Planning is the Key for Outdoor Lighting

Exterior lighting plays a multi-faceted role in today’s world – enhancing visibility; providing  safe access; securing buildings and perimeters and deterring criminal – and last but not least enhancing the aesthetics of buildings and outdoor spaces.

Planning an outdoor lighting project goes beyond simply choosing a fitting and a place to install it. Successful design requires many considerations; from product styling and durability to CCT and brightness settings; positioning and mounting heights to spacing light pollution avoidance.

Contractors embarking on an outdoor lighting project should start by considering both how the space will be used and what the lighting requirements are, to help to guide the design and product specification.  Is lighting needed for user safety or to provide security? Is ambience and visual impact important? Will the space be used for leisure or just access purposes? Is constant illumination required?

It is also worth considering whether to incorporate any lighting effects. Those most commonly used are up-lighting, downlighting, wall washing, grazing, cross-lighting and mirroring – all of which can add depth and dimension and create atmosphere.

In terms of product specification, different areas require different types of products. For example, wall-mounted luminaires are ideal for building façades and wall areas; floodlights for car parks and large open spaces and bollards are ideal for pathways or landscaped zones.

Contractors should opt for robust products with a high IP and IK rating – those constructed from materials such as die-cast aluminium, polycarbonate or stainless-steel will last the longest against the elements.

Avoiding light pollution is a major consideration when designing an outdoor lighting installation and must not be overlooked. Clever placement, low level lighting and the specification of fittings that hold the DarkSky Fixture Seal of Approval accreditation, are all recommended, helping to keep light spill to a minimum.

Energy efficiency should be considered by contractors as outdoor lighting can on for many hours – especially during winter months – potentially increasing bills for your customers. Photocell or motion sensors are a great option, providing both cost and energy savings, while solar lighting is another brilliant option. More efficient solar panels, improved LED performance and better battery storage capabilities mean modern solar-powered lighting is now a reliable and high-performing choice, even in the UK’s less predictable climate.

Installation is quick and straightforward, with no need for disruptive outdoor cabling or electrical wiring work. And, of course, it is completely free to operate.

Smart technology is another game-changer in terms of energy-efficiency, allowing users to control, customise and automate lighting to operate only when areas are in use or at specific times. Connected lighting can also be used to enhance outdoor design and ambience, allowing users to select different colours and colour temperatures to transform the look and feel of a space.

Although there are many factors to consider with outdoor lighting projects, as a contractor, dedicating time to planning, design and product selection should ensure a happy end customer.