Lighting a Balcony with No Electricity

bravyboy on 21/07/2021 - 08:27

Hi Everyone,

Looking for advice on the best product or way to light my balcony. Have just moved into a new place and have a wrap around balcony. As you exit onto it, there is an area about 2 mtrs by 3-4 mtrs where Ill have a table and chairs and bbq. There is no lighting or powerpoints. Outside of running an extention chord which is not ideal as Ill have to leave the door slightly ajar, whats the best products you may have used in the past to get good light? Been exploring different kinds of solar and battery lights that i can affix to the wall with 3M tape. FYI I dont get lots of sun unfortunately due to the direction it faces

All help appreciated

Home & Garden

Comments

  • whitelie on 21/07/2021 - 08:37
    +1

    Speak to the strata/agent and request for lights to be installed?
    Unless you're powering them with rechargeable batteries, anything non solar powered will likely cost a bit to run long term.

  • piertlethed on 21/07/2021 - 08:47
    +2

    These type of lights allow the solar panel to be mounted some way away from where the lights are https://www.bunnings.com.au/click-solar-led-dual-security-li… There are a few different types around. They are only meant for providing short term lighting, not being turned on for a few hours for a BBQ.

  • Keplaffintech on 21/07/2021 - 08:49
    +1

    as an option, consider connecting the extension cord only when you're using the balcony, that way you can shut the door after you've finished sitting out there.

  • Quantumcat on 21/07/2021 - 08:53
    +1

    Ask the landlord for lights to be installed or an outdoor powerpoint to be installed. If they don't seem keen then offer to pay for it. My tenants asked me to have a powerpoint installed in the garage and offered to pay (was only like $150). How could I say no?

  • Archi on 21/07/2021 - 08:53

    are you renting or do you own?
    is there a A/C condenser on the balcony?

    • bravyboy on 19/08/2021 - 13:21

      Renting, and unfortunately no A/C condenser

  • WreckTangle on 21/07/2021 - 08:53
    +1

    Do you have neighbours. If so you're only going to want light it when using it to avoid being an inconsiderate neighbour. And in that case couldn't you use a suitable extension cord?

    • bravyboy on 19/08/2021 - 13:22

      No neighbour issues, however extension chord is not ideal due to having the door open when in use

  • MS Paint on 21/07/2021 - 09:03
    +2

    where Ill have a table and chairs and bbq.

    Is the balcony structurally sound? Timber balconies on 30+ year old homes scare me. That's a fair weight (with 6 people) focussed on a small area.

  • bravyboy on 21/07/2021 - 09:03
    +1

    Thanks for the comments.
    A bit more detail:

    A) i don't own
    B) no impact to neighbours with light due to privacy
    c) extension chord is definitely an option but I want a solution that I can close the door fully for when it is cold or for bugs

    Appreciate the help so far. Best avenue I am going to go down will be request for a powerpoint to be added which I can organise. Sounds like the solar option might not be great for when I am planning on eating dinner out there for more than a few hours

    • SnoozeAndLose on 21/07/2021 - 09:13

      Two or three of these for less than $100 ?https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/638914

      Few hours shouldn't be a problem.

      Adding an extension is not feasible in most of the rental is it has to go through many hops, I am certain 99.9% not possible, if it is possible it should have been asked by the previous tenant.

  • Marty-69 on 21/07/2021 - 09:21
    +1

    Philips Hue Go are portable and rechargeable. Depending on brightness they last for 2 to 5 hours. They can be used with Philips switches and motion sensor.

    • Caped Baldy on 21/07/2021 - 10:00

      https://www.amazon.com.au/Philips-Hue-Ambiance-Bluetooth-Ass… $115 at amazon.

      Oddly, it seems expensive to me but yet I spent a $100 on a torch the other day.

      • Marty-69 on 21/07/2021 - 10:18

        Hue is a bit expensive but imo worth it. I've got a few of these for the backyard.
        I'm not sure if they work without the Hue bridge, these might work with just Bluetooth.

        • Caped Baldy on 21/07/2021 - 10:22

          From the description. Hopefully you don't need the bridge for multiple lights to sync.

