MB Sprinter - LED lighting - Ceiling

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Updated - November 6, 2024

Continuous LED lighting on the ceiling of an MB Sprinter over the entire length of the load compartment is easy to implement, as the 12 V power supply is already available via the standard lighting modules.

However, if you want to be independent of the power supply to the interior lighting, which switches off automatically after 20 minutes, lay a separate cable. Pay attention to the dimensioning of the cable cross-section of 6 mm² Note: 4 x 4 m LED strip length results in almost 100 W, corresponding to around 8 A.

Anyone who converts the MB Sprinter into a workshop van and wants to work in it appreciates a bright, well-lit working environment.

insulation

In extremely warm or cold climates, solid Armaflex AF insulation all round, including the ceiling, helps to prevent outside temperatures from penetrating and minimize the diesel consumption that may be required for additional heating.
We have installed two 575 Wp PV modules above the roof at a distance of around 100 mm, which allows for thermal rear ventilation and physically, thanks to bifacial modules, a higher PV yield.

Two layers of 25 mm and a 10 mm layer of insulation were used here, with butt joints taped over with Armaflex tape.

The side walls, rear doors, sliding side door and floor were also completely insulated with several overlapping layers of Armaflex until they were flush and fully covered, and the seams were taped over with Armaflex tape to achieve a continuous vapor barrier.

Substructure

Two (non-warped) 20 x 25 mm rectangular strips spaced 415 mm apart are used as supports for the LED aluminum profiles in the longitudinal direction, aligned centrally, and screwed into the roof crossbars with self-tapping screws.

LED profiles

Anodized LED aluminum profiles screwed and fitted with self-adhesive, warm white (3,000 K) LED strips (IP 65, 60 5050 SMD LEDs per meter, 30 W / 5 m). With a ceiling length of 4 meters, this results in 24 W per strand.

The profiles are available in combination with different covers. The "milky" version provides a more comfortable light compared to "clear", but is also noticeably dimmed in terms of luminosity. "Clear" does not look as appealing because the LED strip remains visible, but the light penetrates almost undiminished. So here you have to decide between practicality and comfort.

On the inside edge of the roof, on both the driver's and passenger's side, two strips were also fitted below the welded-on roof cross members, flush with their lower edge, onto which anodized Aluminum LED angle profiles screwed and in which also neutral white LED stripsn were installed.

Roof cladding

To bridge the gaps, the following are used White 3 mm acrylic glass panels (3.6 kg / sqm)) is used, resulting in a brightly reflective roof and side surface for increased illumination. Acrylic glass is also an insensitive, easy-care and modern cladding.

Light control

The two central LED strips switch on automatically via SmartHome presence detectors and switch off after one minute of absence. They provide pleasant lighting in terms of color tone.

The LED strips fitted in the roof edges can also be switched via push-buttons. They provide neutral white work lighting as required.

Alternatively, the switching can also be carried out via the existing door contacts, but with the disadvantage that it is only switched off after twenty minutes, regardless of whether someone just opened the door quickly and closed it again from the outside, or is still in the vehicle and then sits in the dark. Hence the automation as a remedy.

The total power requirement per pair of strings is therefore 48 W, i.e. 96 W with full lighting.