Outdoor LED lighting is set to grow by almost 10% a year, but are you making the most of this lucrative market? In this article Anthony Martindale, senior product manager at Collingwood lighting explores some profitable opportunities for you and the contractor.

While there is always a market for security lighting, the flexibility of modern LED fittings means that you can offer the contractor and their customers far more to win higher value business.

The difference is partly mindset. Instead of thinking about functional lighting think about the visual impact that the products can create, that is where the real margin is.

For you and the contractor, you may already be selling 80% of the job but missing that extra 20% that will significantly increase the order value. And outdoor lighting jobs are getting bigger and more sophisticated, both for homeowners to create “outdoor living rooms” and for commercial businesses who want that curb appeal to create an edge over the competition.

Helping the contractor win these larger projects will pull through more luminaires plus other products including drivers, IP rated connectors, cabling, junction boxes, and lighting control.

Landscape lighting

A big ongoing trend is the focus on outdoor living and entertainment. People want lighting to create a relaxing outdoor area for socialising and to highlight features and draw the eye.

Whether it’s for someone’s garden or the outdoor space in a pub or restaurant the entertainment area is a place to relax and socialise. Here more subdued lighting with a warmer colour temperature of less than 3000K to create a relaxed atmosphere is a good choice.

But the magic happens when you consider feature lighting to create interest. It may be an interesting texture on a wall, a plant, or a water feature. Or it could be that functional lighting of a path or steps, which serves the dual purpose of safety and drawing the eye. Contrast is key, picking just a few elements and leaving the rest in shade.

Commonly used products in landscape lighting include spotlights, outdoor downlights, wall lights, ground lights, bollards, spike lights and to add an extra wow factor LED strip lighting.

Architectural lighting 

Lighting a building’s façade can be part of a wider landscape lighting scheme and/or serve a vital role in enhancing a business’ curb appeal. For some, in the hospitality business for instance, it is vital to attract footfall. What is certain is that it is another chance to sell a solution for higher margin business.

Again, the secret is to accurately illuminate the right areas and crucially avoid any light spillage that could cause light pollution or glare. In practice this means that you should be able to offer the contractor products with different beam angles depending on what they want to light.

A fitting with a wide beam, of for example 110°, will create a wash of light across a surface or illuminate an area of the building from further away. A medium beam of about 45° is a good for mid-level lighting to create a swathe of light across a dedicated area. And to pick out features, details and even entrances of a building you will need a narrow beam of about 6°.

Decorative wall lights are another way that the contractor can highlight architectural features or light entrances. Again, you need to consider what beam angle the contractor needs.

The colour temperature of the lighting is also important. This can depend on what material you are lighting.

For warmer coloured materials such as wood or sandstone a warmer light of 2700K or even 2200K will help it glow. To help bring out the natural elements of stone and for red brick suggest 2700k or 3000K. And for white materials a cooler light of 4000K or more will add drama, but cooler lighting should be used sparingly because it can cause light pollution and have a negative effect on nocturnal animals.

Avoiding light pollution

If you want to avoid returns from outdoor lighting projects, then you also need consider the DarkSky requirements that many local councils demand. The products you sell must ensure that the contractor avoids light pollution that affects both neighbours and nocturnal wildlife.

Luminaires that have hoods or shields allow the installer to target light output to ensure there is no light spillage causing glare.

Luminaires also need to avoid any upward spillage of light which causes that glow we see from urban areas. To avoid this, you need to provide luminaires that have a ULOR, or upward light ratio of less than 0.5% or 50 lumens.

For uplighting, your customers need to accurately target the light so that it only lights what is needed. Beam angle is important to ensure there is no light spillage and supplying asymmetric lighting will ensure that they can accurately target the light.

Lighting control and accessories

But targeting the light where it is needed is just part of the story. Proper lighting control means that the final customer only uses light when they need it, a key part of DarkSky requirements that will also save them energy.

This control could be as simple as PIR sensors, timers or even manual switching or it could be more sophisticated lighting control that allows the final user to set different lighting scenarios.

Finally, you need to have confidence that the products you supply to the contractor will stand the test of time. Most will need a minimum IP rating of 65 and be durable enough to withstand the British climate. Check the warranty of what you are selling, the last thing that either you or the contractor wants is to be called back to the job.

