Outdoor Lighting: What to Know Before Buying

15 Jul.,2024

 

Outdoor Lighting: What to Know Before Buying

Enhance your outdoor spaces with decorative post lights available in designs that complement your property's aesthetic and improve safety. Ideal for brightening driveways and walkways, these lights should be UL-rated for wet locations to withstand weather elements. When choosing a post light, consider the size for straightforward installation and ensure compatibility with LED bulbs by checking the fixture's requirements. These considerations will provide welcoming illumination and add charm to your patios and gardens.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website LED Outdoor Bollard Lights.

Stadium lights, positioned at towering heights, are crucial for player performance and spectator visibility in sports arenas. These high-lumen fixtures deliver low-glare, sunlight-mimicking illumination suitable for various venues, from football fields to tennis courts. Mounting heights adjust to the venue, ranging typically from 40-60 feet and reaching up to 100 feet in major stadiums, producing over 300 footcandles on the playing surface. Starting at 60,000 lumens, these LED stadium lights ensure a daylight-like, pure white glow with a K color temperature. They are designed to be waterproof and boast a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 75+, to ensure true-to-life visibility under all conditions. See this image of a LED stadium light;

These are powerful lights that can provide wide and bright illumination for large outdoor areas, such as parking lots, stadiums, or fields. They can also be used for security and safety purposes, as they can deter intruders or criminals. Some floodlights have motion sensors or timers that can control the light output.;

Here are some images of a flood lights

This is an actual install of our lights at Roots Athletics Fields in MA

LED outdoor lights are lights that use modern LED technology and design to provide lighting for various outdoor applications.  LED outdoor lights have many advantages over traditional outdoor lights, such as:


&#;  Long lifespan: LED outdoor lights can last up to 150,000 hours, which is much longer than traditional outdoor lights, which can only last up to 10,000 hours. This means they can save you money and time on buying and replacing bulbs, as well as reduce your environmental impact and waste.


&#;  Energy efficiency: LED outdoor lights can produce more light output (lumens) per unit of power input (watts) than traditional outdoor lights. This means they can save you energy and money on your electricity bills, as well as reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.


&#;  Quality of light: LED outdoor lights can provide bright and clear light that can show the true colors of the objects they illuminate. They also have a high color rendering index (CRI) of above 70 Ra, which means they can show the colors of the objects almost as they are in reality. They also have a low lumen depreciation, which means they can maintain their brightness and quality over time.


&#;  Style and design: LED outdoor lights have a simple and elegant look that can enhance the appearance and functionality of your space. They also come in different shapes, sizes, and styles to suit different needs and preferences. They also have features such as dimmers, sensors, timers, or remote controls that can give you more flexibility and convenience.


&#;  Safety and durability: LED outdoor lights are more resistant to weather, shock, vibration, and corrosion than traditional outdoor lights. They also generate less heat and do not contain any harmful substances, such as mercury or lead, that could pollute the soil or water. They also do not cause any electrical problems or fire hazards.


Know Your IP Ratings for Buying Outdoor Lights


Outdoor wall lights are made of high-quality materials that make them durable, efficient, dirt and water-resistant, weather-resistant, and come with full warranties. They are also available in a variety of styles that can suit different tastes and preferences, such as designer, rustic, country house, antique, industrial, restaurant, modern, Mediterranean, maritime, office, and vintage.


with an Ingress Protection (IP) code

Outdoor wall lights are designed to withstand harsh and extreme weather conditions, such as cold, ice, snow, heavy rain, and extreme heat. To ensure their protection and performance, they comethat indicates their level of resistance to solid objects and liquids. The IP code consists of two digits: the first one represents the protection from solid objects on a scale of 0 to 6; the second one represents the protection from liquids on a scale of 0 to 8. For example:


&#;  IP44: This means that the light is protected from solid objects larger than 1 mm (such as wires or screws) and from water splashing from any direction.


&#;  IP65: This means that the light is protected from dust (which could damage the electronics) and from water jets (such as from a hose or a sprinkler) from any direction.


