Frequently asked questions
How much does facade lighting cost to run?
It depends on the total wattage, the hours it's on and your electricity tariff. Add up the wattage of all luminaires, multiply by the hours lit each night and divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours, then multiply by your tariff. For example, 20 luminaires of 30 W lit for 5 hours use 3 kWh a night. A photocell, a curfew and dimming later in the evening usually make the biggest difference to running costs.
Will facade lighting disturb the neighbours?
It shouldn't, if it's designed well. Keep beams tight and aimed at the building, shield luminaires that can be seen from homes, keep light out of windows, and switch off or dim after a set time. In the UK and Ireland, the ILP Guidance Note GN01 sets limits for light into windows and other obtrusive light, depending on the environmental zone. We can check a design against those limits.
Do I need planning permission for facade lighting?
Often, yes. In the UK, lighting a building's exterior can need planning permission, and listed buildings, conservation areas and illuminated signs have their own consent rules. The answer depends on the building, the location and the scheme, so check with your local planning authority early. We can provide drawings, product information and lighting calculations to support an application.
What's the difference between grazing and washing?
Grazing places the luminaire very close to the wall with a narrow beam, so the light skims the surface and brings out texture, joints and relief. Washing sets the luminaire further back with a wider beam, giving flatter, more even light that suits smooth surfaces and colour. Many schemes use both: grazing for stone and brick, washing for plain render.
Which beam angle do I need?
In general, use a narrower beam the higher the light needs to reach and the closer the luminaire is to the wall, and a wider beam for lower surfaces and more even light. Output matters too, so reach varies by product. We check beams with photometric files and a lighting calculation rather than relying on beam angle alone.
What IP rating do I need for outdoor lighting?
For wall-mounted luminaires exposed to rain, IP65 or IP66 is a sensible minimum. At ground level, where water can puddle, IP67 is better. In-ground luminaires usually need IP67 or IP68, and underwater luminaires need IP68 rated for the actual depth. The rating only holds if the cable entry is sealed correctly, so always check the product and its installation guide.
Can in-ground uplights be driven over?
Some can. Look for a static load rating suitable for vehicles, not just a high IK rating: the IK code measures impact resistance, not the weight of a vehicle standing on the luminaire. Good drainage beneath the housing is essential. Check the product page, or ask us which in-ground luminaires suit your location.
Can lighting be fixed to a listed building?
Usually, with care and the right consent. Fixings normally go into mortar joints rather than stone or brick, so they can be removed later without damaging the fabric, and luminaires and cables are kept out of the main views where possible. Works to a listed building usually need listed building consent, so speak to the conservation officer early. We can provide fixing details and drawings to support the discussion.
Should I choose warm or neutral white?
Warm white (around 2700–3000 K) generally suits brick, timber and warm-toned stone, and creates a welcoming feel. Neutral white (around 4000 K) suits pale stone, concrete, metal and modern architecture. If you're not sure, testing samples on the building after dark is the best way to decide.
Should we choose colour-changing lighting?
Only if the building will use it. RGB or RGBW is useful for civic buildings marking events, venues with a clear reason for colour, and brand accents. For most buildings a well-chosen white looks better and is simpler to control. If you do choose colour, a white default scene with colour kept for planned occasions usually works best.
What's the difference between RGB and RGBW?
RGB mixes red, green and blue LEDs to make colours. RGBW adds a dedicated white LED, which gives a much better white than mixing it from RGB. Choose RGBW if the building will be white most of the time and coloured occasionally.
How is facade lighting controlled?
Simple schemes use a photocell to switch on at dusk and a timer to switch off or dim later. DALI adds dimming, groups and scenes for white and tunable white schemes. DMX512 is used for colour change and effects, and SPI pixel controllers drive some flexible LED. Control options vary by product, and we confirm them for each line of your schedule.
Can flexible LED be cut and joined?
Yes, at the cut points marked on the strip, which are set by the product. Cutting anywhere else will stop a section working. Every cut end needs sealing with the correct end cap or connector to keep the IP rating, and some products are designed to be cut and sealed only in the factory. Check the product page, or send us your lengths and we'll confirm the best approach.
How long can a run of flexible LED be?
Each flexible product has a maximum run length from a single feed point, shown on the product page. Beyond that, voltage drop makes the far end dimmer. For longer lengths, feed the run from both ends or the middle, or split it into several runs with their own feeds. We can check run lengths, feed points and cable sizes for your layout.
Which way does flexible LED neon bend?
It depends on the product. Some neon bends sideways (horizontally), some bends up and down (vertically), and some does both. Check the bend direction and minimum bend radius on the product page before you design the shape, especially for lettering and tight curves.
Do you have photometric files?
Yes. We can provide IES and LDT (EULUMDAT) files for use in DIALux, Relux and other lighting design software. Where a file isn't on the product page, ask us and we'll send it for your project. We can also run the lighting calculation for you.
Can you design the scheme for us?
We can help at every stage, from suggesting products and positions based on photos and elevations, to lighting calculations, aiming plans and control schematics. If you have a lighting designer or consultant, we'll work alongside them and supply the data they need.
What should I send to get started?
Elevations or drawings, photos of the building by day and, if possible, at night, a site plan showing nearby homes and viewpoints, and any information on power supplies and constraints such as listing or planning conditions. Even a few photos and a short description are enough to start a conversation.
How much maintenance does exterior lighting need?
Less than older light sources, but it isn't maintenance-free. Plan to clean lenses, especially on ground and in-ground luminaires, clear leaves and debris, check that luminaires are still aimed correctly, and inspect seals and connections periodically. Keep drivers and control gear somewhere accessible, and plan how high-level luminaires will be reached.
What warranty do the products have?
Warranty terms differ by product, so we confirm them for the products on your project. If something goes wrong, contact us directly. We're your point of contact for the life of the product.
What are the lead times?
They vary by product, version and quantity. Ask us with your schedule and we'll confirm lead times for your project.
Do you supply outside the UK and Ireland?
Yes. We supply projects across Europe. Our products are made by European manufacturers, and we can arrange delivery to site in most European countries.
Got a building to light?
Send us elevations, photos or just a description. A lighting specialist replies within one working day.
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