Outdoor lighting is about far more than security and safety, although this is of course vital. If you can help your customers win higher value outdoor lighting projects their reputation and business will grow and you will sell more luminaires and other products. It’s a win win for everyone involved.

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Outdoor lighting is a fast-growing category for electrical wholesalers, driven by rising demand for safety, security, energy efficiency and outdoor living. Mike Collins, Managing Director of Ovia, part of Scolmore Group, highlights the key considerations wholesalers should keep front-of-mind when supporting contractors on outdoor lighting projects.

Understanding contractor requirements

Before recommending products, wholesalers need a clear picture of the contractor’s goals and application. Outdoor lighting can serve multiple purposes – safety and security, aesthetic enhancement, and enabling outdoor space usage after dark. Each application requires different fixture types, lumen outputs, beam angles, colour temperatures and control options. Strong consultation can ensure the contractor receives expert guidance on choosing the right lighting solutions for the particular project being worked on.

Stocking the right fittings

The outdoor lighting market continues to expand, with LED, smart and solar lighting leading demand. Advancements in LED technology – higher efficacy, better colour quality and longer lifespans – mean LEDs remain the default recommendation for many projects. LEDs can consume up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and have a longer lifespan, reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions. With many commercial clients now pursuing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets, wholesalers can add value by highlighting the energy saving and sustainability benefits of LED upgrades.

Solar lighting is another growth opportunity for wholesalers. Solar street lights provide complete independence from the power grid and, due to low maintenance and minimal operator costs, solar lighting has emerged as a popular and reliable source to power street lights. There are many benefits to solar street lighting with the main advantages being their energy efficiency and the ability to provide significant cost savings over time. Conventional street lights are dependent on electricity from the grid, which is often generated from non-renewable sources and can therefore contribute to air pollution. Other benefits include no cabling or excavation, resulting in easy installation and no risk from power outages. Ovia introduced its first solar power lighting solutions last year with a solar powered LED security floodlight and two solar powered LED street lights joining the company’s growing portfolio of exterior lighting solutions.

Controls that drive efficiency

Wholesalers can differentiate themselves by guiding contractors toward appropriate control options. Timers, photocells and PIR sensors ensure lights operate only when needed, reducing energy consumption and extending product life. Offering controls as part of a complete exterior lighting solution can also increase basket size and simplify contractor purchasing.

Durability and compliance

Exterior lighting can be subject to harsh environmental conditions, and therefore factors to consider include IP ratings, materials and temperature rating. Fixtures need to be rated appropriately for outdoor use, with sufficient protection against dust and water. Corrosion resistant materials such as aluminium, stainless steel or composite polymers are ideal.

Supporting good lighting design

A strong lighting layout is just as important as the fixtures themselves. Wholesalers who can discuss light distribution, uniformity, glare reduction and colour temperature will quickly build trust with contractors.

Ovia offers a free lighting design service, which provides contractors with professionally produced exterior lighting schemes. This support helps ensure compliance with relevant standards, accurate product specification and optimal light distribution across the project. The company also recently launched a new, advanced Lighting Design Calculator – an easy-to-use online tool developed to support contractors, wholesalers and specifiers in designing effective, regulation-compliant lighting schemes with ease and efficiency.

By directing contractors to these free services, wholesalers can add value by positioning themselves as a trusted, solutions-focused partner – helping build stronger, longer-term customer relationships.

For electrical wholesalers, exterior lighting is an opportunity to guide contractors toward safer, more efficient and more visually effective solutions. By understanding the application, recommending the right technologies, and highlighting emerging innovations such as solar and smart controls, wholesalers can strengthen contractor relationships and grow sales in this expanding category.

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Echoing the same sleek styling and modern design aesthetic, Ansell Lighting has created a slimmed-down version of its popular outdoor Reef wall light.

Available in both directional and bi-directional formats, the highly robust, polycarbonate Reef S lamp has been designed to ensure long-lasting performance, withstanding even salt air and coastal spray. Re-enforced with a five-year warranty, the IP65 rated lamp is the ideal option for any outdoor lighting project.

Inventively, Reef S is also supplied with three interchangeable Gobo inserts, enabling a range of decorative beam angles to be easily created for unique visual effects. This is the first lamp designed for residential applications to offer this innovative feature, fulfilling current market demand for products that deliver a highly personalised lighting experience. CCT Selectable between 3000K and 4000K, Reef S also offers users the added flexibility of choosing between warm or cool lighting hues.

