The chandelier itself is suspended from the ceiling base with a chain.
Note! It is advisable to install chandeliers in the premises of the Finnish sauna, as well as baths made in the classic Russian style. Only in these interiors will they look appropriate.
Original lighting of benches and backs using fiber-optic lamps
The location of standard luminaires, as well as the characteristics of these models, depend on the type of lamps that are installed in them (fiber optic, halogen, fluorescent, LED).
When choosing lighting devices, you need to pay attention not only to the appearance of products, but also to their characteristics:
- quality of materials;
- resistance to aggressive operating conditions (pressure drops, high temperatures, wet steam);
- tightness of the structure and the degree of protection against moisture;
- thermal conductivity of the case (devices with low rates are safer, since there is no risk of scalding if accidentally touched).
Many luminaire models have additional functionality. Some appliances may flicker, emit light of varying intensity, fade out slowly, or flicker.
How to bring light into the bath: basic principles of organizing the system
The electrification of the bath and the organization of the lighting system in it is carried out according to certain rules. Particular attention is paid to the safety of devices. Luminaires in baths and saunas must also meet the extreme operating conditions of the room - high humidity and air temperature.
Luminaires located directly in the steam room must withstand extreme temperature loads
Sometimes there are layouts when the premises are located so that steam penetrates into the dressing room. If it accumulates in a room in large quantities or condensation is observed, this area must be indicated on the diagram of future wiring.
Taking into account the special operating conditions on the market, you can buy specialized electrical wiring designed for rooms with high humidity levels. The cost of such materials is quite high, so not every bath owner can afford it. Especially if it is planned to build a small steam room, when such expenses are simply inappropriate.
Alternatively, you can use the old installation method. According to the technology, the wiring used to be laid through pipes.For these purposes, galvanized metal products were used, which were completely covered with thermal insulation material.
This method can be used today, but subject to several rules:
- The wiring must be located above the level of the water pipes, as well as containers with water.
- If there is a stove or some other heating devices in the room, the wiring for lighting the bath should be located as far as possible from them.
- If conventional wiring is used to electrify the bath, then before placing it in the pipes, all cables should be wrapped in protective material.
When installing electrical wiring in a bath, all wires must be placed in special heat and moisture-proof pipes
Helpful advice! To protect the wiring in pipes, experts recommend using fiberglass. The thickness of the material must be at least 2 mm.
Don't overlook sockets and switches. Typically, the installation of wiring devices is carried out in the dressing room or rest room. If the wiring diagram provides for their presence, it is desirable that all sockets and switches have a waterproof housing.
Lighting scheme for saunas and baths: where to install lamps
The use of lamps of the same type for all rooms is not allowed. Each room of the bath has its own microclimate and operating conditions. Installation of spotlights in a bath is allowed in rooms with minimal exposure to aggressive factors. These rooms include a dressing room. Here you can install a beautiful chandelier over the dining table, and place LEDs around the perimeter. The directionality of the light, like its intensity, can be any.
Wall models can be hung in any room. You just need to make sure that the body of the device is sealed, and its characteristics correspond to the microclimate of the room where it will be installed.
An example of a wiring diagram for a bath: 1 - LED lamps, 2 - special thermal and moisture-proof lamps, 3 - sockets, 4 - electrical panel, 5 - oven
The choice of lamps for a bath in a steam room causes particular difficulties. LED strips are suitable, as well as lamps with a soft stream of light. Installation is possible in the corner area, on the lower shelves and on the backs of benches. Particularly robust and proven models can be mounted on the ceiling (heat-resistant devices designed for temperatures above 200 ° C).
Note! Sometimes LED bulbs are decorated with wooden bars or screens. If this decor is installed in a steam room, it requires special treatment. For this, the material is impregnated with agents that repel moisture and enhance the fireproof properties of wood.
In the washroom or shower, the lighting should be bright, but not too harsh on the eyes. Devices must be completely sealed so that moisture cannot penetrate inside.
Optimal options:
- floor lamps;
- wall sconces;
- chandeliers.
