Is it legal to install LED lamps on cars?

The connection diagram for an LED lamp instead of fluorescent lamps is popular - in recent years, LED lamps have practically crowded out other products from the market. They are economical in energy consumption, but at the same time they work much better than others. Of course, LED lamps are more expensive than gas-discharge (fluorescent) devices, but they last several times longer and have a bright glow.

If an outdated lamp is already installed in an office space or apartment, then there is a need to replace it without dismantling the lamp. In order to do this correctly, you should consider the process in detail.

Replacing a fluorescent lamp with an LED one

How does an LED lamp work?

The source of glow in this case will be a light-emitting diode, which consists of a semiconductor with several outputs - cathode, anode and optics.

When an electric current passes through semiconductors in one direction, a redistribution of charge carriers occurs. This process results in the emission of photons (as a result of the passage of negatively infected particles to the next level).

LED lamp as backlight

Note! The light bulb also has a driver - this is a special circuit that is responsible for supplying power to the light-emitting diodes.

On standard diagrams, light-emitting diodes are marked with arrows, indicating the presence of optical radiation. In addition, there is a cooling system (radiator) that collects excess heat. There is also a lampshade that prevents the loss of light.

Manufacturers produce a large number of LED bulbs that have different configurations and 220 V power. However, these models have the same internal structure.

In these light bulbs, diodes are responsible for emitting light, the number and dimensions of which crystals differ in the degree of power and the characteristics of the radiator. The spectrum of colors is determined by the liquid inside the crystals.

How does an LED light bulb work?

Note! In order to see the design microcircuit, you will need to carefully dismantle the outer part of the lamp. Underneath it will be possible to examine the connections of radio elements.

At the input to the driver there is a bridge circuit, which is connected to the lamp socket connected to the socket. It is thanks to this device that the alternating voltage is rectified, which is then supplied to the board and diodes.

In order to diffuse the light flux and protect the surface of the crystals from the negative effects of the environment, glass (a plastic bulb) is installed on the outside. Therefore, in appearance, LED lamps are not much different from other products.

These bulbs, like others, are screwed into the socket using a socket. At the same time, the bases of such products also have standard dimensions, so they can be used in a network without any changes to the electrical conductors.

LED lamps in a “classic” design, with the model shown on the right very faithfully imitating an old incandescent lamp

The procedure and methods for installing LED lamps in halogen headlights

The procedure for installing and connecting LEDs to the headlight optics is practically no different from analogues, with the exception of some nuances. The peculiarity is that when choosing a specific model, you need to guess its dimensions, and not just its technical characteristics. However, such a harmonious combination is impossible in most cases.

Interesting! Therefore, you will either have to change the headlights (pay attention to modern car models equipped with LED lamps from the factory), or modify its parts. Installation is fraught with difficulty sealing. The cover behind the structure simply will not fit due to the large size of the diode (due to the presence of a radiator) compared to incandescent light bulbs.

How does a 220 V LED lamp work?

This is a modern version of the LED lamp, which is produced using advanced technology. Here the LED is solid, there are several crystals, so there is no need to solder many contacts. As a rule, only two contacts are connected.

Table 1. Structure of a standard LED lamp

LED light bulb driver
Another difference between LED lamps and other products is the location of the high heating zone. With other light sources, heat spreads throughout the entire external part, while the LED crystals only contribute to heating the internal board. This is why it becomes necessary to install a radiator to quickly remove heat.

If there is a need to repair a lighting device with a failed LED, then it is completely replaced. In appearance, these lamps can be either round or cylindrical. They are connected to the power supply through a socket (pin or threaded).

Note! LED bulbs quickly change their light spectrum, so they are widely used for decorations, decorations of various storefronts, and logos.

Installation of diode lamps in a headlight with H7, HB4, H11 socket

The next type of headlight in terms of efficiency of LED lamps are the so-called “monocoles” in reflector headlights. Mono-bases are bases H7, HB4, H11, that is, separate light, a separate section of low beam. LED lamps in them also shine quite well, but the increase is somewhat less. What is this connected with? First of all, with the fact that the design of the halogen lamp itself was developed after the H4 lamp, and in this design the disadvantages of the H4 lamp were already taken into account, and the efficiency of the incandescent lamp itself, that is, the halogen lamp, became much higher. The halogen lamp began to shine brighter, and that is why this standard replaced the more outdated standard of the H4 lamp. Therefore, LEDs in these sockets are more difficult to compete with halogen. But we can still improve illumination by 1.5-2 times using good, high-quality lamps with a well-thought-out heat dissipation system and correct focusing.

