Choosing the Right Lights for the Outside
Outdoor lighting has a few different jobs. It can help you see the path to the front door, make steps and entrances safer, provide extra security, or simply make the garden nicer to use in the evening.
Whatever the reason, lights for the outside need to be chosen differently from indoor lighting. They are exposed to rain, moisture, temperature changes and dirt, so the fitting itself needs to be suitable for where it is being installed.
A Quick Summary
Outdoor lights should be designed and rated for outdoor use, with an appropriate IP rating for the conditions they will face. You can choose from wall lights, garden lights, sensor lights and other fittings, but the position, power supply and level of exposure all matter. Indoor fittings should not be used outside unless the manufacturer specifically states that they are suitable.
What Type of Outdoor Light Do You Need?
Start with what you actually want the light to do.
Outdoor wall lights work well beside doors, along paths and on a garden wall. Decorative fittings can range from traditional lantern style lights to much more contemporary outdoor designs.
Elsewhere in the garden, low-level or directional garden lights can illuminate paths, planting or seating areas without lighting the whole garden unnecessarily.
For entrances, driveways and side passages, security lights or outside lights with sensor controls can switch on automatically when movement is detected.
There is a wide variety of outdoor lighting available, so it is usually better to plan the effect you want first and choose the fitting afterwards.
What Does the IP Rating Mean?
An ingress protection rating, usually shortened to IP rating, tells you how well a fitting is protected against things such as solid objects and water.
The second digit relates to water protection, and generally, the higher the number, the greater the protection. Electrical Safety First advises that lighting suitable for outdoor use should carry an IP code with a final digit of at least 3. The right rating still depends on exactly how exposed to the elements the fitting will be.
A sheltered light beside a front door does not face the same conditions as a fitting installed in an exposed part of the garden.
Can I Use Indoor Lights Outside?
Generally, no.
The main difference with indoor vs outdoor lights is that outdoor fittings are designed to cope with moisture and changing weather conditions. An attractive indoor fitting is not automatically safe simply because it is installed beneath a small porch or overhang.
The same principle applies to indoor light bulbs and fittings. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the complete installation is outdoor rated.
If you are unsure, choose a fitting specifically sold for outdoor use rather than trying to adapt an indoor one.
Are LED Lights Better Outside?
LED lights are now the obvious choice for most outdoor lighting.
They use considerably less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, last longer and are available for almost every type of light, from small garden fittings to powerful security lights. Electrical Safety First also recommends LED lighting for outdoor use.
Using LED bulbs does not automatically make a fitting suitable for outside, though. The fitting and electrical installation still need the correct protection.
What About Lights With Sensors?
Sensor-controlled lights can be useful where you only need illumination when someone approaches.
A motion sensor can operate a light at a front door, along a path or beside a garage without leaving it running throughout the night. This can make the installation more energy efficient while still providing useful light when it is needed.
Positioning matters. A badly aimed sensor may react to people on the pavement, passing cars or movement elsewhere in the garden.
Planning Outdoor Lighting Properly
Outdoor lighting is easier to get right when the fittings, cable routes and controls are planned together.
TS Electrical can install powered lights around gardens, entrances and other outdoor spaces, including wall lights, garden lighting and sensor-controlled security lights.
We can also check that the fittings are suitable for their location and that the electrical installation has the protection needed for outdoor use.
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FAQs
What Are the Best Lights for the Outside?
That depends on what you need them for. Wall lights are useful around entrances, sensor lights work well for access and security, while garden lighting can be used for paths, seating areas and landscaping.
What IP Rating Should Outdoor Lights Have?
Electrical Safety First advises that outdoor lighting should have an IP rating with a final digit of at least 3. More exposed locations may need greater water protection.
Can I Use Indoor Lights Outside?
Only if the manufacturer specifically states that the fitting is suitable for outdoor use. Indoor fittings are not normally designed to withstand rain and moisture.
Can I Use Normal LED Bulbs Outdoors?
The bulb needs to be suitable for the fitting, but the most important point is that the overall fitting is designed and rated for outdoor use.
Are Outdoor Wall Lights Waterproof?
They are available in different IP ratings rather than simply being either waterproof or not. The correct fitting depends on how much water exposure is expected.
Are Outside Lights With Sensors Worth Having?
They can be very useful around front doors, driveways and side passages because they only operate when movement is detected.
Do Outdoor Lights Use Much Electricity?
Modern LED outdoor lighting can be very energy efficient. Running cost depends on the number of lights, their wattage and how long they operate.
Can I Put Lights on a Garden Wall?
Yes. Outdoor wall lights can be installed on garden walls if suitable power can be provided and the fittings are appropriate for the conditions.
Do Garden Lights Need RCD Protection?
Outdoor electrical equipment needs appropriate protection against electric shock. Electrical Safety First recommends RCD protection for outdoor electrical equipment.
Can TS Electrical Install Outdoor Lighting?
Yes. We can install outdoor wall lights, garden lights, security lighting and sensor-controlled fittings, including the necessary electrical supplies and controls.