&#;  IP67: This means that the light is protected from dust and from temporary immersion in water (such as from a flood or a storm) up to 1 meter deep.


The IP code that you need for your outdoor wall lights depends on your location and the weather conditions that they will be exposed to. We recommend a IP65 fixture for all outdoor lighting.



Mounting Outdoor Lights


Selecting the right mount for outdoor lighting is critical to both aesthetics and functionality. Here are the common mounting options:


Light Mounting locations;

Wall Mounting: A prevalent choice is 

Wall Mounting: A prevalent choice is outdoor wall lights , with options ranging from hard-wired wall sconces, which offer a seamless look without visible wires, to simple plug-in lamps with on/off switches. There are endless styles of wall mount lights from direct to junction box or conduit powered.

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Pole Mounting: Available in various materials like strong steel for windy areas, lightweight aluminum for corrosion resistance, durable fiberglass, and decorative styles for a classic look, often found in parks and urban spaces. Wood poles are a cost-effective option, and mount options range from single or twin-point directly into the pole or wraparound brackets and mounting blocks, typically crafted from pine or cedar. Larger street lights and parking lot lights are also pole mounted.

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Wood Mounting: Mounting to wood on a structure work well when already on the building. Yoke, flood and trunnions can go straight into strong wood.

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Ground Mounting: This involves either direct dirt placement or concrete setting for full-sized poles or spotlights, requiring careful consideration of power supply routing.


Mount Types:

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Slip Mounts: Feature a hollow end to slip over a round pole, with hex screws securing the light fixture to a round tenon, usually 2.38 inches in diameter.

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Arm Mounts: Suitable for square poles, these mounts allow the light to be bolted directly onto the pole, enabling flexible placement.

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Flood Mounts: Utilize a U-bracket that can be mounted on diverse surfaces or poles, offering a sturdy and adaptable installation.


pole mount lighting in more detail here

read about





What Do You Need to Consider When Buying Outdoor Lights?

A:

Choosing the right outdoor lighting requires a strategic approach. Start by determining the exact location and mounting method, which will narrow down the type and style of the fixture. Consider the desired intensity of the light (lumens) and the color temperature (Kelvin) that best suits the environment&#;warmer hues for cozy spaces and cooler tones for task lighting. Think about the purpose: do you need security lighting, accent lights, or general illumination? Also, check for durability and weather resistance, ensuring the fixtures can handle the elements. Energy efficiency is another key factor; opting for LED lights can offer long-term savings. Don&#;t overlook the design aspect; the light should complement your home&#;s exterior. If in doubt, consulting with a lighting expert can help clarify these choices and lead to a satisfactory purchase and end result

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Choices and Options in Outdoor Lights


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Luminosity (Lumens): Lumens quantify a light's brightness, distinct from energy consumption measured in watts. LED lights exemplify efficiency, emitting more lumens with less energy&#;for instance, a 6.5-watt LED can match the brightness of a 50-watt halogen. Selecting lumens is a balancing act, influenced by personal preference, area size, and lamp placement. Floodlights demand higher lumens, -20,000, to ensure safety and security. In contrast, softer illumination for garden paths or stairs typically requires 300 to 500 lumens.


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Energy Consumption (Watts): Watts reflect energy usage, with higher wattage correlating to increased energy bills. Outdoor lighting benefits from the lower wattages of LEDs; 80 watts or less is ideal for general use, while 40 watts or under suffices for paths and garden beds. Lights under 80 watts often meet 'Dark Sky' standards, minimizing environmental impact.


Color Temperature (Kelvin): Kelvin indicates the 

Color Temperature (Kelvin): Kelvin indicates the color temperature of the light , with lower values casting a warmer glow and higher ones yielding a cooler light. For residential outdoor spaces, a Kelvin range of k-k strikes the right balance, where a K draws attention and is ideal for retail and areas needing more safety. A k setting is particularly effective in creating a natural, warm ambiance akin to a campfire's radiance.


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Motion Sensors: LEDs with motion sensors activate upon detecting movement, enhancing security and energy efficiency. Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors are prevalent, responding to heat and infrared energy. Look for Microwave sensors on higher end fixtures to get longer range, more accuracy and the ability to program them.


