Outdoor lighting can elevate your home or business in countless ways. Not only is lighting practical, but it can also enhance your curb appeal, improve safety, and make your property the envy of the neighborhood.
Unfortunately, many outdoor lighting projects fail before any of those benefits come to fruition! A combination of poor planning, improper installation, low-quality fixtures, and inadequate maintenance can turn your vision into a sour reality.
Implementing new lighting seems like a straightforward task. However, many common mistakes can compromise the final product, affecting safety, efficiency, and overall quality.
Mister Sparky, Pompano’s on-time electrician, is here to help you get the results you want without the headaches. In this article, we’ll explore the most common outdoor lighting pitfalls and how you can avoid them.
Planning and Design Mistakes
Let’s start with some planning and design faux pas. While haphazard placement is often easier, investing the time to plan your outdoor lighting goes a long way.
1. Skipping a Lighting Plan
The Problem
Randomly placing lights throughout your property is a huge mistake. Arbitrary placement can lead to uneven lighting, which may negatively impact both safety and aesthetics.
The Fix
Take time to sketch your space and develop a lighting plan that makes sense. Planning and mindful design ensure your lighting is cohesive and functional. Work in layers and stack lighting to meet your property’s unique needs.
There are three primary types of outdoor lighting. These include:
• Ambient: Ambient lighting offers overall illumination, increasing brightness comfortably and setting the tone for the area.
• Task: Task lighting is more focused. Its goal can be to improve safety or provide light when performing specific activities, such as grilling or walking.
• Accent: Accent lighting is primarily for aesthetic appeal, highlighting specific architectural or landscaping features.
A good lighting plan will incorporate all three. Build your plan in layers to create an overall look customized to your property.
2. Overlighting or Underlighting
The Problem
Underlighting and overlighting refer to the position of the light source in relation to the subject. Overlighting illuminates an area or feature from above, while underlighting does so from below. Both are important; failing to consider underlighting and overlighting can create issues such as glare and dark, dimly lit zones.
The Fix
When planning your outdoor lighting, you want a balance of light to create the right visuals while also achieving all the necessary functionality. That means using a mix of underlighting and overlighting.
To avoid glare and dark zones, calculate lumens based on the overall square footage of the area you’re illuminating. Determine how bright you want areas to be, and layer lights accordingly to strike the perfect balance of underlighting and overlighting.
3. Ignoring Landscaping Features
The Problem
Your landscaping should complement your outdoor lighting and vice versa. Using simple flood lights makes all that beautiful landscaping get lost in the mix.
The Fix
Determine what focal points you want to highlight and use lighting to give them the attention they deserve. Consider highlighting features such as pathways, entrance points, trees, fountains, and any other notable features on your property.
4. Inconsistent Fixture Styles
The Problem:
You wouldn’t use several different styles of drawer pulls in your kitchen or a hodgepodge of light switches in your living room. So why mix lighting fixtures outside? Doing so creates a clash of aesthetics that detracts from the beauty of your property.
The Fix
Keep things consistent! More importantly, choose a fixture style that matches your home or commercial building’s architecture.
5. Failing to Consider Light Pollution
The Problem
Light pollution can be a real problem when installing outdoor lighting fixtures. Overdoing it can waste light and energy, annoy your neighbors, disrupt local wildlife, and negatively affect your circadian rhythm. You want your property to shine without being an overlit eyesore.
The Fix
There are many ways to mitigate light pollution. Calculate lumens and strategically layer light to maximize in-property illumination without overdoing it. You can also take advantage of techniques like downlighting to keep the brightness contained, utilize light shields to direct light where you want it, and be mindful of fixture placement.
Installation Mistakes
Now, let’s talk installation! How you install your new lights can make or break your project, and there are many mistakes you must avoid. At Mister Sparky, we’re ready to take the reins on installation to help you sidestep these common errors.
6. Poor Fixture Placement
The Problem
Improper placement can make an otherwise beautiful fixture a blemish on your lighting design. Poor positioning can cast ugly shadows and create uneven coverage.
