Selecting the right light bulbs for outdoor fixtures involves considering factors such as IP rating, brightness and color requirements, energy efficiency, and features like remote access or scheduling. Standard incandescent bulbs can be used outdoors as long as they are not directly exposed to rain, and covered locations are ideal. For exterior lighting, opt for bulbs with a max CCT of 3,000K or lower, which is described as warm, very warm, or extra-warm white light.
Lumen levels play a crucial role in determining the right amount of brightness for outdoor lighting. Outdoor bulbs provide extra security and visibility for those coming and going after dark while enhancing the home’s exterior. Responsible outdoor lighting should be used only when needed, considering the impact on wildlife and the environment. LED lights are the best choice for outdoor lighting due to their energy efficiency and excellent light output.
The amount of brightness required for outdoor lighting can vary, and the necessary number of lumens can fall anywhere between 50 and 100. Outdoor bulbs are more versatile than indoor light bulbs, and they are generally safe, durable, longer-lasting, and more energy-efficient.
Indoor bulbs can be used in outdoor spaces, but they come with some drawbacks. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last around 25 times longer. With the right protection, standard light bulbs can thrive outdoors and offer distinct advantages compared to purpose-built alternatives.
📹 Automated Outdoor Lighting – dusk to dawn, or scheduled
In this video, Chris shows 3 ways to automate your outdoor lighting so they work in unison without having to manually turn …
Do you need outdoor light bulbs?
When replacing outdoor lighting, it’s crucial to choose the right bulbs for safety and functionality. Outdoor bulbs are more versatile and are generally suitable for indoor use. Indoor light bulbs are not recommended for outdoor fixtures, but outdoor bulbs are more suitable for indoor use. Bulb ratings for outdoor use are based on the UL rating, which indicates the bulb’s ability to withstand damp or wet conditions.
The UL listing can be found in online descriptions or on the box, allowing you to determine the difference between indoor and outdoor light bulbs. Choosing the right bulb for your outdoor lighting needs is essential for safety and functionality.
Can you use normal bulbs in outdoor lights?
It is possible for standard light bulbs to flourish in outdoor settings with the appropriate safeguards in place, offering a number of benefits over purpose-built alternatives. To optimize safety and enrich outdoor experiences, it is recommended to adhere to the following guidelines for LEDs and outdoor smart bulbs. The plethora of outdoor lighting solutions available offers boundless potential for the creation of visually stunning and safe-lit spaces.
Can you use indoor light bulbs in outdoor fixtures?
UL listed bulbs are safe for indoor use only, such as living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, hallways, or closets. They are not suitable for outdoor use unless fully encased in a waterproof fixture. For damp locations, these bulbs can be used in covered areas, but they can withstand some moisture but are not suitable for very wet locations. They can be used in ceiling fans of a covered patio but are not suitable for very wet locations. For uncovered spaces like driveways or landscaping, use UL listed bulbs, as they may be exposed to rain. Most outdoor lights are UL listed for wet locations.
Do outdoor lights use more electricity?
Outdoor-specific LED bulbs use less energy than indoor bulbs, even at twice the wattage. Pinewood Landscaping, a full-service commercial and residential landscape company in New England, offers high-quality, fast, reliable, and affordable landscaping services. They have built a reputation for delivering high-quality, fast, reliable, and affordable results in all areas related to landscaping, from design to long-term maintenance. With a focus on sustainable landscape solutions, Pinewood Landscaping is proud to be one of the best-rated companies in New England.
What kind of bulbs to use outside?
The best outdoor light bulbs include LED, incandescent, halogen, CFL, and HD bulbs, each with advantages like energy efficiency and lifespan. Indoor light bulbs are not recommended for outdoor fixtures due to their inability to withstand outdoor conditions like temperature changes and humidity. To choose the right color for your outdoor space, choose bulbs with a color temperature between 2500K-4000K, with warm white and natural white being ideal for creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Do you have to use outdoor lights?
