Attic lighting design standards

We conduct electricity in the attic

The main difficulty lies in the fact that the space between the wooden elements of the roof structure, as a rule, is densely filled with thermal insulation. The electrical wiring, in turn, is practically devoid of the possibility of heat dissipation and, therefore, can heat up, especially from high amperage.

Difficulties are added by the fact that there are no clear domestic rules and standards regarding the installation of electrical equipment in under-roof spaces. Therefore, in the process of installing the electrical network in the attic, one should be guided by the existing GOST standards and, of course, common sense.

When installing the electrical network in the under-roofing rooms, you should use:

• for the installation of lighting devices - copper wires with a cross section of at least 1.5 sq. mm;
• for the installation of sockets - copper wires with a cross section of at least 2.5 sq. mm;
• to protect the wiring - fuses for rated current 10A;
• to protect the sockets - fuses with a rated current of at least 16A.

• the installation of the network should be carried out avoiding the use of junction boxes, that is, each cable must be routed from one power source to one "point";
• the power grid must be provided with a separate circuit breaker with a trip setting of 30 mA.

For electrical wiring installed in the attic, it is recommended to use a three-wire cable, in extreme cases - three single-wire cables laid in a special protective casing or tube. If required, the wiring can also be wired with double insulated wires or stranded cables.

Note: Electrical wiring laid on a wooden base must under no circumstances be secured with metal brackets. Such fasteners not only do not provide the recommended distance between the wire and the base, but can also damage the insulation.

Making a plan Before you start installing electrical wiring, you need to carefully consider the future needs of users. A plan should be created showing the installation locations of lighting fixtures, sockets, etc. If some "points" are intended to power too powerful devices (electric stoves, convector heaters, fan heaters), separate wires must be allocated for them. If it is planned to install a water-heating boiler in the under-roof space, the power supply to such a unit must be supplied separately.

The number of "points" for lighting fixtures depends on the purpose of each individual room. But the number of outlets can be easily calculated in advance - each electrical appliance needs a separate outlet, plus two spare ones.

After calculating the required number of "points", you can begin to determine the required amount of cable. On average, there is one cable for every 15-20 square meters of living space. Well, in the under-roof room there can be much more wires.

Many sources clearly state the maximum number of "points" for one power grid. Typically 20 lights and 10 outlets. But in the attic, lighting fixtures are at a higher height than in other living quarters. Therefore, for high-quality lighting of the attic, you have to use more powerful lamps. In this case, to reduce the load on the wiring, the following limitation for power grids should be adopted: 10 points for lighting fixtures and 6 for sockets.

Cables intended for powering especially powerful devices should end with only one connector. First of all, this applies to refrigerators, freezers, etc.

Types of lighting fixtures for the attic

The attic space can be filled with light using one or more sources. General lighting is provided by a chandelier with several bulbs. Local lighting devices are especially popular when illuminating such premises. They are of several types.

1. Sconces, wall lamps, portable lamps.
2. Ceiling and wall spots. These are directional lighting fixtures that are located on a bracket. They can be turned in different directions and dimmed.
3. Floor lamps. Their ideal place is by an armchair or sofa.
4. Point light sources: they are used both independently and as additional lighting. Indispensable for a small area of ​​space. Installed in plasterboard and stretch ceilings.
5. Crystal light diffusers. They emphasize decorative elements favorably. The different sizes of the refracted elements of the lamp create the effect of crystal reflections.
6. Attic LED lighting. With its help, you can organize the lighting of mirrors, shelves, beds, ceiling perimeter. It is a special tape that can be one-color or multi-color.
7. Fiber optic filaments. They consist of a stationary storage source and lighting fibers. With their help, you can decorate the starry sky and other design solutions.
8. Fluorescent lamps. Installed in suspended or plasterboard ceilings and create the effect of diffusing light rays along the perimeter of the ceiling. This is an option that saves electricity.

Several local lighting devices can be combined with the main light source. For example, installing a chandelier in the attic in the center, and spotlights along the perimeter of the ceiling will make the room evenly lit throughout the entire area.

