Walkover paving lights - more hassle than it's worth?

[Brahman Naren]

Hi All

My first post here, and looking for advice on a full home renovation that is about to start. They are kicking off with some garden work whilst the builders knock down half the house, so I suspect this will be question 1 of many questions over the next year.

They are about to start the foundation for the paving and then lay down the paving slabs. So I am looking to install walkover lights in my garden paving to outline the paving edge.

The electrician said he can do it, however, he recommended that I do not go ahead with this and instead install small lighting posts on the various corners of the paving.

He said the walkover lights will break after a few years and are then difficult to replace. He said that water will eventually get in from beneath or above and break down the seal or find away into the fixture/cabling resulting in the fixture ultimately failing. Even with the gel and various protection methods he claimed it will ultimately fail faster than expected. Whilst the posts do not have the same risks and can also be easily replaced.

The walkover lights are more convenient, less intrusive and look better. However if they fail frequently, I won't be able to afford to replace them.

Is this true? I am not experienced with this, what should I do?

 

[ruston]

Well I have never fitted them , but there are quite a few in the street near my Doc's and none of them have worked for years...

 

[Brahman Naren]

That's my concern.

 

[streamer]

Hi Brahman
I agree with your electrician unfortunately.
They look great when they are first installed but will inevitably fail in time and become a real pain.

 

[buzzlightyear]

your electrician is correct ,over time they will fail ,best to put in good German steel lighting posts will last longer then the gear from the far east .

 

[buzzlightyear]

Post & Bollard Lights - Lighting Direct - https://www.bing.com/aclick?ld=d3-cDm5SzO8wO21dE6xmtqTzVUCUxmrucGrUwKNDJvcmV9bctuFMZ1lwhXr4wvOzCPJmeX-qcUMdOlJKcWFnRwzKE3MAzIjydJrMa39MuLezL0WKwFwg9Mtcz23N0VpFDonjbVHIshaeWs3Ktg8oI3rPH8cQM&u=https%3a%2f%2fwww.lighting-direct.co.uk%2foutdoor%2fpost-bollard-lights.html%3fmsclkid%3d%7bmsclkid%7d%26utm_source%3dbing%26utm_medium%3dcpc%26utm_campaign%3dLD%2520-%2520Outdoor%2520-%2520Post%2520%2526%2520Bollard%2520Lights%26utm_term%3d%252Bpost%2520%252Blight%26utm_content%3dPost%2520%2526%2520Bollard%2520Lights%2520-%2520Generic&rlid=97758b4cb0181b5b1555d70ef9ced616

 

[KEV 1 N]

your electrician is correct ,over time they will fail ,best to put in good German steel lighting posts will last longer then the gear from the far east .

Is this the real buzz?? Just wondering as every word spelt correctly

 

[FatAlan]

your electrician is correct ,over time they will fail ,best to put in good German steel lighting posts will last longer then the gear from the far east .

Ah, but we’re leaving Europe soon so I’d go for Sheffield Steel!

 

[Toneyz]

Make sure there is good drainage around the light.

 

[Brahman Naren]

Thanks for the replies! I honestly wasn't sure if I was getting fobbed off by my electrician, but seems to be that he was actually looking out for me!

Thanks to your replies I am now trying to find one that doesn't look like it belongs in a car park.

 

[FatAlan]

It’s an interesting conundrum because as a customer you have a clear idea of what you want. Also good, and what you’d like to expect, to have a spark familiar with the products that are out there and their limitations.
Ultimately the decision is yours. It may be that if you spend more time researching you may find a more durable product out there that suits you initial spec? All the best with your project.
Are you sure that having hard landscape done before main building work is the right order and that your new paving and fancy lighting isn’t going to be trashed by Mr builder and his big digger sorting out foundations and new drainage etc?

 

[MFS Electrical]

This is one I disagree with I’ve had drive-over lights on my driveway for years in rainy greenock and only 1 problem was a duff fitting that was a leaker. Get a good brand. The more you pay now the less you’ll pay in the long run.... Make sure he reads the instructions and installs them right.... most lights need a good layer of gravel underneath sort of like a french drain.

 

[Toneyz]

Maybe members on here may be able to recommend some that they have installed and are ok as long as precautions are made during the installation.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Is this the real buzz?? Just wondering as every word spelt correctly

I found out to use a slate and chalk .

​

 

[MFS Electrical]

Maybe members on here may be able to recommend some that they have installed and are ok as long as precautions are made during the installation.

I would if I could remember pretty sure my drive over lights were from TLC Though?

 

[FatAlan]

If you go to Pompeii, the Romans used fluorescent pieces of marble incorporated into the road surface to provide markers for the road at night.

 

[Toneyz]

I would if I could remember pretty sure my drive over lights were from TLC Though?

Are they mains LED if not where do you install the driver?

 

[Toneyz]

I would if I could remember pretty sure my drive over lights were from TLC Though?

Are they mains LED if not where do you install the driver?

 

[MFS Electrical]

Are they mains LED if not where do you install the driver?

Mains GU10s recently upgraded to LED lamps when I stuck in my soffit lights

 

[Brahman Naren]

This is one I disagree with I’ve had drive-over lights on my driveway for years in rainy greenock and only 1 problem was a duff fitting that was a leaker. Get a good brand. The more you pay now the less you’ll pay in the long run.... Make sure he reads the instructions and installs them right.... most lights need a good layer of gravel underneath sort of like a french drain.

Really? It would really appreciate if I can get some recommendations for brands/lights.

And for draining, what would I tell the builders/electricians to do to ensure there is sufficient?