Outdoor Lighting

As we enter another cold, bleak winter, the warm summer a mere distant memory. Humanity retreats back into hibernation yet those DIY garden tasks still need completing.

Downlights.co.uk brings you an exciting selection of outdoor LED lighting products. Utilising advanced LED technology, these products offer significant advantages over traditional light bulbs, including energy efficiency and a longer lifespan. This range has been hand picked from the UK’s leading brands.

Our external LED lighting range includes:

• LED floodlights for security
• Outdoor downlights for soffits and facias
• IP68 rated outdoor LED tape
• External LED bulkheads
• Decking lights for gardens (also known as LED marker lights)
• LED bollards
• LED brick lights
• LED ground lights
• LED spike lights
• Step lights
• External wall lights

When selecting outdoor downlights, consider the importance of beam angles and light distribution to achieve the desired lighting effects for various environments.

Browse our range of externally rated LED lighting products or contact us to discuss your enquiry with one of our lighting experts on: 01706 868343.

Why Go For LED?

LED is the ideal modern choice for outdoor lighting fixtures as it’s long lasting, requiring no maintenance. And because LEDs like to run cool, they’re more suited to outdoors where its colder and mainly used at night-time. Overheating is the #1 cause of LED failure, this is caused by poor ventilation and running the LED in fatally high ambient temperatures for too long without any breaks for it to cool down.

Additionally, the ability to direct light in a specific direction is a crucial practical element when discussing outdoor downlights, suggesting that pivotable designs enhance usability and functionality.

Benefits of LED Lighting

LED lighting has become a popular choice for outdoor lighting due to its numerous benefits. Some of the key advantages of LED lighting include:

• Energy Efficiency: LED lights consume significantly less power than traditional lighting options, making them an excellent choice for outdoor lighting. This means lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
• Long Lifespan: LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting options, with some lasting up to 50,000 hours or more. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving time and money.
• Durability: LED lights are highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them perfect for outdoor use. They are resistant to shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
• Low Maintenance: LED lights require minimal maintenance, as they are built to last and are less prone to failure. This makes them a hassle-free option for outdoor lighting.
• Environmentally Friendly: LED lights are free of toxic chemicals like mercury and lead, making them an environmentally friendly option. They also produce less heat, reducing energy transfer and making them safer to use.
• Design Flexibility: LED lights come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them versatile for different outdoor lighting applications. Whether you need a warmer tone for a cozy ambiance or a bright light for security, LED lights can meet your needs.

Outdoor LED Lighting Brands & Types

Over the past few months are range of outdoor LED lighting has expanded rapidly. We've handpicked the best products from leading UK brands which include:

• Ansell Lighting
• Aurora Lighting
• Collingwood Lighting
• Forum Lighting
• Integral LED
• JCC Lighting
• Kosnic
• LED Strip Fit
• Ovia Lighting

Outdoor LED Lighting Features & Guarantees

We offer a selection of high quality externally rated LED lighting fixtures that are designed to last. Our products are backed by a minimum of 2 year guarantee periods with some products extending to over 5 years.

Installation Tips

In general, outdoor lighting products are more difficult to install than indoor lighting products. Not only do you need to mount the lights safely and securely but as they're outside and open to the elements, they need to block out water and dust ingress.

Outdoor lighting fittings have an IP rating which needs to be maintained. An IP rating is a measurement of the fittings ability to resist water and dust ingress. IP65 for example offers a high resistance to both dust and water and will provide protection throughout the harsh, long and cold winter months.

Installing LED ground lights outdoors in-particular can be the most difficult especially if you're fitting them into solid stone or concrete. It's like wiring a recessed downlight into a solid foundation and having to keep out the water from the connections.

Voltage Considerations

We offer some of our products in mains voltage which don't require any additional transformers. The LED driver or transformer is built directly into the fitting. Some of the lights we offer are low voltage and require an additional constant voltage or constant current LED driver, so be sure to read the descriptions carefully.

Low voltage lighting (mainly 12V to 24V DC) is safer than mains voltage (230V AC) but many manufacturers now offer mains voltage versions as they're easier to order and easier to install. It does depend on your application and choice of product.

Colour Changing Outdoor LED Lights & Colour Temperatures

Rather than being limited to just one colour why not opt for colour changing LED lights instead? By using an additional controller, you can cycle through different colours and create your own theme lighting.

We even have a control system that lets you separate different areas of your garden or patio into zones and lets you control everything from just one controller.

Security Lighting

LED floodlights with an integrated PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensor will detect movement and can be used to detour intruders. We also have a selection of modern wall lights with optional PIR sensors such as the Forum or Aurora brands.

Available in single light or double light versions which have up and down lighting effects. Outdoor LED lighting products can be used effectively as part of your home security system.

Energy Efficient Solar Powered Garden Lights

Solar powered garden lights, equipped with PIR sensors, enhance outdoor security by illuminating spaces upon detecting movement. These eco-friendly lights, available in styles from brands like Forum, JCC, Ovia and Aurora, integrate seamlessly into any garden setting, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Perfect for pathways and entryways, they provide reliable, sustainable lighting without the need for external power sources.

IP Ratings and Weather Resistance

When it comes to outdoor lighting, weather resistance is a crucial factor to consider. The IP rating, also known as the Ingress Protection rating, is a rating system that measures the level of protection an electrical enclosure provides against solid objects and water. The IP code consists of two digits, with the first digit representing protection against solid objects and the second digit representing protection against water.

For outdoor lighting, it’s essential to choose a light with a high IP rating to ensure it can withstand harsh weather conditions. Here are some common IP ratings for lighting products:

• IP20: This rating provides protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm and no resistance to water. This IP rating wouldn't be suitable for outdoor use.
• IP44: This rating provides protection against solid objects larger than 1mm. With a resistance to water pressures from rain and showers but not resistant to higher pressure such as a pressure washer.
• IP65: This rating provides protection against dust and higher pressure water jets from any direction.

When selecting an outdoor light, look for a high IP rating to ensure it can withstand the elements and provide reliable performance. Additionally, consider the material used in the light’s construction, such as die-cast aluminium or stainless steel, which can provide added durability and weather resistance. These materials not only enhance the longevity of the light but also contribute to its aesthetic appeal, ensuring your outdoor space remains well-lit and stylish.

If you're installing lighting products in coastal environments its better to spend a bit more on them and make sure they're suitable for these more corrodible areas otherwise they won't last very long and you'll have to keep replacing them.