Buying Guides – Outdoor Lighting

Posted on 31st December 201925th July 2024 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 25th July 2024

Outdoor lighting has become popular in recent years, partly because of the great potential of LED technology. Exterior spaces can now be lit cheaply and effectively using a variety of products. This buying guide looks at the aims of outdoor lighting and how they are met to give you an idea of what may be best for you. Alternatively, feel free to browse our extensive outdoor lighting selection.

Designing a Lighting Scheme

To create an effective outdoor lighting scheme, you need to consider ambient, accent and task lighting requirements.

Ambient or background lighting

This type of lighting is needed for practical purposes, providing enough light for everyday activities such as walking, eating, drinking and socialising. There are several options available:

- Small walkover lights installed around the edge of a patio or decking area look good and allow safe footing.

- Freestanding fittings such as post or pedestal lights are ideal for creating pools of light. Modern indoor-style floor lamps like the Konstsmide Lucca are a chic form of outdoor lighting.

- Floodlights can provide full strength illumination for building exteriors and surrounding areas. They are good for work or security purposes and might suit bustling social settings, but are less useful where intimate mood is the aim.

- Wall lights usually create a functional and mood-enhancing background light without being overbearing.

Accent lighting

This type of outdoor lighting highlights statues, plants, trees, water features and signs. Install these lights a short distance from the feature and angle the beam to shine directly on or through it. Suggestions include:

- Walkover lights or floodlights used as uplights dramatically highlight features from below.

- Wall-mounted spotlights create a pool of light around features.

- Staked spotlights like the Edit Leaf are effective in highlighting plants, flowers and ornaments.

- Fairy lights are often draped around trellises, shrubs, or trees. Don’t forget festoons if you’re aiming for a party mood!
- Business signage can be lit with specially designed sign lights, normally featuring long or curving arms and adjustable heads.

Task lights

Task lights are used to sufficiently light any area where demanding tasks or activities are performed. Usually, the light will be installed above head height in order to provide un-obscured coverage. Examples of task lighting might include:

- A wall-mounted spotlight or floodlight is useful for potentially hazardous activities such as barbecue cooking.

- Spotlights or floodlights can be positioned in trees for lighting garden amenities such as play areas, barbecues or car parks.

- Floodlighting can be used to light outdoor sports areas. A tennis court would be a prime example, which might be well served by a 500W equivalent floodlight. Conversely, a swimming pool is usually lit from within to avoid glare, normally using a PAR lamp.

Dusk to dawn sensors

A “dusk to dawn” sensor is another term for a photocell. These are used in some outdoor fittings to automatically trigger overnight lighting, often for security purposes. The light switches off again at daybreak. Their sensitivity can sometimes be adjusted, allowing you to choose exactly how dark it needs to be before the light is activated. The sensor can be overridden in many cases for manual operation, though this should be checked prior to purchase.

Browse our Dusk to Dawn range

PIR sensors & security

If security is a priority, floodlights with a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor are a good option. The sensor triggers light when it detects movement within a pre-set range, deterring intruders without the need to keep lights permanently switched on.

PIR lights like this 50w LED Floodlight with integrated PIR sensor has a movement sensor that would be triggered up to 8 metres with a 120° detection range . This is useful for any large commercial premises. Advanced CCTV circuits can also be installed and monitored remotely through PCs, tablets, and smart phones.

PIR lights are also useful at residential entrances, as a practical measure to help locate keys and avoid stumbling on obstacles. The Lucide Claire Half Lantern serves as an example. Again, these avoid the need for a permanent light, so they’re an energy-saving product in many scenarios.

Browse our PIR lights range

IP Ratings – A brief guide to Waterproof Lighting

Outdoor light fittings always carry Ingress Protection ratings. This rating is marked by the letters “IP” followed by 2 digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against ingress of solid objects and the second relates to waterproofing. This advice may help:

- The minimum IP rating you should look for in a garden light is IPX3 (normally IP43), which protects against rain or spraying water at a 60° angle from vertical. Choose an IPX4 (normally IP44) rating for exposed areas.

- Decking or patio lights are often jet-cleaned, which requires an IPX5 rating or above. IP65 is a good target, as it indicates a dust-tight housing as well as resistance to jets of water.

- Lights to be installed in shallow water up to 1m deep require a rating of IPX7.

- If installing lights at depths of over 1m in ponds or swimming pools, opt for a fitting with an IPX8 rating. (Always check manufacturer’s information before any underwater installation).

Light sources (Pros & Cons)

The light sources used in outdoor lighting each carry their own advantages and disadvantages. In recent years LED has become the main choice for lighting, both in commercial and residential buildings.

- LED lighting is energy efficient and has an average lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. LED lamps produce a heatless beam of light, so they can be installed near plants without causing damage. They also emit little or no UV (ultraviolet) light, making them less attractive to insects. LED technology combines well with solar energy—many outdoor LED lights are free to run!

- HID lamps are used to light large areas. They vary in type from a metal halide lamp for good colour recognition to a sodium lamp with poor colour rendering but incredible energy efficiency. These lights are mostly too powerful for homes or hospitality venues, but useful for applications such as car parks, access roads or sports areas.

