A Guide to Caring for Your Outdoor Lights

If you own a home, you probably have outdoor lighting. Whether you have a single porch light or an entire landscape lighting system, you want it to last as long and as well as possible. Not only does outdoor lighting help you feel comfortable and comfortable, it can also serve an important safety function.

Many homeowners tend to neglect their outdoor lighting more than other devices in their home, but maintaining them is just as important. Luckily, outdoor lighting maintenance is much easier than you think. Performing some of these simple maintenance tasks from time to time will go a long way in ensuring the longevity of your outdoor lighting.

Invest in Reliable Covers

Installing lights outdoors means exposing them to the elements. No matter where you place them or how large they are, bad weather, dirt and other natural hazards can easily damage your outdoor lights. This is why it is so important to select and install a reliable lighting cover.

The type of coverage should depend on the type of light. In general, you want a light that completely encloses the light’s delicate components without making them inaccessible or completely blocking the light. For porch lights, for example, the ideal cover is translucent glass with a metal frame. It covers all sides of the bulb but opens easily enough that you can remove the bulb to replace it without distorting or dismantling the entire installation.

Secure Fixtures

After you select the mount that is right for you, make sure it is properly installed and tightened. Most home lights are damaged when debris or storms hit the fixture. Remember that your outdoor facilities are naturally subject to more wear and tear than your indoor facilities. So check them accordingly. If something has damaged or moved the device, consider removing it so you can examine it more closely. Be sure to pay attention to your outdoor lighting systems: remember that they are still electrical devices!

This goes double for seasonal or decorative lighting. Just because you don’t plan on leaving it permanently doesn’t mean you don’t need to take care of it. Damaged Christmas lights wiring or a short circuit in the decoration components can pose a danger to you, your home, and the entire neighborhood. Check all of your outdoor lights regularly to make sure they are not damaged or shorted out.

Protect and Cover Cables

It is never a good idea to leave electrical wires outside. A damaged live cable poses a risk of electric shock or fire. When installing or adjusting outdoor lighting fixtures, ensure that their power cords are either well covered and protected from potential hazards or are securely attached to a nearby anchor.

Use adhesives and install cable holders to prevent cables that you cannot completely hide from moving in the wind. If possible, try to limit exposed wires to as small an area as possible. Try wrapping them around columns, railings, or other parts of the house. Keep them low or high so they do not impede walking and maintenance work. It’s best to hide cables if possible, but avoid placing them where you could accidentally cut or damage them. Keep them separate and covered.

Clean Fixtures Frequently

Cleaning outdoor lighting may seem like a pointless exercise. After all, dirt and dust accumulate there anyway. However, if you allow the fittings to become too dirty, they can become dangerous. Too much dust can cause the device to overheat, melting, charring, or even catching nearby buildings on fire. Light bulbs that are too dirty can burst if left on for too long.

Safety concerns aside, dirty lights just don’t look good. The purpose of outdoor lighting is to illuminate things! If the lights are too dirty, you won’t be able to see the light because of the dirt. In this case, you might as well forego outdoor lighting!

It may seem complicated, but outdoor lighting doesn’t require much more maintenance than your other electrical appliances. Make it a habit to check your lights when you do other routine maintenance on your garden and lawn and you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes.

If you have a problem with your outdoor lighting or another electrical issue, you can always call McBride Lighting & Electrical Services. We have the experience, certification and expertise to handle any electrical work you can entrust to us.