Devices for supplying light in the attic

Depending on the principle of light supply, lamps are local and general. The first group includes the following lighting options:

1. Sconces and wall lamps.
2. Floor lamps.
3. Portable sources for tables and pedestals.
4. Local devices.

The second group consists of those devices that can be used in any other room of the house, and not just in the attic. These include ceiling chandeliers with varying intensity and power of work.

When choosing lighting for the attic, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of all types that are available for sale:

1. Local lights. They belong to a group of local lighting devices capable of directing the flow of light to individual zones. Among them: wall sconces, table lamps and floor lamps. This type allows you to focus on interior features and emphasize the harmony of style.
2. Crystal diffuser. Works on the basis of the play of light and shadow, providing an original star effect on walls or ceilings.
3. Point universal designs that can be used separately or combined with other elements of the system.
4. LED Strip Light. It is a common type of lighting system that can be used for interior decoration.
5. Neon elements. Suitable for combined use with universal devices and diode strips. Available in solid and rainbow colors.

Neon lighting is in great demand, which has the following advantages:

1. Safety for the human body and the environment.
2. Immunity to explosions or fires.
3. Uniform light distribution. Neon lighting provides a soft light effect.
4. Long service life. The products can operate without interruption for 10 years.
5. Lack of noise during operation.
6. Weak heating during operation.

Of the minuses, a number of difficulties in self-production are distinguished, because of which the work must be carried out by a trained specialist.

Attic lighting options

Electrical communications are planned at the stage of creating a house project, only small adjustments may appear when choosing a decorative design for a space. For a competent solution, there are several options for lighting the attic and depends entirely on the presence and size of windows, as well as the planned division of space into zones and style of decoration.

The zoning of the attic space depends on the desire of the owners to use the floor for its intended purpose. Before choosing luminaires, you need to decide on the purpose of the space, then choose a style solution and color preferences. On preliminary planning, it is worthwhile to outline the approximate location of artificial light sources.

Let's decide on the purpose and options for using the attic:

• for work when the space is used for an office, library or art workshop;
• for relaxation, if you plan to equip a bedroom or a guest room, for example, if adult children come only for the holidays; home theater can also be placed with maximum comfort;
• as a play area, when it is planned to place play modules for children on the floor, a sports corner or, say, a tennis table;
• for sleeping, since quite often the owners arrange a bedroom on the top floor;

Lighting for the nursery in the attic.

Each of the options has its own advantages and a narrow spectrum when choosing lighting, the devices themselves, the power of the lamps and their location in space. An individual project assumes the opportunity to show taste and ability to create the most comfortable interior for the owners of the house. Careful planning will allow you to install electrical equipment thoughtfully and unnoticed by prying eyes.

In general, electricity itself, and in particular in the attic, poses a threat to the fire safety of the house, therefore, the choice and laying of communications, the installation of an automatic machine and other work must be carried out in compliance with safety standards and technical conditions.

But do not get carried away with decorative techniques, since there are general rules, following which, you can perform several tasks at once. Consider the main options, and features of the attic lighting today:

1. local luminaires - designed for locally located points of directional light. These include sconces, floor lamps or table lamps, thanks to which the lighting is concentrated on the necessary areas; allows you to read, knit or highlight a zone in the general interior;
2. overhead lighting - can be represented as one or more light sources located on the ceiling. This type includes all types of ceiling chandeliers or a group of ceiling lamps; this source gives diffused general light, which is necessary, especially if your attic is without windows, or has one small one;
3. spotlights - this type is used as an additional source of electric light. Point light can be located on the ceiling, in the corners, on the walls and rather serves as a decorative role;
4. LED strip - on the attic floor, it can highlight special details of the architecture of the space with light. Custom windows, roof configuration or mirrors stand out perfectly thanks to the LED strip.

The use of LED strip for lighting the attic.

