By Admin 
Introduction
You as a UK homestay owner understand the need to make your home a comfortable and safe place. But, as the afternoon of the winter days draws near, when you see the dusk coming, do you leave your property in dark shadows? A dim entrance will be unwelcoming enough and even be a threat to security. The unsung hero of exterior design is the right wall lamp outdoor which changes the beauty of your home curbside and also its functionality.
Being your one-stop guide to outdoor wall lights, this is the best place to get all the information about the outdoor wall lights. We will discuss the ways on choosing the best fixtures in your British house, on how to pass through planning issues to how to handle the new style fashions. You won’t only find tips on how to install it practically, realistic costs in the UK, and the necessary tips on maintenance to make sure that your lighting would shine brightly in the years to come, whether it is raining or sunny.
What is a Wall Lamp Outdoor?
A wall lamp outdoor is a type of lighting device that is meant to be mounted outside your home on the walls of your place of residence. They are also designed to resist the special needs of the British climate such as rain, wind, frost, and UV, unlike the indoor lights. They are mainly used to offer illumination on safety and security in the entry points, routes, and patios.
Nonetheless, they have much more than mere utility. An outdoor wall lamp is selected to not only complement the architecture of your home, but also provide a warm and friendly ambiance to people visiting, as well as scare away any would-be attackers. To home owners, it translates to added value, comfort, and energy saving particularly with the current LED models that provide bright light at minimum cost of running.
Getting Ready to Your Brand New Outdoor Wall Lights
One has to plan very well before they decide to buy any fixtures. Begin with creating a realistic budget. An out of the shelf, basic wall lamp out of doors can be as cheap as PS30 and a professional, designer version can be in the hundreds. Calculate the expense of possible wiring job in case you are adding a new light to a place that did not have it previously.
Then there is the scope of your project. Is it a replacement of an old or a totally new one? This can be quite a do-it-yourself project, particularly in the case of a very simple like-to-like swap. Any new electrical circuit work, however, must by the UK law be done by a qualified electrician who is capable of issuing a Part P compliance certificate. The pitfalls that should be avoided are selection of the wrong size of a fixture in the space and one may even forget to examine the IP (Ingress Protection) rating which we will take a look at next.
Knowledge on IP Ratings: Essentials to UK weather
The IP rating is probably the most important technical specifications when choosing a wall lamp outdoor. IP is an abbreviation of Ingress Protection, it is used to define the extent to which the item is sealed against solids (e.g. dust) and liquids (e.g. water). Considering the wet weather in the UK, this cannot be compromised.
The rating will be composed of two digits and the letters IP. The former number is solid particle protection, and the latter is moisture protection. The minimum IP44 that you normally seek is in outdoor applications.
IP44
Resistant to any splashing water. Only in appropriate everyone covered porches or spaces that are not subjected to direct rain.
IP65
Dust resistant and against the low pressure jets of water. Suits fully exposed Walls.
IP67
Has the ability to get temporarily soaked in water. Well suited in gardens along sprinklers or flood prone areas.
Installation of an Outdoor Wall Lamp Step-by-Step
Step 1: Switch off the Power and prepare
Safety is paramount. It is always advisable to switch the current to the circuit that you will be working on off at the main consumer unit (fuse box). Test the voltage of the wires by using a voltage tester to ensure that the wires are not live. Prepare your equipment: screwdrivers, wire strippers and the new wall lamp outdoor.
Action 2: Disassemble the Old Fixture and Wire
Unscrew lights that are there and take them out carefully. Three core and earth wires live (brown), neutral (blue) and earth (green/yellow), will be visible. Reglue the wires of the new light to the appropriate house wires with the terminal block whereas: brown to brown, blue to blue and green/yellow to green/yellow.
Step 3: Find the New Light and Reclaim Power
When all the connections are made and the connections safely fitted into the mounting box, connect the new wall lamp outdoor to the wall as per the instructions of the manufactures. Insert the suggested bulb, close any glass lids, and then you may put the power back in at the consumer unit. Check the light to ascertain its functionality.
Design Style: How to improve the exterior of your UK home
Your out-of-doors wall lamp must be in keeping with the architecture of your home. In a typical Victorian or Edwardian terrace, a traditional lantern type fitting with beads of clear glass and black or brass is a classic addition to a terrace to add a touch of style. New-builds and minimalist houses in the modern world tend to align with a sleek and rectangular shape with darker finishes such as graphite or anthracite grey.
The contemporary UK trends are towards a sustainable material and intelligent technology. Think fixtures that are recycled aluminium or timber that is produced in a responsible manner. Matte black has been one of the most popular finishes as well as oversized statement lights that are increasingly used to create a dramatic entrance. It is not only to be afraid of blending styles; a modern wall lamp outdoor would make a great contrast with an old building and would bring something new to it.