Certain bulbs and fixtures are designed for indoor or outdoor use, with weather-resistant bulbs being ideal for outdoor use. Outdoor lighting is easier to use in transitional spaces like screened porches or Florida rooms, but there is a higher risk of damage due to inclement weather. Indoor lighting can also be used in these spaces, but it is important to consider the risk of damage in areas with high wind, rain, or other inclement weather. For more information on various bulbs and fixtures, consult industry experts at Premier Lighting to help select the right lights for your home.
What is the problem of outdoor light?
Fixtures exposed to rain, snow, and wind are prone to premature light bulb burnout due to water and dirt getting inside, corroding the socket, or causing a bad connection. To prevent this, use wet-rated outdoor bulbs with seals to protect against moisture and fogging, preventing corrosion and premature failure. There are two types of outdoor bulbs: damp-rated, which can withstand some moisture but not direct exposure to water, and wet-rated, which are suitable for fixtures that might encounter rain, dripping water, or standing water. Intermittent and flickering lights can be caused by faulty socket connections or defective light bulbs.
What kind of bulb goes in an outside light?
The best outdoor light bulbs include LED, incandescent, halogen, CFL, and HD bulbs, each with advantages like energy efficiency and lifespan. Indoor light bulbs are not recommended for outdoor fixtures due to their inability to withstand outdoor conditions like temperature changes and humidity. To choose the right color for your outdoor space, choose bulbs with a color temperature between 2500K-4000K, with warm white and natural white being ideal for creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Can any light bulb go outdoors?
Choosing an LED bulb for outdoor use is crucial as it can withstand the elements and work just as effectively indoors. However, the main issue with outdoor lighting is the unsafe mingling of water and electricity. Different measures and constructions may be required depending on the location and fixture. Incandescent bulbs have indoor and damp/damp ratings, while fluorescent and CFL bulbs are more problematic due to their poor reaction to cold.
Some fluorescent lights are designed for cold temperatures, so outdoor bulbs are recommended. CFL bulbs are recommended for indoor use only, as they may not work in cold temperatures. Overall, it’s essential to choose the right bulb for your outdoor lighting needs.
Is outdoor lighting worth it?
Outdoor lighting is a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. It not only provides a welcoming atmosphere but also enhances security and safety. Outdoor lighting designers can help homeowners find lighting that not only adds beauty to their property but also provides home security. They will look for shadowy areas and install motion sensor lights to deter intruders. Outdoor pathways, steps, stairs, and walkways will also be safer for both homeowners and guests after dark.
In addition to increasing security and safety, outdoor lighting also improves the enjoyment of outdoor living spaces. If you have invested in landscape design for enjoyment, such as an outdoor kitchen on a deck or patio, a firepit, or a pool, outdoor lighting allows you to enjoy those spaces well into the evening. A professionally installed system can be set up for your property’s specific needs, allowing the lighting designer to focus on areas that increase safety, curb appeal, and comfort.
In conclusion, outdoor lighting offers numerous benefits, including increased security, safety, curb appeal, increased value, and increased enjoyment of your property. Working with an experienced outdoor lighting design and installation team is the best way to make the most of your outdoor spaces. Contact Sprinkler Pro for more information on their lighting design and installation services.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor LED light bulbs?
LED lights are versatile lighting solutions that offer a range of color rendering options for both indoor and outdoor use. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a key factor in determining the brightness of indoor LED lights, which should be balanced to match the space’s ambiance. Outdoor LED lights require a higher CRI to counteract natural daylight effects, while indoor LED lights need a balanced CRI to provide adequate illumination. The brightness of indoor LED lights, determined by lumens, is also a crucial factor.
Outdoor LED lights need to be brighter to compete with natural daylight and provide ample illumination in open spaces. The durability and lifespan of indoor LED lights are also crucial. Outdoor LED lights are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, while indoor LED lights require a certain level of durability to resist accidental damage.
📹 LED Light Bulbs 101 | Ask This Old House
In this video, master electrician Heath Eastman enlightens host Kevin O’Connor on everything he needs to know about LED bulbs.
