Outside security lights

FaceHead

I installed a security light over the garage door in November 2020 (Screwfix 430FH), mostly to deter people who need a wee on their way home from the pub. 

The previous one had failed, potentially due to being IP44, so I chose a 65 rated one. 

It worked great, with the ambient light sensor and PIR setting it off at just the right time, and putting out a suitable about of light.

13 months on its failed, with the main LED panel not working, and just some of the LEDs in the middle glowing faintly. It has a 1 year warranty, but I expect I got a fraction of 1% of the stated 20,000 hours.

Reviews for a lot of outside lights suggest they don't last, which is annoying when it's hard to access the wiring, and you probably need new screw holes for a different light. 

Are there any that actually last? Or have replaceable bulbs, to avoid taking apart junction boxes on a ladder and needing new fixings to replace them?

prowla

I think LEDs are improving year-on-year, so up til now they've been pretty much disposables.

daveyjp

Tried LED external lights all have been useless.  Gone back to a 150w halogen as changing a bulb takes minutes and is cheaper than changing whole units each time.

FaceHead

daveyjp said:

Tried LED external lights all have been useless.  Gone back to a 150w halogen as changing a bulb takes minutes and is cheaper than changing whole units each time.

So either it's find one that works or (I agree most likely) a halogen one. Any one got any recommendations? 

Whilst an LED seems like it should be more economical and environmentally friendly, if you have to chuck away a whole unit each year, then they don't stack up. 

searchlight123

if you have the receipt, return it to Screwfix. Forget the 1 year warranty, under your consumer rights it should last a reasonable amount of time. This one hasn't. Once you quote the 2015 Consumer Rights Act to them I'd be surprised if they didn't exchange that unit for you. Any issue contact Head Office. It will get swapped over (providing there's nothing you've done to damage it or have misused it).

FreeBear

FaceHead said:

daveyjp said:

Tried LED external lights all have been useless.  Gone back to a 150w halogen as changing a bulb takes minutes and is cheaper than changing whole units each time.

So either it's find one that works or (I agree most likely) a halogen one. Any one got any recommendations? 

Whilst an LED seems like it should be more economical and environmentally friendly, if you have to chuck away a whole unit each year, then they don't stack up. 

Don't forget to factor in the cost of running a 150W halogen for any length of time - Especially with the cost of electricity going up at the rate it is.

Hudsonbutler

I have two outside halogen lights. I've put led replacement bulbs in them. Been in about 5 years now.

Ganga

The biggest problem i found with changing the halogen bulbs was getting the light open ,every one has had the screw on the front rust up making it a pig of a job to do whilst up a ladder.

Ectophile

Ganga said:

The biggest problem i found with changing the halogen bulbs was getting the light open ,every one has had the screw on the front rust up making it a pig of a job to do whilst up a ladder.

Next time you need to open the lamp, put some grease on the screw threads before screwing it back together again.

Ganga

Ectophile said:

Ganga said:

The biggest problem i found with changing the halogen bulbs was getting the light open ,every one has had the screw on the front rust up making it a pig of a job to do whilst up a ladder.

Next time you need to open the lamp, put some grease on the screw threads before screwing it back together again.

I think i did but the next time i needed to unscrew it was several years later and the weather had removed the lubricant and allowed it to rust.

Chickereeeee

It's odd, because pretty much ALL outside lights used by pubs, churches and other public buildings that use flood-type lights (as used in security lights) are LED nowadays. If they only lasted a year, they wouldn't. Maybe cheap ones fail?