Outdoor lighting for coastal homes

The coast is tough on fittings

Homes near the water in Shellharbour Village, Barrack Point, Kiama, Gerroa and Windang get beautiful views and a steady dose of salt spray. That salty, damp air settles on everything outside. Over time it corrodes cheap metal, gets into seals and finds its way to the electrical connections inside a fitting.

You've probably seen the result: wall lights with bubbled paint, rusty screws, cracked lenses and fittings that fill up with water after a southerly. Choosing the right product from the start makes a real difference to how long outdoor lighting lasts.

It isn't only absolute beachfront homes that cop it. On a windy day salt carries a surprising distance inland, so homes a few streets back from the water in Lake Illawarra, Kiama Downs and Minnamurra can see the same wear, just a little more slowly.

Materials that hold up

• 316 marine grade stainless steel. More resistant to salt corrosion than the more common 304 grade, which can show tea staining near the beach.
• Solid brass and copper. These develop a natural patina rather than rusting through, and many people like the look as they age.
• Quality UV-stable polycarbonate. Doesn't corrode and suits budget-conscious projects, though cheaper plastics can go brittle and yellow in strong sun.
• Powder-coated aluminium. Fine further back from the beach, but the coating needs to be good quality. Once it chips, corrosion can spread underneath.

Understanding IP ratings

The IP rating tells you how well a fitting is sealed against dust and water. The first number covers solids and the second covers water. For outdoor lights exposed to the weather, IP65 or higher is a sensible minimum. Garden spike lights and anything near the ground or in garden beds benefit from an even higher rating.

A good rating only works if the fitting is installed properly. Cable entries need to be sealed, the fitting mounted the right way up, and drainage holes left clear where the maker intends them.

Installation details that matter on the coast

Use stainless fixings rather than zinc-plated screws, which can rust and stain the wall below. Seal penetrations through cladding and brick so water doesn't track back into the wall. Keep connections inside rated junction boxes. These small things are what separates a light that lasts years from one that's failing after a couple of winters.

A bit of maintenance helps

Even the best fittings appreciate a rinse with fresh water every so often, especially after a windy spell. It washes off salt build-up before it can do much harm. Check for cracked lenses or loose covers and get them sorted early. If a light is full of water or the outdoor circuit keeps tripping the safety switch, stop using it and have it checked.

Thinking about the whole outdoor area

Coastal homes often have decks, outdoor showers, pools and entertaining areas that all need lighting and sometimes power. If you're planning outdoor power points or pool equipment at the same time, have a look at our pool and outdoor power page.

Customers have told us we've done power for a new pool along with garden lights in one project, which keeps things simple and means all the outdoor work is planned together.

Getting it right first time

Our outdoor and security lighting page explains the range of work we do, from eave lights to garden beds. If you're in a beachside suburb, see our Kiama and South Coast page too.

Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. A photo of your existing outdoor lights, even rusty ones, helps us suggest the right replacement.