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Driveway Lights Not Working

Your driveway lights have stopped working or are not coming on at dusk.
Updated
How urgent
Low risk
Who fixes it
An electrician

What's happening?

Driveway lights include pillar lights, bollard lights, recessed ground lights, and wall-mounted lanterns used to illuminate driveways and paths. They may be mains-voltage (230V) or low-voltage (12V) and are often controlled by photocell sensors or timers. When they fail, it is usually a lamp, sensor, or connection issue.

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What usually causes it?

  • Failed photocell or dusk sensor not triggering the lights
  • Damaged cable from ground movement, vehicles driving over it, or garden work
  • Corroded connections in underground junction boxes
  • Failed LED driver or transformer for low-voltage systems
  • Tripped MCB or RCD for the outdoor lighting circuit

Is it dangerous?

Non-working driveway lights are a trip and fall hazard in the dark. For mains-voltage buried cables, there is a shock risk if cables have been damaged by ground works. Never dig near outdoor lighting cables without first isolating the circuit.

Can I fix it myself?

Check the consumer unit for tripped MCBs affecting the outdoor circuit. For low-voltage systems, check the transformer is working and connections are clean and dry. Replace any obviously blown bulbs. Check photocell sensors for dirt or obstructions. If the lights are on a timer, verify the timer settings are correct and the clock has not reset after a power cut.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician if you suspect buried cable damage, if the circuit keeps tripping, if you cannot identify the fault, or if you want to add or replace driveway lighting. Any new mains-voltage outdoor lighting circuit is notifiable under Part P.

What will the electrician actually do?

  • Test the outdoor lighting circuit for cable damage and insulation faults
  • Inspect underground junction boxes and connections for corrosion
  • Replace failed photocells, timers, transformers, or LED drivers
  • Repair or replace damaged buried cables using correctly rated SWA cable
  • Test and certify the repaired or new installation

Who fixes this

What it usually costs

Electrical Fault Finding Cost
Priced on survey

Questions people ask

Why have my driveway lights all stopped working at once?

If all lights failed simultaneously, the most likely causes are a tripped circuit breaker, a failed transformer (for 12V systems), or a failed photocell sensor. Check these before assuming the lights themselves are faulty.

Can vehicles damage buried driveway lighting cables?

Yes, if the cables were not buried at the correct depth or protected by adequate ducting. Mains-voltage buried cables should be SWA (steel wire armoured) type and buried at a minimum depth of 500mm under driveways.

Should driveway lights be on a photocell or timer?

A photocell (dusk-to-dawn sensor) is usually the best option as it adjusts automatically to changing daylight hours throughout the year. Timers need seasonal adjustment and can reset after power cuts.

Are solar driveway lights a good alternative?

Solar lights work well for decorative marking but generally do not provide enough illumination for safely navigating a driveway in the dark, especially during UK winters with limited daylight for charging.

Sources & References

  1. BS 7671: IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition)
  2. IET, Guidance Note 7: Special Locations
  3. Electrical Safety First: Safety Guidance

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