The Fix
To avoid placement mistakes, use professional design principles. Some of the most important include symmetry and layering. Placing lights symmetrically around the area can create balance and uniform illumination. Meanwhile, clever layering creates visual appeal and improved functionality.
7. Improper Voltage and Wiring
The Problem
Wiring your lights is a complex job you should leave to the professionals like Mister Sparky. Improper wiring and voltage issues can cause your fixtures to perform poorly, resulting in dim lights. You can also experience outright light failure and fixture damage.
The Fix
Hire expert electricians to handle your outdoor lighting wiring. Professionals can ensure your design uses appropriate wiring, supplying electricity to every fixture without issue. Electricians can help you avoid voltage drops, which occur when wiring has some resistance and loses electricity before reaching the fixtures.
8. No Weatherproofing
The Problem
You can’t forget to consider waterproofing. Outdoor lights are at the mercy of Mother Nature, and a lack of protection can lead to water damage and fixture corrosion.
The Fix
Always use IP65+ rated fixtures. The IP65+ rating indicates a high level of protection against dust and water. These fixtures are purpose-built for outdoor environments, resisting exposure-related damage. Additionally, use waterproof connections in all your wiring for longevity and worry-free operation.
9. Ignoring Safety Codes
The Problem
Even if you’re using low-voltage lighting, ignoring safety codes and standards can be disastrous. Those codes exist for a reason, and failing to comply with them during your outdoor lighting project can create electric hazards.
The Fix
Check local code requirements to ensure all wiring and installation are fully compliant. You also want to use GFCI outlets. These outlets protect against electrical shock in areas where there is a risk of exposure to water.
Of course, you don’t have to put up with any of that malarkey! At Mister Sparky, we handle the logistics of installing your lights while ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and safety requirements.
Efficiency and Performance Mistakes
After installation, several common mistakes can occur, leading to performance and efficiency issues. Here are the most significant ones you need to avoid.
10. Using Inefficient Bulbs
The Problem
Energy-hogging light bulbs can cost you a fortune in the long run, raising your utility bills and making your outdoor space a significant source of wasted energy.
The Fix
Ditch the old-school incandescent bulbs! Switch the bulbs in your fixtures to LEDs. They’re far more efficient, using up to 90 percent less energy. Furthermore, they last as much as 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
11. Lack of Automation
The Problem
Automation features are a worthy addition that can improve overall performance and efficiency. Without it, your lights can stay on longer than necessary.
The Fix
Make your life easier by building your outdoor lighting design with automation in mind. Photocells can turn your system on once the sun goes down, fully automating operation. You can also consider using timers or integrating your lights into a more comprehensive smart home system.
12. Not Planning for Seasonal Changes
The Problem
Your lighting needs will change throughout the year. For example, the sun stays out for much longer in the summer than in the winter. Failing to plan for seasonal changes could lead to coverage issues during specific times of the year.
The Fix
To avoid coverage concerns, plan your lighting around plant growth cycles. Another option is to utilize adjustable light fixtures, allowing you to fine-tune positioning and illumination as the seasons change.
Quality and Maintenance Mistakes
Outdoor lighting is an investment that should last a long time. However, you need to avoid the following quality and maintenance issues to ensure you can enjoy beautiful lighting for decades to come.
13. Choosing Cheap Fixtures
The Problem
Many choose to go cheap to save upfront. However, using cheap fixtures will cost you more in the long run. Cheaper construction and low-quality materials result in shorter longevity, increased rusting, and premature failure.
The Fix
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get outdoor lighting. Pay close attention to the materials used and opt for durable options that can withstand years of exposure. Materials like stainless steel, brass, and copper are the best. Durable finishes, such as powder coating, can make your fixtures even beefier. If possible, avoid using cheap plastics that degrade with exposure to sun and rain.
14. Forgetting Regular Maintenance
The Problem
It takes ongoing attention to keep your outdoor lighting in tip-top shape. Without regular maintenance, your lights can dull. Additionally, fixtures can suffer damage that eventually requires complete replacement.