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Beam Angles: Beam angle dictates the spread of light from the source. The correct beam angle is critical for adequate illumination in applications like street, stadium, and security lighting&#;wide angles suit proximity, while narrower beams serve distant targets. Notably, a typical floodlight's reach ends at 70 feet, unless you are using 20-40 degree stadium lights.


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Dusk to Dawn Sensors: Outdoor lights with dusk-to-dawn sensors feature photocells that respond to ambient light, powering down at dawn, and lighting up as dusk sets in. This functionality ensures consistent safety and a welcoming atmosphere for spaces like patios and driveways.


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Tunable Lights: Tunable outdoor lights offer versatility, allowing on-the-fly adjustments to color temperature and brightness. This adaptability makes it possible to tailor lighting to specific needs or preferences, directly from the fixture itself.





Emerging Trends in Outdoor Illumination


Tunable LED Lights: Uncertain about the desired ambiance? 

Tunable LED Lights: Uncertain about the desired ambiance? tunable led lights present a flexible solution, permitting you to decide the warmth and brightness post-installation. These adaptable fixtures cater to varying moods and settings, ensuring that your outdoor space is in harmony with your current preference.

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Smart Lighting Integration: Control and customization are at your fingertips with smart lights, manageable via smartphone apps or remotes. These innovative lighting solutions offer an array of shapes and functionalities, including color-changing options ideal for festive seasons or social gatherings. Their user-friendly interface allows for individual adjustments in color, temperature, and intensity, creating personalized lighting landscapes effortlessly.

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Focused Downlighting: Downlighting, once predominantly an indoor lighting technique, has transitioned outdoors, inspired by the dark sky movement and the compact nature of LEDs. These fixtures, designed to illuminate a specific locale, are perfect for pathways, architectural details, and garden highlights, ensuring safety and enhancing the beauty of outdoor spaces.

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Enchanting Bistro Lighting: Bistro, or strand lighting, is a charming trend for al fresco areas. Strung above patios, gardens, or dining spaces, they transform any outdoor setting into an inviting, softly illuminated haven, perfect for entertainment or relaxation.

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Innovative Hardscape Lighting: Traditionally, landscape lighting focused on softscaping, but the advent of miniature LEDs has expanded this to hardscapes. These discreet lights integrate seamlessly into driveways, steps, and retaining walls, offering both functional and decorative benefits. They spotlight the hard features of your landscape without contributing to light pollution, enhancing safety and visual appeal.

For more led washer lightinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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LED Rope and Strip Lighting: Resembling electronic circuitry, LED rope or strip lights offer a modern twist on outdoor lighting. Ideal for delineating paths or stairways, they improve nighttime visibility and safety. With remote control operation, these lights can shift in color and intensity, adding a dynamic element to the eaves and architectural outlines of a building, subtly shifting the perception of the space.


Here is an image of bistro lights across a dinning areas where you can also see hardscape ground lights;




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Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights: Advances in solar technology, such as improved photovoltaic panels, robust batteries, and high-efficiency LEDs, have significantly enhanced the performance and reliability of solar outdoor lighting. These sustainable solutions harness the sun's energy, offering a green, cost-effective lighting option. Here is an image of such a solar light:



These advancements in outdoor lighting are not merely trends but are reshaping the way we think about and utilize light as an integral part of home security, design, and personal expression.




Conclusion

Outdoor lighting is an important aspect of enhancing the beauty, security, and safety of your outdoor spaces. Whether you want to create a decorative or functional lighting effect, you need to consider some factors, such as the location, mounting, brightness, color, features, and style of the outdoor lights. You also need to choose the right type of outdoor light fixtures, such as wall lights, post lights, floodlights, landscape lights, or stadium lights, depending on your needs and preferences. Moreover, you need to be aware of the emerging trends in outdoor lighting, such as tunable LED lights, smart lighting integration, focused downlighting, bistro lighting, hardscape lighting, LED rope and strip lighting, and solar-powered outdoor lights. These trends can offer you more versatility, flexibility, and sustainability in your outdoor lighting. By following these tips and guidelines, you can choose the best outdoor lighting for your home or business



Dara GreaneyLinkedInWikipedia TwitterDavid Peguero.

