Outdoor LED lighting is the perfect option if we like to extend the days in the garden or terrace. But, although it is ideal, you should be aware of its peculiarities.
Enjoying a smart home is far from being a cinematic utopia. Programming electrical appliances from your mobile phone, personalising the way a home is lit or listening to music as if you were in front of the band, is a reality within your reach.
Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds and simplifying our lives. At Digital Cinema we make your spaces more functional and comfortable.
Outdoor LED lighting
They are energy-efficient, dimmable, customisable and adaptable to any space. LED lights are a favourite choice in many homes. But although we love them, we should know something about them.
In this article we are going to focus on LED lights for outdoors, as there are many doubts about them: can they get wet, do they shine brightly enough, do they have the right colour temperature?
What happens if it rains?
LED lights, like any other lighting fixture, have electrical current flowing through them to generate light.
Water is a great conductor of electricity and its effect on an electrical circuit is to create alternate pathways, resulting in short circuits. This will not only damage LED lights, but can be dangerous to people through indirect contact.
Manufacturers take this into account and cover LED strips with special materials that protect them from weather and water. There are also waterproof LED lights for gardens and outdoors.
When opting for outdoor LED lighting, the most important things to look out for are:
- Its degree of protection, IP, must be a minimum of IP65 (waterproof).
- It must comply with the applicable light pollution regulations.
Therefore, the best way to have both issues under control is to use specialised installers. Safety and compliance with the law have to be the main objectives of any project.
Frequently asked questions
Gathering our friends on the patio or in the garden and extending the day between snacks and laughter is one of the plans we like the most.
It is possible for summer to last a little longer, for spring to come early, and even for winter to give us the gift of a warmer day so that we can spend more time outdoors. An LED installation prolongs and facilitates these moments.
What do I need to consider when making a lighting plan?
- To enjoy the peace of mind of a well-made installation that will not cause future problems and will not be a source of danger in the home, the most important thing is to rely on a specialized and authorized company such as Digital Cinema.
- Outdoor lighting up to 3300 Kelvin provides a warm and welcoming light.
- If you want brightness and safety (for access areas, for example), neutral white lighting between 3300 and 5300 Kelvin is ideal.
- In terms of lumens, if you want pleasant lighting, 400 to 600 lumens is fine. If you want powerful light, go for more than 1000 lumens.
- Remember that outdoor lights must comply with IP44 as a minimum. In case the outdoor LED lighting will be exposed to inclement weather or irrigation systems, choose those with a minimum of IP65.
