Installation Lighting Guide

This is a simple guide to DIY install your Wall lights – however, we always recommend fitting by a qualified professional, but you might find this useful.

What You’ll Need

Tools:

  • Electric drill with masonry bits
  • Spirit level
  • Screwdriver set
  • Cable detector (essential for safety)
  • Appropriate wall plugs and screws (included)

Professional Installation Recommended:

While competent DIYers can replace existing outdoor lights, we strongly recommend using a qualified electrician for:

  • New electrical circuits or extensions
  • First-time outdoor lighting installations
  • Any mains electrical work
  • Situations requiring cable burial or running

UK Building Regulations (Part P) govern outdoor electrical work. Professional installation ensures compliance, safety, and insurance validity.

Installation Steps (Overview)

1. Planning:

  • Determine optimal height (typically 1.5-1.8m for entrance lighting)
  • Check for hidden cables, pipes, and services
  • Ensure mounting surface is sound and level
  • Verify electrical supply is adequate

2. Mounting:

  • Mark fixing holes using the bracket as template
  • Drill pilot holes to appropriate depth
  • Insert wall plugs
  • Secure mounting bracket with screws provided
  • Verify bracket is level and secure

3. Electrical Connection:

  • Isolate power at consumer unit
  • Connect supply cable following manufacturer’s instructions
  • Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated
  • Cable should enter fixture from below where possible
  • Seal any cable entry points

4. Fixture Assembly:

  • Attach barn light to mounting bracket
  • Install chosen bulb (LED recommended)
  • Fit glass cover, ensuring gasket is properly seated
  • Test operation before finalizing installation

5. Sealing:

  • Apply appropriate sealant around mounting points
  • Check all exterior seams are weather-tight
  • Verify fixture is secure and correctly angled

Maintenance Tips

Quarterly Cleaning:

  • Wipe exterior with warm soapy water
  • Clean glass inside and out for optimal light output
  • Check mounting screws remain tight
  • Clear any cobwebs or debris from shade interior

Annual Inspection:

  • Verify gasket seals remain flexible and intact
  • Check for any signs of water ingress
  • Inspect electrical connections (with power isolated)
  • Touch up any minor finish damage with matching paint
  • Test PIR sensors and adjust settings if fitted

Coastal Properties: Rinse fittings with fresh water quarterly to remove salt deposits, which can accelerate corrosion on any outdoor fixture.

Barn Light Size Guide PDFDownload

What Your Electrician Will Need to Know

When booking an electrician to install fisherman’s wall lights, provide them with this information:

  • Light specifications: IP44 rated, E27 bulb fitting, requires connection to mains electricity
  • Installation location: External wall, specify if exposed to weather or under cover
  • Wall type: Brick, stone, rendered, timber frame (affects mounting method)
  • Existing wiring: Whether extending from existing outdoor circuit or running new cable
  • Quantity: Number of lights and whether they’ll be on same circuit/switch

Installation Considerations

Height & Positioning

  • Flanking doors: Typically 1.8-2m high, centred on door sides
  • Porch lighting: 2-2.2m for adequate headroom clearance
  • Wall features: Position to highlight architectural elements
  • Path lighting: 1.5-1.8m for good ground illumination
  • Gate posts: Near top of post for maximum visibility

Weather Exposure

While fisherman’s lights are IP44 rated (suitable for outdoor use), positioning affects longevity:

  • Ideal: Under eaves, porch covers, or other partial shelter
  • Acceptable: Fully exposed walls if using darker colours (black, slate grey)
  • Consider: South-facing walls receive most UV exposure – may affect lighter colours over time
  • Coastal locations: All colours perform well, but slate grey shows salt spray least

Switch Control Options

Discuss with your electrician:

  • Internal switch: Most common, controlled from inside property
  • Dusk-to-dawn sensor: Automatic operation based on light levels
  • PIR motion sensor: Can be added separately (particularly useful for security)
  • Smart switch/timer: For automated control via timer or app

Typical Installation Costs

As a guide (prices vary by region and complexity):

  • Single light installation: £80-£150 (if using existing outdoor circuit)
  • Pair of lights: £120-£200
  • New circuit from consumer unit: Add £150-£300
  • Cable run through walls: Add £50-£100 per wall penetration

More complex installations (multiple lights, new circuits, difficult cable routing) will cost more. Always get a written quote before work begins.

