There is no better way to make your garden more functional and more attractive than with a garden lighting system. Lighting can be used for highlighting specific features like architectural elements, water features or flower beds, illuminating pathways, or entertaining after dark. However, with all of those confusing electrical terms to learn about, choosing the right system and setting it up can feel like a real electric shock to the uninitiated.
In this guide to electrical terminology, we make the process of outdoor lighting installation simple by spelling out the differences between watts, amps, ohms, and IP ratings. Sit back and get ready to have your own light-bulb moment so you can get on with the DIY installation of your garden lights.
Why Understanding Basic Electrical Terms Matters
Lighting creates ambience in an outdoor space. It makes it more functional. It makes it safer. It can even boost the overall value of your home. But that's when it's done correctly. Having the right electrical equipment and electrical wiring set-up ensures your garden lights are safe, energy efficient, and function correctly. Here are some other reasons to learn those basic electrical terms:
- Learning the basic requirements of your lighting system ensures compliance with local laws.
- Knowing electrical jargon ensures you'll buy lights that are compatible with your power source and that they are bright enough to be of use (see the difference between watts and lumens below).
- If you don't use the right fixtures in the right settings, your lights may not give you the aesthetic you're looking for.
- An incorrect lighting set-up won't offer energy efficiency, meaning you're less likely to use your outdoor lights regularly.
- DIY projects with poor electrical work can affect the functionality of your lights. Lighting needs proper planning or voltage drop from long cable runs or loose connections can lead to dim or damaged lights.
Essential Terms You’ll Encounter
Don't let your outdoor areas don't pose an electrical safety hazard! Give our DIY guide a read and get familiar with some of these terms before you embark upon your own outdoor lighting installation.
Voltage (Volts)
Voltage is the force at which electricity flows through a circuit. The power that runs to your house is single-phase 240V. This means it runs through a single live wire and a neutral wire. Only qualified electricians can work on this type of power, installing light fittings, ceiling fans, etc.
However, if you want to install your own garden lights, you can do so if you use 12V lights. This enhances safety not just during installation but after. Exposed connections and wiring pose a risk of electric shock and when cables are exposed to the elements, like they are outdoors, they can easily become damaged or deteriorate. Using lower voltages minimises the risk of serious injuries from an electrical shock should people or pets touch exposed wires.
Current (Amps)
Amps are another way to measure how much electricity is running through a circuit. While volts measure the pressure or electrical potential that drives the flow of electrons, amps measure the quantity or rate at which the current is flowing through the circuit.
It's important to understand amps when running multiple lights because when they are connected to the same circuit, the total current drawn, or load, increases. If a circuit draws more current than it's designed to handle, it can overheat and start a fire.
Power (Watts)
Thanks to traditional incandescent bulbs, most people are probably familiar with the term watts. Wattage is the amount of power an electric device uses. A 75W light bulb uses more power than a 60W bulb, and it also produces more light, which is measured in lumens. So, when you're shopping for light bulbs, you should look at the lumens, not the wattage, to determine how bright they will be.
LED lights have grown increasingly popular because of their energy efficiency. LED bulbs can light up your outdoor space just as well as a 100W incandescent bulb, using around 10W, so look for these to save money in the long run.
Resistance (Ohms)
While watts determine how much is needed to run different electrical devices and amps and volts are how that electricity flowing through a circuit is measured, ohms are the natural resistance that slows down the flow of electricity in electrical wiring.
A very simple way to understand this is to use a plumbing analogy. If your pipes have a clog (resistance), it takes more water pressure (voltage) to force the water (current) through the pipe.
IP Rating (Ingress Protection)
An ingress protection rating is essential for ensuring your lights are protected from dust and moisture. Looking for lights with a minimum IP44 for outdoor use should be a top priority to ensure protection for the user and your power source.
AC vs DC Power
AC power periodically reverses direction while DC current flows in the same direction continuously. Most outdoor lighting systems, especially low-voltage systems, use AC power because it's more efficient for transmitting power over long distances. DC power is most commonly used in battery-powered devices, solar panels, and elsewhere where a constant flow of current is required.
Transformer
When you set up a 12V outdoor lighting system, you'll need to use a transformer to convert your 240V household power into 12V power. There is added safety by isolating the main power source from the low-voltage circuit, and it's simply a matter of plugging the transformer into a weather-proof power outlet.
Circuit & Load
A circuit is a loop of electricity flowing from the power source through wires and back to the source. The load is the part of the circuit that converts the electricity into another type of energy, like light or heat, from things like light bulbs or motors.
Adding up the wattage of all of the devices connected to a circuit ensures it's not being overloaded.
Parallel vs Series Wiring
In a series circuit, there is a single path for current flow because the components are wired one after the other. However, in a parallel circuit, there are multiple paths for current because the components are wired side by side.
In outdoor set-ups, parallel wiring provides consistent voltage to each component, ensuring that if one fails it doesn't affect the others.
Bonus Tips for Safe and Simple Outdoor Installations
When it comes to installing garden lights, sometimes the easiest solutions are the best. You don't have to call a registered electrician with Fusion Design's specially designed garden light kits because the process is so simple. You can do it yourself! Our durable and low-maintenance kits come with everything you need. Just plug and play.
Some other tips that will help you during the install process include ensuring you have the right tools on hand, always using outdoor-rated extension cords and connectors and never overloading electrical circuits.
Still not feeling confident setting up your own low-voltage system? Don't feel like you have to stick to solar-powered lights or call in a qualified electrician. Just call Fusion Lighting for expert lighting help!
Recommended Resources and Tools
Whether you want lights that will help with the safe navigation of a walkway or wall lights to draw attention to your home's façade, we have plenty of resources that can help you figure out what you need. On our website, we have guides on how to design your garden lighting, how to choose the right type of garden lights, and how to keep your outdoor power supply safe. You can also browse all of our products, from festoon and fairy lights to deck and pool lighting.
Knowledge is Power (and Safety)
We hope you've found our terminology guide 'illuminating' and that you can now forge ahead with your garden lighting plan with confidence. However, if you would rather hand it over to a lighting expert, Fusion Lighting is here to help.
From our free custom lighting plans to our installation service, we can help you light up your outdoor space without the need for complex electrical wiring or expensive electrical work. Call us today on 1300 463 735 for Australia's most beautiful outdoor lighting solutions!