Easy to install, Reef S features a unique lockable installation base plate and push-fit loop-in/loop-out terminals with a WAGO “park” area, facilitating quick and efficient wiring. A PIR option is also available for added functionality, providing increased convenience and security.

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As the warmer weather approaches and people look to make the most of their outdoor spaces, well-designed, efficient and reliable outdoor lighting becomes a desirable element for homeowners. Shyel Start, Senior Product Manager at Luceco, examines what switched on electrical wholesalers can do to make the most of this seasonal opportunity.

This is a key time for consumers to think about enhancing their outdoor spaces with thoughtful well-chosen lighting solutions. By stocking an outdoor lighting range, electrical wholesalers can not only provide the products that contractors demand to satisfy their customers but also increase their own profits.

Enhanced security

A well-lit home, especially including outdoor areas, is a simple and effective deterrent to opportunistic thieves taking advantage of the darker nights. Burglars prefer to work under the cover of darkness as it allows them to move undetected and reduces their risk of being caught. When a property is well lit, it increases the risk of them being seen by neighbours, passers by and surveillance cameras, making it a much less attractive target. Motion sensors are particularly effective as they instantly illuminate the area, whilst properly lit driveways, entries and gardens leave few places for an intruder to hide.

Comfort and convenience

Providing a level of convenience for the homeowner, especially during the summer months when people make the most of the warmer weather, outdoor lighting allows consumers to comfortably remain outside after dark, extending the amount of time they spend enjoying their gardens.

In addition, as well as enhancing the aesthetics of a home, well-considered outdoor lighting improves safety by deterring burglars, helps to prevent accidents and boosts the effectiveness of surveillance systems. It’s a smart investment for anyone with a property to protect. The demand for outdoor lighting solutions is stronger than ever, and homeowners are looking for solutions that are both functional and aesthetic.

Lighting products that perform

Since Luceco expert lighting engineers work closely with contractors so that they know what’s important to them, wholesalers can be reassured that the products will be in demand. They are designed for quick and easy installs so that contractors save time and effort during installation. The Luceco range is extensive, giving contractors options when recommending lighting solutions for outdoor spaces and our products are vigorously tested to exceed all safety and performance standards. With IP ratings that are high to deliver exceptional results in tough and variable weather conditions, Luceco is ideally positioned to offer comprehensive solutions that cater to a host of customer needs.

Floodlighting

Luceco’s Essence floodlight range offers a cutting-edge solution for residential lighting needs, providing exceptional performance, durability and ease of use. Featuring advanced LED technology, the Essence range delivers bright, energy-efficient illumination with minimal power consumption as well as superior brightness and an impressive lifespan which reduces the need for frequent replacements and helps to lower long-term maintenance costs.

IP65 rated, the Essence range is highly resistant to dust, dirt and water, making it the perfect choice for outdoor use and able to withstand a variety of weather conditions. Whether installed in gardens or on building exteriors, the robust construction and level of protection makes Essence ideal for applications where durability is crucial, such as security lighting or areas prone to rain or moisture.

Designed to make life easy for electrical contractors, the Essence range benefits from a hassle-free two-step installation process – simply install the mounting bracket and slot on the floodlight – reducing time spent on unnecessarily complicated installations. In addition, the Fit + Tilt multi-position ball joint allows for full adjustment so that the floodlight can be positioned exactly where required. Whilst setup is quick and easy offering significant time and therefore cost savings for installers, the end results are often transformative for previously underused spaces and deliver immediate and tangible benefits for customers.

Moreover, the range provides flexibility in terms of application, with options available in varying wattages and beam angles. This allows electrical contractors to tailor the lighting solution to their customers specific needs, whether it’s providing wide-area illumination for outdoor spaces or focused lighting for security or task-specific areas. With their combination of efficiency, durability, ease of installation, and adaptability, Luceco’s Essence floodlights are an excellent choice for anyone seeking reliable and versatile lighting solutions.

Sustainable solar

With a growing focus on sustainability, consumers are increasingly looking at solar lighting to fulfil this need. Luceco’s solar lighting products deliver long lasting performance and are ideal for the UK climate, having been designed to operate year-round.