The choice of lamps for the attic

In order to correctly organize the lighting of the attic floor in a private house, it is recommended to pay attention to the choice of lighting fixtures. High quality lamp contributes to a complete rooftop work environment

When choosing lamps for installation in the attic floor, consider the factors:

1. There should be as much light as possible in the area. The rules apply as much as possible to daylight hours, so you need to install the upper windows. To increase the amount of light, you can install a large mirror in front of them.
2. For the attic, it is better to choose a light design, as in the photo

For him, pick up light lamps - better with a white or light shade of light. This will visually expand the space.
When choosing a floor lamp, it is better to choose a floor lamp with a high leg. And it is recommended to install them in the corners of the room in order to visually enlarge the attic floor.
Install cool lighting to create a work environment. For this, fluorescent lamps are installed.
To create a semblance of natural daylight, you can install tungsten-halogen bulbs, they will help create a cozy atmosphere in the attic.

Consider the difference between local lighting for an attic floor and full lighting. The former cannot fully illuminate the space, so that it can be actively used at night or in the evening, when natural light will not enter the room.

Choice of lighting fixtures

When choosing lamps and lamps for the attic, you need to adhere to the following rules and recommendations:

In this part of the house, only high-quality appliances need to be installed, while their number should be large. Many designers advise adding additional lighting to furniture and walls.
To make the attic presentable and stylish, the light must be directed towards the wall. This solution will create a feeling of visual expansion of the space.
You can make the attic floor more spacious by placing lamps around the perimeter. Even indoors, you should install a mirror surface.
LED and halogen lamps are suitable for attic lighting. In terms of lighting efficiency, they are not inferior to each other, but they give a different glow. When choosing lamps, the individual preferences of the residents of the house are taken into account.
The style of the devices is selected taking into account the specifics of the decor

The main thing is that they are combined. together and looked harmonious.
When determining the optimal light output, it is important to exclude street lighting, as it turns off at night.

It is inconvenient to use spotlights for the attic floor, since the light from them is scattered unevenly. It is better to combine several different devices, placing local devices around the perimeter, and a large chandelier in the central part.

To emphasize the special style and harmony of the interior, a pair of floor lamps are installed at the corner points.

Attic lighting for different styles

Attic lighting will help enhance the ambiance of the overall style of the room. The play of light by refracting rays can be created using mirrors, glass and other reflective surfaces. Bottles of chandeliers, floor lamps and lamps should be chosen in accordance with the color scheme of the room or made with their help bright contrasts.

Classic attic style

If the attic is decorated in an old or classic style, then a chandelier suspended in the center of the beam will become a bright accent. Such lighting will help enhance the effect of the high cost of the presence of antiques in the interior of the room.

Modern design trends for the attic

1. If the attic is decorated in the Art Nouveau style, then luminescent light sources built into the false ceiling will be a good addition to it. You can also use spotlights, which can have rotary and stationary structures.
2. When installing stationary lighting fixtures, you must immediately determine the optimal direction of the light rays. Point swivel devices allow you to change the direction of the light if necessary.
3. Glass and metal elements in the attic design will also successfully emphasize modern high-tech trends and create glare when lighting is directed in their direction.

Oriental attic style

1. The romantic atmosphere of the attic in an oriental style should be accompanied by very delicate and subdued lighting.It can be made in the style of openwork lanterns suspended on the walls, floor lamps in carved design, as well as massive graceful chandeliers, if the space of the room allows.
2. To determine the type of chandelier in the attic and make a successful combination of light and room decor, check out the photos of various design solutions for the attic interior.
3. Local light sources visually expand the space of the room. Sconces, table lamps and floor lamps put bright accents on furniture and decor items and add completeness to the interior.

Beveled type attic lighting

Spot lamps.

The rules for choosing and placing devices in rooms with a sloped ceiling and in other rooms are similar. Regardless of the number of windows, sunlight enters the rooms only during the day.

After dusk, artificial lighting is turned on. Standard ceiling chandeliers are not suitable: they will look ugly on a sloped ceiling.

In addition, the devices take up useful space, which is a disadvantage for a room of small height. When arranging attic lighting, the following points are taken into account:

With small windows, it will be dark in the room even during the day. In this case, more lamps are located.
Hanging appliances are chosen for a room with a sloped ceiling. The installation of mortise devices should be abandoned.
Spot and localized lamps must fit into the interior of the attic

It is necessary to pay attention to the shape of the lamp, giving preference to curved-angle products.
The power of the devices is chosen taking into account the material from which the ceiling is made. This rule applies only when choosing embedded models.

