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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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Eclairage Solaire

Why doesn't my solar lamp work?

Lumihome Tips · 6 min reading
Why doesn't my solar lamp work?

Garden solar lighting It is an excellent solution to highlight the exteriors. Ecological, economical and practical, it allows to illuminate terraces, alleys and gardens without using electricity. However, sometimes solar lighting is a problem, like any product. But, be assured, there is always a good explanation to the problem. So why does your solar lamp not work? Here you are given all the things to check to quickly turn your solar lighting on. 

Check if the lights are on

Even if it seems obvious, it is necessary to check first whether your solar product is on. Indeed, in case of problems, we are often tempted to check a lot of things, but we often miss out on the essentials and the most obvious explanations. Attention, it is possible that your solar luminaire does not have a switch, which is not the case with Lumihome products, all equipped with a On/Off button. 

Test the light by covering the solar panel

This test will allow you to check in broad daylight if your lamp is working. By covering the solar panel, you simulate the darkness and can check that your solar luminaire is actually simmering.

Check if there is no pull tab on the battery

Again, this is not the case for all luminaires, but sometimes the battery may have a traction tab that must be removed for the luminaire to light up. 

Check the cleanliness of the solar panel

A sun panel, covered with dust or dead leaves, for example, will not perform its role perfectly and may have an impact on the overall functioning of your product. Therefore, you should gently wipe your solar panel with a soft and slightly damp cloth (especially no abrasive products). Lumihome solar products do not require any maintenance, if this is the light cleaning that allows you to preserve all the properties of the solar panel and ensure the correct passage of light. 

Check the position of the photovoltaic panel and solar input 

The solar module of your luminaire must be positioned to receive full light during the day, at the risk of not being sufficiently charged at night. Lumihome products are equipped with patented technology that makes them recharge by all times. They have a unique solar sensor with d-UV amplifier that allows intense lighting even in cloudy weather. So, even in winter, the solar solutions Lumihome continue to light you. The suntime is shorter and the weather is often less mild, the suntime is less light, the suntime is less light, and the suntime is less light. charge time will just be extended. Small tip: if you choose the Lumihome solar lamps, choose mode 3 in winter. This method allows you to benefit from lighting that only lights up if you detect presence. This allows you to preserve the battery at the maximum and continue to enjoy quality lighting advises Christophe Coelho. 

Turn off the luminaire and let it load for 72 hours

It's one thing to do regularly with solar lights. Turn them off allows the battery to recharge completely for several days of sunshine. So, if you find that your solar lamps are not working, give them a little rest for a few days. Turn them off with the switch, and turn them back on 72 hours later. The battery will be at the maximum of its capacity. Also know that Lumihome products need a first charge in full sun for 8 hours This allows the battery to reach its maximum capacity.

Does your luminaire need direct sunlight to work? 

No, not necessarily, even more if you use Lumihome products that, as mentioned above, have a solar sensor with d-UV amplifier that allows you to position them wherever you like. So, even if your luminaire is not in full sun, it still captures the daylight to store it and transform it into energy when the time comes. Of course, the battery will need more time to recharge. So, exposure to the sun is recommended, but it is not essential. However, foliage, trees are not essential. or even a roof slope can disrupt the battery charge. Don't hesitate to check. 的If the area of your lighting is very shaded, know that Lumihome offers a sunlight model with a remote panel, which allows you to position your lamp even in the darkest places. Christophe Coelho.

Check the battery

The non-functioning of your lamp could come from the battery. Therefore, it is better to check, even more if you have your luminaires for some time. Opt for Lumihome products. The batteries of our solar products are interchangeable. This allows you to keep your luminaire long and make real savings. In addition, our solar lamps are equipped with an intelligent battery discharge system that preserves it effectively and guarantees its longevity. 

Contact your dealer

Your solar lamp does not work, you have done all these checks, and this has solved nothing? Don't hesitate to contact your dealer. Opting for Lumihome products, it is a choice of serenity. All our solar products are guaranteed 5 years. They have also undergone extensive tests to confirm their robustness. In case of concern, do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone. Our commercial teams will be happy to take care of your request. 

 

If your solar lamp does not work, it does not mean that it is failing. Therefore, you must first check these small checks before panicking. Also make sure to choose quality solar products, which will ensure you an ideal functioning, regardless of the season and location. The advantages of solar lighting are many more than these small disadvantages. So, do not hesitate to discover all of our solar range, and opt for the quality Lumihome.  

 

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