Outdoor lighting styles

Lighting styles are diverse, but they can be boiled down to “traditional” and “contemporary” for outdoor purposes. Some designs are neutral enough to be used in any type of setting.

Traditional

Traditional outdoor lights often have a lantern design that dates back to 17^th century England, though is most associated with Victorian times. Lanterns are still popular today and used in post lights, pedestal lights, wall lights and lamp posts. The Alex Post Lantern resembles a 19^th century lamp post, for example.

Another form of traditional outdoor fitting is the nautically inspired “fisherman’s light”. This is used mostly in wall lights and porch pendants and involves a simple enclosed lamp design with a metal cover. The Nordlux Luxembourg Wall Light is an example. The austerity of this design makes it suitable for some modern settings, also.

Contemporary

There are many contemporary outdoor lighting products, with LED technology encouraging sleek designs. Often discreet, you can install modern products like the Searchlight Messina outside a traditional property without necessarily detracting from its character.

Bolder outdoor luminaires such as stainless steel post and pedestal lights suit only modern surroundings. The Edit Inti, for instance, is distinctly up-to-date and capitalises on LED technology for long life and minimal maintenance.

Extend those evenings

If you’re lucky enough to own a garden, enjoy what is already yours and let the forbidding night be a thing of the past! Installing outdoor lights needn’t be complicated, especially with a plug and play lighting system. If you’re a pub landlord, restaurateur, hotelier or other business owner, it’s never been easier than now to light up your outdoor space.

Feel free to browse our full range of outdoor lights for a clearer idea of what’s available.

For more advice and guidance take a look at our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Charles started Lyco in 1995 with just 4 enthusiastic employees and has grown it considerably over the past 25 years. Charles is also the Managing Director of Lighting Direct and newly acquired Online Lighting. He now has a team of 50 lighting experts working on growing Lyco Group to be the UK leader in lighting for both businesses and homes. Away from the office he is a keen cyclist and is proud to have cycled 1017 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new residential centre for adults with multiple learning difficulties.

Dusk To Dawn Lights – More Than Just Lighting

Posted on 21st October 201928th September 2022 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 28th September 2022

A built-in photocell is used in ‘dusk to dawn lights’ to automatically switch light on when darkness falls and off again at sunrise. Many such lights include a lux setting, so you can determine how dark it needs to be before they activate. Some have a manual override feature for regular on/off control. Dusk to dawn lights are not only convenient, but they also add an element of security to any home or business premises.

Automatic Lighting for Outdoor Spaces

Peace of mind lighting

Because dusk to dawn lighting operates automatically, it creates the illusion that a property might be occupied whether it is or not. That alone is enough to deter an opportunistic intruder while also bringing you peace of mind. Without any murky areas of concealment, criminals are always likely to move on to a more vulnerable target. If you combine dusk to dawn lights with a CCTV system, you should avoid most unwanted attention.

A welcoming sight

A business that operates late into the night such as a hotel, motel, or bar, wants the world to know its premises is open. Dusk to dawn lights let potential customers know you are there, at their service, and there’s no reliance on staff members switching light fittings on and off. The lights will routinely switch on exactly when visibility reduces, everyday, so that your business is always seen to its best advantage.

By choosing your dusk to dawn lights carefully, you’ll create a welcoming ambience that entices custom. The lights that attract customers will also discourage crooks. PIR lights are another useful deterrent against crime, startling any intruder with what is often a bright, stark light when it’s a modern floodlight. This is not desirable treatment for customers, but PIR floodlights can be used in areas not intended for public access such as back yards.

DIY CONNECTABLE EASYFIT LIGHTS

Plug and play outdoor lighting schemes are easy to design and surprisingly affordable. Because they use low voltage lights, they are entirely safe to install and require no electrician. Lyco sells an extensive range of Markslojd Easyfit 12 volt connectable lighting, including a diverse selection of products that can cater for most outdoor lighting needs.

The right lighting for the job

Using the right dusk to dawn lights for each location and purpose is vital for success, to either light a building for security purposes or show off a beautiful façade.

The Lutec Sunshine LED Solar Floodlight has a built in PIR Sensor and operates between dusk to dawn. This light is completely self-sufficient, recharging by day and switching on automatically at dusk.

Wall lights can be part of your dusk to dawn lighting scheme, too. Lyco recommends the Caris Outdoor Wall Light for a modern doorway or patio area. This is another offering from Markslojd, a Swedish lighting company with a worldwide reputation for excellent outdoor luminaires and decorative bulbs.

For a traditional hospitality business or home, the lantern design remains a firm favourite. The Coach Wall Up Lantern from Edit adds a Dickensian feel to the outside of any premises, though there’s nothing Victorian about its light source. This fitting is designed to accept only low energy fluorescent bulbs, so it commits you to eco-friendliness.

A second solar lighting option is the set of four garden stake lights Martello by Suri. These are great for accenting garden features such as trees, shrubs, or statues. Best of all, they’re free to run & environmentally friendly!