The nuances of organizing lighting

Before starting the installation, it is necessary to plan the layout and power of the devices

In this case, the shape and height of the room, the angle of inclination of the roof, etc. are taken into account.

But they do not take into account the sun's rays, because in the dark they will not be there. In addition, the windows located on the walls are partially obscured by the roof.

It is desirable to provide for various lighting scenarios. Usually, for this, a chandelier is used as the main light source and several additional or two or three groups of lamps. The devices are connected to different switches. Using all of them together or separately, they get a cheerful, working or romantic atmosphere.

The function of the attic is also taken into account. You don't need a lot of light in the bedroom, but it is worth highlighting the brighter areas around the bed and wardrobe.

In the office, you will need more, especially above the desk. Here you need to screw in bright bulbs that will save your eyes from excessive fatigue.

In the nursery, you will need general lighting, and additional lighting near the desk, and a dim night light near the bed. Interesting ideas are often chosen, for example, a sconce in the shape of a sun or moon or a "starry sky" stretch ceiling.

It is also necessary to consider finishing materials. White and pastel colors, especially on glossy surfaces, reflect light. And the matte texture and dark shades absorb. More powerful lamps will be needed to compensate for the effect.

Lighting can be used to correct the layout of the attic. If you arrange the devices so that the rays are directed to the ceiling, it will appear higher. And to expand the room, the walls are illuminated. This will be helped by sconces and other sources located around the perimeter.

Also, an LED strip is used, which is placed along the walls, at the border of functional areas, on beams, etc. Not only white, but also colored ones, including those that change shade, are on sale. This will diversify the environment.

Less commonly, they take neon elements, monochromatic or iridescent. This backlight does not heat up, does not make noise during operation and is durable. But it is not easy to mount it, it is better to invite a specialist.

It is important to comply with safety requirements, especially if the attic has a wooden finish:

• take a three-core cable;
• do not fasten wires directly to unprotected surfaces (use protective covers and boxes);
• do not place a switchboard in the attic.

It is advisable to think over the location of all electrical appliances in advance. Then, during the repair, a sufficient number of outlets are installed. And the wires are laid in such a way that it is safe and aesthetically pleasing.

Illumination standards or how much light a person needs

Quite often, a person psychologically feels a lack of sunlight, especially in regions where the lack of sun is significant due to natural conditions. Artificial lighting is designed to fill this gap to the norm. The concept of the norm in this case is vague, but it has been scientifically proven that for about 9-10 hours a day a person must be in the light, even if artificial.

Calculations of the norm of natural light are measured in units of "lux", for example, in sunny weather, the measurements are equal to 100,000 Lx, and indoors, even near a window, it will be slightly more than 100 Lx, which immediately indicates insufficient for plants and humans.

Types of lighting, its regulation depends on the type of premises. The calculation method, its sanitary standards range from 150-200 lux for common rooms, such as a kitchen, living room, bathroom.

For corridors, hallways, bedrooms or balconies, the rate will be below 100 lux. But the work areas in the kitchen, at the desk, for reading should be additionally equipped with artificial light lamps.

It is believed that non-residential areas such as the office, gymnasium and production halls maintain artificial lighting at 200 to 300 lux to stimulate people to take action.

Artificial lighting.

Lighting of a wooden attic

In our country, wood is the favorite material for interior decoration. The attic will not be an exception, especially when the rustic style, Provence and any inclusion of ethnic details are in fashion. The lighting style in this case should correspond to the overall design, and the shape of the lamps should be in harmony with the wooden walls. Let's talk in more detail about the types of lamps for these styles:

Original attic chandelier in rustic style.

A rustic-style attic may be the best option for arranging a summer cottage attic. It may only seem that this style is simple. Luminaires attached to the ceiling beams or behind them will look original, creating the effect of muted lighting. Each piece of wood can be illuminated locally to enhance the beauty and naturalness of natural wood.

The presence of an attic assumes that the space of the house will be used as useful as possible. Before choosing the shape and type of lamps, look at the photos of the finished interiors, draw up an approximate project in the desired style and color. If you are at a loss with the choice, then you can always contact the specialists who will help you make the right choice and install the wiring under the lighting.

