Smart Bulbs: Outdoor Lighting Without Smart Fixtures

 The good news is that you don’t need to invest in specialised outdoor fixtures to enjoy the benefits of smart outdoor lighting. With smart bulbs, your existing outdoor lights can be transformed into a customisable, energy efficient, and user friendly smart lighting system.

Why Use Smart Bulbs Outdoors

Smart bulbs offer a host of features that make them perfect for outdoor lighting:

• Customisation: Set schedules, adjust brightness, and even change colours (if supported) to create the perfect atmosphere.
• Remote Control: Manage your lights from anywhere using a smartphone app, smart button, voice assistant integration.
• Energy Efficiency:  Smart bulbs use LED technology, consuming significantly less energy compared to traditional light bulbs.
• Automation: Use motion sensors or timers to automate your lighting, enhancing security.

Using Smart Bulbs in Standard Outdoor Fixtures

You might think you need special fixtures for outdoor smart lighting, but smart bulbs are compatible with standard outdoor light housing, provided a few basic conditions are met:

1. Weatherproof Fixtures

While the smart bulb itself may not be fully waterproof, standard outdoor light housings typically offer sufficient protection against the elements. Ensure your fixture has a tight seal to shield the bulb from rain, snow, and dust.

2. Connectivity Coverage

Smart bulbs require a wireless connection (for example, Zigbee, Bluetooth or Wifi) to function. Make sure your outdoor fixtures are within range of your smart home system.

3. Bulb Compatibility

Check the base type \ bulb fitting and wattage requirements of your outdoor fixtures to ensure they match the smart bulb specifications. Smart bulbs are designed for standard lighting sockets making them compatible with existing outdoor fixtures.

4. Temperature Tolerance

Verify that the smart bulb can operate in the typical temperature range of your location. Some smart bulbs are rated for outdoor use and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.

Enhancing Your Outdoor Experience

Smart bulbs aren’t just about functionality; they can also enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space:

• Dimmable smart bulbs to create soft lighting for evening gatherings or brighter lights for security purposes.
• Colour changing smart bulbs to set the mood for parties or holiday decorations. You can even get smart bulbs that change according to music, to create your own disco.
• Automate your lights to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise, ensuring your outdoor space is always illuminated when needed.

Final Thoughts: Outdoor Smart Lighting

With smart bulbs, upgrading your outdoor lighting has never been easier. You don’t need to replace your standard outdoor fixtures; instead, simply swap out the standard bulbs and replace with smart bulbs, easy 🙂