Installing lamps correctly: A short guide

Have you purchased a lamp from the online lamp store at BUYnBLUE and want to install and light up your new gem straight away? However, we would like to add a few important things to the anticipation when the lamp lights up for the first time after correct installation. Use our small guide to installing lamps to ensure that your lighting is connected correctly and that no accidents happen.

If you have ever looked behind a Power plug or a power connection, you will certainly have noticed that a large number of different colored cables for electrical power are installed behind it. The corresponding cable colors are not chosen at random and are installed in accordance with the standards of the European and international IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). There can always be local variations here, which is why you should familiarize yourself with the colour code for electrical cables in your region before installing your new lamp.

Lamps for different areas in your home are installed in different places and require different mounting methods. In this article, we have compiled some important information for connecting your lamps. 

 

Color codes for electrical wiring

The color codes for electrical cables vary depending on the country. In the United States, for example, the National Electrical Code NEC is the standard. In Canada, there is the Canadian Electric Code, while in most European countries and many other countries around the world, the IEC standards apply. As these standards differ in important ways and only the earthing wire is clearly identifiable in all three standards, you should always read a guide for your country and region before you carry out an electrical installation yourself or, in the best case, consult an electrician with specialist knowledge. 

What applies to all DIY enthusiasts in Germany when working with electrical wiring and when installing ceiling lights, wall lights, outdoor lighting and other lamps is this important rule:

As a safety precaution, the entire power supply must be cut before work begins. Most buildings and apartments have a fuse box. Here you can cut off the power supply to the individual rooms and switch it back on again once the lamp has been fitted. If you want to be on the safe side, you can flip the main switch or turn off the main fuse. This prevents the risk of electric shocks or cable fires.

 

Which cables have which color?

A cable that carries electricity is made up of several cores. Each wire has a different color. If you want to connect a ceiling lamp or a chandelier at home, you should definitely know the meaning of the different cable colors. An incorrectly connected electrical connection can cause hazards such as cable fires and electric shocks. If you carry out this work yourself, you will be held responsible for any damage. Today's domestic electrical systems normally consist of three-core sheathed cables.

 

Green-yellow cables:

• are so-called protective conductors/earthings,
• are used to protect against electric shocks,
• discharge voltages or dangerous electrical currents into the ground
• and are called PE cables ("Potected Earth").

 

Brown-black cables:

• are referred to as phase conductors or phase conductors,
• This wire is the current conductor that is energized stands
• and the cables are called L-cables ("line conductors").

 

Blue-gray cable:

• are called neutral conductors (N),
• carry the current from the load back to the voltage source
• and are also called neutral conductors.

 

Some power cables also consist of five cores with additional colors and are not necessarily fused. So always check the cables thoroughly before you disconnect or connect anything!

In old buildings, for example, a ceiling light is attached with a luster terminal, into which the brown and blue cables are inserted and suspended from the ceiling using the clamping screws. Unlike in new buildings, the cables do not run a few centimeters below the ceiling. To determine exactly where the power lines are located, it is best to use a special locating device so that you can locate the lines. do not drill into or through.

 

Caution is advised when installing lamps in the bathroom

Relax in the bathroom after a long and tiring day with a warm shower or a long bath. Modern ceiling lamps and high-quality wall lights from our online lamp store offer you a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Before you can enjoy the pleasant play of light and color, the lamps must be professionally installed.

The bathroom is a wet area. High humidity and running water are a major source of danger if lamps are installed incorrectly in the bathroom. Water conducts electricity very well, which can quickly lead to accidents. Therefore, when connecting new light sources, pay particular attention to the insulation of the cables and wires that carry electricity! Avoid installing the lights directly next to water pipes and check the lamps for leaks. This will ensure you have a wonderful and safe spa experience. 

 

The lighting in the children's room should be well chosen

Children of all ages love to play with friends or by themselves in their nursery. They live out their ideas and fantasies and are always learning new things. The right light is provided by stylish ceiling lamps and table lamps in a child-friendly design or to match the furnishings in the children's room.

If you want to install a lamp in the children's room, the right light intensity as well as the optimum position and safe installation are crucial. Sockets should either be fitted with protective caps or their condition should be checked regularly so that children do not injure themselves. Wiring should always be well positioned and securely laid behind a socket so that the little ones don't get the idea of playing with it.

Various lamps are advisable in the children's room so that the room is properly lit at all times. During the day, when the sun is not shining, bright lamps with a large cone of light are perfect for extended playtime activities. In the evening, a small table lamp or bedside lamp creates the right atmosphere for falling asleep. There are special lamps for the children's room with beautiful motifs to suit your taste. In this way, you can ensure that your little treasure feels completely at ease in his little kingdom.

 

The optimal installation of living room lamps

If you place your lamps in the living room correctly and install them successfully, you will create a wonderful ambience to linger and enjoy. The living room is usually the largest room in an apartment or house. It offers plenty of space for various activities for the whole family and for visitors.

Various types of lamps are used in the living room. Above the dining area, dining table lamps such as pendant lights at the right height are a suitable light source for extended meals and daily communal dining. The seating area with a cozy or chic couch is often illuminated with a modern floor lamp to create a calm atmosphere for conversations and cozy TV evenings. Reading corners in another corner or on a large windowsill are a popular option for relaxing moments. Appropriate lighting combined with a table lamp turns this corner into an elegant and peaceful area.

When connecting the lamps in the living room, make sure that the voltage is correct and that each lamp has the right power supply. You can customize the design and brightness of the lights to suit your interior. 

 

Smart lighting systems

Today, many devices and lamps at home and in the office are controlled via a smart home system. A corresponding lighting system is then linked to this. This allows you to switch your lights on and off automatically and use sensors to control the light intensity and timers.

A smart lighting system offers an ingenious way to reduce electricity costs and intelligently control and optimize energy consumption. You can usually connect any new lamp to your smart home and sit back and relax while artificial intelligence controls your lighting.

You can usually find the instructions for correct installation in an app or in the operating instructions. The clever system detects errors immediately and alerts you to any malfunctions. You can regularly check whether the lamps are working correctly. If you want to change the settings, you can operate the lighting using a remote control or your smartphone. You can set the perfect lighting effects and light levels for every occasion and every season.

 

Conclusion

In general, new and modern lamps are now easy to connect and simple to integrate into the existing lighting system without the need to be a trained electrician. High-quality lamps always have a circuit breaker and are additionally fused to prevent cable fires and electrical accidents. Specialist knowledge is required if you are working on live cables or want to re-route old cables. It is always important to disconnect the existing circuit before you start installing new lamps.

If you are unsure, it is always advisable to consult a professional. Professional installers know what to look out for and how to handle power sources. Enjoy your elegant and timeless lamps from our range. The selection is huge and we offer various lamps for all rooms in your home in special designs. We will be happy to advise you on our various models and show you how to integrate them correctly into your rooms.