Lighting control

With dusk to dawn control you’ll benefit from great lighting every night, with no further action required. Remembering to switch lights on or off is no longer necessary: you’ll have a light sensor to do both at just the right times. A garden lighting scheme can be installed with little effort or expense if you plump for the plug and play option. Other fittings will usually need an electrician. Either way, you’ll soon see the benefits of dusk to dawn lighting, as will your customers.

Please browse our full range of Dusk To Dawn Lighting products to find exactly what you need. Our friendly sales team is always on hand to offer specific guidance.

If you’re looking for lighting news, inspiration or information, check out our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Coastal lighting – things to remember

Posted on 7th November 20189th August 2024 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 9th August 2024

Regardless of where you are in Great Britain, you’re never really more than about 70 miles from the sea. The coast plays some part in most of our lives, even if it’s only a place where we occasionally go to relax with family or friends. It’d be a rare British photo album that was bereft of any seaside snaps!

If you are running or opening a business near the sea – perhaps one that caters specifically for the holidaymaker like a B&B or seafront hotel – effective exterior lighting helps create that all-important first impression. But as we’re about to discover, coastal locations present particular challenges for specifiers, designers, or end-users when it comes to choosing suitable materials and products.

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Salt Exposure

Various influencing factors dictate the amount of airborne salt that a coastal property is subjected to. These include topographical features such as beaches and cliffs, land and water temperature differences, wind speeds and direction, sea and surf turbulence, and land projections into the sea. Coastal salt is hygroscopic – it attracts water, thus it easily creates a highly corrosive electrolyte solution that acts as a catalyst to oxidation and rust. This only gets worse as the seasons warm up and humidity rises.

A building that is close to sea water is patently exposed to more salt than one that is several miles inland, whether it’s by direct spray or splashing, although this may be mitigated by a sheltered or calmer location such as a harbour or estuary. Regardless, if you’re within a few miles of the sea you’ll save yourself needless hassle and expense by investing in the right kind of light fitting from the outset.

Material gains – misconceptions and making the right choice

When choosing exterior lights for a coastal property you’d be forgiven for thinking that stainless steel may be a good choice of material. After all, under ordinary circumstances it lives up to its name by not staining or corroding easily. However, stainless steel is manufactured to a variety of tolerances and is graded accordingly; the type of stainless steel you’ll typically find in lighting products is no match for airborne sodium chloride and its high-speed corrosive effects.

Installing standard-grade stainless steel at a coastal location will result in staining and corrosion within a short space of time; even regular marine-grade stainless steel can sometimes be susceptible to corrosion in harsh environments. In any case, marine-grade stainless steels such as types 316 or the more resilient 2205 are prohibitively expensive for the purposes of lighting manufacture, so aren’t typically used.

Brass is another popular choice for outdoor lighting under normal circumstances, but in coastal areas it becomes vulnerable to corrosion by the same path as stainless steel – a process that is accelerated in either of those metals when temperature and humidity levels rise above an optimum salt activation level (10°C and 76% humidity in the case of sodium chloride, which is the predominant chloride in coastal salt). Most types of brass are prone to a process called ‘dezincification’, which increases vulnerability towards corrosion, and excludes it as a suitable and affordable material for coastal lighting products.

Light-fitting materials particularly suitable for coastal areas are:

Bronze, a copper alloy that oxidizes very superficially to produce a protective layer—the attractive verdigris patina that is often seen in outdoor bronze statues. Be sure to double-check for coastal suitability, as ‘bronze-finish’ lights are unlikely to be resistant to salt corrosion.
Galvanised steel is coated with a zinc oxide and once exposed produces a protective compound called zinc carbonate, which retards corrosion. Note that products manufactured in galvanised steel are likely to be irregular in texture and finish, which is often considered an inherent part of each item’s unique appeal.
Copper can be pre-treated to preserve its polished finish or left to its own natural devices to form a weather-resistant patina (copper carbonate). Again, the more natural look is sometimes preferred.
Polycarbonates are often used in no-nonsense exterior lighting designs, and are an ideal choice for coastal applications where function takes precedence over decorative appearance. Construction is usually extremely tough – resistant to vandalisation as well as the elements.

Looking For Coastal Garden Lights?
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Maintenance of coastal lights

Whilst polycarbonate products are intrinsically low maintenance, copper and galvanised steel used in a corrosive coastal environment can benefit from a regular dousing with fresh water. General cleaning of a galvanised surface can be carried out with laundry or car wash soaps, taking great care to thoroughly rinse afterwards. Avoid any type of abrasive or mechanical cleaning that is likely to breach the zinc patina of the product, as resulting damage means the coating has to then repair itself, and by digging into its reserve of zinc this reduces the effective lifespan of the fitting. Try to rinse your exterior lights around once a month.

Tried & Tested Bestsellers

To supplement this guide to coastal lighting, please allow us to point you towards a selection of high quality products that are resilient to corrosive sea air!

