Light Diffuse

As the name suggests, the outdoor driveway light is used for illuminating the driveway and area beside it. The light is meant to be used with security cameras and other smart devices that require low power consumption, so it must be durable but also bright. The light can be used for several purposes including making the house more accessible, adding extra safety measures, and simply just for decoration.

If you are looking for a simple yet effective way to improve the ambiance and safety of your driveway, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to discuss several options of driveway lighting along with helpful tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

Types Of Outdoor Driveway Lights

Depending on your needs, you will need to decide what type of outdoor driveway light to buy. Here are some of the most popular types:

Cylinder

If you have a fairly large driveway and you want to use the space to park several vehicles, then you should go for the cylinder style light. These lights are usually made of metal or vinyl and feature a thin, translucent vinyl cylinder that you can slide over your outdoor lighting fixture. The cylinder protects the bulb from damages and sheds water away from it. On the downside, these types of lights are generally less bright than the others and are more susceptible to damages from water and frost.

Screw-In

The screw-in outdoor driveway light is attached to a metal electrical box with a light bulb socket. This type of light is commonly used in commercial spaces and large driveways. It is often brightly colored for aesthetic purposes, although there are exceptions. These lights are more resistant to damages from water and frost as they are sealed inside the electrical box. They are also easier to install, as you simply need to slide the electrical box into the hole and tighten it with a screw. When installing this type of light, it is a good idea to use a drill to make a small hole in the asphalt to avoid any accidents.

Flush-Mount

The flush-mount light also goes inside an electrical box but is designed to be flush against the outside wall with no projection. These lights can be found in home construction stores and look like small tiles with a glass lens. They are generally used for accent lighting or to illuminate stairways and walkways. These lights are popular because they look clean and modern and are easier to install compared to the others. However, if you are installing several of them, make sure you leave adequate space in-between for ventilation.

Dome

The dome light goes inside an electrical box but is shaped like a ball or a sphere. As the name suggests, these lights are used to illuminate a very large area. They are mainly used for outdoor events such as parties or weddings since they provide a colorful and decorative light source. These lights are also water-resistant and can be found in almost any home improvement store. As an added bonus, you can choose from among several different hues to suit your needs.

Along with picking the right style, you also need to be picky about the quality of the light source. Here are some of the things you need to watch out for:

Vibration

Vibration is the shakiness or unsteadiness of the light source. This can be caused by a number of factors, but the most common one is using an older model light bulb. The vibration can be corrected by replacing the light bulb with a newer one, although not all bulbs are created equal, and in some cases, the vibration may even be an asset, depending on the style of music you are playing.

Dimming

This is the tendency of the light to flicker or twinkle. The flickering can be reduced by using a good quality light bulb and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours. The dimming can be further decreased by using an electronic dimming system, although this adds to the cost of the overall project.

Moths And Insects

Moths and insects are attracted to bright lights and will congregate around them, creating a mild nuisance. Especially when several of these pests are buzzing around at once, it can be a daunting challenge to locate and eliminate them all without endangering yourself or others. When picking a light fixture for your outdoor driveway, make sure the design and shape of the light is not going to attract insects or moths to your house in the first place.

Also, don't place the light too near to trees or shrubs with soft foliage, as these could provide the perfect nesting spot for all sorts of creepy crawlies, including spiders, ticks, and mosquitoes. Keep the vegetation at least six feet away from the light source to minimize the risk of being bit by a mosquito or a tick.

Color Temperature

The color temperature of the light determines the tint or color of the light, with a cooler color temperature leading to a brighter white light. There is no exact science to picking a color temperature, as it largely depends on your personal preferences. Typically, a lower color temperature is preferred for tasks such as reading or swimming, while a higher color temperature is preferred for creating a mood or ambiance. For instance, a yellowish tint is ideal for keeping the creepy crawly bug menace at bay but may not be the best choice for illuminating your pool area or patio.

When picking a color temperature, it is also important to bear in mind that some colors are more alluring than others when it comes to luring insects and moths. For instance, red is a highly attractive color to the human eye, but it can be highly irritating to the skin of insects. If you aren't keen on attracting creepy crawlies to your house, then red lights with a higher color temperature are probably best avoided.

Light Diffusion

This is the tendency of the light to scatter or disperse instead of remaining concentrated. It can be caused by a number of different factors, but the most common one is dirt or sand on the optical surface of the light. When picking a light fixture for your outdoor driveway, make sure the surface is clean and free of any obstructions, as this could potentially cause poor lighting if not dealt with appropriately. If there is any doubt as to whether or not the surface is clean, you could always give it a quick wipe down with a dry cloth before laying down the outdoor rug or matting.

Light diffusion can be reduced by choosing brighter and more direct light bulbs along with using a physical barrier such as gasket light traps or a honey comb grid to intercept the light and diffuse it evenly for an optimal glow. A good quality light filter can also be used to soften the intensity of the light, allowing you to see a silhouette rather than the entirety of the person or object being illuminated.

Shielded

This is the ability of the light to stop or greatly reduce the transmission of harmful UV rays. Most light bulbs are not designed to emit UV rays, but some do, so it is advisable to shield your eyes from exposure to these rays, especially if you spend a lot of time outside. This could potentially lead to vision problems if excessive exposure occurs. Luckily, there are several good quality shielded light bulbs that are bright enough to replace the need for an additional lamp. However, these shielded bulbs are more expensive than their unshielded counterparts.

Safety Rating

The safety rating is the ability of the light to withstand wind, snow, and water without becoming cracked or damaged. For a more permanent installation, this is especially important. Avoid any light bulbs with a safety rating of three out of five or less, as these are generally not designed to handle heavy winds or water damage without becoming completely disfunctional. In the event of a major accident such as a wind storm or heavy rainfall, these types of lights could become damaged or even broken, resulting in a dangerous condition such as a fire or electricity shock hazard. Always pick a light fixture with a higher safety rating.

As you can see, there are several things to consider when picking a light for your outdoor space. While some of these items such as the style and color of the light are more personal preferences than anything else, the safety rating and vibration are factors that need to be addressed. When it comes to selecting this type of light, it is best to consult with a professional installer so that you can be sure that the proper fixtures are being used and that any additional safety measures or precautions are being taken.