Luceco’s Solar Guardian wall lights provide a versatile and eco-friendly solution for outdoor security and lighting needs. Powered entirely by solar energy, these floodlights eliminate the need for wiring and reduce electricity costs, making them an ideal choice for customers looking to lower their environmental impact while ensuring reliable lighting around their property. With built-in solar panels, the lights charge during the day and automatically illuminate at night, providing consistent and efficient lighting without the need for external power sources.

Equipped with advanced LED technology, Solar Guardian wall lights deliver bright and clear illumination enhancing the safety and security of homes, gardens and driveways. The integrated motion sensor ensures the light activates when movement is detected, providing instant visibility and deterring potential intruders.

With a sleek modern design that blends seamlessly into any outdoor environment, Solar Guardian wall lights are built to withstand the UK’s weather ensuring durability and long-term performance whilst offering security and aesthetic appeal.

With their ease of installation, energy efficiency and reliability, Luceco’s Solar Guardian wall lights – along with other Luceco solar lighting, including solar floodlights, stainless steel and decorative brick – are an excellent add-on for contractors to offer to their customers, especially when kept in the van for easy ‘on the job’ upsells.

Elevating outdoor aesthetics

While security and functionality are crucial aspects of outdoor lighting, there is also space for aesthetic appeal, with decorative lighting solutions such as festoon, string and garden spike lights creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in customers’ outdoor spaces.

Luceco’s versatile Festoon Light Kit provides a stylish way to add ambient lighting to any outdoor setting. Whether it’s for a summer garden party, a cozy winter evening, or simply enhancing the mood in a backyard, the Festoon Light Kit offers an easy and effective way to bring charm and character to outdoor spaces.

Featuring high-quality, weather-resistant bulbs that are ideal for year-round outdoor use, the lights are designed to be both energy-efficient and cost-effective, providing a bright yet soft glow that creates a relaxed and inviting environment without consuming excessive energy.

Installation is straightforward, with the flexible cables allowing for easy setup across a variety of outdoor areas. Whether draped across a garden fence, strung between trees or hung along a pergola, the Festoon Light Kit gives creative flexibility to suit the unique space and design vision.

Luceco’s Garden Spike Light Kit is an excellent solution for adding both functionality and beauty to outdoor spaces. Ideal for illuminating gardens, pathways, flower beds, and outdoor features, this versatile kit allows homeowners to highlight specific areas of their landscape with ease.

The Garden Spike Light Kit, with durable, weather-resistant spike lights simply inserted into the ground to create the desired effect without the need for complex wiring or drilling, making them quick and easy to install. Powered by energy-efficient LED technology, the lights deliver bright, focused illumination while minimizing energy consumption, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Adjustable heads offer flexibility in direction, allowing homeowners to highlight specific plants, trees, or architectural features, easily enhancing the outdoor space.

Make the most of the opportunity

Now is the time for electrical wholesalers to make the most of the growing trend for outdoor lighting, boosted by seasonal demand. The stylish, reliable and easy to install range of outdoor lighting from Luceco can shine a light on profit opportunities for wholesalers.

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Flexibility, durability, sustainability and ease of use are the hallmarks of Ansell Lighting’s new Gabbro street light.

Constructed from durable high quality modern die-cast aluminium, Gabbro’s reliability in harsh outdoor environments makes it a highly dependable choice for long-term installations in carparks and walkways, as well as healthcare, education and commercial settings.

Gabbro’s extreme flexibility of use sets the street light apart from its competitors, meeting multiple project requirements within one product.

It is the only product that is both CCT selectable – between 3000K and 4000K – and power selectable. This provides a choice of up to three outputs in one luminaire and means light output can be customised on site.

A standard NEMA socket adds to Gabbro’s versatility, allowing customers to choose additional controls such as photocells or smart lighting solutions, while a 30° head tilt allows for varying widths of light distribution and an in-built breather gland delivers optimal heat dissipation and performance.

Compatibility with common spigot sizes means the street light can be used in a wide variety of installations and a range of enhanced labour and cost saving features ensure fast, accurate installation and minimal maintenance.

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As we approach the warmer days and longer evenings, Ovia’s range of garden lighting products are ideal for customers looming to get the most out of long summer evenings.

A collection of wall lights, spike lights and bollards make up the range, ensuring all areas of the garden can benefit from a new lease of light. The majority of the range is available in cool white 4000k and warm white 3000k colour options. With warm white a very popular choice for external garden lighting schemes due to its softer light source, Ovia is experiencing high demand for this collection.