Galvanised Steel

In terms of galvanised steel lights you might like the Edit Coastal Wall Light or perhaps the Bonnie Outdoor Up & Down Light for garden or paving areas. You’ll note that many of our exterior lights are Scandinavian in origin, the Scandinavians being vastly experienced in lighting design for harsh environments!

Copper

We also offer handsome copper lights suitable for coastal locations such as the Blokhus Wall Light. This light comes with a 15-year anti-corrosion guarantee, and as you’d expect offer complete weather-proofing, as evidenced by the IP54 Ingress Protection rating.

BRASS

Finally, we have an exclusive range of solid brass outdoor wall lights that are coastal resistant and new to our site for 2020. These are amazing value and come with a 5 year guarantee.

Lyco has an extensive range of coastal resistant lights, so whether you run a restaurant or B&B, a hotel or residential home, or any other form of business that happens to be within 15 miles of the sea, you can be sure we have your needs covered!

For more advice, inspiration and news take a look at our Lighting Advice section.

Looking For Coastal Lighting?
View our full range >

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Andrew is an experienced buying professional who takes an entrepreneurial approach to identify new lighting solutions and ensure Lyco have first-to-market ranges for our customers. Having previously worked for well known brands such as Wickes, Carphone Warehouse and Toys R Us, Andrew has now turned his hand to sourcing commercial lighting and ensure our customers receive top brand quality products at marketing leading prices. He manages a team of commercial and decorative buyers who travel the world finding new products that our customers don’t even know they need yet.

Bollards, Pedestals & Posts Explained

Posted on 27th March 201629th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

The differences between bollards, pedestals and posts may not lose you much sleep at night, but they’re handy to know when buying outdoor lights. You’ll often see the terms used randomly, so here we attempt to sort them out.

Three definitions:

Bollard: A thick, sturdy post with a light on top, commonly used as commercial security lighting around perimeters and walkways.
Pedestal: A lantern or modern alternative with a short base for use on walls, pedestals or steps. Ideal for marking entrances to paths and driveways.
Post: A slimmer, often taller version of a bollard with a light at the top. Ideal for lighting garden paths or showing off plants and shrubs.

Posts & Bollards

Post and pedestal light fittings are ideal for providing effective outdoor post lighting where there is no suitable place for a wall light. Larger fittings are perfect for creating dramatic entrances or lighting an area where a smaller fitting would be obscured by tall plants or buildings.

Our smaller post and garden spike lights provide more discreet lighting for unobtrusive ambient light.

Pedestal lights

Lyco offers a wide variety of pedestal lights, ranging from traditional lanterns to modern stainless steel designs. These short outdoor fittings are ideal for bordering paths or decking areas and placing on top of walls, pedestals, or steps.

They add mood to gardens as well as providing light for safe movement. We have pedestal lights for all settings, whether a commercial exterior or the garden of a home, pub, or restaurant.

Coastal use

Stainless steel and painted metal light fittings do not protect against salt corrosion and are unsuitable for coastal use. Anywhere within 10 miles of the sea is deemed a coastal site by Lyco.

Norlys painted steel and aluminium lights come with long anti-corrosion guarantees of 15 and 25 years. They can be used as close as 4 miles from the sea without voiding the warranty.

Copper and galvanised steel products are always suitable for use near the sea. Once in place, they form a natural patina that inhibits corrosion. The harsher the environment, the quicker this happens. Polycarbonate fittings are also a good choice for coastal sites.

Why not take a look at our full range of Posts, Bollards & Pedestal Lighting?

For more advice, inspiration and news, please visit our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Driveway Lights – how to make an entrance

Posted on 26th January 20159th August 2024 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 9th August 2024

Driveway lights are useful outside any home, if only to avoid scraping the car against low-lying walls or crunching over an abandoned toy. This modest aim usually requires only a few lights, but a larger property set back in extensive grounds is a slightly different proposition. Read on to discover how to light a longer driveway, whether for a restaurant or hotel, a health club or spa, a sizeable residence, or a private hospital.

The entrance

Entrances don’t have to be grandiose, but it is useful to have one or two lights at the start of a long driveway or an opening in a wall. The traditionally styled Alex Post Lantern suits this purpose. Alternatively, a pair of pedestal lights can be positioned on top of a wall at either side of an entrance.

The approach

Once your visitor has negotiated the outer entrance, a safe and easy approach is desirable to the building itself. Lights should be placed on bends and make obstacles visible, including trees, walls, boulders or outdoor seats.

A post light such as the Searchlight Pagoda can be used to line a driveway. Its louvred design combats glare whilst still providing a guiding light. It is a good idea to stagger the posts on either side of the driveway rather than have them symmetrical. This is more comfortable on the eyes of the driver and avoids the airport runway look on any straight stretches.

If the driveway lies in an exposed area, solar-powered lights are an option. The Assisi Solar LED Lantern charges by day and automatically switches on at dusk. Solar lights work even in overcast conditions, though the recharging process is hastened by direct sunlight. One of the great advantages of solar lighting is ease of installation, including the ability to site them almost anywhere without needing an electrician.

