Everything You Need to Know About Festoon Lighting

Festoon lights create a stunning ambience in your space, all for a great price. They are also very easy to set up, with most festoons being DIY plug and play with no electrician required! 

Festoon lighting instantly provides a warm ambience and can suit almost any application. The effect enhances your mood, which is why you see a lot of festoon lighting at weddings to create a romantic atmosphere, or you can use it in your front or backyard for the same outcome. 

Here at Lightsup, we sell many different models, and here we'll give you all the info you need on Festoon Lighting to help you decide which is best for you.

Understanding the IP rating 

Most festoons have a low IP of 20 or 23, perfect for one-off events or indoor applications. For long term options that are a little more powerful, we recommend festoons with an IP44. These models often have a seal at the base of the lamp-holder to avoid water getting in, making them best-suited for outdoor use. 

Always have your globes facing down to avoid water seeping in, and check the base to ensure no breaks or cracks. 

Important: Always make sure every socket on the festoon has a globe installed. If one dies, leave the globe installed before you replace it.

Voltage for your festoon lighting

Long-term use is best with 24v low voltage, which presents less risk if water was to somehow get in. Festoon lighting should have a 5 - 10 year lifespan using only 40 watts per 20 meters keeping your power bill low.

LED, Incandescent or Carbon Filament Globes 

LED globes are always your best option, offering a lifespan of 40,000 hours. However, incandescent festoon lighting is more appropriate for a short term application (like a wedding) lasting around 2000 hours. 

Carbon filament bulbs are the best-looking globes as they mimic candlelight and will last around 3,000 hours (roughly 1 - 2 years depending on use).

Hanging your festoon lights 

Festoon lighting is very easy to hang and set up, as most models come with loops so you can attach them to a fixture. We recommend avoiding a height of more than six meters per drop. You can use cable ties as an effective and secure option to hang your lights.

Get all of your festoon lighting at Lightsup

As always, Lightsup has the finest options for lighting your homes and events, including plenty of festoon options. Peruse our listings and feel free to get in touch with any questions!