Table of Contents
Whenever night falls, outdoor lighting becomes the star that guides us forward, and customers put forward higher requirements for the function, safety, protection level, weather resistance and even service life of the main material and surface treatment of the products. At the same time, the light effect, light type, illuminance, colour tolerance and other parameters and the consistency of the product, and the integration of the scene and other requirements are also increasingly high. Whether in your own courtyard, terrace, or outdoor camping, picnic, a suitable light fixture can always bring a different atmosphere and experience. Outdoor lights need to face more complex environmental tests, such as wind and rain, temperature changes and so on. Therefore, when selecting outdoor lights, durability and waterproof performance are the first factors we should consider.
A high-quality outdoor lighting should be able to resist the attack of bad weather, to ensure the safety and reliability of outdoor use. But with the wide range of outdoor lighting on the market, how do we choose? Today, we will bring you together to explore the secrets of outdoor lamps and lanterns, so that you can easily choose the one that is both practical and reasonably priced!
How We Judge And Select The Right Outdoor Lighting Products?
The Appearance of Light Fixtures
When choosing light fixtures first need to consider the appearance of lighting can be integrated into the overall style of the environment. Chinese, European, modern style, etc., matching the corresponding style of light fixtures, so that the light fixtures into the style of the environment, is the first step towards the success of the design.
In recent years, the popular minimalist style outdoor lighting, the pursuit of minimalist modelling, presenting the ultimate light effect.
These products are versatile temperament, simple and uncomplicated structural design, to achieve a smaller light fixture, better integrated into the environment, matching a variety of styles of decoration and scenery are not out of place. For lighting designers, the choice of minimalist style products, can greatly reduce the possibility of minus points.
In addition to the appearance, the aesthetics and texture of the product itself are also very important. Outdoor lighting because of the use of different environments, the surface of the workmanship requirements and texture may be lower than indoor products. However, if the designer can carefully select the outdoor lighting products with novel shape, beautiful lines, fine craftsmanship, silky and delicate surface, and even luster, then it can add a lot of points for the whole environment before lighting.
Outdoor lamps need to be able to adapt to a variety of harsh environmental conditions, such as wind and rain, lightning, etc., and therefore need to have the appropriate level of protection and safety performance. At the same time, the function of the product also needs to meet the actual needs, such as different lighting needs, control methods.
Therefore, selecting an outdoor lighting product requires comprehensive consideration of several factors, including appearance, design, functionality, safety and so on. Only by choosing suitable and good quality products can we create a comfortable, beautiful and safe outdoor lighting environment.
Light Type And Light Effect
Light pattern refers to the distribution pattern of light emitted by the lamps in the space. Clear light pattern can better illuminate the surrounding environment, forming a contrast between light and dark, highlighting the impact of light and shadow. Therefore, when choosing outdoor lighting, you need to pay attention to the clarity and uniformity of the distribution of its light pattern.
Light efficiency refers to the energy conversion efficiency of the light emitted by the luminaire in a unit of time. High-quality outdoor lighting products need to have efficient light efficiency. Generally speaking, the brightness of outdoor lights should reach at least 1,000 lumens, so as to ensure sufficient lighting effect to ensure that energy can be saved and energy consumption can be reduced during the lighting process. At the same time, the stability and durability of the light effect is also a factor to consider.
Five Tips To Choose The Right Outdoor Lighting For Your House
Clear light pattern: the light emitted by the lamps and lanterns need to form a clear light pattern in the space to highlight the contrasting effect of light and shadow. Whether it is wall lamps, lawn lamps or landscape column lamps, first of all, there should be a clear light pattern; the clearer the light pattern, the more it can reflect the impact of light and shadow strength.
Even and soft light: in the clear light type range, the light should be even and soft; there can be no stray light spots, pulling the light and so on.
Cut off the light processing: some products need to have cut off the light processing, in order to cut off the dazzling part, improve the comfort and safety of lighting.
Avoid strobe: strobe is not easy to be detected in the daily visual, but in the photo will appear very obvious. Therefore, you need to choose products without strobe.
Pay attention to the colour tolerance: colour tolerance is a very important factor in commercial lighting, in the high-end outdoor lighting design also need to pay attention to. Choose products with a colour tolerance of 5SCMD or less to ensure the colour reproduction and consistency of the lighting.