While your guests are being safely led along the driveway, one or two other lights might be used to create an impression. The Techman Garden Spotlight is perfect for lighting a rockery or a distinctive tree or shrub. It should be thoughtfully positioned so as not to dazzle drivers. With an IP68 rating, the Techmar is especially useful for lighting water features.

Front of house

Your visitor has navigated the snaking driveway and now arrives in front of the destination, in what is an open paved area for parking. To light this parking area the Hibria LED Ground Light may suit. This hardwearing ground light can be walked over, driven over, submerged in shallow water, and provides upward lighting without glare. It’s a modern lighting solution, but discreet and practical.

Out of the car

Having exited the car, steps lead up towards the entrance of the building. Perhaps these steps are bordered by two Searchlight Alex Pedestal Lanterns. These rainproof luminaires are protected against both dust and splashing water, these lights can easily cope with British weather.

As the steps are climbed, Norfolk Post Lanterns stand at each landing to ensure good visibility. The lanterns happen to show off the colourful shrubbery at each side as well as allowing safe passage.

The front of the building is cosily lit with an attractive pair of Searchlight Trapani Black Half Lanterns to frame the doorway. A clear-glassed lantern such as the Trapani is ideal for showing off decorative filament bulbs, which do an excellent job in creating mood. Regular bulbs can be used if a stronger, more practical light is required.

Mixing styles

Outdoor lighting style usually reflects the style of the property, from the entrance and driveway to the front door and beyond.

Although it is not desirable to mix styles, modern outdoor lights are often designed for effect rather than show. Thus, you will be able to install ground lights or decking lights without detracting from the character of the building. The development of LED technology has enabled very subtle lighting designs.

Ostentatious clashes of style are best avoided, so you don’t want lantern-style post lights and pedestals mixing with conspicuously modern geometric designs.

Planning

It is useful to plan outdoor lighting by walking the ground beforehand. Identify hazards like obstructions, bends and dark areas. Sketching your proposed lighting scheme may help visualize it, regardless of artistic ability.

This article has drawn from several lighting ranges, but you may prefer sticking to one for effortless continuity. The popular Elstead Norfolk or Searchlight Alex ranges provide a choice of products in a traditional style. For contemporary settings, Elstead’s Glenbeigh range provides an answer.

If you live close to the coast, driveway lights made of copper or galvanised steel are suitable. Polycarbonate is another possibility, where practicality is the main concern. The Nordlux Blokhus range is made with non-lacquered copper, which naturally resists salt corrosion by oxidising over time and forming a verdigris patina.

For further advice on any product or lighting project, please contact the friendly Lyco sales team.

Need more outdoor lighting options? If so, why not browse our full outdoor lighting range?

Alternatively, if you’re looking for more inspiration… take a look in our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Outdoor lights for staff safety

Posted on 15th September 20149th August 2024 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 9th August 2024

Lighting affects our working lives in several ways. It has a major effect on our health and mental welfare and may protect life and limb in dangerous manual jobs. At either end of a working day employees enter or leave a workplace. It’s essential they’re able to do this without risk of accident or physical threat. Outdoor lights for staff safety deserve close attention. This article points you towards specific products to help keep employees safe.

Outdoor car parks

European Standard 12464-2 gives useful advice on car park lighting. It recommends surface illuminance of at least 5 lux for car parks with low traffic and 20 lux for busy parking zones. The size of the car park will influence your lighting choice. A light mounted high up covers more ground and avoids glare, but it needs to emit more light to maintain intensity. The distance covered by a floodlight is roughly twice its mounting height.

The Dextra 400W Metal Halide Floodlight suits a high mounting position. This fitting produces far more light than a 400W halogen equivalent. Good-quality colour rendering makes car recognition easier and aids crime detection. Our choice of metal halide floodlights caters for many applications.

For large areas of lighting, there is the Dextra 400W SON Floodlight. This floodlight is energy efficient and throws out even more light than the 400W metal halide lamp, but its colour rendering is poorer. Nonetheless, it allows some colour recognition and is suitable for many outdoor purposes.

Covered car parks

Covered car parks have different lighting needs to open parking spaces. They are trickier to navigate, and their hemmed-in nature causes a sense of unease if poorly lit. The psychological effect of lighting is important; staff should feel safe as well as being as safe as possible. Suggested lux levels are 75 lux for driving lanes, entrances, exits and parking bays; a minimum 100 lux for pedestrian areas; and 150 lux for ramps, corners, and junctions.

A good choice for covered car parks is the Eterna IP65 T8 Weatherproof Fluorescent Batten. This inexpensive light source is dust-tight and resistant to jets of water. LED substitutes for fluorescent tubes last longer and are 30-40% more energy efficient. The Robus Vulcan LED Batten is an example. These lights are ideal for tunnels or sheltered paths, too.

Paths

Paths need good lighting for the safety and security of staff. An illuminance level of between 5 and 20 lux is recommended. The Eterna Outdoor Wall Light includes a photocell to trigger light at dusk and is suitable for a path alongside a building. The eye-lid design helps to reduce glare and protect visibility.