There are no special requirements for lamps in the relaxation room in the bath. In such rooms, the humidity is within normal limits, so the devices can be anything. If the chandelier on the ceiling does not provide sufficient illumination, you can additionally install wall models with shades.
Installation diagram of a heat-resistant glass lamp with a ceramic holder for a sauna
What is better to choose lamps for lamps in the bath
There are a wide range of lighting lamps on the market, but not every type of lamp is suitable for a bath. There are several varieties that are able to function normally in high temperature and humidity conditions.
Several types of lamps are used to illuminate the bath:
- halogen;
- LED;
- fiber optic.
Each type of lamp has its own advantages and characteristics, as well as a certain area of application.
Helpful advice! When buying appliances, it is advisable to give preference to waterproof lamps for saunas and steam rooms. Waterproof models are not only safe but also more efficient and durable.
For lighting in the steam room, you can use halogen, LED or fiber optic lamps
Lamps for a bath in a steam room with halogen lamps
Very often halogen devices are used for lighting in a bath. They are a more advanced version of standard incandescent bulbs, only in this case the glass bulb is filled with a gas mixture. The design is completely sealed, so the halogen is safely preserved inside. This type of lamp is ideal for use in rooms with high ambient temperatures.
Advantages of halogen bath bulbs:
- The housing is completely sealed, so moisture and dust particles cannot get inside the luminaire.
- Halogen lamps emit natural light without causing eye discomfort.
- The lamps have a high degree of heat resistance. These devices are able to operate even when heated to 400 ° C. They do not fail when exposed to high temperatures like other lamps.
The power of halogen devices is in the range of 20-35 W. The voltage required for the operation of such lamps does not pose a danger to human life. All modern devices have contacts well protected from moisture.
Steam room lamp with halogen lamp
Additional advantages of halogen lamps include excellent decorative qualities. Manufacturers offer bath shades of various colors, so that buyers can choose a lamp for any room design.
Related article:
Bath construction: how to build a Russian health resort on your own site
Choosing a place to build. Material for building walls. Foundation device. The sequence of the construction of the bath. Which stove to choose for the steam room.
Features of LED lamps for saunas and baths
LED luminaires are considered to be the most economical fixtures. They belong to the category of environmentally friendly types of lighting. In the bath, it is better to install LED lamps as low as possible. These devices do not tolerate moisture and heat. Such lamps are most often used as decorative lighting, they are installed behind shelves. LEDs have a large color spectrum.
Customers can choose any lighting tone in the store to highlight the design of the rooms in their bath. Lamps provide sufficient lighting in the room. However, they consume very little electrical energy.
In addition to spotlights for a sauna, there are also LED strips on sale. Some of them have a remote control function and additional features. Benches and canopies, as well as baseboards and various niches are decorated with strip lamps.
LED lighting of the ceiling and benches in the bath
Note! It is customary to install LED lamps for a bath with an elongated tube-like structure on the ceiling. In this zone, the concentration of moisture and steam is maximum, so when buying lamps, you must definitely look at the technical indicators. LEDs must be resistant to these conditions.
Benefits of LEDs:
- A wide range of colors.
- Ecological cleanliness.
- Reliability and long service life.
- Resistant to moisture.
- Simple installation system.
When buying waterproof LED lamps for a bath, be sure to study the information on the degree of protection. The manufacturer places this data on the box or on the device itself. Permissible for bath premises is IP45, and even better IP65.
You should also pay attention to the degree of heat resistance. The steam room is not only hot, but temperature fluctuations are possible.Not every luminaire is designed for sudden changes in the microclimate. The air temperature in the steam room can fluctuate between 60-120 ° C. The requirements for ceiling structures are even more stringent. The load on them is much higher, and the temperature in this part of the room sometimes reaches 300 ° C.
