The external lighting of the house is of great importance for the aesthetics, functionality and safety of the space. Properly selected garden lamps allow you to emphasize the charm of the facade, paths, vegetation and gazebo and ensure optimal visibility on the plot after dark. Garden lighting should be energy-efficient, effective and resistant to weather conditions, which is why modern LED lamps are most often installed outside buildings. In this article, we suggest what aspects to pay attention to when choosing external LED lighting so that it serves without failure for years.
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What shade of LED light to choose for outdoor use
Building and garden lighting should be characterized by the appropriate color. This is important for creating the desired atmosphere, emphasizing the charm of various elements, objects and plants, as well as the comfort and safety of using individual zones on the plot. Outdoor lamps equipped with an LED light source, similarly to indoor models, can emit light with a warm, neutral or cold color temperature. This parameter is given in Kelvin (K).
Warm light color (around 2700-3300K) is ideal for recreational areas, on the terrace or around the gazebo. Warm light creates a cozy, relaxing, friendly atmosphere.
Neutral light color (around 4000-5000K) is the most universal. Neutral light resembles daylight, i.e. sunlight. It is perfect for illuminating the entrance to a house, garden paths or building facades.
Cold light colour (approx. 5000-6500K) is mainly used in places requiring intense, directional glow, i.e. mainly at the entrance gate and in areas where increased caution is required, e.g. due to uneven terrain or the presence of obstacles.
When choosing outdoor LED lamps, it is also worth paying attention to the color rendering index (CRI). The higher the value, the more faithful the color reproduction.
What IP protection level should an outdoor LED lamp have?
Garden lighting is exposed to the destructive effects of atmospheric factors - to a degree depending on the place of installation and climatic conditions. LED lamp resistance to dust 
and water is determined by the IP protection level. Under a covered terrace and in other sheltered places, LED luminaires with IP44 should be sufficient. However, a safer solution, especially in slightly more open spaces, will be LED lamps with IP54. Do you want to illuminate the facade, various areas in the garden, the driveway or the entrance to the house? Choose outdoor lamps with IP65 or IP66. They will not be afraid of even frequent downpours. Do you need to illuminate a pond, swimming pool or fountain? Go for waterproof LED luminaires, i.e. with an IP67 or IP68 protection level.
How much power should an outdoor LED lamp have?
The external LED lighting available on the market is characterized by a varied power, which should be adapted to the specific purpose. Decorative LED lighting, i.e. used to highlight architectural elements of a building and vegetation and to create an atmospheric atmosphere after dark, can have a low power - from 3W to 10W. External LED lamps with a power of 10W to 20W are better for lighting paths and entrances. They will provide an appropriate level of visibility and safety without dazzling the eyes. Functional lighting, on the other hand, usually has a power of 20W to 50W. It is used in places that require intense glare, e.g. on driveways. On the other hand, for lighting large areas, such as the facade of a building, it is worth choosing an LED spotlight with a power of over 50W.
Check out outdoor lighting at the Onninen wholesaler
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the range of LED garden lamps available at the Onninen electrical wholesaler. You can choose from a variety of models that will allow you to create the atmosphere you want on the terrace and throughout the garden, and increase the comfort and safety of using your property after dark. We offer outdoor LED lighting characterized by high energy efficiency, durability, economy and ecology. Still don't know which LED lamps to choose for your garden? Contact us! Our consultants will be happy to help you.