Any obstacle or change of direction along a path demands good lighting. Adequate corner lighting helps prevent accidents. The Eterna Well Corner Light comes with a special mount to allow this. It is wise to keep building extremities amply lit for reasons of personal security, especially when publicly accessible.

For brick buildings, a discreet way of lighting adjoining paths is with brick lights such as the JCC Fresco Low Energy Brick Light. This ensures enough lighting at ground level while also cutting out glare.

Post lights such as the modern Edit Inti LED Post allow safe passage along isolated paths. Floodlights are useful for lighting large outside spaces and provide a safe environment for all employees and visitors.

Bike sheds

Fluorescent tubes are fine in bike sheds, but the Eterna 11W IP65 LED Bulkhead also satisfies. This compact fitting has a built-in photocell to trigger light automatically at dusk.

Security Camera

Security cameras deters criminals by capturing, relaying and saving video footage. You can remotely access cameras through a computer, tablet or smartphone. Lyco sells a wide range of security camera to keep your business and employees safe.

Lux measurement

Lux is a unit of illumination equal to one lumen of light spread evenly over a 1m² surface. It measures light intensity at the surface plane. As the distance of a lamp increases, so does the surface area that it lights, while light intensity (lux) decreases.

There are various light calculators available on the Internet, but a lux meter offers a cheap and reliable means of ensuring sufficient light for any application inside or outside a workplace.

Further info

For advice on related topics, please look at our security lighting feature. Our outdoor light buying guide may also be helpful.

For more useful information and advice please take a look at our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Security lighting – protect your premises

Posted on 1st September 20149th August 2024 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 9th August 2024

Whether you’re safeguarding a home or a business premises, security lighting is one of the more effective measures you’ll take against unwanted visitors. Before investing in security, try briefly adopting a criminal mindset so you can identify vulnerable parts of your building. Look for easy areas of concealment near doors and windows and trim any trees or shrubs that offer a natural hiding place or obscure vision.

As well as good security lighting, consider installing alarms, full security systems, CCTV, perimeter fencing and warning signs. Ensure your locks are sturdy. Sliding glass doors are a common unlawful entry point into homes. To counteract this, they can be fitted with dowel rods, security sensors, and shatter alarms. Screws and washers are sometimes inserted to prevent such doors being hoisted from their frame.

Lyco stocks various products to help thwart intruders and vandals, but we’ll primarily discuss security lighting.

Sensors

There are two types of sensor typically used in outdoor security lights: PIR sensor and photocell (commonly called a dusk-to-dawn sensor).

The PIR sensor is essentially a motion sensor that detects changes in IR radiation. Any movement within a given range triggers light for a short, often adjustable duration.

A photocell measures ambient light levels and triggers light on and off at dusk and dawn, respectively. This creates the impression that a property may be occupied, acting as a useful deterrent.

Light technologies

All lighting technologies have particular advantages and disadvantages, which may affect your buying decision when choosing security lights. Here are some of the relevant factors:

Low-energy fluorescent lights are rarely used with PIR sensors because of their warm-up time, but this is less of an issue with dusk-to-dawn light sensors, where immediate bright light isn’t necessary. The ASD Horizon Bulkhead offers automatically tripped overnight lighting using an economical 2D fluorescent lamp.
LED lighting offers numerous advantages outdoors, including reliable low-temperature performance, immediate full-power light (useful with PIR sensors), resistance to shock or vibration, and a naturally directional output that reduces light pollution. The Selene Solar Spotlights, for instance, can light an area at a distance of 20 metres with minimal light wasted outside of the spotlight beam.
Sodium lamps are often used in security lighting. They offer incredible energy efficiency, though colour rendering is relatively poor. A SON lamp allows some identification of colour, while a SOX lamp produces a monochromatic light that forfeits colour but heightens human perception of contrast. The Dextra 400W SON Floodlight with Photocell lights very large outdoor areas with a performance that may easily exceed 120 lumens per watt. It is ideal for industrial areas, building perimeters and car parks.

Home security lights

Security lights for the home needn’t be expensive, either to buy or run. The Edit Coastal Sennen Wall Lantern is available with or without a PIR sensor. A PIR light is useful for legitimate entry into a home as well as deterring intruders, and it saves the expense of running a permanently switched fitting.

The Nemi Globe Wall Light uses a photocell to automatically light the outside of any home overnight and switch itself off in the morning. This fitting is IP44 rated, which is a good all-round specification for rain proofing and resistance to dust.

Lighting doesn’t get any cheaper to run than when it’s solar-powered, with LED development opening up a whole new market in this area. LEDs are a low-voltage light source, so they feed very efficiently off a solar-charged battery and need remarkably little power. The Evo15 Solar PIR Utility Light is a security light that is free to run and can be discreetly installed outside the home.

Business security lights

Though there aren’t any strict definitions, business security lights will often be plainer in design and stronger in output — different to residential lights in ways you’d expect. The ESP Nighthawk LED Security Floodlight with built-in PIR sensor is a robust example. – View our current Security Floodlights here.

