Selecting the right type of outdoor lighting is essential as it significantly influences the look and feel of your property. Beyond enhancing your landscape, proper lighting elevates the overall appearance of your home.
When choosing outdoor lighting, it’s crucial to ensure both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The primary goal of outdoor lighting is to create a comfortable environment that is not only safe and inviting but also visually appealing.
Your outdoor space is an extension of your property and deserves the same attention as your interiors. A well-lit outdoor area feels versatile and dynamic, enhancing your home’s ambiance.
To transform your garden, patio, or backyard, choosing the right lighting is key. Below, we share our expertise to help you select the best exterior wall lights for your new build or renovation project.
Choices and Options in Outdoor Lighting
Selecting the right outdoor lighting involves understanding various factors that impact performance, energy efficiency, and ambiance. Below are key considerations to guide your choices:
Brightness (Lumens)
Lumens measure a light’s brightness, independent of energy consumption (measured in watts). LEDs are highly efficient, providing more brightness per watt. For example, a 6.5-watt LED can emit the same brightness as a 50-watt halogen.
- Floodlights: Require high lumens (2,000–20,000) for safety and security.
Energy Efficiency (Watts)
Watts measure the energy usage of a light. Lower wattage results in reduced energy bills without compromising performance.
- General Outdoor Lighting: Ideal wattage is 80W or less.
- Garden Paths: Require 40W or less
Color Temperature (Kelvin)
Kelvin indicates the warmth or coolness of light.
- Residential Outdoor Spaces: A range of 2500K–4000K provides a balanced look.
- Safety and Visibility: Opt for 5000K for areas requiring enhanced visibility, such as retail or security zones.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors improve security and energy efficiency by activating lights when movement is detected.
- PIR Sensors (Passive Infrared): Detect heat and infrared energy, commonly used for residential and commercial outdoor lights.
- Microwave Sensors: Found in high-end fixtures, offering greater range, precision, and programmability.
Beam Angles
The beam angle determines how light spreads from the source.
- Wide Angles: Suitable for close-proximity lighting, such as pathways or garden areas.
- Narrow Angles: Ideal for targeting distant areas, such as security zones or stadiums (20°–40° beam angles).
A typical floodlight covers up to 70 feet unless designed with narrower, focused beams for extended reach.
IP Ratings
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate the level of protection an electrical device provides against solids and liquids. These ratings are particularly important for outdoor lighting, which is constantly exposed to environmental elements.
Understanding IP Ratings
IP ratings consist of two numbers:
- First Number: Resistance to solids (scale: 0–6)
- 0: No protection
- 6: Fully protected against dust and small particles
- Second Number: Resistance to liquids (scale: 0–9)
- 0: No protection
- 8: Suitable for continuous immersion in water
IP Ratings for Outdoor Lighting
- IP44: Resistant to most solids and light splashes of water. Suitable for semi-covered areas.
- IP65: Dust-tight and resistant to heavy rain or water jets. Ideal for fully exposed outdoor spaces.
Recommendation: For areas exposed to harsh weather, choose IP65-rated fixtures.
Understanding Outdoor Lighting Fixture UL Ratings
Outdoor lighting fixtures are categorized based on their ability to withstand environmental conditions. Before purchasing, check whether a fixture is damp-rated or wet-rated.
- Damp-rated: Designed for use in covered outdoor spaces, such as porches, where fixtures are exposed to moisture but not direct rain.
- Wet-rated: Suitable for uncovered areas, such as backyards, where fixtures are exposed to both rain and dampness.
Tip: Always opt for wet-rated fixtures in areas prone to direct exposure to rain.
Benefits of Outdoor Lighting
- Extend Your Outdoor Time: With proper lighting, you and your guests can enjoy your outdoor spaces longer into the evening.
- Enhance Safety: Adequate lighting reduces the risk of accidents on steep, slippery, or uneven pathways.
- Boost Curb Appeal: Stylish outdoor lighting enhances the appearance of your property while improving functionality.
- Deter Criminal Activity: Well-lit exteriors signal occupancy and deter burglars or intruders.
Functional Outdoor Lighting Options
- Wall Lights
- Ideal for locations such as garage doors, decks, and entryways.
- Available in various designs to seamlessly blend functionality with style, adding character to your home’s facade.
- Security Lights
- Improve home safety by illuminating dark areas, making it easier to detect intruders and move around safely at night.
- Lamp Posts
- Provide widespread lighting to illuminate gardens, driveways, and pathways, creating a welcoming and secure environment.
If you have any question about exterior lights please contact Sparky Shop at info@sparkyshop.co.nz