IP Waterproof Grade
Outdoor lights are mainly used outdoors, it needs to withstand a variety of harsh environmental conditions, such as wind and rain, lightning, etc., waterproof performance must be guaranteed, so you need to have the appropriate level of protection, and at the same time need to prevent mosquitoes from entering the interior of the lamps and lanterns so as to affect the lighting effect. Generally speaking, outdoor wall lamps, lawn lamps, garden lamps and other products need to reach IP65 protection level, buried lamps and lanterns need to reach IP67 protection level, underwater lights need to reach IP68 protection level in order to meet the basic needs, which means that the lights in the water for a long time immersion will not enter the water.
In recent years, some mid-range and high-end designs in the market have set the protection level of outdoor wall lights, lawn lights, and garden lights category to IP65 or even higher. However, how to confirm whether the received products meet the design standards?
In the construction site and the design unit, basically will not appear to test the light fixtures IP professional equipment. Many designers and engineering parties commonly used soaking water and other ways to verify the IP of the product, but this way is not standardised and inaccurate.
Therefore, it is recommended that when choosing outdoor lighting products, you need to choose to cooperate with companies that are equipped with professional test equipment, strictly implement standardised test processes and can provide test site records. When shipping, ask for a test report to provide protection.
Therefore, when choosing outdoor lighting products you need to pay attention to its IP protection level, and choose to cooperate with companies equipped with professional testing equipment and strict implementation of standardised testing processes. Only in this way can we ensure the quality and safety of the products and create a comfortable, beautiful and safe outdoor lighting environment.
Weather Resistance
Outdoor lights like black outdoor wall lighting below are exposed to sunlight and rainwater all year round, and ultraviolet rays and saline-containing rainwater will erode their surfaces. Usually need to use pure polyester special outdoor plastic powder, the oven needs to be strictly in accordance with the standard temperature, the standard length of time, so that the plastic powder fully melted in order to ensure its adhesion on the product.
Under the premise of ensuring the powder and the correct standard of the oven, we usually verify whether the surface treatment of the product is up to the standard through the BAG test, film thickness test and salt spray test.
Generally speaking, the European standard is to require 250 hours of salt spray test products; this standard of products in a neutral environment (except for seashore and high saline environment), can ensure that in 3-5 years will not appear discolouration, surface peeling conditions.
Of course, if the salt spray test can reach 500 hours, the weather resistance of the product will be a higher guarantee.
Light Source
The light source is the soul of the lamp. A good outdoor light, the light source provided by not only quality, but also stable. Unstable, flickering light source not only affects the use of experience, but also easily reminiscent of distress signals, thus creating unnecessary trouble. The durability of an outdoor light is usually determined by the solidity of the housing and the overall waterproofness of the lamp. There are more factors to consider in the choice of light source, including power, luminous flux, luminous efficacy, colour temperature, colour rendering index, colour tolerance and so on. But for non-professionals, there is no way to judge and understand the details of the light source. We use the simplest way to decide: choose, such as first-line brands of LED light source, these light sources have obvious advantages in terms of parameters, the choice of this type of light source products, the whole light level is not too bad.
The Main Material And Process
Outdoor landscape lighting, most of the use of aluminium as the lamps and lanterns shell, mainly because aluminium has good thermal conductivity and heat dissipation ability, corrosion resistance, and molding process is more.
Aluminium has many labels, different labels of aluminium containing different components and purity, the price also varies a lot.
High-quality outdoor landscape lighting according to the different molding process, die-casting aluminium will choose the national standard ADC12 aluminium, extrusion process choose the national standard 6063 aluminium. When we choose outdoor products, we choose to use these two standard material factory products are basically guaranteed.
Of course, the same standard material, to ensure that the thickness of the product, but also to ensure that the product thermal conductivity and ensure the key to impact resistance; in the product material is the same, we can also be compared to the weight of the product to refer to the advantages and disadvantages of the product.
Translucent Materials
The quality of the translucent material directly affects the light effect and the control of glare, providing the atmosphere of the creation, highlighting the focus, the quality of the details of the restoration of high-quality outdoor landscape lighting, common translucent materials are: transparent PC, white diffusion light PC, toughened glass and so on.
Transparent PC: light transmittance up to 95%, impact resistance, but must be prepared to choose the material with UV resistance.
White diffusion PC: the use of high-quality diffusion of light PC materials, high light rate, light effect is uniform, soft.
Tempered glass: high light transmission, high mechanical strength, need to pass the IK test.
The Heat Dissipation Structure
Heat dissipation performance is to determine the life of the lamps and lanterns is a crucial factor. If the thermal performance is not ideal, in the process of operation, the lamp volume of heat gathered in a timely manner, there is no way to evacuate, will accelerate the light source of light failure, so that the lamps and lanterns to reduce the due function, the seriousness of the whole lamp may be prematurely reported.
