{"id":252,"date":"2026-01-05T11:45:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T11:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/?p=252"},"modified":"2026-03-20T16:14:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T16:14:55","slug":"plug-and-play-lighting-the-ideal-outdoor-lighting-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/plug-and-play-lighting-the-ideal-outdoor-lighting-solution\/","title":{"rendered":"Plug and Play lighting \u2013 the ideal outdoor lighting solution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Posted on 6 June 2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Author: Andrew Evangelidis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Last updated on 29 July 2021<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plug and Play lighting \u2013 the benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plug and play lighting allows end-users to easily design and install a tailored outdoor lighting scheme, without the need for an electrician. This modular low-voltage system is ideal for a garden, patio, poolside, or car park, and dramatically reduces the cost normally associated with a bespoke lighting solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plug and Play lighting \u2013 getting started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"705\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Plug-and-Play-infographic_002-1024x705.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Plug-and-Play-infographic_002-1024x705.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Plug-and-Play-infographic_002-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Plug-and-Play-infographic_002-768x529.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Plug-and-Play-infographic_002-1536x1058.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Plug-and-Play-infographic_002.jpg 2019w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Plug-and-Play-infographic_002.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>There are three steps to a basic Plug and Play set up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16570-plug-and-play-lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Choose your combination of lights<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose the right transformer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose cables and accessories<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The lights and their 2-metre connecting cables hook up to the main cable with waterproof 2-pin plugged sockets. A 3-way connector is also available, which lets you attach up to three lights to each socket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expansion of your lighting scheme is simple with this modular approach. The main thing to remember is that the total wattage of the circuit should not exceed the maximum load of the transformer. We offer a choice of 22W, 60W, and 150W transformers, designed to supply power across at least 35m of cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main power cables are sold in 10m lengths with four connecting sockets, or 15m lengths with six sockets. Extension cables are also available, allowing lights to be positioned further from the main cable. None of the cables theoretically need to be concealed, although a light covering of soil is recommended to avoid needless damage. Because the system is low voltage, there is no threat to life if the cables are accidentally sliced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"303\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/plug-and-play-lighting-setup-explanation-thumbnail.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-254\" style=\"width:645px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/plug-and-play-lighting-setup-explanation-thumbnail.jpg 303w, https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/plug-and-play-lighting-setup-explanation-thumbnail-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 303px) 100vw, 303px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plug and Play lighting \u2013 in use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16570-plug-and-play-lighting\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"lug-and-play.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plug and Play lighting<\/a>\u00a0products are designed to withstand the elements, and intended for year-round outdoor use. All power connections are watertight and suitable for siting in and around swimming pools or drainage areas. Included in the collection are bollards, post lights, spotlights, walkover lights, and wall lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various ways of controlling a Plug and Play lighting scheme. A dusk-to-dawn sensor automatically triggers lights at nightfall, and switches them off again after your specified duration. The sensor can control all of your lighting, or a single section of it, as you wish. Also available is a weatherproof wireless remote control, which can operate up to nine separate groups of lights at a maximum 40m range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LED lights are incredibly energy efficient and last up to 20 times longer than halogen alternatives. However, halogen lights, which also feature in this range, offer superior colour rendering. They make a particularly strong choice for lighting red-coloured grasses, shrubs, trees, and decorations, with their naturally warm bias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safe and simple outdoor lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The inherent safety of a Plug and Play lighting scheme makes it a reassuring choice for the protection of children or pets. In many instances you won\u2019t even need tools for installation, though a screwdriver may be required with some light fittings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For businesses looking to renovate and update the look of their exteriors, our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/16570-plug-and-play-lighting\">Plug and Play lighting<\/a>\u00a0range offers a solution that\u2019s cost-effective, easy to install and flexible. Homeowners can reap the nocturnal rewards of their own property for minimal outlay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you looking for more lighting news,\u00a0inspiration, or information? Check out our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/\">Lighting Advice<\/a>\u00a0section.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Posted on 6 June 2014 Author: Andrew Evangelidis Last updated on 29 July 2021 Plug and Play lighting \u2013 the benefits Plug and play lighting allows end-users to easily design and install a tailored outdoor lighting scheme, without the need for an electrician. This modular low-voltage system is ideal for a garden, patio, poolside, or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categoria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=252"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":742,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252\/revisions\/742"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lyco.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}