Good outdoor lighting does more than make your home look great after dark. The right fittings, in the right places, make paths and steps safer, help deter intruders and let you enjoy your garden long after the sun goes down. Here are a few things we always talk through with customers before planning an outdoor lighting installation.
1. Start with what you need the light for
Think about how each area is used. Paths, steps and driveways need practical, even light so nobody trips. Front doors and side gates benefit from brighter security lighting, often on a PIR sensor. Patios and gardens are where softer, decorative lighting really comes into its own.
2. Choose fittings rated for outdoor use
Every outdoor fitting should carry a suitable IP (Ingress Protection) rating. As a rough guide, IP44 is fine for sheltered wall lights, while ground-level and fully exposed fittings need a higher rating such as IP65 or above. Using indoor fittings outside is one of the most common problems we find.
3. Go for LED
LED fittings use a fraction of the energy of older halogen lamps and last for many years, so they are ideal for lights that are left on through the evening. Warm white (around 2700K–3000K) usually looks best on brickwork and planting.
4. Think about controls
Timers, dusk-to-dawn photocells, motion sensors and smart controls mean your lights are only on when you need them. Grouping lights into separate circuits also lets you light the patio without lighting the whole garden.
5. Always use a qualified electrician
Outdoor electrical work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations in many cases and needs the correct cable, protection and RCD safety devices. A qualified electrician will make sure your installation is safe, compliant and properly certified.
Thinking about outdoor lighting?
Southern Counties Electrical design and install outdoor lighting for homes across Farnham and the surrounding areas. Get in touch or call us on 01252 782955 for a free, no-obligation quote.