A special subgroup are headlights whose bases are not installed vertically, but at a certain angle. The bottom line is that in such headlights, where the seat is installed at an angle, even high-quality LED lamps can shine completely incorrectly. This is due to the fact that the halogen lamp itself, installed in the headlight, shines 360 degrees, regardless of whether the base is placed straight or at an angle. LED lamps have not yet learned to shine 360 ​​degrees, so when we place an LED lamp in a headlight with a seat located at an angle, we can get an incorrect, distorted cut-off line. For such headlights, it is better to use LED lamps that allow the base to rotate relative to the lamp itself, or modify LED lamps where there is no rotation.

What types of LEDs are there?

An LED is a multilayer semiconductor that helps convert electricity into light. If you change its composition, you can achieve a colored glow. This element is made on the basis of a chip - a crystal with a connection point for power wiring.

In order to achieve a cold (white) glow, the blue chip is treated with a special yellow substance

Table 2. Types of LEDs according to the method of chip assembly

Chips of LED designs
Among the negative aspects of LEDs, the minimum size should be noted. Therefore, to create an extensive glow, it is necessary to use many such sources connected to each other. In addition, the crystal wears out after a while, so the brightness of the light bulbs decreases. However, if it is a high-quality product, the lamp will remain bright for a long time.

Advantages of installing lenses in headlights in a specialized workshop

Installing a lens into the standard optics of a car, first of all, improves the brightness of the light source.
However, only a professional places lenses in such a way as to achieve the following benefits:

● The correct angle of incidence of light on the road surface is ensured, the beam does not blind drivers and pedestrians; ● Correct focusing of the beam on the road surface is ensured. The light source works more efficiently; there is no need to install more powerful lamps. ● Light is distributed uniformly over the entire road. There are no dark areas that reduce the quality of perception of the environment while driving. ● A clear boundary between light and dark is formed without shading. This increases the visibility of obstacles and the road surface. Moreover, the shape of the crossing is such that it does not blind drivers of oncoming cars.

When using xenon light sources, special lenses are installed that provide switching between high and low beam without changing the lamp's glow mode. In this case, a special lens with a curtain is mounted, which “cuts off” part of the light flux that blinds drivers.

220 V LED lamp circuit

A standard light bulb consists of the following elements: body part, electronic part, radiator. So, first the voltage reaches the base of the structure, and then is transmitted to the microcircuit, where it is converted into direct current, which is required for the glow.

Internal structure of the LED lamp

Note! The light from the diodes has a wide scattering angle, so no additional optics are required; a diffuser lamp is sufficient here. During prolonged operation, the parts of the microcircuit and LEDs overheat, so it is impossible to do without a heat dissipation.

Part of the light bulb body also includes a base, a polymer shell, inside of which there is a plate, as well as a transparent part - a diffuser. In expensive products, inside the case there is a volumetric cooling device made of aluminum or heat-resistant plastic.

In cheap models, there is often no radiator, or it is located in the inner part, and there are recesses along the edges. In budget designs, the power of which does not exceed 6 W, there is a one-piece body without any heat dissipation.

In expensive light bulbs, the board with SMD LEDs is fixed to the cooling device using a special paste, which allows for better heat dissipation.

In simple models, the board is secured with self-tapping screws to a metal plate or inserted into openings. However, such a device does not allow for optimal heat dissipation.

Internal structure of an LED light bulb

It is impossible to see the internal structure through the plastic diffuser. However, it is not recommended to purchase cheap copies because they have a minimal lifespan.

How to install LED lamps in headlights

To install LEDs in headlights, be sure to contact a specialist to eliminate mistakes. The wrong approach can lead to problems with the car’s electronics or the fact that the optics will not be bright enough for comfortable and safe travel. Many vehicles have difficult to access bulbs, which can make the removal process a costly repair. When replacing, it is important to remove halogen light sources correctly to ensure that the light dispersion is not weakened. It is better to keep functional products in functional condition for the future. Special attention is paid to calibration, which is difficult to do on your own without certain knowledge and experience. As a result, there may be a small seizure of the road section. Or the optics will shine directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers. This process is carried out using a special stand and screws located directly in the headlights.

