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Home/Magazine/How to choose a powerful outdoor spot?
Spots & Built-in · March 2026 · 6 min reading

How to choose a powerful outdoor spot?

Lumens, IP, lighting angle, power supply: the 4 criteria that decide whether your spot survives in winter.

C
Team Lumihome
Published on 12 March 2026
How to choose a powerful outdoor spot?

A good outdoor spot is not just an eye-catching one. Four technical criteria determine whether it will really last in time, resist the seasons and deliver the light you need.

1. Lumens, not watts

The wattage indicates the consumption, not the brightness. For the actual brightness, it is the lumen which counts:

  • 10 – 80 lumens: decorative tags, atmosphere
  • 100 – 300 lumens: terminals and aisle appliqués
  • 500 – 1,500 lumens: entrance, garage, parking
  • 2000+ lumens: projectors, large facades, safety

2. The IP index, the only guarantee of waterproofness

The IP is a two-digit code: dust, then water. For external use in France, aim at a minimum IP44. For ground lighting near a gutter or swimming pool, IP65 or more.

Lumihome publishes the exact IP on each product sheet. No marketing round.

3. Solar, 230V or 12V?

Three solutions, three cases of use. The solar is unbeatable for flexibility and zero cost but depends on the sun. The 230V guarantees constant power but requires a connection (and often an electrician). The 12V low voltage is ideal around the swimming pools and for secure self-installation.

4. Manufacturing quality

Failures do not come from LEDs — they come from joints, motion sensor (UV ageing), battery (12 to 24 months on cheap models) and foot (rust). stainless steel or heat-lapped aluminium, with replaceable lithium battery.

Recommended product

Spot outdoor LED picket DEC–GL5BC

230V · 300 lumens · IP65 · Hot white 3500K

View product →

In summary

For an outdoor spot that lasts: lumens adapted to your use, IP44 minimum (65 if direct exposure), consistent power supply with your project, and quality materials. Lumihome masteres the 4 criteria on the entire range.

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Borne Exterieur

Why choose pots with motion sensor?

Lumihome Tips · 6 min reading
Why choose pots with motion sensor?

Go get wood or take out the trash in the middle of the night without tangled your feet or wake up the whole house? Unable mission without good outdoor lighting. What if your lights were lit up alone, only when you need it ? It's exactly the principle of outside chub with motion sensor: discreet comfort, enhanced safety... And savings to the key. We explain why it's a real good choice.

Why choose a pot to light up your garden?

Before even speaking sensors, let's start with the format. The pole — this light source installed at intermediate height (about 40 to 100 cm) — is an ideal solution for structuring and building a garden.

Unlike the built-in spots (rather decorative) or wall-mounted (fixed and often zone-centered) appliques, the post:

  • Lights horizontal and uniformly aisles, massifs or areas of passage;

  • avoids shadow zones too low, lighting just above ground level;

  • easily installs in a loose floor or on a concrete base, without the need for a wall;

  • and enables development very natural volumes of the garden, without assaulting the eyes.

It is therefore an excellent compromise between power, visual comfort, and landscape aesthetics.

Smart lighting that only lights up when needed

The detectors are not just domotic gadgets. They combine design and practicality by sctivating only when passing through their detection area.

What it changes in your daily life:

  • No need to look for a switch in the dark.

  • The light follows you, effortlessly.

  • Conversely, it automatically turns off once the movement is no longer detected.

Comfort and safety, from the entrance door to the garden

Installing pots with detection around your home, it's above all gaining in tranquility :

  • In winter, they avoid you going into the dark with arms loaded with racing.

  • They also deter intruders simulating a human presence.

  • For driveways, garage approaches or garden shelters, they effectively mark the path as soon as a movement is detected.

  • And for guests who arrive after dark, it is a guaranteed welcoming entrance (without kicking in the flowerpot).

的At Lumihome, we chose to integrate our sensors directly into the head of the pole, for a more sober design and optimal efficiency. Less enclosures, more light at the right time.Christophe Coelho, founder of Lumihome

DUBLIN solar led terminal - Motion detector - 3 lighting modes 100 to 1000 lumens - Lumihome

Energy saving without compromise on lighting

A classic potlet remains lit all night, even if there is no one. Result: unnecessary consumption, and sometimes an impressive waste of energy if you multiply the luminous points.

With a detector, the light only lights up when necessary.

Specifically:

  • You divide the lighting time.

  • You extend the life of LEDs (less frequent ignition = less cycles).

  • You reduce your electricity bill, while maintaining optimal comfort. It's even more true if you choose a Solar pole.

And in a time when we talk about energy saving as much as design... it's the winning combo.

What to check before choosing your sensor pole

Not all detection posts are worth it. To avoid bad surprises, here are the essential criteria to keep in mind:

  • Detection angle : ideally at least 90°.

  • Sensor range : 5 to 10 meters in a residential garden.

  • Setting the time frame : to be able to choose a time of ignition between 30 seconds and 5 minutes is indispensable.

  • With a dark sensor  : some models, such as those of Lumihome, allow to activate the detector only under a certain threshold light (very useful to avoid the triggers in daylight).

  • Protection index : IP44 minimum, to withstand rain, insects and projections.

Borne or potlet: which one to choose?

It's a question that we often ask. Apparently, these two types of exterior luminaires are similar. However, some differences can guide your choice:

Criterion Potlet Point
Height 70 to 120 cm 30 to 60 cm
Illuminated area Large (aisles, facades, entrances) Very targeted (cuts, small piles)
Aesthetic Released, visible Down, discreet
Luminous effect Diffuse or directional according to model Localized, sieved atmosphere
Recommended use Structure spaces and secure travel Marking precise areas without glare

In summary: choose the pole to guide and secure, the light source to structure or highlight specific areas (massive, relaxing corner, terrace edge). You can learn more by reading our article on the differences between the potlets and the outer terminals.

And nothing prevents mixing both in the same project!

Various uses for each outside area

You can place your detectors:

  • Along a driveway for automatic guidance.

  • Near an outdoor staircase, to avoid accidents.

  • Near the gate or car shelter, to facilitate night maneuvers.

  • At the entrance of the house, to create a warm and convenient reception area.

  • On the edge of the garden, to deter any night intrusion.

Your exterior deserves a bright and elegant light

Choosing a pole with motion sensor is a single option to check three boxes: aesthetics, Security, and Energy control. No need to choose between comfort and efficiency: you win on all the tables, and your exteriors finally become as practical as elegant.

At Lumihome, our models combine precise detection, powerful LED lighting, and sober design to fit all garden styles. And as always, reliability remains our priority.

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