Airlite – Anodised Aluminium Dusk to Dawn Bollard Light (12v Plug & Play)

IK Ratings

The IK Rating measures a product’s resistance to mechanical impacts. It ranges from IK01 to IK10, with IK10 offering the highest level of protection. IK01 means minimal impact protection, while IK10 indicates a product is highly resistant to damage. Higher IK ratings mean the product can withstand more severe impacts without breaking.

When selecting outdoor lighting, consider the environment. If the area is prone to vandalism or accidental damage, a higher IK rating is recommended to ensure the fixture lasts longer.

IP Ratings

An IP (Ingress Protection) Rating indicates how well an outdoor light fitting is protected against specific conditions. It consists of two numbers: the first indicates protection against solid objects like hands or dust, while the second shows protection against water. The numbers range from 0 to 6 for solids and 0 to 8 for liquids, with 0 being no protection. The highest rating is IP68, meaning the fitting is fully protected from both solids and liquids and can be submerged in water. For outdoor lights, a minimum IP rating of IP43 is recommended for adequate protection.

Mounting

Root mount bollards are buried directly into the ground and set into wet concrete up to 400mm, providing a stable and permanent solution for protecting property or guiding traffic. They are ideal for areas where long-term durability is needed, as they offer strong resistance to impact and are less likely to shift over time. Their secure installation makes them a great choice for high-traffic or high-risk environments. Our professional root mount system results in the tubular body being extended by 300-400mm and supplied with an anchor bar.

Surface mount bollards are installed on top of an existing solid surface, such as concrete or asphalt. Depending on the surface various types of bolts can be used, with expanding anchor bolts being one of the most secure options. They are a versatile option for locations where digging into the ground isn’t feasible or where temporary installation is preferred. These bollards offer easy installation and relocation, making them ideal for flexible or non-permanent applications.

Surface mounted bollards can be securely fixed to the ground using J-bolts. These would be attached to the surface mount with the bolts sunk into a wet concrete base, rather than the tube buried in the ground. This installation method provides a strong, stable foundation while allowing for easy removal or replacement if needed. These bollards are ideal for permanent installations in areas where digging or extensive groundwork is not an option, offering both durability and flexibility.

Surface mount bollards with in-ground spikes are designed to be anchored to soft ground with a spike that drives into the ground beneath the bollard. This method offers strong stability while being easier to install than traditional root mounts, as it requires no concrete or extensive digging. They are a great choice for private locations where a secure yet removable bollard is needed, providing a durable solution with quick and easy installation.

Light Pollution & Colour Temperature

Reducing light pollution is crucial for protecting wildlife, preserving natural ecosystems, and maintaining our ability to stargaze. Always try to use the minimal light output required for your application, rather than unnecessarily excessive outputs. Excessive artificial light disrupts the behavior of nocturnal animals, including bats, which rely on darkness for feeding and navigation. Our “bat-friendly” lights are specifically designed to minimize light spill and reduce disturbances to bat habitats. By using these lights, we can provide safer environments for wildlife while ensuring outdoor spaces remain well-lit and functional.

Warmer colour temperatures have a less disruptive impact on wildlife and help reduce star-warping. For instance, bats are less affected by red-toned lights, which produce orange or yellow hues, compared to cooler, daylight white or blue lights higher in the spectrum. Blue light, being the most harmful for light pollution, should be minimized. The best solution is to use color temperatures of 3000K or lower, with 2700K often referred to as “bat-friendly” lighting.

Light Intensity – Wattage VS Lumens

Wattage and lumens are often confused, but they measure different aspects of a light source. Wattage refers to the power consumption of the lamp, while lumens measure the brightness or intensity of the light. Many people assume that higher wattage means brighter light, but this is not always the case. For instance, a lower-quality 5W LED may produce only 330lm, whereas a higher-quality 3W LED can produce 300lm. The 3W LED consumes less power, resulting in lower running costs, while delivering a similar light output to the 5W. LEDs that produce 100lm/W or more are considered the best choice. It’s important to avoid over-lighting; always think about what you’re illuminating and the desired effect before finalising your LED selection. In many cases, “less is more.”

Sensors

STANDARD – Not using a sensor on lights can be beneficial in situations where constant, reliable illumination is needed, such as in areas with high traffic or in locations requiring consistent security lighting. Without a sensor, the lights are always on, ensuring visibility at all times, which can be important for safety or accessibility. This approach eliminates the risk of sensors failing or being triggered unnecessarily, providing a more straightforward, hassle-free lighting solution.