Professional service from Ziesta

Experienced drivers choose headlight tuning in our technical center because we offer:

• modern tools and equipment for high-quality performance of the task;
• convenient location and work schedule;
• consultations with qualified professionals on the maintenance and operation of optics;
• the opportunity to entrust the order of lamps to us, guaranteed to receive reliable and original products.

To quickly and reliably install LED headlights in Moscow, make an appointment with a specialist from our manager.

Using LED bulbs instead of gas-discharge ones

If you go to any office or educational institution, you will notice that fluorescent lamps are installed everywhere - gas light (fluorescent). As a rule, the power of these devices is no more than 35 W.

Of course, some seven years ago such devices were the best, because they were considered economical. However, time does not stand still, which has made it possible to obtain long-lasting LED lamps that exceeded expectations.

Gradually, users are switching to more modern light bulbs

Now all institutions have begun to replace outdated designs with LEDs. For example, if your office has a standard ceiling light, then you only need to change the light bulbs.

The main problem is the need to replace LED bulbs for fluorescent lighting fixtures. In this case, you should not throw away the lamp, because purchasing a new one is much more expensive. This will require changing the lamp connection diagram, which we will consider below.

Connection diagram for an LED lamp instead of a gas-discharge lamp

Here you will need a design that has a standard size - T8. After all, it assumes the possibility of installing light bulbs of different configurations, but of the same length, into the lamp. The upgrade involves detaching the internal contents, but this does not take too much time.

Scheme for replacing fluorescent light bulbs

Here you can see that the circuit is not complicated; a jumper is fixed into the throttle connector. However, if a safety shutdown device is installed, it may operate, so it is recommended that the ballast be disconnected.

Note! If desired, you can leave the inductor and capacitor unchanged, the device will still function. However, due to the generated pulses, the LEDs will wear out quickly.

T8 lamps have four pins, but you will need two to make the connection.

Converting a fluorescent lamp into an LED lamp: step-by-step instructions

Step one: first you need to turn off the power to the fluorescent device. Moreover, it is recommended to do this by turning off the automation on the switchboard in order to protect yourself from electric shock.

Turn off the power at the distribution board

Step two: Now you should remove the old light bulbs. In this case, it is necessary to unscrew the tubes, as before the next replacement.

Removing old pipes

Step three: you will need to disconnect the wiring that comes from the starter.

We dismantle the wiring and chokes, because they are not needed in this circuit. They are not difficult to remove, you just need to unscrew the screws on the back side

Step four: you need to disconnect the cartridges on the structure. Next, you should make a jumper from a single-core wire and insert it between the poles on the design socket.

This is what the jumper between the contacts will look like

Step five: all that remains is to secure the wire directly.

Now the cartridge can be returned to its place. Here, each lamp must have a separate wire

Step six: all that remains is to check the design for functionality, and then fasten the pin bulbs.

This is what the assembled lamp will look like

Video - Installing LED light bulbs in a fluorescent lamp

What you need to know about LED headlights

For several years now, LED optics have been installed in Moscow car dealerships on premium vehicles. In some cases, the new type of headlights is offered as an option, in others it is supplied as standard equipment. Lamps are particularly effective as low beam components. They provide the most intense light with minimal impact on the car’s electronic system. Therefore, more and more often, drivers are turning to headlight tuning to replace the usual halogen light sources. To make an upgrade, you need to contact a specialist. The fact is that such changes are difficult to make on your own. We also do not recommend buying a set of lamps without consulting a specialist. There is a large assortment on the market, but not all products are of satisfactory quality.

Main advantages

Having decided to tune headlights , you will be able to evaluate:

• better road lighting - it’s easier to see potholes, animals, people at a greater distance, which is especially valuable on country roads;
• long service life - the average service life is about 50 thousand hours;
• no risk of damage during travel - the lamps are not afraid of vibrations, moisture and other factors;
• low power consumption - therefore less load on the battery.

That is, you get long-lasting lighting that is ideal for all weather conditions. A separate advantage of using such optics is that it does not blind oncoming drivers. In addition, LED lamps show the best results in the complete absence of lighting, in fog and heavy rain or snowfall.