The range sits within Ovia’s Amenity Lighting category. There are seven different wall light designs in the range including:

Twist – an innovative IP65 11W up and down wall light with integrated Cool White LED output which makes a stylish addition to an outside space. Finished in grey, it is available in warm and cool white options and designed to illuminate up and down to highlight a pathway or feature wall.

Verta – 6W and 12W options for this IP54 cylindrical up or down LED wall light, finished in black and available in warm and cool white options.

Centuri – 7W IP54 boxed LED wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation, in a grey finish and in warm and cool white options.

Orna – 7W IP54 square, up and down LED wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options.

Quadra – 10W IP54 rectangular LED backlit wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options.

Avori – 15W max, IP54 boxed wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation.  Finished in grey with a tinted lens.

The Spear spike light is a 7W IP65 LED in a grey finish, that can be easily positioned at various locations to highlight a feature or path. It is available in warm and cool white options.

The Tribus 7W IP54 LED bollard is available in a mini (350mm height) or maxi (750mm height) version to provide flexibility. They come in a grey finish and in warm and cool white options.

Ovia’s Amenity/Garden Lighting collection can be viewed in full on the Ovia website – www.oviauk.com. The latest Ovia issue 3 catalogue can be downloaded HERE

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There’s a big market for landscape lighting and if you stock the right products and can offer good advice then according to Laura Chadwick, Marketing Director at Collingwood Lighting, you will tap into this lucrative area.

As we move into spring and warmer weather our minds are drawn more to the outdoors and although daylight hours are longer, many homeowners and commercial businesses want lighting solutions to make their outdoor space a bit more special as the light begins to fade.

Many electricians are realising that this is a good opportunity since they can provide both advice and an installed solution. If you can help them secure such projects and stock the right products then there are good opportunities for you to add value to their business.

Thinking about outdoor light

Knowing some basics about landscape lighting will help you both advise an installer and know what products they are likely to need.

You can generally split such lighting schemes into three areas; functional areas, feature areas and entertainment areas.

For functional areas the installer will need to provide the correct lighting for a task.  It may be for security, to light storage areas or make sure that a path and steps are properly lit for safety. Feature areas may include the outside of a building, plants, sculptures or even water, they can become a focal point when it grows dark. And entertainment areas need to create ambience.

What to stock?

Different areas will need different lighting solutions. Let’s start with the outside of a building as it’s the first thing that a visitor will see.

Security is essential, so identifying areas that need lighting, perhaps with PIR sensors, is a first step. Beyond that a good external lighting scheme will captivate passers-by and create a positive statement.

The first question to ask the installer is whether they want to light the whole building or just certain areas such as the main doorway, signage or to pick out interesting features.

Uplights are great choice for feature lighting because they are hidden away in daylight hours.  Installers can mount them in the ground or on the building using adjustable brackets.

It’s wise to stock options with different power outputs and beam angles to meet different needs.  The installer may need high, mid or low power ground lights depending on the size of the building and the feature.

In addition, the contractor will need to avoid unwanted light spillage, glare and light pollution.  This means the light will need targeting, so they will need to think about the angle of beam.  Again, there are different product options, from a wide beam of 110^o for creating a wash of light, 45^o for a swath of light across a dedicated area, right down to a 6^o beam for closely directed light perhaps for an entrance or specific details that the customer wants to pick out.

Wall lights can also highlight features or illuminate entrances. Again, think about products with different beam angles depending on what the installer wants the light to do.

Outdoor entertaining

Whether you are supplying lighting for someone’s patio or for an outdoor entertainment area for a restaurant or a pub, it’s all about having the right products to create a relaxing ambience.

Think about providing soffit downlights, grounds lights, wall lights or even LED strip lights. The installer or lighting designer may want to complement this with wall or overhead lights and use ground lights to pick out certain features or plants as you would for the outside of a building.

For working areas, perhaps for outdoor cooking, the installer will need to provide a higher light output and will need wall or downlights that they can angle to where the customer needs the light to avoid any unnecessary glare or light spillage.

Garden lighting

Just like lighting the outside of a building, there could be features in a garden that an installer needs to highlight, whether it’s a tree or shrub or perhaps a water feature. Ground lights with different angled beams are a sound choice but it’s also worth considering spike lights. These are easy to move and tilt giving the customer the chance to move and reposition them where they want according to the season or future plans.

