Enter your outdoor oasis. From the smallest courtyards and petite balconies to expansive and rambling gardens, we all treasure our outdoor space and the freedom it allows. Below are some of the key benefits that can be achieved with outdoor lighting.

Security Homes that have adequate exterior lighting are a deterrent for thieves. Burglars are more likely to target homes with no or poor outdoor lighting. Adequate lighting around the home can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Welcoming A well designed lighting format will direct and welcome visitors to your home. Pathlights are great to highlight walkways so your guests can easily see their way in the dark.

Outdoor Entertaining. Australians love the outdoors, use light to entertain at night and create an ambient garden setting. Spot lights can be used to highlight garden features such as trees, statues or waterfalls, creating atmosphere in your garden.

Design a Feature Flood lighting is fantastic for displaying your house or for a dramatic look, position on large trees to illuminate your outdoor area. A traditional exterior coach light will create an extra feature to the outside of your home.

Installation is easy and most of the garden lighting available in the Beacon Lighting range can be installed by the home handy man.

What is an IP Rating?
IP rating is an international method used to describe the protection of a fitting to stop the penetration of solid objects or water entering the light fitting. IP ratings on exterior lights are represented by a 2 digit number.

The first digit defines the level of protection against penetration of solid objects, like dust.
The second digit defines the level of protection against penetration of water into the housing. The higher the number the better the protection.

Tips for Outdoor Lighting

Safety and Caring for Outdoor Lighting
To keep everything in good working order and safeguard your family, friends and pets here are some simple tips.

- Never use indoor lights for outdoor applications this will avoid any potential electrical
   issues
- Clean exposed outdoor bulbs every 3 months to ensure that dirt and pollen that builds up
   as a result of wind is removed. This can result in a dramatic decrease of light efficiency if
   the bulbs are dirty
- Check cords and electrical outlets at the same time that you clean your bulbs to ensure
   that everything is working efficiently and effectively.
- If you have children or pets ensure that any loose cords are tucked out of sight to avoid
   tripping hazards and safeguard pets against the temptation to chew electrical cords
- If you have fittings that are 304 or 316 marine grade stainless steel, ensure that all
   fittings are treated before installation with a neutral oil such as WD40. Once your fittings
   are installed, remove any blotches or stains with a soft cloth soaked in neutral oil.
   Repeat this process up to 4 times a year to maintain superior quality and finish.

Tips for activating your outdoor lights
Outdoor lighting allows homeowners to showcase their homes by highlighting architectural detail, illuminating landscape design and offering functionality for outdoor entertaining. When night falls, there are a number of options to activate your outdoor lighting.

- Install simple switches in easy accessible locations such as near doors and or
   windows. These can be mounted indoors so you can easily switch them on without
   stepping outside.
- Use motion detectors that will automatically turn on when someone approaches your
   front door or garden path. Most modern motion sensors have the ability to the sensitivity
   of the sensor so that it doesn’t turn on when pets or branches move past the sensor.
   They also have the ability to set the light level, which means they will only become
   activated after sunset, therefore saving electricity.
- Timers are perfect for automatically turning your lights on a specified time of choice

For professional advice on a lighting plan for your home, arrange an In-Home Lighting Consultation with one of our accredited lighting consultants. To arrange an appointment click here.

To view Beacon Lightings extensive range of outdoor lighting click here.