This 12W luminaire has a 10-metre, 160° range and projects a powerful 1100 lumens of light. Its Nichia LEDs have a mighty 91 lumens-per-watt output, which makes the manual override facility all the more attractive; this is an economical floodlight for general use, too. Nighthawk floodlights can be configured in a slave system, where multiple fittings are triggered by one PIR sensor or photocell.

Also from ESP is the Guard-Cam Security Floodlight, which not only lights up intruders with a powerful halogen lamp, but also records them with video or still images. An audio mode allows playback of a pre-recorded warning to say “you are being recorded by a security camera” and also has a barking dog option. You can even record your own politely phrased messages. – View our live floodlights with security cameras.

Security Camera

The presence of cameras is enough to dissuade most opportunist intruders from committing crime and gives any property owner peace of mind. Lyco sells a wide range of security cameras, including ESP Guardcam LED Security Floodlight with Camera. Infrared cameras are often used, which project invisible IR light to effectively see in the dark as well as functioning normally during the day.

Our CCTV security systems can be remotely monitored from PCs, tablets, or smartphones, with special apps available for iPhones or Android phones. Email alerts can also be set up, so you’ll immediately know if the security system has been set off.

Entry systems and locks

To supplement any security lighting or CCTV measures, Lyco offers a range of door entry systems and door locks. These help protect your property during normal hours of business as well as overnight.

A false sense of security

Most of us are guilty of occasionally leaving windows open, not bothering to switch on alarms, or concealing keys in obvious places. Contrary to the popular saying, criminals rarely return to the scene of the crime. Avoid making their job easy the first time round.

Take a look at our full security lighting range.

Looking for more news, inspiration and advice? Try our Lighting Advice section

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Uplighting: beam it up for extra effect

Posted on 24th July 20149th August 2024 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 9th August 2024

If you’re wondering exactly what “uplighting” refers to, your first guess is right. It’s a commonly used term for any lighting purposefully directed upwards. Light fittings specifically designed for this are predictably known as uplighters or uplights. But what’s the point of this lighting technique?

Creating drama

There are a couple of reasons for deliberately throwing light upward. Primarily, uplights are used to create drama. In this role, the light is positioned on the floor or ground and the light is directed up at an acute angle to glance off a wall, or a fence, or perhaps a statue or tree – this method is used indoors and out.

One thing sharply angled light does is emphasise texture; many objects that look flat in regular light take on a dramatic appearance under acute illumination, with their surface detail revealed. This technique also brings out form. A single light source or an asymmetrical pair of lights shone from beneath (and other angles) provides “modelling”, where light and shade outlines the shape of any item.

It is occasionally said that uplighting looks dramatic because our natural expectation is for light to come from above. A more established fact is that areas of light and dark create atmosphere. Because uplights are often set against subdued background lighting, or even darkness, they are always a fantastic choice for creating ambience.

Reflecting light

Another reason for pointing indoor or sheltered luminaires upward is to bounce light off upper wall areas and ceilings. This has the effect of widely dispersing a smooth light that is completely free of glare. Effectively it turns the ceiling into the light source, and a larger light source creates softer, more flattering illumination.

Light fittings used in this fashion might include floor lamps, concealed fluorescent fittings, and spotlights. The spread of light always depends to some extend on the nearness of the light source to the ceiling, its beam angle, and the light’s angle of incidence as it strikes the surface.

Indoor uplighting

Indoor uplighting works in either of the roles previously discussed. Lighting for drama nearly always means placing a light fitting on the floor. Light that is reflected off a ceiling is usually either wall-mounted or a freestanding lamp. Here are some examples:

The Limina Plaster Uplighter is an attractive luminaire for a hospitality setting or home. Set against subdued background lighting it dramatically lights architectural features, wall-mounted art, sculpture, or houseplants. As a cabled fitting, it serves as a floor or table lamp.

The Mother & Child Floor Lamp directs a phenomenal amount of light towards the ceiling using a powerful LED bulb, which is dimmable for fine-tuned effect. This type of luminaire provides a lot of coverage with its big throw of omnidirectional light, which is further dispersed by nearby surfaces.

A fitting such as the Spot 79 Spotlight might fulfil a similar role to the Opus. By mounting it on a wall and aiming its light upwards, the problem of glare is avoided and a wide spread of light is achieved. Spotlights are often overlooked for this purpose, but they provide good coverage for confined areas while taking up minimal space.

Outdoor uplighting

Most of us have probably noticed outdoor uplighting being used whilst on our travels, perhaps to dramatically illuminate a great cathedral at night. Architectural lighting is one way it is used, which will typically involve a powerful ground-fixed floodlight in outdoor situations.

The Edit Arris Wall Light is usable either as an outdoor uplight or downlight and is ideal for any modern premises. It is intended for decorative purposes, so how you install it falls to personal choice and may be influenced by existing lights or features.

Drama is usually the motive when using uplighting outside. Popular targets for outdoor uplighting include trees and shrubs, statues, gazebos, fences, trellises, and garden walls. The same principle applies: uplighting gives these subjects texture and form and creates visual interest.