For a steam room, you should choose LED lamps with a degree of protection IP45 or IP65
Sauna lamps with fiber optic lamps
Fiber optic lamps have the highest moisture resistance. They are made from synthetic fibers. Glass is sometimes used. Light is generated inside the lamp. Then it is transmitted to transparent fibers using a projector. The material of these tubes transmits light waves well and retains electricity. Thanks to these properties, the luminaires have such a high protection factor. Lamps can be installed even in pools and tanks filled with water.
Benefits of fiber optic sauna lighting:
- Resistance to high temperatures and sharp fluctuations in the indoor climate.
- Soft, diffused streams of light.
- Resistant to long-term exposure to moisture.
- Long service life, even with frequent use.
- Saving electrical energy.
- Versatility (suitable for all bath rooms).
Helpful advice! Using fiber optic lamps, you can create a starry sky effect on the ceiling. To do this, you need to make a niche, make holes in it and fix a luminous tube in each.
Using fiber optic lights, you can create the effect of a starry sky in the steam room
What materials are suitable for lamps in the steam room
The choice of material from which the lamps in the bath will be made should be approached responsibly. Firstly, the devices must fit into the overall environment, be in harmony with the design of the premises. Secondly, you need to select a material that will withstand the test of temperature and humidity, as well as protect the lamp from their harmful effects.
Most often, the following types of lamps are used in the bath:
- wooden;
- glass (ceramic);
- salt.
In addition, the luminaire shell has a diffusion function. It is advisable to choose a material that will soften the streams of light and create a cozy atmosphere in the bath.
Glass lamp for a bath with a decorative wooden box
Unique properties of Himalayan salt sauna lamps
Lamps made from Himalayan salt are especially popular. This material is mined at the bottom of a lake that dried up 250 million years ago. The composition contains about a hundred different minerals. The uniqueness of salt lamps for a bath lies in the fact that when heated, the material releases particles that have a beneficial effect on human health and well-being.
Himalayan salt has a very dense structure. It is also used as a building material. Bricks are made of salt, which are used for the construction of walls in the steam room, as well as decorative elements. When heated indoors, the effect of the sea coast is created. Mineral vapors help to cure asthma and bronchitis.
When heated, Himalayan salt also gives off negative ions. They perfectly disinfect the air. This process starts when the room temperature exceeds 60 ° C.
Most often, Himalayan salt lamps are made in the form of a diffusing screen. Although you can find models made of plates or in the form of a container filled with lumpy material.
Important! The humidity in the room should not exceed 50%, otherwise the salt in the lamp will quickly damp and lose its useful properties.
The steam room wall is made of Himalayan salt with lighting
Overview and characteristics of ceramic lamps for a bath
Ceramic lamps are the most common type of fixture.They are widely used to illuminate all types of premises, including baths. The base in such devices is made of ceramics, and the shade is made of glass. There are plastic models, for example, Harvia. But, despite the quality of the manufacturer, such lampshades melt in the steam room. For this reason, it is recommended to give preference to glass shades, although there is a risk of cuts if the luminaire is accidentally damaged.
A glass cover in combination with a ceramic base protects the inside of the lamp from heat and moisture.
Manufacturers offer several installation options:
- Parallel - the luminaire fits snugly against the wall, and its bulb is parallel to the base.
- Tilted - the design is called "angular", although it is not a kind of corner lamps, in the bath it is installed at an angle to the wall.
- Perpendicular - The light is perpendicular to the base.
Despite the declared heat resistance, ceramic luminaires are not recommended to be installed directly on the ceiling base. Mounting can be done on the wall at the top of the room.
Ceramic sauna lamp TDM Electric
The main types of wooden lamps for a bath
Wood is the most optimal solution. This material meets all of the above requirements. Most often, the walls and ceilings of the bath are made of wood, so such devices go well with the decor. The material is of natural origin, safe for humans. Its surface is pleasant to the touch.
A wooden lamp in a bath means a lamp with a heat-resistant glass shade, which is covered with a wooden shade. Some manufacturers offer this decorative protection complete with the main device, in other cases it can be purchased separately or made by hand.
Wooden lampshades are of two types:
- Screens.
- Lattices.
