Outdoor lighting is a system, not an IP number.

Describe the environment precisely.

An exterior wall, covered terrace, garden bed and submerged feature present different conditions. State how the product will be exposed, whether water can collect around it, and how it will be accessed for maintenance. “Outdoor” on a schedule is too broad to make those decisions.

Follow the exact model documentation.

The stated ingress rating applies to the product under the manufacturer’s specified conditions. Connections, cut ends, cable entries and modifications can introduce different requirements. Ask how the proposed assembled system retains the required protection, particularly when strip or neon is cut to custom lengths.

Resolve the detail before ordering.

Coordinate mounting, drainage, bend limits and the power-feed position. Check that the chosen profile can follow the required curve and that connections remain serviceable. A product that fits the overall length may still fail to fit the corner detail.

• Provide the installation orientation and exposure.
• Confirm allowed cutting, bending and sealing methods.
• Specify connections and cable entries with the lighting.
• Locate drivers and controls within their rated environment.

Put the agreed detail into the handover.

Keep the final model, installation instructions and maintenance access with the project documentation. Any substitution should be reviewed against the actual environment and the agreed visual effect, rather than simply matched by nominal wattage.

Common questions