If you're thinking about installing some festoon lights at your cafe, some path lights at your commercial business or some solar-powered lights at home, you've probably wondered if there are any rules surrounding the use of lights outside at night.
Smart outdoor lighting choices for homes and businesses can enhance outdoor spaces, making them more functional, safe and enjoyable. However, choosing the right type of lighting system is critical to control light distribution and light output and avoid causing a nuisance to neighbouring properties.
When considering outdoor lighting options, there are a range of regulations to help guide your choices. Let's explore what they are and how they can help you design a lighting system that conserves energy, saves money and protects local wildlife and the neighbourhood's aesthetic.
Why Are Regulations for Garden Lighting Necessary?
Poor outdoor lighting increases the risk of accidents, and if fixtures fail to meet safety standards, they can become an electrical or fire hazard. The wrong type of lighting or incorrect beam angle also contributes to light pollution and is an inefficient use of energy.
In Australia, planning permission isn't normally required for residential garden lights. However, having lighting installed by a qualified electrician ensures it's compliant and meets relevant safety standards. Businesses and commercial projects may be subject to local rules that regulate the scope of their lighting projects, particularly if there is a chance it will be a nuisance to others.
A well-designed lighting system and detailed lighting schedule have many benefits, including:
- Using less energy and contributing to lower power bills
- Improved security
- Avoiding glare nuisance or light spillage to neighbours and motorists
- Preserving the night sky in urban areas
- Less disruption for nocturnal animals
What Are the Key Australian Standards to Consider?
Whether at home or your place of business, all outdoor lighting must comply with electrical wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000). This legislation covers luminaire requirements, cable installation, earthing, weather protection, lighting levels, switchboards and sockets.
Other safety standards that impact outdoor lighting decisions, particularly in commercial and industrial buildings, are designed to control its obtrusive effects (AS/NZS 4282). It sets out standards such as using light fittings with shielding to reduce glare and direct light downwards, therefore improving performance. It also encourages energy-efficient practices by promoting the use of solar lights and LED bulbs to reduce operating costs and setting limits on light distribution and levels to minimise pollution and wastage.
Energy Efficiency Requirements for Outdoor Light Fixtures
Australian lighting standards now prioritise energy efficiency such as promoting the use of motion sensors and timers to reduce waste. Sustainable lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs that meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), are preferred over halogen, which is being phased out.
How to Navigate Local Regulations for Outdoor Lights
For businesses, local government regulations control the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting using the development approvals process. In addition, some local councils have restrictions on the frequency and hours of operation or outdoor lighting.
Check with local authorities before installation to ensure compliance with regulations. For example, you may require permits or need to follow particular rules regarding heritage or environmentally sensitive areas.
Homeowners should check their local council’s guidelines on outdoor lighting. If your project is within the local council's guidelines, you won't require a development application.
Who Can Install Garden Lighting in Australia?
In Australia, only a licenced electrician can install outdoor lighting. The only exception is the installation of low-voltage landscape lighting, which you can install yourself.
Having a qualified electrician install lighting or electrical systems ensures your home and business comply with important safety standards. A professional lighting designer will consider these regulations when developing a lighting layout.
Having a qualified electrician conduct the installation process ensures that lighting fixtures deliver reliable performance and adhere to minimum standards concerning things like waterproof wire connectors. For example, the IP (ingress protection) rating of outdoor light fittings must be at least IP44. However, IP55 or IP56 is preferred to protect electrical enclosures from dust, liquids and weather conditions that could pose a safety hazard.
We Help You Plan a Garden Lighting Scheme You Can Install Yourself!
Fusion Lighting specialises in low-voltage lights for your outdoor space that simply plug into a regular outdoor power point. Low-voltage garden lighting is safer and easy to install, as there's no need for an electrician.
Best of all, we're here to help you design the outdoor space of your dreams with our easy-to-use garden lights. Improve safety, highlight architectural features or outdoor elements, or create ambient light levels to help set a relaxing mood in your outdoor area.
Visit our website today to see our full range of commercial-grade, low-voltage outdoor lighting solutions or to have us design an energy-saving LED lighting system for your home or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I complain about annoying outdoor lights?
It's possible that lighting regulations (particularly AS 4282) haven't been correctly followed if you find yourself dealing with a garden light nuisance. Try speaking with your neighbour or the business in question, they may be unaware that their outdoor lights are causing a bother. If that doesn't work, notify your local council and they will be able to help you resolve the matter.
What is the AS1680 standard in Australia?
AS1680 covers standards for interior lighting.
What is the Australian standard for street lighting?
AS 1158 sets out the standards for the lighting of roads and public spaces, including street lights.
