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Outdoor Lighting > Useful Information
Regulations
- Outdoor lighting is subject to certain wiring regulations and must be selected and erected so as to be suitable, for the external influences likely to occur at the particular point of installation. Such influences are likely to include; falling, spraying and splashing water, water from jets and immersion in water.
- All outdoor lighting can be assigned an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. This relates to the protection afforded by the light fitting against solid objects and moisture.
- The IP rating consists of two numbers.
- The first number relates to the degree of protection against solid particles, the second to the degree of protection against moisture.
- For Outdoor lighting, the second number is the most significant.
- For example; normal interior household lighting has a minimum IP rating of 20 (i.e. no protection against moisture).
- The required IP rating for outdoor lighting depends on the influences it is subjected to and is classified as detailed in the schedule below. (We have here, only addressed the second number, which is the number, that is significant for the protection against moisture).
IP Ratings
- IPx0 – not protected against moisture.
- IPx1 – protected against falling water.
- IPx2 – protected against falling water up to 15 degrees from vertical.
- IPx3 – protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical.
- IPx4 – protected against splashing water from any direction.
- IPx5 – protected against water jets from any direction.
- IPx7 – protected against temporary immersion.
- IPx8 – protected against immersion.
Design Ideas
Entrance to Driveway
- Consider using Outdoor LED lighting here to mark the entrance to your driveway.
- Use Led Brick Lights to replace a brick in the wall either side of the entrance.
- Position Outdoor LED lighting on gateposts.
- Position recessed Drive Over units to mark the edges and path of the drive.
House
- Consider the type and levels of light you need around the exterior of your home and the areas you need to highlight for aesthetic, visual or security reasons. You will also need to consider the lamp source for level of illumination and efficiency of running costs, for any lamps that are left switched on during the night.
- For lamps that are left on for a long duration, use low energy fluorescent lighting, and for flood lighting and accent lighting use halogen light sources.
Garden
- Use Outdoor lighting here to great visual effect, by highlighting areas of shrubbery, borders to flower beds and accents to individual trees and plants of interest.
- Use spotlights and ground buried lights to theme the lighting, using colours to add interest and make your garden come alive. Enjoy your garden not only in the day, but also at night.
- Ground Buried lighting requires drainage. For good drainage practise it is important to dig out an adequate area much deeper and wider than the volume of the Ground Buried unit itself. Place the Ground Buried unit in position and backfill with Pea Gravel for drainage, otherwise without adequate drainage; the unit will probably collect water. Unless it has an IP rating which; defines it as; submersible.
Patio
- Use surface mounted or Ground Buried lighting here to add interest and define the outline, or mark out particular areas of the patio.
Decking
- Use surface or recessed Outdoor LED lighting here to add interest and define the outline, or mark out particular areas of the decking platform.
Pond
- Use submersible LED lighting in the pond to add colour and to bring life to this area of your garden.
We recommend that all Outdoor Lighting be protected with a residual current devise (R.C.D.).
All of the above information is intended as a guide only and you should consider all of the elements of your particular choice of product and it’s installation, before you commit an electrician to carry out any work.
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