          What's Required: Nothing; This product works out of the box with the free Philips Hue Bluetooth app; Simply plug in your new Hue go and connect to the Bluetooth app for in room smart lighting control

  • Marcsie on 21/07/2021 - 09:28

    Solar sensor outdoor lights from EBay or Amazon

  • kolorijo on 21/07/2021 - 09:50

    This is what I bought from Amazon. Battery powered motion sensor LED Spotlight. Still going strong from 2019.

    Mr Beams MB390 300-Lumen Weatherproof Wireless Battery Powered LED Ultra Bright Spotlight with Motion Sensor

    Edit: Just saw your comment about being on for a long time, this is not an option for that.

  • foxmulder on 21/07/2021 - 10:48

    Costco sells string of lights for $50 with solar panel.

  • Seraphin7 on 21/07/2021 - 11:18

    Bonfire

  • Catullus on 21/07/2021 - 11:50

    String lights work well. Kmart Camping Accessories $39 ,also Power supply, https://www.kmart.com.au/wcsstore/Kmart/pdfs/42968801_Manual… ,good source of power and will play mp3s . Also car jump starters are neat and can power led lights or 12 volt lights. just take inside to charge.Any of these are handy to have for backup lighting during blackouts.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 21/07/2021 - 12:26
    +1

    Use a couple dozen candles. Chicks love it.

  • hothed on 21/07/2021 - 12:42
    +1

    Dont buy cheap bunnings crap.

    My parents live on a farm and use these in various places(typically under trees).

    These products have a number of settings(on-off, sensor, dusk to dawn etc), good quality solar panel, lithium battery, and two sensors to detect movement.
    Make sure you by the 10w version.

    https://www.mercator.com.au/product/defender-solar-diy-flood…
    Mercator MXS4410

    You could easily mout it on the eve to provide ample light in the situation you're describing.

    You can pick them up from various wholesalers, i think they paid ~$80 - $100

  • ShannonN on 22/07/2021 - 22:49

    Have you considered one or more of the "camping" type gas powered lanterns not bad lighting adjustable and portable?

    • Euphemistic on 23/07/2021 - 08:22

      Battery LED is a safer, easier, more robust solution.

  • Euphemistic on 23/07/2021 - 08:28

    How much light do you want? Enough to not trip over? Enough to eat dinner? Enough to read a book? Enough to operate?

    There are plenty of solution for camping. Rechargeable, portable, varying light patterns.

    Can also get lights to suit power tool batteries. I have a couple of Ryobi versions. Great light, easy to use, handy if you already have power tools. Run for hours and have a backup battery if one dies. Work light is like the sun, too bright for most cases. Shop light is good and flexible in shape and output. Area light isn’t very bright, but ok for eating dinner.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=Ryobi%2018v%20…

  • bravyboy on 18/08/2021 - 10:43

    So frustrating - have been refused by the landlord (who is not based in Australia) to have an electrical powerpoint installed on the balcony, even thought it would be installed by qualified electrician and is compliant with safety/regulations. No cost to the landlord and adds value to the property. I have to now invest in additional temp lighting options with batteries :(

    Thanks all for your help, will look through the comments above and see which option works best. Need something to light enough to be able to BBQ and also sit and have dinner

  • BR on 19/08/2021 - 20:38
    +1

    BravyBoy,
    I'm in a situation likes yours too.
    When I want power I use the extension cord. There is a small gap in the corner of the fly wire but the glass door won't close. My room stinks sometimes when having a bbq though.
    I have a powered swivel light 2 metres away from the bbq which is somewhat okay. Otherwise I have a solar led with a metal flexible neck which I wrap around the handle. Lights up the 3 plates very well.
    If going out for cigs I have the solar led rope on the covering.
    If you can get a storage shelf from the likes of bunnings or ikea and place near the bbq. You can use it to prop a light up on. Plates of food for the bbq etc.
    I use alot of candles and tiki flares for light aswell.

    Like you I don't get too much sun so I swap out my solar devices with eneloop or the ladda batteries and use a powerx smart charger.

    I'm considering battery puck lights atm too.

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