When you want to choose a set of Permanent Outdoor Lights, you’ll find there are many product specifications, such as 'IP65/67', 'RGB/RGBCW', and 'low voltage' performance features to consider. But the truth is: you don’t need to get overwhelmed by these. Focus on your own space and needs, identify the key points, and you can easily pick the right one without any hassle. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for you.
1. Start with Purpose: Define Your Needs for Permanent Outdoor Lights
First things first: ask yourself one simple question: What do I need these lights for? Your answer will eliminate 90% of the options right away.
- Just decoration? You want soft, ambient light to highlight your eaves, garden, or patio. Go for RGBW (warm white 2700K-3000K) or RGB lights if you want to switch up colors for holidays. Brightness doesn’t need to be extreme—20-50 lumens per light is enough to set the mood without blinding your neighbors.
- Safety & security? You need lights that illuminate walkways, stairs, or dark corners to prevent trips. Opt for brighter lights with motion sensors and RGBW or dusk-to-dawn functionality—they’ll turn on automatically when it gets dark, no extra effort needed.
- All-in-one (decor + safety + parties)? Choose RGBW or RGBCW lights (they do warm white for daily use and colorful hues for holidays) with smart control. You’ll get the best of every world without buying multiple sets.
Tips: Write down 1-2 main goals before you shop. If you’re torn between “decor” and “safety,” prioritize the one that solves a bigger problem.
2. Core Specs for Permanent Outdoor Lights (IP65+ / Low Voltage / UL/ETL)
You don’t need to memorize different terms. The right permanent outdoor lights require 3 specs—everything else is just extra fluff.
a. Waterproof Rating: At Least IP65 (Must-Have for Outdoor Use)
Outdoor lights live outside—rain, snow, dust, and even sprinklers will put them to the test. The waterproof rating (called “IP rating”) tells you how durable they are. Here’s the simplified version:
- IP65: Good for most climates (rain, dust, snow)—this is the minimum you should accept.
- IP67: Better for heavy rain, coastal areas (salt air), or spots that might get briefly submerged (like near a pool).
- Anything below IP65? Skip it.
b. Power Type: Low Voltage (12V/24V) – Safer & Friendly for Permanent Outdoor Lights
Forget high-voltage lights—they’re risky (electric shock hazard!) and require a licensed electrician to install. Low-voltage (12V or 24V) lights are:
- Safer: Perfect if you have kids or pets running around.
- Friendly:Most products come with a transformer, making them more suitable and safer to use.
- Energy-efficient: They use less electricity, which means lower bills.
c. Certification: UL/ETL – Mandatory for US Permanent Outdoor Lights
This is non-negotiable if you’re in the US. UL or ETL certification means the lights meet North American safety standards—no fire risks, no faulty wiring. If a product doesn’t have this, hit “back” immediately.
All other specs? Nice to have, but not dealbreakers. For example, “color temperature” only matters if you have a preference (warm white = cozy, cool white = modern), and “smart control” is great but optional if you don’t use Alexa/Google Home.
3. Choose the Right Length for Permanent Outdoor Lights: 50ft/100ft/150ft/200ft Guide
Another area where problems can arise is the size — buying a length that is too short (unable to cover the entire eaves) or too long (wasting money on extra lights that aren't needed). Here’s how to get it way—no measuring tape required (unless you want to be precise):
- Small spaces (apartments, a porch): 50ft is perfect. It’ll cover a small eave, a patio, or a couple of windows—no extra length to hide.
- Standard homes (most US detached houses): 100ft is your sweet spot. It’ll wrap around the main eave, plus a little extra for stairs or a garden path. This is the “one-size-fits-most” length.
- Big homes (mansions, multi-story, or large yards): 150ft-200ft. If you have a wrap-around porch, a pool, or want to light up your entire yard, go for these longer lengths. Pro tip: Look for modular or cuttable lights—you can trim them to fit without wasting.
Pro move: If you’re unsure, round up by 20ft. It’s better to have a little extra than to run out mid-installation. Most cuttable lights let you snip off the excess, so no waste!
4. Smart Control & Color Choices: For Convenience and Ambiance
After covering the essential specs, consider how you'll control your lights and what colors you need.
- Smart Control: Control your lights from APP or with your voice (via Alexa/Google Assistant). The benefit is automation: set schedules for your lights to turn on and off automatically for security and everyday convenience.
- RGB: Can create millions of vibrant colors for holidays.
- RGBW: Has a white LED in addition to colored ones.
- RGBCW (Recommended): Includes Cool White and Warm White LEDs. Vibrant colors for parties, a warm white for cozy evenings, and a cool and white for lear lighting.
For the flexibility in both daily ambiance and festive celebrations, choose RGBCW. It ensures you have the perfect white tone for any occasion.
5. Pick Reliable Permanent Outdoor Light Brands: Focus on Durability & Value
Some of the best permanent outdoor lights come from brands that focus on the basics: durability, safety, and value. Here’s how to spot a good one (without getting sucked into brand hype):
- Check reviews for “long-term use”: Look for comments like “used for 2 years, still works great” or “survived a snowstorm.”
- Warranty matters: A 2-year warranty means the brand stands behind their product. If they only offer 6 months, then you need to think about it.
- Skip the cheapos: You can find permanent outdoor lights for $20, but they’ll probably have no certification, poor waterproofing, and burn out fast. Spend a little more ($50-$200, depending on length) for something that’ll last 5+ years.
My go-to recommendation?JCLGL permanent outdoor lights . They check all the boxes:Lights IP67 waterproof, UL/ETL certified, low voltage, and available in 50ft-200ft lengths. Plus, works with Alexa/Google Home but not overly complicated—perfect for anyone who wants functionality without the hassle. And the price is way more reasonable than some big-name brands.
6. 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Permanent Outdoor Lights
Even with the plan, it’s easy to slip up. Here are the top mistakes to skip:
- Buying based on brightness alone: More lumens isn’t better!Stick to the brightness range for your goal (decor = 20-50lm/light, safety = 100-300lm/light).
- Ignoring installation ease:Look for peel-and-stick or magnetic lights—they’re done in 30 minutes, no tools needed.
- Forgetting about climate: If you live in a place with extreme heat, cold, or salt air, pick lights with UV-resistant materials and a wide temperature range (-4°F to 140°F is standard for US climates).
Cheat Sheet for Choosing Permanent Outdoor Lights.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, just follow this 5-second cheat sheet:
- Need: Holiday Decorations→ Choose RGBW, used for Christmas lighting or as Christmas lights. Daily use: Holidays → RGBCW meets everyday needs as well as holidays like Christmas and Halloween
- Specs: IP65+, UL/ETL certified
- Length: Small = 50ft, Standard = 100ft, Big = 150ft+
- Brand: 2+ year warranty + good long-term reviews
That’s it! Focus on what you need, ignore the jargon, and stick to the basics. With a little planning, you’ll end up with lights that look great, work well, and don’t make you regret the purchase.
