Outdoor Lighting for Perth Homes
Good outdoor lighting makes a home safer and more welcoming, and lets you use the alfresco long after dark. Perth’s sun, dust and salt air are hard on fittings, so it pays to choose carefully.
Start with where you walk
- Front door and garage: outdoor wall lights or traditional coach lights, a little above eye level.
- Side paths, carports and back doors: tough, sealed bunker lights, some with sensors.
- Stairs and steps: step lights set into the wall, so every step is easy to see.
- Driveways and front paths: post lights and bollards.
- Trees and garden beds: spike spotlights that you can move as the garden grows.
What IP ratings mean
IP ratings tell you how well a fitting keeps out dust and water. The first number is for dust and the second is for water. Higher is better.
| Rating | What it handles | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Splashing water | Under eaves and on covered patios |
| IP54 | Some dust and splashing water | Sheltered walls |
| IP65 | Dust and water jets | Exposed walls and paths |
| IP67 | Dust and short periods under water | Garden beds and low spots that can flood |
Each product’s specifications list its rating where the supplier provides one. If you can’t see it, call us and we’ll check.
Living near the coast
Salt air travels further inland than many people expect, and it corrodes ordinary metals. Near the coast, look for 316 stainless steel, which is often called marine grade, or for fittings made from plastics such as polycarbonate. Even 316 stainless steel benefits from an occasional rinse with fresh water, which stops salt building up on the surface.
Colour and brightness
Warm white, around 2700K to 3000K, makes the outside of a home look welcoming and doesn’t wash out timber, render or plants. Cool white can look harsh on a home, but it can be useful for security lights over a driveway or carport. Aim lights at what you want to see, and keep the beam away from windows and neighbours.
Sensors and timers
Sensor lights come on only when someone walks past, which saves power and is handy for security. Your electrician can also add a timer or a daylight sensor, so that front-of-house lights come on at dusk without anyone touching a switch.
Installation
Fixed outdoor wiring must be done by a licensed electrician. Plan it before paving, decking, rendering or planting is finished, because it is much harder to add cabling afterwards.