About the Author:is founder and CEO of LED Light Expert with deep expertise in LED fixtures and Light design.or. Editing by

About usLED Light Expert.

About us: See ourpage for more about


(*updated 10/22/ & 10/06/, 11/3/23 with fixes, updates and additional content)



References;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landscape_lighting

https://renopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Outdoor_Lighting

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Landscape_lighting

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/_Redefining_efficiency_for_outdoor_lighting





Advice on How to Choose Driveway Bollard Lights

LED bollard lights are one of many ways that you can use outdoor lighting to increase safety and add flow to an area. Whether you are interested in implementing driveway bollard lights at home or commercial bollard lights along paths of commercial properties, this article will help with the ins and outs of outdoor bollard lights.

 

What Are Bollard Lights?

A bollard light is a short, often wide, outdoor light fixture whose primary use is to light up patios, pathways and other such areas outdoors. Bollard light fixtures are fixed in the ground and commonly have a bollard lamp at the top of the fixture. Sometimes, these lights are placed along the sides of areas.

 

Why Are Bollard Lights Important?

Illuminated bollards serve a crucial purpose outdoors, which is showing the path to be taken toward a building or other area or feature. This not only improves safety in the area, but bollards can also add visual appeal.

Using bollard path lights, you can easily outline winding pathways as simply as you can indicate the start and end of a straight sidewalk. These can give a sense of unity to your outdoor space while also making it feel more comfortable for guests to walk around in.

 

How Do Exterior Bollard Lights Enhance Security and Safety?

When you install modern bollard lights around your home or business, you are eliminating dark, shadowy spots that other lights in the surrounding areas might not cover. In so doing, you are leaving fewer shadows for intruders to creep around in. Someone is less likely to approach a property and sneak onto it uninvited when it is lit up so well that they can be seen.

Not only can it make it easier for you to look out of your own window and see someone out there, but your neighbors will be better prepared to see your property and alert you to any suspicious activity you might not see.

On an individual level, a modern bollard fixture can make navigating a pathway safer for guests. With a path well lit using short bollard lights close to the ground, people can feel more secure in every step they take down the path without fear of tripping over something.

How Can You Use Bollard Lights at Home?

Besides lighting up garden paths or footpaths leading up to your house, you can also use concrete, metal or wooden bollard lights in other ways.

 

  • PATIO AND ENTERTAINMENT AREAS. Due to the nature of bollard lights, they are excellent for marking off various zones of outdoor spaces. One way to do this is to include them around sitting areas outdoors to indicate the perimeter of the space. Not only can this provide an attractive seating area with ample lighting, but it could also improve the overall aesthetic of the space.
  • NATURAL FEATURES. Using bollard lights near trees, shrubs or other focal points in the garden can draw attention to the area and make them stand out more.
  • THE DRIVEWAY. One of the most popular ways to use bollard lights is to place them along the perimeter of your driveway. Bollard lights along a driveway can clearly mark where the edges and ends of the driveway are. This can help guests who aren&#;t familiar with the home to park their vehicles without running over your grass.

 

How To Choose The Best Bollard Lights

When choosing bollards for your driveway, there are a few things to consider before purchasing. Much like any other kind of light, bollards share as many differences with one another as they do similarities.

 

  • From concrete to metal to wooden bollard lights, there is a vast array of bollard light materials to choose from. The material that you opt for will depend mostly on personal preference. That said, you should also consider the surrounding aesthetic of the space, including the materials of other outdoor lights.
  • Since these bollards will be constantly exposed to the elements, it is crucial that you choose lights that can withstand the exposure. Alongside choosing high quality fixtures made from hardwearing materials, you should also pay attention to the IP rating.

IP ratings stand for Ingress Protection ratings, and they indicate a light&#;s ability to protect itself against moisture and debris. For outdoor spaces, it is recommended that you choose lights with an IP65 rating to be extra safe. Still, you can also get away with lights rated around IP44.

