The clocks have gone back, and suddenly it's dark when you get home from work. It's the time of year when you find out which outdoor lights are working, and which have quietly given up over the summer.
Good outdoor lighting isn't just about looks. It stops trips and falls on wet steps and paths, it puts off intruders, it helps delivery drivers and visitors find your door, and it makes coming home on a winter evening a lot more welcoming. Here's how to check that yours is ready for the dark months ahead.
Why It Matters More in Winter
- Safety: Wet leaves, frost and ice make steps, paths and driveways slippery. If you can't see them, you can't avoid them.
- Security: Longer nights give burglars more cover. A well-lit front and back of the house is a simple, proven deterrent.
- Weather damage: Autumn storms and heavy rain are hard on outdoor fittings. Water getting into a light fitting isn't just a fault, it can be a shock and fire risk.
Your Outdoor Lighting Checklist
Pick an evening this week and walk around the outside of your home once it's dark.
1. Front Door and Porch
- Does the porch light come on, and is it bright enough to see your keys and the door lock?
- Can you clearly see the house number from the street? It helps visitors, delivery drivers and emergency services find you.
- Are steps and the doorstep properly lit?
2. Security and PIR Sensor Lights
- Walk through the area each light covers. Does it trigger when it should?
- Is the sensor set off by passing cars, trees or next door's cat? You may need to adjust the angle or sensitivity.
- Check the timer. Most have an adjustable "on" time, and 1 to 3 minutes is usually plenty.
- Make sure floodlights aren't pointing straight into a neighbour's windows or onto the road.
3. Dusk-to-Dawn and Timer Lights
- Lights with a photocell (dusk sensor) should come on as it gets dark. If they're coming on in daylight or not at all, the sensor may be dirty, faulty or shaded.
- If your lights run on a timer, remember the clocks have changed. Reset it so they come on at the right time.
4. Paths, Drives and Steps
- Walk your main routes: drive to front door, back door to bins, garden gate to shed.
- Look for dark spots, especially on steps, changes in level and around the bins.
- Clear leaves and moss from bollard and ground lights so they aren't hidden.
5. Garden, Shed and Garage
- Check lights on the shed, garage and side passage. These are popular routes for intruders.
- Look at any garden or decking lights. Low-voltage and solar lights often fail over winter or need new batteries.
6. Check the Fittings Themselves
In daylight, take a closer look at each outdoor fitting:
- Is the cover cracked or broken, or is there water or condensation inside?
- Are there rust marks, scorch marks or a burning smell?
- Are any cables loose, damaged, chewed or running across the ground where they could be tripped over or cut by a mower?
- Is the fitting firmly attached to the wall?
Simple Jobs You Can Do Yourself
- Swap old bulbs for LEDs. They use far less electricity, last for years and work well in the cold. Always switch off the light and let the old bulb cool before changing it.
- Clean the lenses and sensors. Dirt, cobwebs and spider nests can dim a light or stop a sensor working. Wipe them over with the power off.
- Reset timers after the clocks change.
- Clear plants and leaves that block lights or sensors.
- Check solar lights are getting enough daylight, and replace tired rechargeable batteries.
When to Call an Electrician
Outdoor electrics take a lot of punishment from the weather. Don't try to fix wiring yourself. Call a qualified electrician if you notice:
- Water or condensation inside a fitting
- Lights flickering, buzzing or tripping the electrics when it rains
- Scorch marks, a burning smell or a fitting that feels hot
- Damaged, cracked or exposed cables
- Outdoor sockets or lights that aren't protected by an RCD (the safety switch in your consumer unit that cuts the power if something goes wrong)
- You want new outdoor lights, extra security lighting, or power run to a shed, garage or garden
A Note on the Rules
In England and Wales, electrical work in homes must meet the Building Regulations (Part P). Fitting a brand-new outdoor circuit, for example running power to a garden or outbuilding, is notifiable work. That means it should be done by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, or signed off by building control. A registered electrician will make sure outdoor fittings are properly weatherproof (look for an IP rating of IP44 or higher, and IP65 for exposed spots) and correctly protected.
Ideas for Upgrading Your Outdoor Lighting
If you're thinking of improving your lighting this winter, popular upgrades include:
- PIR security lights on the front, back and side of the house
- Dusk-to-dawn wall lights by the front door so you never come home to a dark porch
- Low-level path and step lights for safe walking routes
- Smart outdoor lighting you can control and schedule from your phone
- Lighting combined with a video doorbell or CCTV, so cameras get a clearer picture at night
- Garden and feature lighting to make the most of your outdoor space all year round
A good electrician can suggest the right mix for your home and position lights so they light the areas you need without dazzling the neighbours.
Get Your Outdoor Lighting Sorted Before Winter Sets In
Electricians get busy as the nights draw in, so it pays to book early. On Compare My Builder you can post your job for free in a few minutes, add photos of the lights or areas you want sorted, and hear back from verified local electricians. Their licences and insurance are checked, so you can compare profiles and reviews with confidence.