Helping you Compare Plug In Festoon Lights Across Multiple Companies
Repeatedly we hear from customers lamenting their experience with cheap lights. Problems like bulbs failing, water seeping in, cables breaking, and more. Initially seen as a deal, turns out to be a costly mistake.
We're all about feeling empowered when you hit that checkout button. After all, you've got to be sure that what you're picking out is perfect for your space and needs.
So, you've invested in your outdoor spot and given yourself all the trimmings – seating area, landscaped garden, pizza oven, fire pit. You're after top-notch lights and decor that'll shine year-round, aren't you?
When it comes to lighting, knowing what to look for is key. Quality lighting that lasts season after season requires attention to specific specs.
- Waterproof ratings
- Cable materials
- Bulb types
- Bulb wattage, lumens, dimmable capabilities and colour temperatures
- Low voltage vs Standard 230v
- Connectable sets
Common claims we often see advertised
- Waterproof yet rated IP44 and shower resistant. . Unfortunately the consumer will only discover this after heavy rain.
- Commercial grade quality yet cheap materials - PVC cables which are thin and lightweight.
- Long lasting bulbs yet cheap bulbs usually means Halogen and Tusgan bulbs. Expensive error over time since their lifespan is typically 1/4 that of an LED bulb.
- Perfect party lights yet majority of the time they are less than 1w which is dim.
Company 1: Love Your Lights
We feature all the tech specs you need to know exactly what it is you are purchasing.
Our specs for a 5m 10 bulb festoon light set:
- Bulb spacing: 50cm spacing between bulbs
- Elegant Design: Warm white LEDs bulbs that hang below the festoon belt, creating both decor and light.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for residential and commercial spaces.
- Expandable: Connect up to 20 sets with one plug or up to 10 sets with a dimmer unit and one plug.
- Durable Construction: Featuring a robust rubber cable that will provide protection from UV rays, dust and strong winds.
- Waterproof: Designed for year round outdoor use, these watertight festoon lights will ensure their glow year after year.
- Watch the videos:
- Power Source: Plug-in
- Voltage: 230v
- Location: Indoor & Outdoor
- IP Rating: IP65
- Waterproof: Yes
- Lamp Base: E27
- Number of Bulbs: 10
- Bulb Type: S14
- LED Bulbs: Yes
- Bulb Size: 85mm x 45mm
- Dimmable Bulbs: Yes
- Bulb Wattage: 2w
- Bulb Lumens: 220LM
- Bulb Colour: Warm White 2700k
- Bulb Material: Plastic
- Cable Material: Black Rubber 2*1.00mm2
- Bulb to Bulb Spacing: 50cm
- Plug to 1st Bulb: 75cm
- Plug to Connector: 50cm
- Connector to 1st Bulb: 25cm
- Last Bulb to Cable End: 30cm
- Total String Length: 5m
- Total String Length + Power Cable: 5.5m
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Company 2:
FESTOON CLEAR 10 LIGHT LED STRING LIGHT KIT - Lighting Plus
4.5m 10 bulbs
Things to be aware of:
- Wattage per bulb is only 0.3w - this is very dim so it will not be provide much functional light. This is lower than our solar festoon bulbs.
- These are low voltage 12V festoon lights, not the standard 230v which we supply.
- The low voltage driver is only rated IP44 so shower resistant and not designed for heavy rain. Easy to get confused as the bulbs and cable are IP65 so can give impression the entire set is waterproof when it isn't
- A maximum of 2 sets can be connected verus our 10 sets which can be connected, giving you more versatility.
- No mention of what the cable material is - PVC or Rubber? Rubber is more premium and will last a lot longer! How thick is it? Often with the cheaper sets the material is 2*0.5mm so not very thick and will degrade quicker verus ours at 2*1.00mm so double the thickness and more robust.
Company 3:
Orbit Lighting Festoon LED String Lights 10 LED, 4.5m Warm White - Mitre 10
4.5m 10 bulbs - $66.11
Product details and tech specs:
- 4.05m lit length
- 10 LED Bulbs
- Low voltage adapter included.
- SKU323952
- Brand NameOrbit Lighting
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR Both
- Model Number O10LFLC
- POWER/FUEL TYPE Mains voltage
Only in the fine print you see they are low voltage lights which come with an adapter.
Questions to be asking:
- Bulb wattage and lumens. Generally speaking the higher the wattage the higher the lumens and the brighter the bulbs. We recommend not settling for anything less than 1w.
- Bulb colour temperature. States warm white but is this 2700K?
- IP waterproof rating? This is incredibly important if you plan to hang these outside for long periods of time.
- Cable material?
- Connectable?
- Dimmable?
Company 4:
Lytworx 10 Warm White Connectable Double Filament LED Party Lights
4.5m 10 bulbs - $59.48
- Infra red remote control
- Connectable up to 5 light sets
- Built in mounting holes for easy installation
- Timer function
- 5m lead
- Indoor and Outdoor Use
Questions to be asking:
1. Bulb wattage and lumens. Generally speaking the higher the wattage the higher the umens and the brighter the bulbs. We recommend not settling for anything less than 1w.
This reviews sum up why the above is so important!
Cold harsh light
2. IP waterproof rating? IP44 and these are only shower resistant. Any less than IP44 and you shouldn't be hanging outside for long periods of time.
3. Cable material? PVC will degrade quicker than rubber and a thinner cable will not last as long. Important to think about longevity with your lights.
4. Dimmable bulbs? Can a dimmer unit be added?
Company 5:
Festoon Lights $17
4.5m 10 bulbs
- Non-replaceable LED bulbs - if one bulb fails you cannot replace this!
- Adaptor approval no.: SGS-180742-EA
- LED bulb rating (warm white) 3V 0.02A 0.06W - very dim lighting
- Input: 220-240V 50-60Hz 0.10A
- Output: 5V DC 3.6W
- Usage conditions:
- Light set: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Adaptor: Suitable for indoor use only
In their product information they fail to highlight:
- Bulb material - plastic or glass?
- IP Waterproof rating - are these suitable for outdoor use in the rain?
- Cable material but by looking at the product we can tell it is a thin PVC type.
This review sums them up well and you do get what you pay for.
