discussion Outdoor Lighting Installation: What Should I Consider?

[reynsi]

Hello everyone.

I’m planning to improve the lighting around my home and would appreciate some advice on outdoor lighting installation. I’m considering lights for the front entrance, driveway, garden, and patio, but I’m not sure which types would work best for each area.

I’d like something that provides good visibility without being overly bright or disturbing the neighbours.

I’m also interested in energy-efficient options, such as LED or solar-powered lights.

For anyone who has recently installed outdoor lighting, what should I consider regarding wiring, positioning, weather resistance, and ongoing maintenance?

Is it better to hire a professional electrician, or is this a manageable DIY project?

 

[reynsi]

Hello everyone.

I’m planning to improve the lighting around my home and would appreciate some advice on outdoor lighting installation. I’m considering lights for the front entrance, driveway, garden, and patio, but I’m not sure which types would work best for each area.

I’d like something that provides good visibility without being overly bright or disturbing the neighbours.

I’m also interested in energy-efficient options, such as LED or solar-powered lights.

For anyone who has recently installed outdoor lighting, especially if you’re considering professional outdoor lighting installation Austin TX, what should I consider regarding wiring, positioning, weather resistance, and ongoing maintenance?

Is it better to hire a professional electrician, or is this a manageable DIY project?

thanks in advance for any help

 

[boatman]

imop get a proper elestistain who know what the regs are
chrisb

 

[pjgtech]

Depends on few things really, are you a competent DIY'er? if so you can do a fair bit yourself.
If not then you will need to find someone to do it for you.
What is your budget, as that may dictate what you can/can't afford?
How big is the house / area to be covered? obviously larger may require more lights.
Do you want the same lights all around the building (matching) or various lights doing different things? eg: security lighting, ambient lighting, safety lighting, to highlight paths, doors, etc.
Will the lights be independant or linked and/or linked to a security system?
I have sensor operated l(mains) ights on front and rear main doors, plus on the side gate and above the front garage, then I also have small solar lights to give some gentle, not too bright, ambient solar lighting around the garden, plus we also have a long set of mains LED festoon type lights, all the way round the rear garden for when we have guests, or are entertaining, etc.

 

[pjgtech]

IP65 is the UK standard for fully outdoor lighting, if you want it to withstand, knocks, high wind and driving rain.... Cheers
Theres also IP44 and IP54 but they are lower standards, always go for IP65 IMHO.
Higher ratings, eg: IP67/IP68 are for lights that will be submerged in water, eg: in baths, showers or swimming pools.

 

[Jim R]

This is a scale model forum and while some on here may be able to help outdoor electrical installations is not the expertise of most members. I'm sure better advice could be obtained elsewhere.
Having said that Peter certainly sounds knowledgeable on the subject.