Question 1

What IP rating do I need for outdoor lighting in the UK?

Accepted Answer

IP44 is the minimum for any outdoor fitting, but IP65 is recommended for fully exposed locations. IP44 protects against splashing water from any direction — adequate for a sheltered porch or covered entrance. If the fitting will face direct rainfall, sit near a water feature, or be installed in a particularly exposed spot (think a coastal property or an exposed gable end), IP65 gives you full dust protection and resistance to water jets. Never install an IP20 or unrated fitting outdoors, regardless of how sheltered it seems.

Question 2

Is it worth paying more for integrated LED fittings over E27 socket types?

Accepted Answer

For a permanent installation, yes — integrated LED is almost always the better long-term choice. You get higher efficiency, longer lifespan (often 25,000+ hours), and a slimmer, more modern profile. The trade-off is that when the LED eventually fails, you replace the whole fitting rather than just a bulb. E27 socket fittings make more sense for rental properties, or anywhere you want the flexibility to swap in a smart bulb or change colour temperature down the line. The price difference between the two types is often minimal in this catalogue.

Question 3

How many lumens do I actually need for a front door light?

Accepted Answer

400–800 lumens is the practical range for a front door or porch light. That's enough to illuminate the entrance clearly without creating glare. If you're also trying to cover a driveway or a wider garden area, step up to 1,000–1,500 lm. Anything above 2,000 lm starts to feel more like security lighting than welcoming ambience — at that point, a dedicated floodlight with a PIR sensor is probably a better fit than a decorative wall light.

Question 4

Are cheap solar outdoor lights actually worth buying?

Accepted Answer

For low-traffic decorative use, yes — for security or primary entrance lighting, generally no. Budget solar path lights from brands like Luxform work well enough as garden accents, but their output drops significantly in winter when UK daylight hours are short and panels charge slowly. They also tend to use lower-grade batteries that degrade within two to three seasons. If you need reliable, consistent illumination at an entrance or driveway, a mains-wired fitting — even a modest one — will outperform solar every time.

Question 5

What's the difference between Faro and EGLO — is the price gap justified?

Accepted Answer

For most standard residential projects, EGLO offers better value; Faro's premium is justified mainly on design and finish quality. EGLO produces reliable, well-specified fittings at accessible prices — their die-cast aluminium wall lights are genuinely durable and widely available from UK retailers. Faro's catalogue skews towards architectural and designer pieces with more considered proportions and higher-grade surface treatments. If you're fitting out a new build or a renovation where the lighting is part of the design language, Faro's range is worth the extra outlay. For a back garden or utility entrance, it isn't.

Question 6

Can I install outdoor wall lights myself, or do I need an electrician?

Accepted Answer

In the UK, replacing a like-for-like outdoor fitting is generally considered a permitted DIY task, but installing a new circuit or adding a new outdoor socket requires a Part P-notifiable electrician. If you're swapping an existing outdoor wall light for a new one on the same wiring, a competent DIYer can manage it safely. Adding a completely new outdoor light point — running cable from a consumer unit or adding a new spur — must be done by a qualified electrician and notified to your local building control authority. When in doubt, budget for a professional: a typical call-out for a single outdoor light installation is usually under £150.

Question 7

Which outdoor lighting brands are best to avoid for long-term reliability?

Accepted Answer

We'd be cautious with unbranded or heavily discounted fittings that don't clearly state their IP rating, CE certification, or housing material. In this catalogue, the established brands — EGLO, Philips by Signify, STEINEL, Faro — all carry proper certifications and have UK after-sales support. The risk with very cheap unbranded units (often found on marketplace platforms) is that IP ratings are self-declared and frequently inaccurate, and replacement parts are non-existent. Spending a little more on a named brand from a reputable UK retailer like Screwfix, Currys, or John Lewis typically means a genuine warranty and a product that won't need replacing after one wet winter.

Outdoor Lighting Price Comparison

Outdoor Lighting price comparison UK