How to Hang Festoon and String Lights for Outdoor Ambience
Learn how to plan and secure festoon, solar, or smart string lights to create warm, durable outdoor lighting displays.
Festoon lights bring instant warmth to patios, courtyards and café spaces. This guide covers planning, safe installation, IP ratings, and Australian compliance notes so your setup looks great and lasts.
Product note: LiquidLEDs festoon strings are IP65 — dust-tight and protected from water jets — and are suitable for permanent outdoor use when installed correctly.
IP65 festoon string lights set up for year-round outdoor use.
Before You Start
- Plan the run: Measure your space, mark anchor points, and allow a gentle sag between sockets for an even look.
- Choose your system: 240 V Black (IP65, extendable), 240 V White 20 m, 24 V Commercial Dimmable Kit, 15 m Solar Festoon, Smart RGBW (IP65).
- Support & fixings: Use stainless hooks/eyelets. For spans > 5 m, run a stainless guide wire and clip the string to it.
Step-by-Step Install
- Mark anchors on walls, pergola beams, posts, or trees.
- Fit hardware (hooks/eyelets) and tension a guide wire for long or windy runs.
- Hang the string along the wire using UV-resistant cable ties/clips. Keep sockets pointing down where possible.
- Connect power safely: Use a weather-protected outlet, keep joins off the ground, form a drip loop on leads.
- Test & tidy: Power on, adjust sag and spacing, then fully secure.
See all options: Festoon Lighting Collection.
IP Ratings Explained
IP (Ingress Protection) has two digits — the first for solids/dust, the second for water. Summary:
| Rating | Protection | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Protected against splashing water | Covered outdoor areas with limited exposure |
| IP65 | Dust-tight + protected from water jets | Exposed patios, decks, permanent outdoor installs |
| IP67 | Temporary immersion | Areas subject to pooling water (not typical for festoons) |
IP definitions follow AS/NZS 60529 (aligned with IEC 60529). Our strings are IP65 to handle year-round conditions when installed correctly.
What IP Rating Should I Use? (AU Context)
- General outdoor, exposed to rain: IP44 minimum; IP65 is preferred for long-term exposure and cleaning.
- Under cover/porches: IPX3–IPX4 is typically sufficient if not subject to wind-driven rain.
- Electrical selection rule: AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) requires equipment to be selected and installed to suit the environment. In practice, choose the IP rating that matches the actual exposure of the location.
Cable & Compliance: Rubber vs PVC
Why we use rubber-sheathed cable: For permanent outdoor festoons, heavy-duty rubber-sheathed flexible cords (e.g., H07RN-F class) offer superior UV, heat and abrasion resistance compared with common PVC cords, which can stiffen or crack when exposed to weather.
Australian Standards referenced:
- AS/NZS 3191 – Electric flexible cords (construction and duty classification).
- AS/NZS 60598.2.20 – Luminaires: Lighting chains/festoons (used with AS/NZS 60598.1).
- AS/NZS 3008 – Electrical installations – selection of cables (current capacity, derating).
- AS/NZS 3000 – Wiring Rules (equipment selected for the environment; installation by licensed electricians for fixed wiring).
Our supply leads use heavy-duty rubber sheathing with an appropriate cross-section (commonly 1.5 mm² conductors) sized to the run and load. Many low-cost strings use PVC; for permanent outdoor installs, rubber sheathing is the durable choice.
Solar & Smart Setup Tips
Solar Festoons
Solar festoons suit areas without outlets. Face the panel north with at least 6 hours of sun, wipe it clean periodically, and expect 6–10 hours runtime depending on charge and season.
Smart RGBW Festoons
Smart RGBW strings let you set scenes, colours and schedules by app or voice. For Wi-Fi models, ensure good signal at the install location (a mesh node near the patio helps).
Design & Placement Ideas
- Dining canopy: Zig-zag or gentle drapes over a table for intimate ambience.
- Pergola runs: Track along rafters for a clean, architectural line.
- Post-to-post spans: Use a guide wire for long, level lines.
- Fence/balcony outlines: Edge lighting for subtle evening glow.
Recommended Options
- 8 m Black 240 V Festoon (IP65, extendable)
- 20 m White 240 V Festoon
- 24 V Dimmable Commercial Kit (50 cm spacing)
- 15 m Solar-Powered Festoon
- Smart RGBW Festoon (IP65)
- Shop all festoon lighting
Maintenance & Safety
- Use outdoor-rated outlets and connectors; keep joins off the ground and sheltered.
- Inspect for nicks, loose sockets or discoloured cable every few months.
- Unplug during severe storms or long periods of non-use.
- Use a licensed electrician for any fixed wiring or new outlets.
FAQs
Can festoon lights stay up all year?
Yes—choose IP65 festoons and install with proper strain relief and weather-protected outlets for permanent outdoor use.
What is the difference between IP44 and IP65?
IP44: splash-resistant for covered areas. IP65: dust-tight and water-jet resistant for exposed outdoor installs.
Are 240V festoon lights safe for outdoor use?
Yes—when they’re outdoor-rated (e.g., IP65) and connected to weather-protected outlets. Any fixed wiring must be done by a licensed electrician.
Can I connect multiple festoon strings together?
Most connectable sets allow extensions—check the max run length and total load, and keep joins off the ground with drip loops.
What type of bulbs work best in festoon lights?
Use shatterproof LED bulbs (warm 2200–2700 K) for efficiency, safety and a cosy glow.