If you’re adding outdoor lighting to your home or business premises, choosing the right cables is key. You’ll need to choose cables that can withstand the elements while also ensuring the longevity and performance of your lights.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what cable for outdoor lights is best, helping you identify the best option for you. No matter what style of LED products you’re installing, we’ve got you covered.
Installing outdoor lights: Safety precautions
Before we get into the specifics of the best cables for outdoor lighting, there are some basic safety precautions you should know about when installing outdoor lights to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
- Let others know that work is in progress: Stick a note on any of the units you’re working on to ensure your neighbours or customers don’t hurt themselves.
- Check your lighting complies with regulations: Make sure your outdoor lights comply with local building regulations and IEE wiring regulations. You might not have the right to install certain types of lighting.
- Turn the mains power off: The power should always be switched off at the mains before you begin any electrical work to prevent electrocution. Use a voltage tester to socket test each circuit and make sure they’re safe to work on.
- Call an electrician if unsure: For complex installations, it’s always best to hire a registered electrician rather than risk your safety. They’ll ensure everything is connected up properly and minimise potential hazards.
Check out our ultimate outdoor lighting installation guide for more advice on how to safely install your lights.
What are the best cables for external lighting?
Whether you’re looking to install LED wall lights outside your home or a big trough light to illuminate the exterior of your business premises, you need to make sure you choose cables that are designed to be weather resistant and safe for outdoor use.
These types of outdoor cables are ideal for ensuring your external lights perform to the best of their ability and without any issues:
Type UF-B cable
UF-B cables, or Underground Feeder cables, are one of our top choices for the best cable for external lighting because they are designed for direct burial and can be safely installed underground without the need for a conduit.
These cables are known for their versatility, durability, and moisture resistance, making them ideal for any outdoor lighting installations that will be exposed to the elements. Choose this type of cable if you need the cable to run underground rather than above ground.
Type MC cable
Type MC cables, which stands for Metal-Clad cables, are another great choice for outdoor lighting. These cables use a THHN or ‘thermoplastic high heat nylon jacket’ which can be purchased in either an insulation or water resistant version, making them perfect for providing protection against moisture and high temperatures.
These cables are ideal for conduit installations, can withstand extreme temperatures, and are easy to work with. However, they are not suitable for direct burial.
Type SE-R cable
Type SE-R cables (Service Entrance Cable, Reinforced) are a reliable choice for external lighting installations. They feature a robust, moisture resistant jacket that protects against harsh weather conditions and makes them ideal for above ground applications.
However, SE-R cables are not rated for direct burial, meaning they must be installed above ground or within a conduit for protection. Additionally, while they are resistant to UV exposure and corrosion, they are not known for being as durable as the cables listed above.
Factors to consider when choosing a cable
There are a few factors that will affect which cable you should choose for your outdoor lighting.
Cable depth and burial requirements
Whether or not you plan on burying the cable makes a big difference when it comes to choosing the right option.
Let’s think about this in relation to LED floodlights:
- 30W floodlights in a back garden are likely to be installed above ground and therefore exposed to the elements. A Type MC cable might be the best choice for durability in this case.
- 100W floodlights in a commercial setting, such as positioned outside a store front for security purposes, will need to have the cable running underground. In this case, a UF-B cable is likely to be most suitable as these can be buried without the need for a conduit.
Weather conditions
Consider the environmental conditions that the cables will be exposed to. You’ll need to choose cables for your outdoor lighting that have robust weather resistant properties, including:
- UV resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Temperature resistance
Voltage
You’ll need to determine the voltage requirements of your outdoor lighting when choosing a cable. Ensure your chosen cable is compatible with your lighting’s voltage requirements to avoid overloading or underpowering.
Discover outdoor lights for home and commercial use at Vision Lighting
Hopefully this blog has shed some light on what cable for outdoor lights is best for you. There are a few things you’ll need to consider, from the environmental conditions to the type of lighting you’re planning to install.
At Vision Lighting, we offer a wide variety of outdoor lighting fixtures for both home and commercial use, ranging from external wall lights to 50W floodlights.
Need help finding the right outdoor lights for your home or business? Contact our team or give us a call on 01132 799745 - we’ll be happy to assist you.
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