When you are planning your garden lighting you will first have to decide between mains powered lighting, solar garden lighting or low voltage lighting. In this article we will explore each of these options so that you can make the best decision for you, your budget and your garden.

Outdoor Garden Lighting Powered by Your Mains Supply

For circumstances where a bright light is needed, for instance in security lighting, this is usually the best option. However there are some safety issues to consider for this type of lighting. Mains cables need to be well protected from the elements and all cables, lights and fittings must be suitable for outdoor use and earthed adequately. A qualified electrician should install this type of lighting. If you are burying the cables in the ground you will need to ensure you use suitable cable that cannot be easily cut if you dig in the garden so armoured cable is usually used. Two meters of flexible cable can then be used from the armored cable to the lights. Using armored cable results in less flexibility and more junction boxes which may not be easily hidden in your garden. Mains powered lights can be fitted with built in sensors to switch them on and off or with motion sensors if you are using them for security.

Solar Garden Lighting

Solar powered lights are the cheapest to run although not usually as bright as mains or low voltage lights. They do not need wiring and are easy to install with no need to run wires below the ground so they can be used in places remote from the house. They are best used for decorative effects and won't usually last all night but are adequate for lighting the garden during the evening. They won't work well, of course, during winter months when the sky is overcast. The batteries do not last forever and need to be replaced after a few years so take this into account when thinking of your budget for garden lighting.

Low Voltage Garden Lighting

For those who do not want to run mains cables under the ground but want a more reliable system than solar lighting a low voltage system may be a better choice. Low voltage lights use a transformer plugged into the mains but the voltage is usually 12 volts so is safer than using the mains power. Transformers can be mounted outside as those sold for garden lighting have weatherproof housings and can be placed on a post or wall or in a shed or outbuilding. Low voltage cable is then used from the transformer to the lights. You cannot place too many lights on each cable as the voltage will drop and the lights will not be bright enough. You may have to have two or more transformers placed around the garden. Plug and Play systems that can be fully installed yourself are widely available.

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