PHOTOCELL / DUSK TO DAWN – A PC (Photo Control) or Dusk-to-Dawn sensor automatically turns lights on at dusk and off at dawn, using natural light levels to detect the time of day. This sensor is ideal for outdoor lighting, as it ensures lights are only activated when needed, improving energy efficiency and convenience. By eliminating the need for manual operation, it helps reduce energy waste while maintaining consistent lighting during night-time hours.

PIR MOTION SENSOR – A PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects motion by sensing changes in infrared radiation, typically emitted by human bodies or animals. It is a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to automatically activate lighting when motion is detected, ensuring lights are only on when needed. PIR sensors help save energy, reduce unnecessary lighting, and improve security by providing illumination when movement is sensed in a given area.

MICROWAVE MOTION SENSOR – A microwave sensor uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to detect motion, even through walls or obstructions, by measuring changes in the reflected waves caused by movement. It is highly sensitive and can detect smaller movements, making it ideal for areas where precise motion detection is needed. Microwave sensors are great for enhancing security and energy efficiency, as they activate lights or alarms only when movement is detected, reducing energy waste.

Garden Lighting Made Easy!

Lumena offer a large range of high end 12v Plug and Play lighting and accessories making it very simple and easy for quick DIY installation. Low voltage lighting is particularly suited to outdoor environments because it tolerates the damp conditions without performance being affected. Anything required underwater should also be low voltage as it is much safer.

When it comes to connections, there are multiple cables and adaptors which are suitable for various 12v plug and play lighting systems. Lumena’s Versa plug & play system is compatible with a number of brands such as Techmar. Cables are available in various length in various combinations of plug & play and open end. In addition, 3 way and 6 way connectors make it very simple for connecting components and fittings to just one transformer.

12v lightings requires a transformer in order for these to be powered. A transformer converts 240v mains down to 12v low voltage. We stock various wattage transformers (10w, 20w, 50w and 100w). Calculate which size transformer is required for a circuit following this simple formula:

Lamp Wattage x Lamp Quantity = Total Wattage Required (minimum)

Example: 5W MR16 x 3 fittings = 15W    (20W transformer required)

You must never exceed the wattage of a transformer, and avoid underloading. The ideal capacity is 75-90% load.

12v Lighting Set-up Example

12v lighting circuits can use a combination of plug and play and hard wired components. Versa Plug & play is simple with various compatible adaptors, cables and transformers available. Easily convert plug and play to hard wired with our plug & play to open ended cable. Standard junction boxes and in-line connectors can then be used to connect the two systems together.

What is voltage drop?

The term ‘Voltage Drop’ relates to the amount of voltage loss that occurs through all or part of a circuit. This is a result of increased resistance which is a measure of the opposition to current flow in a circuit, measured in ohms (Ω). Electrical cables of any size and length carrying current always present resistance. Although it can affect the entire circuit, it is first apparent at the end of a cable run. A simple comparison would be a garden hose, where the pressure of water running through it reduces the further away it is from its source.

What causes voltage drop?

The 4 main factors which contribute to voltage drop are cable length, wire temperature, wire material and the cross sectional area. Generally, 12V lighting systems can withstand a maximum voltage drop of up to 8% (1V) with no noticeable effects, on the basis that the correct cable / power source is used and it is within range of the LED lamp voltage. If significant voltage drop does occur, it can cause dim lighting, strobing or no power at all.

How to reduce voltage drop

To reduce the risk of voltage drop, consider the following:

• Reduce cable runs – keep length to a minimum with no more than 12 fittings per circuit
• Highly conductive wire, e.g. copper. A tinned end can improve performance and longevity
• Use high quality, heat resistant rubber cable. Minimum H05RN-F
• Use thicker cable where possible (1.5mm² / 2.5mm²) with a secure, watertight connection

For a larger garden where this is not possible, consider laying a mains power feed to various points / areas where additional 12V transformers can be installed to create separate, smaller circuits. 240V fittings can also be connected to the mains feed if required.

Voltage drop cable run guides

Suggested maximum cable run includes cable supplied with each fitting, adaptors and connector cables. Where longer cable runs are required, use thicker cable such as 1.5mm² / 2.5mm² which have a lower resistance and reduce voltage drop. Cable runs can be increased by up to 50% (approx.) when thicker cable is used.

For longer cable runs, thicker cable is recommended. The below table is for 1.5mm and 2.5mm 2 core cable.

The above tables are a guide only. We strongly recommend that the voltage is checked with a volt meter at each fitting prior to final placement. Some external factors can affect performance, such as placement of cable etc.