Not only did I find ALL I was looking for on this subject – IN ONE PLACE…including the actual sources for the products…I also got some tips for cool ways to use article to deliver a message…As a 76-year young homeowner, I subscribed…so, the next time I need a hand, you’ll rise to the top of the results. FYI – I was in the car-fixing trade but got my “basic training” from my Dad – A USN Seabee… But, I taught HIM to drive : )) Thanks, tOM
Great article! Color lights are cool! The Lutron Caseta switches do not require a neutral. They use a hub which I find to be better than individual WiFi switches in my experience. They also work with all the smart platforms like Siri, Alexa, Google… I think a hub is much more secure with regular updates that include security. I had LEVITON switches in the past which I removed. They were individual wi-Fi switches but would not reconnect after a power outage most of the time…
Really cool and informative. I’m dealing with a somewhat similar issue at my house. My front porch and garage lights are all wired on the same circuit with my front porch being illuminated by a cables led and wall mount lights on the garage. I may wind up going the route of the smart switch so all 4 turn on and off with dawn to dusk.
Hi Chris, great article, thank you so much for sharing how you set these options up. One thing I’d like to know: how can I use dusk to dawn at a dimmed preset, and use motion sensing to brighten those lights when people approach the house? I’ve seen a number of homes that have exterior lights around their properties and if you walk by them the lights go from a subdued brightness to a brighter one. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Brother!!
Hello, great article. My front exterior was wired to be dusk to dawn. There are 0 light switches to turn off the fixtures with the exception of the undermount fixture by the front door and back door. I replaced the fixtures mounted over the garage with Dusk to Dawn fixtures and they work great. There is lamp post with a sensor that works great too. I changed a fixture on the side of the house with the exact same dusk to dawn fixture as the ones over the garage. However, the light never turned off in the morning. Not sure if it was how I installed it, the fixture is bad, or the dusk to dawn feature won’t work on the that mount? I don’t want to leave the light on all day. Any ideas? Karen in Gig Harbor, WA
Hello sir, thank you for this GREAT and informative article! You’ve solved my problem and made it quite simpler than I’d imagined. One problem is I’d like to purchase the last link (yours) but it no longer works. It’s the one labeled (Clear RGBW Smart Bulbs (mine)) or if you could just put the actual name, part number or something that I can lookup? Appreciate you and thanks in advance!
I automated my outdoor lighting with Lutron Caseta switches. The interrupter switches require a neutral wire. If you don’t have a neutral wire, you can use s Lutron Caseta dimmer switch, provided the LED light is dimmable. Lutron has a cellphone app which makes monitoring, programming, and control easy. The Lutron switch can be programmed to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise, to your zip code. It follows sunset and sunrise times perfectly throughout the year, even during standard / daylights savings time changes. The time can also be shifted from the sunset and sunrise times for more precision control. The Lutron app also has Scenes, so you can group lights together, like swimming pool area lights, and control them all by turning on or off the scene. The downside with the Lutron Caseta switches are expensive.
I used a Leviton smart timer switch to set mine to go off and on at sunrise and sunset. The reason I went that route was because for security reasons, I didn’t want my lights dependent on internet connectivity. In the event of an internet outage or wifi burp, I didn’t want to potential miss on a on and off command to the lights. Especially when I’m away traveling. Perhaps it’s a non-issue, but that was my logic for that particular implementation.
Would love your advice about changing the condo complex I live in -to switch to Dusk to Dawn timed lighting. We have 8 bldgs. Currently the lights go on hours before dark and stay on long after sunrise. I’m an ardent environmentalist and this is a senseless waste of energy. (not to mention a large waste of money that it costs the homeowners.
I’ve been struggling to find a light fixture that my wife and I can agree to on the look but none of them have the functions I want. Seems to be impossible to find a motion light that looks good and isn’t a spot light. My ultimate want is a dim to bright motion light so there’s always light but it gets bright when someone comes up. Only found one but my wife said no! Lol