Let’s talk about how long affordable permanent outdoor lighting that stays on all the time lasts. Most people don’t want to buy a system that stops operating faster than a string of fairy lights at a large box store. Thank heavens that’s one less thing to worry about.
LEDs are what make the magic happen. LEDs in permanent installations can survive for 50,000 hours or more, which is far longer than the old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. That’s more than five years if you leave them on all day, every day. But really, who does that? Most people who own homes spend six to eight hours outside every night. If you do the math, you’ll find that the glow will persist for more than 15 years. This is an investment for the long haul.
It’s usually awful weather for electronics that are outside. Animals, rain, snow, and even the heat all want to give it a shot. Manufacturers are aware of this. Systems that have high ratings are often IP65 or higher, which means they can handle adverse weather. This implies that the lights are safe from both rain and dust storms. It’s usually a good idea to check once a year because squirrels and hailstorms are renowned for being unexpected.
The wiring and controllers should be able to keep up with the lights. LEDs are built to endure a long time, however some parts, such the power control box or connectors, may need some attention after roughly 10 years. The good news is that many businesses offer warranties that last between three and ten years, which covers most problems that can happen.
What can we take away from this? If you use decent hardware and install it right, permanent outside lighting might light up your home for 15 to 20 years. You can change a faulty bulb or two if you need to, but big repairs are rare. That’s a lot of birthdays, holidays, and late-night laughs on the patio without having to spend a lot of money or work hard. I wish other home improvements would last this long!