Outdoor Lighting Tips for Summer

Goodbye winter, and hello summer! The sun and warm weather is good news for everyone who likes to spend time outside. At home, you can have a romantic dinner on your deck or call up your friends for a party and barbecue. In any case, your outdoor lightning is important.

No matter whether you need strong lights for a party, or you need a more romantic atmosphere for you and your partner, the lighting you choose can go a long way to setting the mood (and making sure uncle Joe doesn’t fall into the pool at night). Here are our top outdoor lighting tips to help you get the most out of your outdoor living space.

Safety First

Most of us enjoy a nice summer evening in the yard, perhaps surrounded by our favorite people, good music and food, and of course, good lightning; we still need to see what is happening around us!

Apart from choosing lighting that’s bright enough to keep you and your friends from walking into things or tripping over the garden hose, an essential consideration for safety is the type of outlets you use. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) must be used. Wherever there is a chance of getting wet, GFCIs will protect you against shocks and electrocution. If you do not have this type of outlet, be sure to upgrade to GFCIs for the safety of your family and friends.

For Outdoor Use

When purchasing lights or cords for use outside, always check the label. Buy only if you see “For Outdoor Use” on the label. This means that the product is suitable for wet conditions and the proper safety measures have been taken to ensure that they can survive more severe conditions than indoor lighting. Even after purchasing the proper products, you should still inspect them for any damage or defects before usage.

The basic rule of never inserting a bulb that has more voltage than the maximum stated on the fixture applies here as well. Also, there are outdoor-rated bulbs which you can choose for the outdoor lightning.

Each year, a routine check-up should be done before using the lighting. Check the cable, cords, and connections. If you have any doubts, you might be better off buying new ones.

Placing the Lights

This goes without saying, but think twice if you want to place a light close to your pool. In fact, if you have any water in your yard, place the lightning as far away as possible. Keep everything turned off when you are not around, so that your outdoor lightning does not get overheated. This will help prolong the life of your outdoor lighting.