Legal nuances

It is worth understanding that installing LED headlights may be illegal. Due to the prevalence of installation of cheap Chinese lamps that do not meet the standard, the Code of Administrative Offenses provides for a fine. Many drivers use optics with insufficient brightness, which provokes dangerous situations on the road. To eliminate problems with law enforcement agencies, it is worth installing LED lamps in headlights, taking into account the following rules:

• for turn signals, side markers, rear view lights or braking warnings - in this case there are no restrictions and tuning the headlights will be legal;
• in vehicles where the technology was originally used, you can order new lamps as a replacement if the standard ones expire;
• if an automaker offers new headlights as an option or has begun installing them in updated models, popular cars often receive such modifications in response to consumer demands.

Advantages of using LED lamps compared to gas lamps

According to the manufacturer, the average operating time of an LED lamp reaches thirty thousand hours, but still this will depend on the quality of the design, namely the microcircuit and internal light elements.

Under any circumstances, installing a T8 LED lamp to replace a gas light lamp is advisable for the following reasons:

1. You won't have to spend a lot of time redesigning the design. So, for a person familiar with lighting equipment, such a process will seem simple - you only need to dismantle some internal elements, install a jumper, wires, and then connect the lamp.
2. LED lamps are much easier to care for; you just need to wipe the dust off the surface from time to time. With luminescent structures, everything is much more complicated, because if grease gets on the surface (even from your hands), then increased heating will be observed in this place. Over time, this will cause the light bulb to explode.

   
   LED lamps can be wiped free of dirt

3. The use of LED lamps allows you to save energy by more than 55%, so even expensive products quickly pay for themselves.
4. LED lamps last more than 45,000 hours even with frequent switching on and off.
5. LED tubes are flicker-free compared to older gas light tubes. Thus, they do not provoke eye fatigue. Therefore, such light bulbs are recommended to be installed in educational institutions, offices, and work rooms.
6. There is no mercury or other components hazardous to human life inside such light bulbs. Therefore, after they burn out, no special disposal measures are required. Such light bulbs are considered safe from an environmental point of view.
7. Even though LED lamps lose brightness over time, this does not happen earlier than after 15,000 hours. This is significantly higher than in the case of gas light.

LED lamps last longer than their analogues
. It is worth noting that even if the network voltage is reduced to 110 V, LED lamps will remain as bright as at 220 V. Another obvious advantage is the availability of a warranty from most manufacturers for LED lamps.

Video - LED or fluorescent lamps: what to choose?

Marking of headlights for possible LED installation

LED lamps for headlight optics, according to the established rules described above, must be labeled only as halogen:

1. HC – for low beam.
2. HCR - for high beam.
3. HC/R – combined for low or high beam.

Only these types of headlights can install LED lamps. In all other cases, traffic police officers fine or apply a more serious penalty in the form of deprivation of the right to drive a car for up to one year.

Important! Information about the marking of a car's headlights is located on the inside of the surface of its glass or at the very top - the part hidden under the hood. In some cases, the designation cannot be found without completely removing it from the seat.

Let's sum it up

Converting a fluorescent lamp into an LED lamp is a profitable undertaking. In addition, even a beginner can cope with this process if he follows the instructions. However, you should not save money on purchasing light bulbs, because the above benefits only apply to premium quality options.

A failed LED leaves a very unpleasant aftertaste. And if this has happened more than once, then it becomes quite natural to want to understand the reasons - why do LED light bulbs burn out? Read in detail in a special article.

How to choose the right one

Most car enthusiasts choose H4 LED lamps based on two indicators: power and luminous flux. Others rely on salespeople for help. Both approaches are wrong.

The placement of the LEDs is the main thing to pay attention to when choosing an H4 bulb. In a high-quality H4 LED lamp, the LEDs should be placed in a spiral shape.

In most models presented on the Russian market, the imitation spiral does not fall into the focus of the headlight. Poor design and manufacturing errors are the main causes of mismatch.

It is impossible to determine whether LEDs are in focus by their appearance, so it is better to buy models that have been tested and have photos of the distribution of the light beam. Reviews are another way to check the quality of almost any model. If you don’t trust reviews, find a specialist and ask him for help.