The quick way to find a local External Lighting specialist

There are usually two reasons why you’ll be looking to replace or revamp your external outdoor lights. Chances are, you’re either looking to improve your home security, or add an atmospheric finishing touch to your garden.

An experienced electrician will be able to help you with your outdoor lighting design and install the external lighting setup you’re seeking. Looking at your existing power sources, they’ll configure the necessary wiring, install the light fittings (and ensure everything is kept waterproof) and then connect and test the lights.

Cost of installing outdoor lighting

Electricians will usually charge by the hour but may also give you a price for specific jobs or tasks. Hourly rates will typically range from £40–£60, and you can expect to pay anywhere from £75–£150 for the installation of an external security light.

Types of external lighting

There’s a huge range of external light fittings and fixtures including electric outdoor lights, energy-saving, motion-sensing and solar-powered options.

• Security lights. These powerful LED lights shine a wide beam across the front, side or rear of your property, and are typically used as a deterrent against would-be intruders. They’re often accompanied by a motion sensor, so they only flick into operation when they detect movement. The detector actually senses changes in heat radiation, typically emitted by people, animals and cars. Powered by mains electricity, the lights can then be programmed to turn off after a set period of time – saving you energy.
• Spotlights and wall lights (or downlights). Spotlights are typically used to highlight water features, shrubs or trees, or to beam colour onto a wall. Rather than being used for security or visibility, spotlights are usually selected for aesthetic reasons. External wall lights and downlights are often installed by a front door or porch to illuminate the entrance to your home, or your door number. Most wall lights are fitted with a motion sensor, so they’re only activated as someone approaches their location.
• Post lights. These low-level ambient lighting posts can be arranged alongside a garden path or perimeter, providing gentle illumination for nocturnal navigation. They also offer an attractive accent for your garden in the dusk of a summer evening. Solar-powered options are available, but these don’t always last too long. Mains-powered units are more reliable and can be more robust – which is important, unless you’re happy to replace flimsier knocked-over solar post lights all too frequently.
• Decking lights. Decking’s as commonplace as turf in most gardens nowadays. And to make sure it’s safe to walk on late at night (as well as to illuminate your smart outdoor space in all its glory), built-in decking lights can be fitted. It’s much easier to fit these lights before your decking boards are screwed into place, but it is possible to retrofit them. Speak to your electrical expert to find out about your options.

Outdoor lighting design ideas – what to consider

• Driveways and paths. You might be looking at lighting solely as a way to dial up the style for your home’s entrance. But at night, electric outdoor lights perform an important role, helping you to see where you’re going. So, consider the function as well as the form of your lighting arrangement and ensure you create something that serves a safety purpose too.
• Outdoor dining. Summers are made for dining outdoors. In fact, so is late spring, and early autumn. Make the most of your outdoor space and ensure you have an external lighting setup that’ll allow you to dine outside on those balmy evenings. Consider wall lights near your garden table and chairs, and low-level ambient lighting too.
• Security. As we’ve discussed, your lights are there to serve a purpose beyond shining a spotlight on your fanciest features. They’ll help keep intruders away from your home, spilling light over any nefarious characters loitering near your driveway. Make sure your security lights have a PIR (passive infrared sensor), so they’re only activated by motion – saving you money and providing a more effective deterrent. And ensure all potential entry points (doors and windows) are well lit.
• Light containment. While you may want to create your very own homage to Blackpool’s illuminations, your neighbours probably won’t appreciate a spotlight beam piercing the darkness at midnight as a cat sets off your security lights. So, be considerate and ensure you’re not unintentionally annoying those living nearby.

The qualifications your external lighting expert needs

Your electrician needs to hold NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) accreditation to work on your electrical circuits. This is especially important for outdoor lighting installation, given the potential for water to short your electricity supply.

The chances are, if your electrician is NICEIC-qualified, they’ll also hold a vocational qualification like a City & Guilds, NVQ or a diploma. These are handy, but not essential.

What is essential is evidence of experience, in the form of a number of customer references.

Insurance for external lighting

Cover your property, your possessions and your back by ensuring your professional has public liability insurance. As well as the obvious potential for danger when working with electricity, your professional will probably be drilling and climbing ladders.

Questions you should ask your external lighting expert

• Do they charge by the hour or by the job?
• Do they have a minimum size of job or a call-out fee?
• Will they need to install a new circuit for your lights, or can they take an existing supply?