What power and light flow should an outdoor lamp have?
The choice of power and light flux in garden lamps should be adapted to the individual characteristics of a given area. Find out more in our guide.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Lamp
The choice of the right outdoor lamp depends on the balance between wattage, light flux, and beam angle, as well as the specific needs and lighting conditions of the location. When making a selection, it’s important to consider luminous efficacy to ensure an efficient and energy-saving lamp. Below, we’ll explain some basic concepts:
Wattage (Watts) - Illumination:
The wattage of light, measured in watts (W), is one of the key parameters. Higher wattage typically means brighter light. However, wattage is not the only factor determining a lamp's brightness. Luminous efficacy (lumens per watt) is equally important.
Light Flux (Lumens) - Brightness:
Light flux, measured in lumens (lm), refers to the amount of light emitted by a light source. A higher flux means brighter light. It’s worth noting that this value is more significant than wattage alone, as it reflects the actual brightness of the lamp.
Luminous Efficacy (Lumens per Watt) - Energy Efficiency:
Luminous efficacy is the amount of light emitted by the lamp relative to its power consumption. The higher the efficacy, the more energy-efficient the lamp. When selecting a lamp, it’s advisable to check the ratio of lumens to watts to achieve maximum brightness with minimal energy consumption.
Beam Angle - Light Distribution:
The beam angle refers to the area over which the lamp spreads light. The smaller the angle, the more focused the light beam, which can be useful for specific lighting tasks. Lamps with a narrower beam angle are suitable for spotlighting, while those with a wider angle are better for illuminating larger areas.
Light source type – built-in LED vs replaceable LED bulb
Before we move on to determining the approximate parameters of fixtures that can be used in a given location, it is important to note the difference between a lamp with an integrated light source and one that allows for interchangeable bulbs with varying specifications.
We previously mentioned that the amount of lumens emitted is more significant than wattage in determining how much light a lamp produces.
In the case of outdoor LED lamps, the manufacturer provides specific parameters such as wattage, light flux, beam angle, and color temperature, taking into account its design and, most importantly, the type of shade through which the light is emitted. The same lamp will shine much brighter when using clear shades compared to using frosted or sandblasted shades.
When opting for a fixture with an interchangeable light source, it is essential to consider that the light flux of the bulb specified by its manufacturer may be limited by the shade used in the fixture.
The type of outdoor lamp and its parameters should depend on its installation location.
When choosing an outdoor lamp, consider the purposes it will serve. Do you need bright light to illuminate a large area or more concentrated light to highlight specific elements?
Selecting the appropriate wattage and light flux for outdoor lamps is crucial to ensuring proper illumination in a given environment. Several factors are worth considering during this process:
Lighting the Entrance to Your Home: There are several ways to illuminate your entrance; more on this can be found in our guide "How to Highlight Your Front Door." The most commonly used options are outdoor wall lamps placed on either side of the door or a ceiling fixture if there is a covering above the entrance.
Here are approximate lumen values for lighting the entrance to your home:
- Small Entrance: 400-600 lumens. This amount of light is sufficient to illuminate a small entrance and ensure safety.
- Medium Entrance: 600-1000 lumens. A medium-sized entrance requires a bit more light to properly illuminate the space.
- Large Entrance: 1000-1600 lumens. Larger entrances, especially those with decorative features, may require stronger lighting.
Lighting Pathways and Driveways: Proper lighting in these areas is vital for safety, navigation, and aesthetics. Choosing the right wattage and light flux for these areas is essential to ensure adequate visibility and create a pleasant atmosphere. In this case, it’s more challenging to determine lumen values due to the variety of lamp types that can be used. Ideas on how to illuminate these areas can be found in the guide "Lighting Pathways and Driveways," and the article "How Far Apart Should Garden Posts Be Placed?" may also be helpful.
Lighting Stairs: Stair lighting should primarily ensure safety, allowing easy and secure navigation in the dark. At the same time, the light should not be too intense to avoid blinding eyes. Generally, 50-100 lumens per lamp for garden stairs is sufficient. Lamps can be mounted on the side edges of the stairs or built into the steps to evenly illuminate the entire surface. More on this topic can be found in the guide "Stair Lighting."
Terrace Lighting: It is recommended to use lamps with a light flux of 300 to 1000 lumens per lamp, depending on specific needs and the size of the space. Larger terraces require more lumens to provide uniform lighting across the entire area. Smaller terraces may need less intense lighting. If the terrace is mainly for relaxation, more subtle lighting will be needed. For activities such as grilling, reading, or working, more intense light will be required. Detailed information can be found in the article "How to Choose Lighting for Your Terrace."
Lighting Larger Garden Areas: The lighting should be bright enough to provide good visibility but not too intense to avoid blinding and disrupting the atmosphere.
- 500-1000 lumens per lamp: This light level is appropriate for illuminating larger garden spaces. It allows for an even distribution of light, which is sufficient to create a pleasant and functional atmosphere.
Summary
The selection of wattage and light flux in outdoor lamps should be tailored to the individual needs of the area, considering aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. It is also advisable to consult a professional for additional guidance and tips regarding the specific outdoor lighting configuration. Optimal outdoor lighting may require a combination of different lamps with varying wattages, beam angles, and directions to effectively illuminate various areas and create the desired effects.