1

Determine Lighting Requirements.

Determine your lighting requirements including the location, number of LED lights needed, and the load requirements for the Power Supply (Driver) by performing a simple calculation*.

Plan whether your lights will be run in Parallel or Series. If you want dimming capabilities, make sure the LED lights you purchase can be dimmed with a standard in-line dimmer, or if you need a Power Supply with dimming capabilities. (Link to an order form with only power supplies?)

2

Determine Wire and Accessories.

Estimate the amount of wire needed, and determine the required wire size and capabilities. If LEDs are going Outdoors, you will need the correctly sized and jacketed outdoor wire. If indoors, a standard 18 AWG wire may suffice. Basic LED lighting will be a two-wire (Positive and Negative), while RGB will be a four-wire configuration (Red, Green, Blue, and Negative), and RGBW five wires (Red, Green, Blue, White, and Negative).

3

Check Local Building Codes & Standards.

Be sure to check electrical code requirements and regulations for your region, and consult or hire an electrical contractor if unsure, or if hard-wiring is necessary.

4

PLAN LED Locations and Wire Routing.

Carefully plan and mark your LED lighting locations, paying specific attention to cut-out sizes, depths, and wire routing. If installing Power Supplies outdoors, they must be housed within regulation boxes, and wires installed underground must be run within appropriate conduit.

*Calculation:

(WATTS X QTY = TTL WATTAGE) +10% = minimum required wattage of power supply

(ie: 12 x M1 Step Lights =12W, 6 x RD7 Cabinet Lights =12W. TOTAL Wattage: 12+12 =24W + 10% =26.4W minimum. MINIMUM 30W Power Supply is required.)

Requirements

Outdoor Lighting Basics

It’s easy to list all the benefits of outdoor lighting, but choosing the right lights isn’t so simple. From fixtures to bulbs to color temperature, where do you start? We’re here to light the way. Here are a few considerations to help you select the right outdoor lighting for your home.

Type, Purpose and Location

A good outdoor lighting plan includes layers–multiple sources that work together to create eye-catching and functional effects. Luckily, many of our products come in families, which makes coordinating fixtures easy. Or, you can blend different styles and finishes for an eclectic look.

Use the chart below as a general guide for outdoor lighting types and placement. 

You can follow these guidelines or get even more creative. Use a pair of pendants over a patio dining area instead of a chandelier, or cluster three pendants over an outdoor seating area for a different look. Whatever you choose, make sure it suits your outdoor style.

LOCATION

TYPE and/or SIZE

Front doorLarge outdoor wall-mounted unitFront porch – single storyOutdoor ceiling flush mountFront porch – multi-storyOutdoor pendantsFront porch – multi-story2nd or 3rd largest size wall mountSecondary/side entrance2nd or 3rd largest size wall mountRear doorSmall outdoor wall mountPost or pierOutdoor post mount (if multiple, vary sizes)General lighting (covered space)Outdoor ceiling fanTask lightingOutdoor hanging pendant/chandelierPortable area lightingPortable outdoor LED lantern

Tip: Outdoor lighting can and should be combined with landscape lighting as part of a complete exterior lighting plan. If you need more help, connect with a professional lighting designer.

Ratings- Damp and Wet Rated

Outdoor lighting fixtures feature hardware and finishes that are designed to withstand tough weather. In the U.S., they’re assessed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), and CSA International (CSA) independent product safety certification organizations. Typically classified as damp or wet rated, your space and location determine which one you need.

Damp Rated

A damp rated fixture is ideal for covered places—think porches and patios—and cannot be directly exposed to water, even in a storm. Kichler Lighting offers more than 1,200 damp rated products.

Wet Rated

A wet rated fixture can be exposed to direct precipitation. Kichler Lighting offers more than 1,600 wet rated products.

For particularly harsh conditions—coastal saltwater areas or extreme cold, heat or sun—Kichler Lighting offers Climates™, wet rated outdoor ceiling fans and fixtures designed to stand up to Mother Nature.

Tip: Just because a light or ceiling fan is rated for outdoor use doesn’t mean you can’t use it indoors. Wet or damp rated outdoor wall lights, pendants, chandeliers and ceiling fans may work beautifully inside, too. However, landscape lighting (path, accent, deck or hardscape lights) is not designed for indoor use.

Outdoor Electrical Wiring

When installing lights that are connected to electrical wiring or electrical cables that are hooked up to the main circuit breaker in your home, you must use weatherproof or outdoor-rated light fixture electrical boxes, which safely hold the electrical wire connections and prevent water from coming into contact with the wires. Some locations may require that the electrical wiring for your outdoor stairs be installed inside conduit. Conduit is a type of plastic or PVC pipe, or it can be a metal pipe that holds electrical wiring. Depending on your local building codes, the conduit may have to be installed underground and run from the house to the lights or be installed near the stairs.

Energy Efficiency

Did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy found that homeowners use more electricity on outdoor lighting than indoors? Energy-efficient outdoor lights help the cause. Even if you choose an incandescent-based lighting fixture, you can use energy-efficient bulbs.

Outdoor LEDs top the list for recommended efficient outdoor lighting. They offer:

• Long life (around 15 years): low to no maintenance

• Low energy use cuts electricity bills

• Color control: color temperature choices set the mood and enhance décor

• Fewer insect annoyances: high-quality LEDs produce less heat and UV light, both of which attract bugs

Integrated LED lighting fixtures are now available in multiple sizes and styles, and offer long life and proven performance. 

CFLs are another energy-efficient option. Typically, they are less expensive than LEDs, but not as efficient. They also don’t fare well in cold climates, so LEDs are a smart choice if you live in an area with cold winters.

The Style of Your Home 

Whether you have a small bungalow or a stately Victorian, your home has a distinctive look and feel. Your lighting should match its personality.

First, assess the architectural style. When was it built? Is it more modern or traditional? Are there any defining characteristics?

Next, look at the colors that make up your stonework, siding and roofing. Earth tones, beiges and red brick work best with outdoor lighting fixtures in similar finishes, such as bronze, brass or copper. For slate, black or grey tones, try fixtures with a black, pewter, chrome, nickel, zinc or white finish.

Finally, don’t forget the proportions. Homes built between 1950 and 2004 are likely to have 8’ interior ceilings, meaning the exterior elevation is more shallow than homes built outside of that timeframe. Shorter exterior light fixtures look best on these homes.

For the majority of older and newer homes, tall lighting may look better. Townhomes also demand taller, narrower proportions.