Lighting Glossary Terms

What is IP Rating (Outdoor Lighting)?

IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a two-digit code, such as IP44 or IP65, indicating how well a light fitting resists solid objects and water. The first digit rates dust/particle resistance, the second rates moisture resistance. Outdoor UK lighting should be at least IP44, with IP65+ recommended for fittings directly exposed to rain.

Lumens or Watts — Which Should You Check When Buying a Light?

Watts measure the electricity a bulb draws, while lumens measure the actual brightness of light produced. Since LED bulbs produce far more light per watt than old incandescent bulbs, comparing wattage alone is misleading — checking the lumens figure on the packaging is the reliable way to judge how bright a replacement bulb or fitting will actually be.

What is Mains-wired?

"Mains-wired" describes electrical equipment designed to be plugged directly into a standard UK household electricity supply – the mains. This means it uses a three-pin plug (the most common type in the UK) and draws power from your home's wiring, rather than requiring batteries or an external generator. When you see this specification, it indicates the product is intended for permanent outdoor use or frequent indoor operation and will require a suitable socket outlet. Consider the product’s length of cable when choosing – longer cables may need specialist connectors.

What is Living room?

Within the context of this site, "Living room" refers to the main reception area within a UK home – typically where people spend time relaxing and entertaining. When you see it listed as a use case for a product, it indicates suitability for placement and regular use in that primary social space. Consider its size and weight; larger items require more floor space. Materials should be durable enough to withstand everyday handling and potential knocks, with maintenance requirements reflecting the room's typical usage – often involving dusting or occasional cleaning.

What is WiFi?

WiFi, when listed for home & garden products, refers to the ability of that product to connect to your home's internet network wirelessly. It allows you to control and monitor the device remotely using a smartphone app or voice assistant – typically via an existing WiFi router in your property. When considering a product with WiFi connectivity, think about the strength of your WiFi signal where it will be used; a weak signal could lead to intermittent operation. Also, ensure that your home's internet network is compatible with the device’s requirements.

What is Solar?

In the context of home & garden products, 'Solar' refers to devices that utilise photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity. These cells charge a battery during daylight hours, and then use stored energy to power lights or other equipment when it’s dark. When looking at solar-powered items, consider the battery capacity – larger capacities generally mean longer run times. Also, note the panel size; bigger panels capture more sunlight, leading to faster charging. Durability is key as these units are often exposed to outdoor elements and require minimal maintenance, though occasional cleaning of the panels may be needed.

What is Wi-Fi (No hub required)?

Wi-Fi (No hub required) indicates that the device can connect directly to your Wi-Fi network without needing an additional hub. This means easier setup and potentially lower costs, as you don't need extra equipment. It's ideal for maintaining a clean setup in home & garden environments.