The Fix
Inspect your outdoor lights as the seasons change. Quarterly inspections can help you spot early issues, ensuring your lights get the attention they need. To keep fixtures in stellar condition, clean lenses and replace bulbs as needed.
15. Skipping Professional Help
The Problem
Finally, the biggest mistake you can make is not seeking professional help! There’s a lot you can DIY. However, if you want a beautiful outdoor lighting setup that enhances curb appeal, boosts property values, increases safety, and provides added functionality, you need professional assistance. Taking a DIY approach often yields low-quality outcomes that require reworking.
The Fix
Installing simple battery-powered lights is no sweat. However, you need to know when to contact professionals like Mister Sparky, Pompano’s on-time electrician. Generally, it’s best to hire an electrician for large-scale lighting design projects or any project that involves complex wiring.
At Mister Sparky, we do the heavy lifting and work hard to do things right. We’ll work with you to bring your vision to life and take the necessary steps to make it a reality.
Outdoor Lighting Best Practices
Are you ready to start planning your outdoor lighting project? Before you dive in, here are a few best practices to keep in mind.
• Implement Lighting Layers: As mentioned earlier, laying lights can help you strike the right balance of illumination. Strategically layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for the best results.
• Use Smart Controls and Automation: Smart home integration and automation features can make your lights more efficient and facilitate hands-off operation.
• Implement Different Types of Fixtures: Mix fixtures and lighting techniques. A combination of wall lights, downlights, spotlights, and other lighting elements creates a complete design that is truly stunning.
• Consider Light Placement: Be mindful of placement to avoid issues like glare, dark zones, and excessive light pollution.
• Adopt Eco-Friendly Lighting Solutions: Incorporate eco-friendly solutions to make your setup more efficient. LED lights and low-voltage fixtures can prevent wasted energy without sacrificing the final product.
FAQs
How many lumens are needed for outdoor lighting?
The number of lumens you need depends on the overall size of the area you want to illuminate, your goals, and the types of lights you use. For example, pathways and entryways benefit from 100 to 200 lumens of brightness. Meanwhile, 500 to 1,000 lumens is suitable for driveways or outdoor patio areas.
Consider how bright you need the areas to be and calculate the required lumens based on the area size. You can then choose lights and layer them accordingly to achieve the right level of illumination.
Can I install outdoor lighting myself?
Simple battery-powered lights are DIY-friendly. However, it’s better to seek professional help with large-scale projects that incorporate many different types of lights or those that require more complex wiring. Electricians can ensure proper, code-compliant wiring and proper placement for optimal results.
What type of outdoor lighting is most energy efficient?
LED lighting is the most energy-efficient option for outdoor lighting. LED bulbs use up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent and last as much as 25 longer.
How long do outdoor LED lights last?
LED lights are renowned for their longevity. While lifespan depends on many factors, most LED lights can provide up to 50,000 hours of illumination with proper care. That’s decades of daily use, and additional efficiency features, such as timers and smart home integration, can extend longevity even further.
What are the best materials for outdoor lighting?
The best materials for outdoor lighting fixtures are hard-wearing metals, including stainless steel, copper, and brass. Protective finishes, such as powder coating, offer even greater durability. Construction also matters. Fixtures with the IP65+ rating have exceptional resistance to dust and water intrusion, making them ideal for outdoor applications.
Mister Sparky Can Help With Outdoor Lighting Installation
Proper planning, a stellar design, and smart installation make all the difference, taking your outdoor lighting project to new heights. Avoid the mistakes we covered above, and you can create an outdoor spectacle that transforms your property for the better! Plan well and consult a professional like Mister Sparky to ensure long-term success and decades of enjoyment.
At Mistaker Sparky, we’re proud to offer outdoor lighting installation services to property owners throughout Pompano, FL, and the surrounding communities. With our help, you don’t have to put up with the malarkey!
We’ll help you get the outdoor lighting of your dreams and ensure proper installation for lasting performance and reliability. Contact Mister Sparky, Pompano’s on-time electrician, today to learn more about what we can do for you.