For shrubs, smaller trees, and many other garden items, the Garden Spotlights are ideal, they can be aimed directly upward to accentuate shape. A stronger alternative to Garden Spotlights is the High Power LED Ground Light, which are great option for lighting up large trees or an alternative to wall uplighters.

Water features such as fountains or ponds are often lit from beneath, or within, not least to avoid the peril of surface glare. Here, a product like the set of Garland LED Walkover Lights works well. These provide decorative uplighting, and with their IP68 rating they can be immersed to a depth of 1 metre.

Become a lighting drama queen (or king)

We hope this article has provided you with ideas on how to create drama and mood with uplighting. It may have opened your eyes to how you can use existing surfaces to disperse light and avoid glare. Become a drama queen with your choice of lamps and light fittings!

Browse our full range of wall uplighters

Browse our full range of floor uplighters

For more inspiration and advice take a look at our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Plug and Play lighting – the ideal outdoor lighting solution

Posted on 6th June 201429th July 2021 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 29th July 2021

Plug and Play lighting – the benefits

Plug and play lighting allows end-users to easily design and install a tailored outdoor lighting scheme, without the need for an electrician. This modular low-voltage system is ideal for a garden, patio, poolside, or car park, and dramatically reduces the cost normally associated with a bespoke lighting solution.

Plug and Play lighting – getting started

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There are three steps to a basic Plug and Play set up:

The lights and their 2-metre connecting cables hook up to the main cable with waterproof 2-pin plugged sockets. A 3-way connector is also available, which lets you attach up to three lights to each socket.

Expansion of your lighting scheme is simple with this modular approach. The main thing to remember is that the total wattage of the circuit should not exceed the maximum load of the transformer. We offer a choice of 22W, 60W, and 150W transformers, designed to supply power across at least 35m of cable.

Main power cables are sold in 10m lengths with four connecting sockets, or 15m lengths with six sockets. Extension cables are also available, allowing lights to be positioned further from the main cable. None of the cables theoretically need to be concealed, although a light covering of soil is recommended to avoid needless damage. Because the system is low voltage, there is no threat to life if the cables are accidentally sliced.

For a visual explanation of how to set up a Plug & Play system simply click here or on our infographic above.

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Plug and Play lighting – in use

Our Plug and Play lighting products are designed to withstand the elements, and intended for year-round outdoor use. All power connections are watertight and suitable for siting in and around swimming pools or drainage areas. Included in the collection are bollards, post lights, spotlights, walkover lights, and wall lights.

There are various ways of controlling a Plug and Play lighting scheme. A dusk-to-dawn sensor automatically triggers lights at nightfall, and switches them off again after your specified duration. The sensor can control all of your lighting, or a single section of it, as you wish. Also available is a weatherproof wireless remote control, which can operate up to nine separate groups of lights at a maximum 40m range.

LED lights are incredibly energy efficient and last up to 20 times longer than halogen alternatives. However, halogen lights, which also feature in this range, offer superior colour rendering. They make a particularly strong choice for lighting red-coloured grasses, shrubs, trees, and decorations, with their naturally warm bias.

Safe and simple outdoor lighting

The inherent safety of a Plug and Play lighting scheme makes it a reassuring choice for the protection of children or pets. In many instances you won’t even need tools for installation, though a screwdriver may be required with some light fittings.

For businesses looking to renovate and update the look of their exteriors, our Plug and Play lighting range offers a solution that’s cost-effective, easy to install and flexible. Homeowners can reap the nocturnal rewards of their own property for minimal outlay.

Are you looking for more lighting news, inspiration, or information? Check out our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Buying Guides – Outdoor Lighting

Designing a Lighting Scheme

Ambient or background lighting

Accent lighting

Task lights

Dusk to dawn sensors

PIR sensors & security

IP Ratings – A brief guide to Waterproof Lighting

Light sources (Pros & Cons)

Outdoor lighting styles

Traditional

Contemporary

Extend those evenings

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Automatic Lighting for Outdoor Spaces

Peace of mind lighting

A welcoming sight

DIY CONNECTABLE EASYFIT LIGHTS

The right lighting for the job

Lighting control

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Material gains – misconceptions and making the right choice

Maintenance of coastal lights

Tried & Tested Bestsellers

Galvanised Steel

Copper

BRASS

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Bollards, Pedestals & Posts Explained

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The entrance

The approach

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Out of the car

Mixing styles

Planning

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Paths

Bike sheds

Security Camera

Lux measurement

Further info

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Security lighting – protect your premises

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Business security lights

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Entry systems and locks

A false sense of security

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Uplighting: beam it up for extra effect

Creating drama

Reflecting light

Indoor uplighting

Outdoor uplighting

Become a lighting drama queen (or king)

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Plug and Play lighting – the ideal outdoor lighting solution

Plug and Play lighting – the benefits

Plug and Play lighting – getting started

Plug and Play lighting – in use

Safe and simple outdoor lighting

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