Outdoor

Must you always earth an outdoor light fixture?


It is not necessary to connect the earth wire when the bed light fixture or wall light fixture has a double insulation enclosure. As the light fixture is double insulated all current-carrying parts are protected/surrounded by insulation material in different types of plastic.


Should I choose a double isolated lamp or a lamp with earth wire connection?


If there is no earth wire at the lamp site, then you must choose a lamp that is double-isolated.

If there is an earth wire at the lamp site, then you can choose both a double isolated lamp and a lamp with earth wire connection.


What should I do if my lamps cut my circuit-breaker?


This can happen if there is condensation in the lamps. If the condensation drips from the top of the lamp to the light bulb it can cut the circuit-breaker. See our section on remedy for condensation in garden lamps. The lamp might also be connected the wrong way. Make sure that the earth wire is connected to the earth terminal on the lamp, or that the double isolation box is at least 10 cm above the surface of the ground in the tube of the garden lamp.


Are there limits to how many lamps I can connect in series?


You must not connect more lamps in series than the fuse box that you connect the lamps to allows. A 10 A fuse can handle a max. load of 2300 Watt. If it is fluorescent light fixtures, it varies how many you can connect depending on the ballast (the electronic or mechanical unit that turns on the fluorescent light) in the lamp. By connecting too many fluorescent light fixtures together you can exceed the circuit-breaker’s maximum load of 0.03 A. It is difficult to say exactly how many of the fluorescent light types in question you can connect together, as several conditions are a factor. When you reach the limit of how many you can connect together then ”the rest” has to be connected to a different circuit-breaker (a different group).


Do black lamps fade over time?


Black lamps can fade in the sunlight. You can recreate the colour of the lamp by waxing it. This treatment is repeated as needed.


Which Nordlux wall lamp can be connected in parallel?


Most of the lamps in Nordlux's outdoor range can. This would also appear under the technical specifications found in the lamp description next to the product in question, or on the sales packaging.


Which lamps should I choose in coastal areas?


Coastal areas are harsh on lamps as the high humidity and exposure to salt accelerates corrosion of the materials. Nordlux has a large range of particularly resistant materials designed for exactly these environments. These lamps have a marking on the sales packaging, which indicates that the lamp is suitable for coastal areas. Certain wind conditions can also accelerate corrosion far from the coast. This is the case for coasts with sustained onshore wind from saltwater seas. These are most common in the North Sea and Northwestern Europe. Here, the accelerated corrosion can occur up to 25 kilometres from the coast.

For coastal areas, Nordlux recommends lamps in copper, brass, nickel, corten steel and galvanised steel, and we offer a 15-year guarantee against corrosion.

Read more about materials for outdoor lighting here: Material selection on outdoor lamps


Should stainless steel be treated?


Yes, stainless steel has to be maintained with acid-free oil with a soft cloth before fixing. This treatment is repeated 3-4 times a year or more, depending on the environment that the lamp is placed in.


Are Nordlux exterior copper and brass light fixtures in pure copper/brass?


Yes, our copper and brass exterior light fixtures are made from 100% pure copper/brass.


What warranties does Nordlux provide for exterior light fixtures?


Nordlux provides a 15-year warranty against corrosion on exterior light fixtures in galvanised steel, copper and brass. Nordlux provide a 2-year right of complaint.


How can you tell if the light fixture can be mounted outdoors?


It will be stated on the packaging:

In order for a lamp to be used outdoors it must have an IP degree that is at least IP23. The IP degree will be stated on the packaging. Furthermore, the materials must be suitable for outdoor use.


What do you do if there is condensation in the light fixture?


Condensation is a natural phenomenon which occurs under certain atmospheric conditions. Moist, warm air and cold meet and lead to condensation of water inside the light fixture/glass.

When the water evaporates, it results in rising water vapours which may affect the electrical components – sometimes resulting in the RCD/RCCB disengaging. Condensation is not covered by Nordlux' guarantee, unless it can be demonstrated that a defect in the light fixture caused the penetration of water. If condensation occurs, the following should be checked: Has the light fixture been mounted/installed correctly? – Do the seals shut tight, and are screws and glass fastened sufficiently? – In the case of garden/flowerbed light fixtures, might rising soil moisture in the light fixture tube cause condensation?

This can be remedied by filling the tube with a sealant. Among other things, PU foam is recommended! – Drainage holes must be kept free from impurities. Remember to wipe all parts before the light fixture is put back together!


Can Nordlux’s in-ground spotlights be mounted in a driveway?


The majority of Nordlux’s recessed in-ground spotlights can be used for driveways. If the package is marked with a symbol which indicates that the spotlight can take a load of 500kg, it is suitable for a driveway when the spotlight is level with the surface.

If you wish to use in-ground spotlights of a type which cannot take a load of 500kg in your driveway, it is recommended that these spotlights are placed where heavy traffic does not occur.


Water in in-ground spotlights – what to do?


Water in in-ground spotlights can have several causes. It must be checked whether the cable lead-in boxes have been tightened sufficiently, so that water cannot penetrate from below. It is also important to ensure that the seals of the light fixture are positioned correctly and that the screws which hold these seals in place are tight and tense enough. If you experience problems with seals and voltage, you should also ensure that the plastic frame is intact

Did you know that we have 18 different categories of light fixtures and lighting, click below to find the category you need.


How are Nordlux garden lamps fixed?


All Nordlux lamps are designed for fastening. You can choose to fasten the lamp in a self-made base, or for most of the lamps you can choose to get a bury base which comes with screws that fit the foot of the Nordlux lamps. If the lamp is buried you must be careful that the connection box/double isolation connector is not under ground level.

The connection box must be placed at least 10 cm above the surface of the ground in the tube. Nordlux does not recommend burial of stainless steel garden lamps.


My solar lamp has stopped working, what do I do?


Nordlux solar lamps turn on at nightfall. In the lamps, where it is possible, the battery poles are checked for dirt. Check if the batteries are ”worn out” and if the lamp has been subject to direct sunlight and is charged.


What is a twilight switch?


A twilight switch turns the exterior lights on or off automatically via a light-sensitive element which measures daylight levels. Most twilight switches can be set to a selected degree of darkness, so that the light will switch on when the chosen degree of darkening is reached. Likewise, the switch will turn off the light fixtures when it is bright again. It is important to note that a twilight switch does not contain a motion sensor, and therefore will not respond to movement, but only to the degree of darkness.

At present, Nordlux has no light fixtures with a twilight switch.


Do solar cell lamps need to be charged before use?


Yes, all solar cell lamps must be charged approx. 8 hours in direct sunshine before they provide optimal illumination.


Canto - Installation of light shades


This video shows how to mount/replace light shades on Canto wall lamps. The video also mentions how to retighten screws to suit the tightness of the fixture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImkWCKn-b6c