  • One of the benefits of LED lighting is the ability to choose the brightness levels. Brightness is measured in lumens instead of wattage when it comes to LED bulbs. By choosing higher or lower lumens levels, you can decide the atmosphere and mood of the area.
  • COLOUR TEMPERATURE. Choosing a cool colour temperature can help make the outdoor space feel brighter and crisper, which is important, especially if you are mostly installing these bollards for safety&#;s sake.

 

Why Choose LED Bulbs for Bollard Lights?

LED lights have many benefits that have made them increasingly popular as the years go on. Some of these benefits include:

 

  • LONG LASTING. As opposed to the 1,000 hours or so that traditional bulbs offer, LED bulbs tend to have a minimum of 20,000 hours of life before needing a change.
  • Because you will need to buy new lights less frequently, you will not have to spend as much time on their maintenance.
  • LOWER COST. Not only does buying fewer lights decrease the amount of money you spend on your bollards, but they also use less energy. Traditional bulbs output most of their energy as heat, whereas LED bulbs output most of it as light.
  • ENERGY EFFICIENT. The energy efficient nature of LED lights also makes them more environmentally friendly, reducing your carbon footprint. They also use less electricity, which can reduce the cost of your energy bills.

 

How To Use Bollard Lighting Outdoors

 

  • CHOOSE A LAYOUT. Before installing the lights, you should decide how you want to lay them out. You should look at the overall shape of your driveway to think about how many lights you might need.
  • CHOOSE THE RIGHT BRIGHTNESS. You will likely need brighter lighting in commercial areas and less brightness in domestic areas.
  • CHOOSE THE BEST MATERIALS. Depending on the fixtures in the area, you may want to match them to the other lights. You may also want to use them to provide an accent in an area.
  • DECIDE ON THE COLOUR TEMPERATURE. As mentioned, warm and cool lights each have their place. In outdoor settings, depending on where you place the lights, it can come down to simple preference.

 

How Can You Use Bollard Lights in a Commercial Setting?

Bollard lights can be used in various ways to light outdoor commercial settings. These include:

 

  • Along pathways leading up to and around the perimeter of the building
  • In the garden areas of a hotel to make them easier to navigate
  • In the entrances and exits of car parks
  • In the entrances of hotels or office buildings

 

Can You Install Bollard Lights on Your Own? 

Since bollard lights will connect to a mains power supply more often than not, it is recommended that you have a professional electrician handle this for you. Otherwise, you risk electrocution with improper installation.

 

Ideas For Outdoor Bollard Lights

 

Sleek and simple, the LFL006 5 Watt 450mm Tall Black LED Bollard Light is a modern bollard light for your outdoor space. It features a smooth cylindrical post that has a smaller cylindrical diffuser on top, softening the 500 lumens of k warm white light that it outputs. The light has an IP65 rating, making it ideal for outdoor placement.

 

The LFL010 9 Watt 450mm Tall Black LED Bollard Light features a cylindrical black body that has a small circular diffuser at the top. It stands 450 millimetres tall, making it ideal for footpaths. The light outputs 800 lumens of k warm white light and is great for outdoor applications with its IP65 rating.

 

Tall and thin, the LFL026 10 Watt 700mm Tall Black LED Bollard Light is a modern bollard light that is particularly well suited for lighting footpaths and driveways. It features a flat disc head that shines light directly down onto the ground. The light outputs 900 lumens of k warm white light, making it quite bright. It has an IP65 rating.

 

Shine a light directly down onto a path or drive with the LFL062 12 Watt 600mm Tall Twin Black Spotlight LED Bollard Light. This light features two heads that shine down at an angle, outputting lumens of total light. It offers bright light that shines at a warm k color temperature. The fitting is protected from the elements with its IP65 rating.

 

Different from most post-style bollard lights, the LFL051 4 Watt LED Modern Outdoor Path Lighting Fitting has an artistic flair to it. It features a rectangular shape with slits up the sides that shine light out onto the path in a wavy X-shape. This light shines 400 lumens of k warm white light and has an IP65 rating.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of bollard light for garden. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.