A well-designed outdoor lighting scheme is not just for aesthetics, but is also crucial for the safety and functionality of your driveway, garden, patio and other outdoor areas. In this blog post, we look at outdoor lighting and the corresponding protected areas to help you create a safe and stylish outdoor space.
WHY OUTDOOR LIGHTING IS IMPORTANT
The right outdoor lighting not only serves to beautify your garden or patio, but also fulfills important functions:
- Safety: a well-lit outdoor environment minimizes the risk of accidents and makes it easier to navigate in the dark.
- Burglary protection: Targeted lighting can deter potential burglars.
- Atmosphere: The right lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere and extends the use of your outdoor area into the evening hours.
PROTECTED OUTDOOR AREAS
Before planning your outdoor lighting, it is important to understand the different protection ranges that apply outdoors:
The IP classification of the protection rating provides information on how well an electrical device is protected against the ingress of foreign bodies (e.g. dust) and water. For example, "IP44" stands for protection against splashing water from all directions:
- Protection area 0, 1, 2: These protection areas refer to the proximity to water sources. Protection zone 0 is the area directly around a water basin, protection zone 1 is the area above a water basin up to a certain height, and protection zone 2 is the area above this.
- Zone 3: This is the area outside protection zones 0, 1 and 2, where special precautions are required to ensure that the lighting can withstand the weather conditions.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT OUTDOOR LIGHTING
- Choose weather-resistant materials: Make sure that the lights and fittings used are suitable for outdoor use and can withstand the local weather conditions.
- Positioning the lighting: Create accents through the targeted placement of luminaires. Pay attention to the various protected areas and the functions of the individual lighting elements.
- Smart lighting: Use modern technologies such as smart lighting to adjust the lighting as required and save energy. Outdoor lights with motion detection switch on at exactly the right time.
- Lighting for different purposes: Plan lighting for different purposes, such as path lighting, accent lighting for plants or wall lights for a cozy atmosphere.
- Consider the surroundings: Adapt the lighting to the architecture and style of your garden to achieve a harmonious overall effect.
Well-designed outdoor lighting combined with attention to protected areas not only creates a safe environment, but also a place where you can enjoy the beauty of your outdoor spaces at any time of day or year. Familiarize yourself with the technical requirements and let your creativity run free to design outdoor lighting that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
You can find our range of outdoor lights here.