Safe passage

It’s vital that people can move safely at night.  Whether it’s a path or driveway, good lighting will help them and will also form part of an overall lighting scheme by drawing the eye.

There are a number of lighting products that an installer can use including low glare downlights that won’t dazzle, strip lights or bollards.

Steps are another area that will need good lighting for safety and decoration.  Asymmetric lighting or a hood will direct the light downwards where it is needed and avoid glare.  An asymmetric beam is also ideal for illuminating wider steps, while decorative mini lights are perfect for narrower flights.

Putting it all together

Working outdoors IP ratings are vital. For general outdoor lighting an installer will need a fitting with at least IP67.  If any of the lighting is likely to be submerged, for example ground lights or pond lighting, then make sure that the products are IP68 rated.

For the installation its better for the installer to use low voltage outside so a driver to convert mains to low voltage would be a must. Also think about water proof junction boxes and IP rated connectors.

And to round everything off, no one wants the lights on all night, so lighting control is another addition. It might simply be a timer or PIR sensor on lighting circuits, or for something a bit more special suggest smart lighting control. Security lighting will need different control to the ambient lighting as it’s serving a different purpose.

For the astute contractor outdoor lighting is good business. If as a wholesaler you can help them win such business and be a source of the products that they will need, then you will share in their success now and in the future.

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In 2024, four specific features are leading outdoor lighting trends.

Consumers are looking for products that combine smart technology, sustainability, security, and stylish, hard-wearing designs. Simon Shenton, Head of LED Product Development at Luceco, explains how wholesalers can make the most of these trends in the products they purchase.

Smart technology

The emergence of smart technology in outdoor lighting allows for ease of control by the end user. With a one-time installation, consumers are able to control timers, scheduling and ambience all from an app or smart home system, making them an easy all-round choice for outdoor lighting.

Luceco’s Castra Floodlight, part of the Luceco Smart Lighting Range, is a fully controllable, sustainable lighting solution with dimmable lighting, timers, scheduling and group control. It can be controlled through the BG Home app as well as Google, Amazon and Apple home hub speakers.

Utilising intelligent smart meshing that operates using a home Wi-Fi network without any risk of overloading it, wholesalers can ensure the end user of a simple set up with the reassurance of safety and quality. Innovations like this allow wholesalers to offer more while stocking less, providing a better customer experience.

Sustainability

Choosing an eco-friendly lighting option that can help save money as well as the planet is becoming increasingly important consideration for installers as well as end users. From LED lighting to solar power, multiple options are available on the market, but few have been designed around installer feedback on their requirements and market demand.

Luceco’s Solar Floodlight range allows for customisable installation, with the solar panel mountable to the light fitting or separately. An 18 hour run time on a full charge of eight to 10 hours can put the consumer’s mind at ease to know their premises are fully lit at night with auto night light settings and an adjustable PIR sensor. This also means the 100 per cent energy savings free LED light in only on when needed, so the battery stays charged in the day and provides full brightness at night.

Security

Adding floodlights to a property is a great way to feel safe and secure at night and gives homeowners a level of reassurance. A consumer may sometimes equate floodlights to industrial stadium lighting, but residential floodlights provide enough power without encroaching on neighbour’s homes and are also small and discreet so will not be an eyesore on a property.

The Luceco Floodlight Essence represents a leap forward in outdoor lighting technology. Its combination of ease of installation, durability, energy efficient and smart features make it the ideal product to stock for an end user seeking top-tier outdoor security lighting.

The light has a two part installation bracket for easy access quick and simple installation and the groundbreaking patented Fit & Tilt multi-position ball joint allows for easy positioning and unlimited adjustments over time.

Built to withstand the outdoor environment and powered by high-efficiency LED chips, the Floodlight Essence is a great option for wholesalers looking to stock a reliable all-round product.

Style and substance

It’s great when you can have a light that is smart, sustainable and secure, but in highly curated settings like gardens, consumers are looking for something that is also stylish in the daytime.

The Solar Guardian Wall Lights from Luceco are designed for outdoor use with a polycarbonate body but look sleek and modern. Combining solar power technology with security and presence detection mode settings, these lights require no mains power and are available in black and white finishes.