✅ Installation Checklist for Your Electrician

Ensure your electrician:

  • Is qualified (Part P competent for electrical work in dwellings)
  • Uses appropriate IP-rated components for outdoor installation
  • Provides RCD protection on the circuit
  • Uses correct cable type for outdoor/buried sections
  • Issues certification upon completion
  • Tests all connections before sealing the fitting

Waterproof Ratings Explained (IP44)

All our fisherman’s wall lights are rated IP44, but what does this actually mean for outdoor use?

Understanding IP Ratings

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings consist of two digits following “IP”:

  • First digit (4): Protection against solid objects
  • Second digit (4): Protection against liquids

First Digit – Solid Object Protection

Rating 4 means: Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm (wires, small tools, insects)

This prevents:

  • Insects entering the fitting
  • Dust accumulation affecting electrical components
  • Debris interfering with bulb or internal parts

Second Digit – Liquid Protection

Rating 4 means: Protected against water splashing from any direction

IP44 lights are protected against:

  • Rain from all angles
  • Water splashing (e.g., from car washing, garden hoses if not directly sprayed)
  • Condensation and humidity
  • Light pressure washing at distance (though not recommended)

IP44 is NOT protected against:

  • Water jets or high-pressure washing
  • Submersion in water
  • Continuous heavy driving rain at close range (though properly installed lights handle UK weather well)

Is IP44 Enough for UK Outdoor Use?

Yes, absolutely. IP44 is the standard rating for outdoor wall lights in the UK and is specifically designed for exposed outdoor installation in British weather conditions.

Higher ratings (IP65, IP66) are typically used for:

  • Ground-level lights subject to flooding
  • Lights in extremely exposed marine environments
  • Commercial/industrial applications
  • Areas requiring regular pressure washing (i.e. pool side)

For residential use, IP44 provides the right balance of weather protection and ease of maintenance (bulb changing).

Clear vs Pearl (Frosted) Bulbs

Clear LED Filament Bulbs

Appearance: Visible LED filaments mimic vintage Edison bulbs
Light quality: Creates attractive shadows and sparkle through glass dome
Best for: Decorative effect, period properties, when bulb is visible
Note: Can create more glare if looking directly at bulb

Pearl (Frosted) LED Bulbs

Appearance: White coating diffuses light evenly
Light quality: Softer, more even illumination
Best for: Functional lighting, avoiding glare, modern properties
Note: Less decorative but more comfortable for task lighting

Dimmable Options

If you plan to use dimmer switches, ensure you purchase dimmable LED bulbs – not all LEDs are dimmable. You’ll also need:

  • LED-compatible dimmer switch (older dimmer switches designed for incandescent bulbs won’t work properly)
  • Confirmation from your electrician that your circuit supports dimming
  • Dimmable bulbs clearly marked on packaging

Benefit of dimming: Ability to adjust light levels for different occasions and extend bulb life.

Energy Costs & Lifespan

Running Costs Comparison

Based on 5 hours use per day, at average UK electricity rate (£0.24 per kWh):

  • 9W LED bulb: £3.94 per year
  • 60W traditional bulb: £26.28 per year
  • Annual saving per bulb: £22.34

For a pair of lights, LED bulbs save approximately £45 per year compared to traditional bulbs.

Bulb Lifespan

  • Quality LED bulbs: 15,000-25,000 hours (approximately 8-14 years at 5 hours/day)
  • Traditional bulbs: 1,000-2,000 hours (less than 1 year at 5 hours/day)

UK Made Fisherman’s Lights:

  • Hand-spun from aluminium using traditional metalworking methods
  • Powder-coated finish (not painted) for superior outdoor durability
  • Individually handcrafted – not massed produced.
  • Typically £115 – £145 per light depending on size and finish
  • Made by established manufacturers with decades of experience
  • Thicker gauge metal for lasting quality
  • Better weather resistance, especially in coastal conditions

Imported Alternatives:

  • Mass-produced using stamped or pressed metal
  • Often painted rather than powder-coated (less durable finish)
  • Typically £35-£100+
  • Variable quality depending on source
  • May require more frequent maintenance or replacement

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