Lighting for a study on the attic floor

An attic equipped with a study should have a high level of illumination. This can be achieved thanks to several levels of light, one of which will definitely be near the desktop.

Lighting of the leisure area in the attic

1. Many families use the attic space for hanging out. A home theater is often installed here. To watch films only cause pleasant sensations, the attic windows should be closed from daylight with blinds made of fabric of dark shades.
2. The cinema area looks good in the lighting of laconic spotlights.
3. A gym can be equipped on the attic floor. In this case, correctly install 2 light sources: central and side.Additional lighting should be placed near the mirror, then in its reflection you will clearly see your actions.

Options for the location of lamps in the attic room

There are a number of options and layouts for lighting fixtures on the attic floor. However, the most commonly practiced solutions are:

1. Suspended structure. It is impractical to use classic appliances with a rigid leg in the attic and hang them on a sloped surface. It is better to purchase a luminaire with a flexible adjustable suspension and fix it in such a way that the shade is parallel to the floor. In attics with a triangle-shaped ceiling, chandeliers with elongated suspensions are used, while the ceiling in the attic should be high.
2. Fixation to the flat part. This method is effective in cases where one section of the attic is made in a beveled shape and has a small horizontal area directed parallel to the floor. As for stretch ceilings, the chandelier is fixed in them in the same way as in other rooms. However, if a flat surface is at a great distance from the center, then it will not be possible to obtain a uniform distribution of light. You will need to use secondary devices or use local light sources.
3. Mount on the beam. In the place of overlapping of many attic floors, there are beams that are located in the central part of the roof and have 2 slopes. If the height of the building is large enough, then a simple chandelier can be attached to such beams.

Guided by simple rules and guidelines for lighting design, you can equip a beautiful and elegant attic that will receive enough light, both from windows and lamps.

Types and types

To choose luminaires for the attic, first pay attention to their classification. You will be able to match the original preferences and organize a small space as in the photo

However, keep in mind that in the photo, the area can be visually increased.

The quality of lighting depends on the type of luminaires installed. For a recreation area, for example, you need to use a dim light, and for an active work area, vice versa.

As a standard, all lamps regarding the method of their installation and placement on the floor are:

1. Local. They are installed locally without interfacing with each other. These include individual floor lamps, sconces and other spotlights. Especially often they are used after the construction of the house, so as not to resume deep work with electrical wiring.
2. Full. They apply to the entire home and are planned ahead of time. For the attic, chandeliers make a full-fledged working and living attic space from the floor, which is comfortable to use at any time. However, it is not always possible to attach chandeliers in the attic, which is why the first option is used.

Local are of different types, since the way they are fastened is different:

1. Outdoor. A simple option that is convenient to rearrange for zoning the attic floor.
2. Wall mounted. You can attach the lanterns to the wall, which is more commonly used for a work area or reading area.
3. Embedded. Lights can be built into the headset that will create a multi-level lighting system for the room.

The type is selected based on the preferences of residents for the use of the attic area. To do this, you can see photo examples of the installation of lighting devices so that they are combined with the interior of the house and correspond to the functionality.

Devices for supplying light in the attic

To use the floor, you can consider a photo design that can be applied to your home. However, consider your convenience and the purpose of using the lighting on the top floor for this.

Lighting in the attic is selected from five options:

1. Point lights. They are distributed over the ceiling and can be connected to different switches.This contributes to the zoning of space and a multi-level lighting system.
2. Diode tape. The ribbon can also be used as a decoration. It is usually thrown across the floor, headset, or ceiling to create a cozy ambience with subdued lighting, as in the photo.

Neon lights. Ceiling recessed luminaires neatly illuminate the selected area and are suitable for lighting a loft with sloping walls.
Local flashlights. These include bedside lamps, sconces, floor lamps. You can install several elements for zoning space in the evening.
Diffuser. Less commonly used, but creates the effect of a starry sky on the ceiling or other flicker-free pattern. Lighting can be used as a night light.

Different appliances contribute to the addition of varying degrees of illumination to the attic of the house, so a house with an attic and a second light often needs to be designed in advance. However, adding high quality appliances will help create a cozy room that can be used consistently.

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