All You Need To Kown The Heat Dissipation Materials Of Outdoor Light
First, the heat resistance of the light source, a line of brand light source heat resistance is generally better. At present, the domestic production of LED lamps and lanterns (mainly street lamps) are mostly assembled using 1W LED multiple series and parallel, this method is called encapsulation technology. Using 30W, 50W or even larger modules for assembly to achieve the required power, these LED encapsulation materials are useful for epoxy resin encapsulation. The difference between the two is: epoxy resin encapsulation temperature resistance is poor, easy to age over time. Silicone encapsulation is better temperature resistance, use should pay attention to the choice.
Second, the light source and the lamp body must have a good thermal pathway between the heat of the light source can be quickly transferred to the lamp body housing.
Third, the lamp body and surface treatment materials have good heat dissipation, the lamp body may become an effective heat sink for the light source. Selection of good thermal conductivity of aluminium or aluminium alloy, copper or copper alloy, as well as other alloys.
High-quality outdoor lightings, heat dissipation is from the light design and material selection. As the working environment of outdoor light is complex, affected by temperature, ultraviolet rays, humidity, rainy day rain, sand and dust, chemical gases and other natural conditions, outdoor lighting should consider the impact of environmental factors on LED outdoor lighting fixtures when designing. It is very important to choose high quality outdoor lighting products and ensure their quality and durability. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider a variety of special circumstances during the installation process to ensure the stability and continuity of the outdoor lighting environment, just like outdoor sphere lights will add more colour and vibrancy to our outdoor environment.
4 Types of Outdoor Light
Outdoor lights and lanterns are divided into four types: A common type, B open type, C waterproof type and D explosion-proof type. However, most of the outdoor lights are basically installed waterproof lights, because they will be in contact with rainwater for a long time. Meanwihile, need to see whether you install lights and lanterns with shelter, if so and shelter is also large enough, then you can choose other lamps and lanterns is also possible.
The Category And Applications Of Outdoor Light
The wall and pillar light: these lights are usually mounted on a wall or post to provide a more stable lighting effect. Wall lights and post lights have a variety of designs, which can be selected according to personal preferences and outdoor environment. Places to use: residential neighbourhoods, parks, campuses, gardens, villas and other places.
LED String Lights and Strips: LED string lights and strips can be flexibly arranged in various occasions, such as patio fences and terrace railings. They can create a warm and romantic atmosphere, ideal for outdoor parties, weddings and other events.
Lawn light: Generally speaking, this kind of light is mainly used for the equipment around the lawn, but also very key landscape lamps, it is with its unique shape and soft light, for the urban green landscape directly add security and beauty, simple installation, strong decorative. It can be used in parks, villas, etc. around the lawn and walking streets, car parks, squares and other places.
Street Light: Roads are the arteries of the city, and street lights mainly provide night lighting, street lights are set on the road lighting facilities, in order to provide enough light for pedestrians and vehicles walking at night, usually, both sides of the road will be installed on the street lamps, which can improve the traffic situation, reduce driver fatigue, and also help to improve the road capacity, to ensure traffic safety. Beautiful appearance, decorative, large lighting area, good lighting effect, concentrated light source, light uniformity, small glare, easy to control, maintenance, generally in the height of 6-12 metres. Applicable places: highways, overpasses, car parks, stadiums, freight yards, ports, airports and public leisure plazas.
Solar street light: Sunlight as energy, the Department of battery energy storage, LED lights as a light source, daytime charging at night. Solar lights use solar panels to absorb sunlight during the day, converted to electrical energy storage, and automatically lit at night. These lamps are energy-saving and environmentally friendly, without the need for external power supply, ideal for outdoor use for a long time. However, it should be noted that the brightness and lighting time of solar lights are greatly affected by the weather.
Garden light: Usually refers to the outdoor road lighting fixtures below 6 metres, and its main components are: light source, lamp, lamp arm, lamp pole, flange foundation embedded parts, 6 pieces. Due to the characteristics of the garden light, it has the role of beautifying and decorating the environment, also known as landscape garden light. In the daytime it has a very high sense of beauty, but also effectively beautify the landscape of the whole city. Once at night, it can also provide the necessary lighting and residential comfort, thus increasing the night view of the whole city, the safety of residents and highlighting the highlights of the city.
Applicable places: urban slow lane, narrow lane, residential neighbourhoods, tourist attractions, residential neighbourhoods, parks, campuses, gardens, villas, botanical gardens, plazas and other public places for outdoor lighting. The height of garden light is generally: 2.5m, 3m, 3.5m, 4m, 4.5m, 5m, 6m several common specifications.