Cost & Time Estimates in the UK
The overall expense of installing a wall lamp outdoors may be very different. We can deconstruct average costs of a typical project in UK.
Fixture Cost: PS30 – PS200+ per light.
Bulb Price: PS5 -PS15 of a good LED.
Electricians Price: PS 40-PS 60/ hour with VAT.
Simple Replacement: In the case of an existing fitting, PS50-PS80 may be charged by an electrician, based on 1-2 hours work.
New Installation: PS150-PS300+ depending on the complexity may be required to run a new cable and install a light.
Regarding time, a simple substitution of the professional may often take less than one hour on each light. The installation of a new one might require half a day. Always obtain two or three quotes by the registered electricians to get a fair price.
Service and Upkeep of Your Outdoor Lights
A small seasonal maintenance would be beneficial in order to maintain an appearance and functionality of your wall lamp outdoors. Wipe the trim with a soft, damp cloth after every few months, particularly after autumn and winter to get the dirt, grime, and salt-spray (assuming that you live close to the coast). This will inhibit corrosion and keep the finish.
Look at the casing or cable entry point to see whether there is any damage. Make sure that the seal is not taken off the glass or the diffuser so that it does not lose its IP rating. To have long-term durability, it is better not to use harsh chemicals during cleaning. In case of glass panels, vinegar mixed with water would do miracles to the water spots. Lastly is the periodic check to ensure that the bulbs are tight and changing them whenever they break out.
Conclusion
One of the most effective yet easy methods of enhancing the exterior of your home is by investing in the appropriate wall lamp outdoor. We have already observed the fact that it enhances the level of security, the level of aesthetics and provides a friendly atmosphere of your family and guests. The knowledge of IP ratings, the style selection that suits your home, good installation and maintenance practices will lead to you making an informed choice, one that can truly increase the value of your home.
The first thing that you and your visitors see is the exterior of your home. Why not make it shine? And, in case you have found this guide useful, then you may also want to consider our articles about the garden lighting ideas or how to make your home energy efficient. To be more inspired, visit our selected range of outdoor lighting products available on the UK homes.
Call-to-Action (CTA)
Are you willing to remodel the entrance to your home? Get our free Ultimate Outdoor Lighting Checklist, which you can bring into the store so that you can make the right decisions in selecting the fixtures. It includes all of the IP ratings and types of the bulbs, measuring and finishing. All you need to do was to enter your email below and you will get your PDF copy immediately!
FAQs Section
What is the recommended height of an out-of-wall lighting?
It is a rule of thumb to have the centre of the light source at the eye level about 5.5 to 6 feet (1.6 to 1.8 metres) off the ground. This offers the best lighting to the lines and doorways without glare. In the case of lights surrounding a garage door, then you may be required to install them higher to fit the size of the door.
Is there any light bulb I can use in my outdoor wall lamp?
No, one should verify the maximum wattage and the type of bulb that should be used by checking the manual of the fixture. LED bulbs are also very encouraging because of their energy saving, long life, and performance in cold conditions, which is highly encouraged in the outdoor use of the bulbs. Make sure that the bulb being used is enclosed fixtures as indicated by the manufacturer.
Is a planning permission required to install outdoor wall lights?
In most cases, no. Installation of outdoor lighting on your house is generally regarded to be permitted development. There might be limitations on the kind and location of fixtures, however, in a listed building or a designated conservation area. Your local planning authority can always help you out.
Which is the most appropriate finish of an outdoor wall light in the UK?
Hard wearing, waterproof finishes are important. Black, graphite grey and bronze are very durable and are very popular and wearable to all types of property in the UK. It is also beautiful as brass and copper develop a natural patina. White finishes are more prone to display dirt, but are a traditional option of the coastal or cottage homes.
Why does my new outdoor wall light keep blowing the fuse?
This denotes that there is a severe defect that may be a short circuit or entry of moisture into the wiring. The initial step is to switch off the power at once. The problem may be in the matter of the light fitting itself, the wiring connections, or the cable. To diagnose the problem and repair it in a safe manner, you will have to call a good electrician. Do not make an effort to use the light.
What can I do to make my outdoor lighting more energy friendly?
Replace the current bulbs with LED bulbs that consume up to 90 percent less energy compared to the traditional halogen bulbs, and have a life span of many years. It might be worthwhile to consider the inclusion of a motion sensor or a photocell (dusk-to-dawn sensor) so that the light is only on when in use, and not on all night. Another great saving of energy is the use of smart lights which can be scheduled or regulated using an application.
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