Garden Lights Not Working
- How urgent
- Low risk
- Who fixes it
- An electrician
What's happening?
Garden lighting includes a wide range of installations from low-voltage LED path lights to mains-voltage bollard lights and wall-mounted fittings. When they stop working, the cause is usually a failed transformer, a damaged cable, or a faulty fitting. Low-voltage garden lights (12V) are less dangerous than mains-voltage outdoor lights.
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What usually causes it?
- Failed transformer or driver unit for low-voltage LED garden lights
- Damaged cable from gardening activity (digging, mowing, strimming)
- Corroded connections at junction boxes or light fittings
- Tripped MCB or RCD on the outdoor lighting circuit
- Timer or photocell sensor not set correctly or has failed
Is it dangerous?
Low-voltage garden lights (12V) pose minimal shock risk, but mains-voltage outdoor lights (230V) are dangerous if cables are damaged. If you suspect a mains cable has been cut by a spade or mower, do not touch it. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately.
Can I fix it myself?
For low-voltage LED garden lighting, check the transformer is plugged in and working, and inspect visible cable connections for damage or corrosion. Replace any blown bulbs. For mains-voltage lighting, only check the consumer unit for tripped MCBs. Do not attempt to repair mains-voltage outdoor wiring yourself.
When should you call an electrician?
Call an electrician if you have mains-voltage garden lights that are not working, if you have accidentally cut through a cable while gardening, if the outdoor circuit keeps tripping, or if you want to install new permanent outdoor lighting. Any new mains-voltage outdoor circuit requires Part P notification.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Trace the outdoor lighting circuit and test for cable damage or breaks
- Inspect and clean corroded junction boxes and connections
- Replace failed transformers, drivers, or light fittings
- Repair or replace damaged buried cables with correctly rated armoured cable (SWA)
- Test the completed circuit and issue appropriate certification
Who fixes this
What it usually costs
- Electrical Fault Finding Cost
- Priced on survey
- Garden Lighting Installation Cost
- £150–£450
Questions people ask
Why have all my garden lights stopped working at once?
Can I bury garden lighting cable myself?
My lights come on during the day. Why?
Sources & References
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