Outdoor lighting can look good and be hard wearing, and wholesalers can provide an option, so consumers do not have to compromise. A product like our solar wall lights provide a choice to the consumer that ticks all the boxes of the newest trends, creating a light that we are confident will give wholesalers the opportunity for sales growth and stock turn from limited floor space. They also offer great value for money.

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Spring is in the air and a time when the focus for homeowners shifts to their outdoor space. Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager at Scolmore Group, looks at ways professional installers can bring power to the outdoors to create a safer, brighter and more welcoming recreational space. 

Whatever outdoor project is being planned, the advice is always to make sure a reputable professional is engaged to ensure that any work is carried out safely and meets all the required regulations. This is where professional electricians come into their own, with the necessary skills and knowledge to advise their customers on how best to bring power to the outdoors and to upgrade or improve existing lighting installations.

Across the Scolmore Group there is an array of products that installers can call on to provide power, lighting and security protection to enhance their customers’ outdoor spaces and some of these are highlighted here, giving wholesalers a heads up on what they should be stocking to meet demand.

Watertight solution

Power can be brought safely to sheds, office spaces, heating and hot tubs, with the Aquip66 range of IP66 rated, easy-to-install 10A and 20A weatherproof outdoor switches and sockets.

The IP66-rated weatherproof socket and switch enclosures offer users a single fix installation. The range includes 1 and 2 Gang switch enclosures which utilise MiniGrid single width switch modules which are rated at 10A, as well as 1 and 2 gang switches that utilise the GridPro range of modules and offer 20A switching options. A 13A switched fused connection unit is also available with a semi-transparent cover with neon power indicator, as well as with a standard cover.

The right connection

Providing a strong, quick and reliable solution when working with cables and power outdoors is Unicrimp’s Q-NECT IP66 Weatherproof Junction Box. Designed to make installations more efficient, it can house four of the 3 Port Lever Connectors using the 360° detachable cradle and with a curved lid, it provides additional space for wires. The lid is locked using quarter turn fasteners. There are 10 membrane entry points, and protection against moisture and dust is enhanced with the self-sealing membranes which provide a faster and more secure cable entry whilst at the same time maintaining the IP66 rating. These junction boxes with semi-transparent lids are available in a black or anthracite grey finish, with the anthracite grey colour option designed to match the Click Aquip66 weatherproof socket and switch enclosures, which are also available with the same semi-transparent lids.

Smart control outdoors

With power brought to the outdoor spaces, Scolmore’s Click Smart+ range will allow remote control of any electrical elements outside – switching on lighting, controlling an outdoor appliance or sprinklers, or the ability to switch off power for security.

The Click Smart+ range has been created to simplify and streamline connected home products – lighting controls, smart sockets, security cameras and sensors. It utilises Zigbee technology – one of the most widely adopted smart home communication protocols. Zigbee certified devices require the Click Smart+ Hub and communicate with each other using a mesh network. This creates multiple pathways for the connection of multiple smart home devices without compromising signal and communication range.

Working alongside Click Smart+ is the Fort range of smart security products from Scolmore Group company ESP. The range includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under the same ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the Click Smart+ app from Scolmore, users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform.

Lighting the way

When it comes to lighting solutions for the garden, it is worth considering the main functions that are required. These could include accessibility, highlighting of particular areas of the garden, security and aesthetics.

Ovia has a raft of lighting solutions for the outdoors including the recent addition of a solar powered security light. A more sustainable lighting solution, the Zonne has a radiant 8W output, and casts a crisp 4000k temperature glow at an impressive 950 lumens. The fitting is IP65 rated and it has a charge time of 5-6 hours to fully charged and has two working modes – Mode A: 3-5 Nights and Mode B: 2-3 Nights. It is designed to be installed at a height of 4m and comes with 3m of connection cable.

Ovia’s Pathfinder LED floodlights are an ideal way to provide ambient lighting around the garden – lighting up walkways, driveways, as well as highlighting architectural features when used as an up-lighter. The range offers 40 options from 10W to 300W, with fittings up to 50W available in both black and white finishes and they come in a choice of Warm White or Cool White colour temperatures. The standard range can be used with remote sensors PIRs (indoor and outdoor) or Microwave sensors (indoor only) as well as with the Click Smart+ control system.

With power and lighting in the garden all under control, full advantage of its benefits can be taken all year round.

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