Looking to create lovely lighting accents all around the house? Outdoor downlights might be just the right choice for you then! After all, a beautiful home façade ought to not be hidden - quite the contrary. Downlights are not only a great way to create a pleasant atmosphere outdoors, more light also means greater comfort. Well-lit entrance ways are better to walk on when you step up with full shopping bags, or go out onto the terrace with your tablet. More light means more safety too. On a well-lit property, you stay on track in the dark without missing a single step on the stairs. It also deters potential burglars, who prefer dark corners as their point of entry.
How are outdoor downlights installed?
The first thing you need is a ceiling outlet, with a hollow space behind it. Suspended ceilings provide this. A cavity will be drilled in compliance with the light's diameter and the installation depth. The next step is to position the power supply, then finally insert the lights in the cavity.
This is not an easy job without previous technical knowledge, especially outdoors. Here, the relevant IP code needs to be taken into account. Outdoor downlights are exposed to moisture and to wet conditions – to a greater or lesser extent depending on their location. If you live in a coastal region, you should select a suitable material for your new exterior downlights too; due to the salt content in the air. We strongly advise contacting an experienced electrician to help, so you can be sure everything will be professionally installed.
What installation depth do outside downlights have?
Outdoor downlights are becoming ever more compact and flatter thanks to the application of LED technology. Always pay attention to the indicated distances in the installation instructions, enclosed with every product. To check measurements before purchasing, take a look at our product details. These provide information regarding length, width and installation depth. Then consult a trusted electrician to install them. Contact our specialists with any questions you may have, their contact information is provided below.
Which IP code is required for outdoor downlights?
This depends on where the light will be installed. Well protected, or on a side that is more affected by weather conditions? This can make a difference. It is recommended that downlights for outdoor areas have an IP code of at least IP23, even better, IP44 or higher. You can see the IP code for your favourite model in the product details in our shop.
An overview of all the different IP codes and what they mean can be seen in our practical table:
Digit IP4X4
Solid particle protection
0
No protection
1
Effective against solid foreign objects ≥ 50 mm
2
Effective against solid foreign objects ≥ 12,5 mm
3
Effective against solid foreign objects ≥ 2,5 mm
4
Effective against solid foreign objects ≥ 1 mm
5
Dust protected
6
Dust tight
Digit IP4X
Liquid ingress protection
0
No protection
1
Protection against dripping water (vertically falling drops)
2
Protection against dripping water when tilted at 15°
3
Protection against spraying water
4
Protection against splashing of water
5
Protection against water jets
6
Protection against powerful water jets
7
Protection against temporary immersion
8
Protection against continuous immersion
What's better? LED or halogen?
The trend is moving away from halogen bulbs and towards modern LED technology – this is not any different for outdoor downlights. In a nutshell, the benefits that LEDs provide are pretty straightforward – the technology saves money and is environment-friendlier.
LEDs use 80-90 % less electricity compared to a traditional light bulb
LEDs have a lifespan that is 50 times higher than the lifespan of halogen bulbs
LEDs yield around 50,000 hours of light
High-quality LEDs have exceptional heat management
Tip: Want to switch to LED? Just exchange your old halogen bulbs - mostly GU10 light bulbs - for new LED GU10 bulbs. If you have any questions, get in touch with our specialists via the contact information provided below.
Are there outside downlights for roof overhangs?
Of course, outdoor downlights can be perfectly installed into roof overhangs so that your home, terrace or entrance can be well lit from above.
Tip: When it comes to installation, get a professional to do the job. They will work with the predetermined distances in the installation instructions, ensuring everything fits one hundred percent.
Are there outdoor downlights with motion sensors?
Want the light to turn on when your guest approaches, when you come home or step onto the terrace? Then opt for a motion detector, they’re unproblematic for the majority of outdoor downlights.
Are there solar downlights for outdoor areas?
This is not a sensible option since the sun doesn't shine beneath a ceiling. Solar lights need sufficient sunlight to charge, so the location in which they are placed is crucial. This is different for recessed floor lights though, which are best positioned on the sunnier south-facing side of the property, where solar rays are definitely not an issue.
What types of materials do outdoor downlights come in?
Use the filter “material” in our shop to see which materials outdoor downlights are available in. There are aluminium, stainless steel, glass, synthetic materials and other metals available to choose from. All of these materials are, of course, suitable for outdoor areas.
What shapes do outdoor downlights come in?
There are angular and round models. Take a look at the product images to get an idea.
Do outdoor downlights have a transformer?
Depending on the light design there are versions with and without transformers or LED drivers. Further specifics are available in the item description. Contact our specialist if you have further queries.
Are outdoor downlights able to be pivoted?
Being able to direct the light in one direction or another is definitely a practical element. All you need for this is a pivotable downlight which is available for outdoor use.
Are dimmable downlights available for outdoors?
Can you imagine, sitting on the terrace in the evening, enjoying the pleasant light from above? Just bright enough to enjoy your drink and good conversation. Depending on the light bulb, and the light itself, the brightness can be dampened via an appropriate dimmer.
Are there outdoor downlights in sets?
Why buy just one when there are entire sets available? Recessed downlights seldom come in singles which is why there are practical sets in our shop, such as sets of ten, alongside singles.
Still have questions about installation, IP codes or installation depths? Then contact our specialists. Telephone +353 1 699 2138 or use the contact form.
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The strike-through prices correspond to the manufacturer's RRP.
Included in the price of LED lights/bulbs is a contribution to recycling costs of €0.05. Included in the price of CFLs/fluorescent bulbs is a contribution to recycling costs of €0.15.
All prices include 23% VAT, delivery costs excluded.
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