Combined options can also be found on sale. According to the method of installation, they are divided into corner lamps for a bath and wall lamps.
The protective screens are made of a single piece. The front of these lampshades is made of plywood or thin furniture boards. The material is decorated with figured holes that allow light from the lamp to pass through. On the back of the screen, these slots are tightened with a mesh.
Wooden lamps are the most common lighting option in a sauna
Lattice structures consist of slats and small slats. Before assembly, they are processed, giving the product an artistic look. Slits are left between the lattice slats through which light from the lamp will pass.
Note! When choosing a design, you need to pay attention to the width of these gaps. The larger the slots, the more light will enter the room.
Screens made of wood and grilles muffle and diffuse light, prevent excess moisture from entering the glass surface. In addition, they act as a decoration and also protect the lamp from mechanical damage.
Many craftsmen make lamps from wood on their own. This material is affordable, easily lends itself to any kind of processing. You can create a product of any shape from wood, decorate it with carvings, beautiful ornaments and other decor.
How to make a lattice for a lamp in a bath with your own hands from wood
The lattice of wood slats not only diffuses the light, but also creates a relaxing, cozy atmosphere. Light passing through it casts beautiful highlights and shadows on all surfaces in the room.
Diagram for making a wooden lattice for a lamp with your own hands
The grille consists of a main frame and small strips (slats) that are fixed on it from below and from above. Additional decorative elements can be added to this design.If you use materials that remained after finishing work in the steam room to create these decorations, the design of the lamp will be combined in texture and color with the design of the room.
Before you start creating a lattice, you need to think over the main details and take into account several nuances:
- Frame shape - the design can be different. It all depends on the design of the lamp and its location. For wall-mounted appliances, the frame is rectangular or round. The corner lamps for the sauna are trapezoidal or triangular.
- Safety - the size of the slats is selected taking into account the overall dimensions of the luminaire and the selected design for the grille. All sharp areas on parts and corners must be rounded off and carefully sanded. This will protect the operation of the device. Sanding will give the grill a neat and finished look.
- Fixation - it is desirable to fasten the parts together with self-tapping screws, but this should be done from the back of the lattice. This is necessary so that the steel caps do not spoil the appearance of the product. In addition, the metal will be very hot. The absence of steel elements on the outside eliminates the possibility of getting burned if a person accidentally touches the lamp in the steam room.
A wooden sauna lamp can be made by hand
To create a lattice with a strict geometric design, rectangular strips are suitable. They can be fixed to the frame parallel to each other or crossed. To obtain an elegant product, curly slats are used. No special knowledge is required to create concave or convex curves. A beginner can also cope with this task.
Helpful advice! If you use larch or cedar wood as the material for the grill, you can get a durable product that, when heated, will fill the room with a pleasant aroma.
How to make a screen for a lamp in a bath with your own hands
The scattering screen, like the grating, can be made at home with your own hands. To create this decorative element, not only wood can be used, but also other materials:
- fabric (the material should be thin but very durable, such as silk);
- plastic;
- ceramics, glass, clay;
- cardboard or thick paper.
Wooden screen for a lamp in a bath
The most suitable material for a bath is wood. Even bark can be used. This material meets the basic requirements:
- Wood has a high margin of safety and is able to protect the lamp from impacts and other mechanical influences.
- The material is easily processed at home, even with a hand tool.
- Low heat capacity of wood eliminates the possibility of getting burned.
If you want to create an interesting and unusual design, you can combine wood with other materials. The screen manufacturing technology is practically the same as that of the grille. Only instead of slats, a wooden plate or a large piece of bark is used, where through patterns or figured holes in the form of animals, plants, fire, sun, moon, etc. were previously cut.
The stores offer a huge range of lighting products, including special devices for the bath. In order not to be mistaken with the choice of the device, you just need to carefully study the technical characteristics of the products, as well as the indicators responsible for the degree of protection against negative factors (from moisture and dust, mechanical stress, high temperatures). Only in this case the device will serve for a long time and its operation will be safe.
