Outdoor lighting installation can be relatively straightforward if you observe the right safety precautions and follow the correct steps on the installation checklist. In the majority of cases, this will be provided in the manufacturer or installation guidelines, but there are a number of general steps you can take to ensure the job is done properly.
Keep reading to find out the best steps on how to install outdoor lighting. Alternatively, if you’re already confident in what you’re doing, you can browse through our selection of LED products to see if there is anything that takes your fancy. We have a range of LED wall lights, LED floodlights, outdoor sign lights, and more for you to choose from.
Before we tell you how to install outdoor lighting…prepare
Before we get onto our outdoor lighting installation guide, it’s important to get your preparation right to start with. Fail to prepare and prepare to fail, as they say! Having a pre-installation checklist will make sure you have everything in place ready to go as smoothly as possible, with minimal or no hiccups.
You want to set the foundation for a successful outdoor lighting installation that is visually appealing, functional, and (most importantly) safe. Proper planning, coupled with the correct tools and materials, will ensure you achieve that.
So here is a handy checklist that will get you off to the right start:
- Where are the lights going? Remember, it’s not just the visual effect you should consider here. You also need to think about safety and comfort. Do you wish to highlight certain features of your outdoor space, or make walkways and footpaths more visible? Planning where to place your lights, and how that affects other features and accessibility around them, is the obvious place to start.
- What fixtures do you need? What materials you use to fix or install your lights in place is important. Choose fixtures that are weather resistant if your lights are going to be exposed to rain, for example. Here at Vision Lighting, we have a wide selection of brackets and bars to help install and secure your choice of lights.
- Have you chosen the most suitable bulbs? Your chosen bulbs' IP ratings should be suitable for where and how they will be used. They should at least be able to handle exposure to moisture and outdoor elements. Our selection of LED bulbs is versatile, easy to install, and appropriate for outdoor use.
- What tools and materials do you need? It goes without saying, but make sure you have all of the tools and equipment you need before you get started! This includes electrical cables, connecting components, outlets, and junction boxes. You may also need a drill, especially if mounting a wall light.
- What power source do you need? You need to identify where your power source will come from, and how. You may need some extra wiring or electrical work done to enable an additional power source. If an outdoor outlet isn’t possible, you may need to consider alternatives such as solar-powered lights.
- Have you got the right safety equipment? This is perhaps the most important step on your checklist. You should have the right gloves, goggles, and other safety equipment needed to carry out this job. Comply with UK electrical regulations at all times. Realistically, only a registered electrician carries out mains-powered outdoor lighting installations. So ensure you consider hiring a professional to ensure compliance and complete safety.
Our outdoor lighting installation guide
So now that the pre-installation checklist is covered, without further ado, here is our outdoor lighting installation guide on how to install outdoor lighting.
Turn off and test
It goes without saying – turn off the power before you start working with electrical wires! Do this before doing anything else – safety first! You can also use this opportunity to test your existing outlets and cables to ensure they are safe and working correctly. You can do so using a socket tester or multimeter.
Install outlets where needed
You may have some existing outlets in place or you may need to install new ones, depending on your arrangement and where you would like to place your lights. It is essential that your outdoor outlets are weather and water resistant, so that they can withstand rain, damp, and extreme temperatures. They should also have Residual Current Device (RCD) protection to prevent electric shocks and appliance damage. It’s recommended that you put your outdoor lighting on its own consumer unit so that any outdoor power trips do not affect your indoor power.
Get your cables ready
Ideally, outdoor cables should be run underground with some additional protection, such as ducting. The ideal depth is at least 45cm beneath a patio or pathway and 75cm under lawns or flowerbeds. Conduits and cable protection can be used when routing cables above ground. For a typical mains supply, you should use high quality Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable. Flexible rubber double insulated cable can be used for 12v low voltage systems. It’s also really important to pay attention to the joining of cables, which can often be a weak link. Make sure every joint is watertight.
Mount and wire your lights
If your light has a mounting bracket then you should drill this in place. Many products, such as our 30W floodlights and 50W floodlights, have a pre-installed bracket attached to make installation easier. You simply need to mark the holes before drilling, if necessary. Ensure all connections and wires are secure, following manufacturer instructions. Also, make sure you waterproof any exposed connections if required.
Seal any gaps
If there are any gaps between your mounting plate and the wall, or object being mounted to, you can use a bead of caulk around it to seal it in place. This will also prevent water and debris from accessing the back of your mounting plate and potentially causing damage.
Final checks
Run one final check and test on the lighting system and your electrics using a multimeter to ensure everything is safe and there are no faults. This is a vital step to prevent electrical accidents.
Switch on and enjoy
If everything has gone to plan, the only thing left to do is switch on your new outdoor light and enjoy the ambiance. Or perhaps, in the case of our 100W floodlights, you can enjoy a sense of safety and security. Job done!
Consult the team here at Vision Lighting for your outdoor lighting installation needs!
We strongly recommend that all external electrical works be installed by a qualified electrician. It is best to be on the safe side and rely on a professional. Whether you are an electrical expert or just need some general advice on your outdoor lighting installation, the team here at Vision Lighting is more than happy to help.
Get in touch with our expert team for more information on the lighting products and services we offer, or for advice on your outdoor lighting aspirations.
You can also get in touch by emailing us at info@vision-lighting.co.uk or calling +44 (0) 1132 799 745.