Spike light: Robust, impervious to water seepage and good heat dissipation; Inground and buried lights are usually installed on the ground or lawn to illuminate paths or highlight landscapes. They are low-key and practical, and can add a sense of mystery to the outdoor space. Two types of light sources are usually used: ordinary light source and LED light source. High-power LED light sources and low-power LED light sources are generally monochromatic. The body of the light is usually round, square, rectangular, curved, and the LED light source has seven colours. The colours are very bright.
Underground light: Adopts precision cast aluminium body, stainless steel polished panel or aluminium alloy panel, high quality waterproof connector, silicone rubber sealing ring, curved multi-angle refractive reinforced glass, waterproof, dustproof, leakage-proof, corrosion-resistant. Simple shape, small and exquisite appearance, aluminium alloy, stainless steel lamp body, 8-10mm thick tempered glass, PC cover.
Applicable places: shopping malls, squares, car parks, restaurants, private villas, gardens, conference rooms, exhibition halls, community landscaping, stage bars, shopping malls, parking sculpture, tourist attractions, residential areas, urban sculpture, pedestrian streets, building steps and other places and other places and other places and other lighting decoration.
Wall washer light: often called “outdoor bar lighting”, generally refers to let the light like water wash through the wall, mainly used for architectural decorative lighting, can also be used to outline the contours of large buildings.LED wall washer light is also known as linear LED projector light these, due to its appearance is designed as a long strip, some people will also be called LED line light, its performance parameters and LED projector light is roughly similar. Suitable for lighting projects, commercial premises, overpasses, building facades, outdoor plazas and other places.
Flood light: Usually make the illumination on the designated illuminated surface higher than the surrounding environment, and are also known as spotlights. Generally, it is able to aim in any direction and has a structure that is not affected by weather conditions. Floodlights emit a beam at a wide or narrow angle, varying from 0° to 180°. The beam of searchlights is particularly narrow. It is mainly used in single building, exterior night lighting, indoor local lighting, green landscape lighting, large operating field, building outline, stadiums, flyovers, parks, flower beds, etc. Therefore, almost all large outdoor lighting fixtures can be regarded as projector lights.
Underwater light: Refers to a light installed underwater, also known as LED pool light. The appearance is small and exquisite, beautiful and generous. It has a similar appearance to some underground lights, but with an additional installation chassis that is fixed with screws. Underwater lights are generally LED light sources. I can use LED technology lighting, which is known as the fourth generation lighting source or green light source, and has the characteristics of energy conservation, environmental protection, long service life, and small size.
When it is powered on, it can emit multiple colors, which are colorful and usually installed in parks or fountain pools. Has strong ornamental value. Mainly used for fountain and underwater operations.
Precautions For The Use of Outdoor Lights
Pre-installation check: Before installing the outdoor lights, be sure to check whether the various parts of the lamps and lanterns are intact and whether they meet the installation requirements.
Installation position: The installation position of outdoor lights should take into account the lighting effect and aesthetic effect of the lamps and lanterns, generally speaking, the installation position of outdoor lights should be as high as possible to ensure the lighting effect.
Installation fixation: The installation fixation of outdoor lights should be firm and there should not be any looseness, otherwise the lamps may collapse under the harsh environmental conditions, causing injuries and property losses.
Regular maintenance: outdoor lights need regular maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, replacement of various parts of the lamps and lanterns to ensure the normal operation of the lamps and lanterns.
Avoid harsh environments: Outdoor lights need to avoid harsh environmental conditions, such as high temperature, low temperature, rain, snow, wind and sand, etc., which can cause damage to the .light fixtures.
The selection and use of outdoor lights is very important, only by choosing the right outdoor lights and using them correctly, can we ensure the safety and comfort of outdoor activities. Outdoor landscape lights have high product quality requirements because they work outdoors for a long time. Not only to ensure that the lighting effect, so that the design scheme is brilliant; but also to ensure that the service life of the lamps and lanterns. After all, outdoor lighting installation costs and labour costs are quite high, especially the project is not in the local, installed in the high position of the lamps and lanterns, the choice of high-quality products, not only to protect the quality of the project, to save maintenance costs.
Your Reliable Outdoor Lights Supplier
Conclusion
High-quality and efficient outdoor lighting products directly determine the service life of the lighting projects, so it is very important to be familiar with the commonly used light fixtures and their applicable scenes. Mibang Lighting undertakes any type of outdoor landscape lighting projects, will use the most suitable for the user’s lighting design programme, select the best quality lighting fixtures, implement the most standard engineering construction, to create high-quality lighting projects for customers! If you have any inquires of outdoor light projects, don’t hesitate to contact Mibang today!
