Outdoor Light Bulbs For Outdoor Lighting

By: Hogan Hererion

Outdoor Light Bulbs for outdoor lightings are specially made to take moisture and take the variation of temperatures. But not all outdoor lighting needs require that you use light bulbs that can take direct moisture. In fact many lighting fixtures allow you to use regular halogen and incandescent light bulbs.

Here we'll talk about the areas of need you may have in your outdoor lighting and how to tackle those needs.

Bug Repelling
Yellow bug repelling (or non bug attracting) light bulbs are a safer and more environmentally friendly option than using pesticides to rid your yard of bugs. The yellow tinted bubs that are made don't really repel the bugs but do not attract insects like the clear or white light bulbs do.

Landscape Lighting
There are a couple of main needs when it comes to landscape lighting. Many folks have post lights or light fixtures that are on the top of posts or attached to walls or fences. Then other yards will have outdoor floods and spots that either highlight your home or a prominent feature like a beautiful old tree or a walking path.

Most outdoor post lights will be covered. What do we mean by covered? A fixture that is encompassed by glass such that the rain doesn't make direct contact with the light bulb is a covered post light. You have more options with light bulbs when replacing a covered post light. Here there are many incandescent, halogen or compact fluorescent light bulbs that can be used.

Outdoor spots and floods generally need light bulbs specially designed for that purpose. You should look for PAR light bulbs for these applications. PAR light bulbs are made in incandescent, halogen or compact fluorescent versions. It's important to know that some compact fluorescent light bulbs can not be used outdoors because they won't ever come on in really cold conditions. Some just don't like cold temperatures. Many spot fixtures that are enclosed may use MR type bulbs and these are primarily used for walkway lighting. You can find MR light bulbs that are halogen and now LED.

Deck Lights
When it comes to deck lighting, there are some cool new LED options out there. You could also have some post lighting needs around your deck or entertaining area. We've already explained how to light post lights. The main areas you want to light on decks are the steps and edges of the deck. Small puck size lights can be used for these areas. They don't flood the area with light but will insure that no one gets hurt if they are walking across your deck in the evening hours. Philips has a really cool DIY kit that you can install after a deck is built and works off a remote.

Swimming Pool Lights
Light Bulbs used for swimming pools are also ideal for use in waterfall lighting, fountain lighting and reflection pools. It is crucial that specialty light bulbs be used for these applications. The bulbs will be made with hard, shatter-resistant glass that withstands thermal shock and vibration.

Your swimming pool installation company will more than likely design your swimming pool lighting plan. All you'll need to do is pull out an expired bulb and replace what you've found. If what you have doesn't exist any longer, the types of bulbs currently available in the Philips family that are made especially for swimming pools are the following: G-30, PAR-56, R-20 and R-40. These range in width from 1 ?" to 7" in diameter and are used in either 12 or 120 volt applications. All are incandescent light bulbs.

Sconce and Covered Lighting
What do we mean by sconce and covered lighting? Anything that falls under the eve of your home, would be covered lighting. If you are wanting to light a sconce, probably beside your front door, you have lots of options. There are incandescent light bulbs, halogen and compact fluorescent options. It's important to measure the space you have inside the fixture. Know the height, width and size of screw in base you need (medium base or candelabra base).

Another type of lighting you will probably need under the eve of your home is some sort of spot or flood light. If these are under the eve and don't get direct rain exposure, you have a lot more options to choose from. If your fixtures are on the corners of your roof and get direct rain fall, you'll want to use PAR light bulbs like in landscape lighting. Because of their hard glass lens, these light bulbs are made for the weather.

Outdoor lighting can be a little intimidating to tackle. Bottom line, all incandescent light bulbs and all halogen light bulbs can be used outside. Most in covered fixtures and any PAR can be used in an area that gets direct rain or snow. Some compact fluorescent light bulbs can be used outdoors but will need to be specially made for outdoor lighting applications. Armed with the knowledge of what light bulbs you can and can not use in each application will make the job a great deal easier.