Can Led Candles Be Used Outside?

LED candles have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to real wax candles. Known for their realistic flickering flames and long battery life, LED candles provide ambient lighting without the fire hazard of real candles. Most LED candles are designed primarily for indoor use, where they can transform any space into one with a cozy, romantic glow.

However, with the right precautions, LED candles can also be used effectively and safely in outdoor settings. While they lack some of the challenges of real candles outdoors, such as blowing out or melting in the rain, LED candles have their own considerations for outdoor use. With creative solutions, LED candles can provide beautiful ambiance and lighting for outdoor spaces like patios, porches, gardens and more.

The main question is: While LED candles are primarily designed for indoor use, are there ways to use them safely and effectively outdoors with the right precautions? As we’ll explore, the answer is yes, LED candles can be part of an outdoor setup with careful planning.

LED Candle Basics

LED candles utilize LED bulbs and plastic molds to mimic the look of a wax candle flame. Unlike real candles, LED candles produce illumination from small light emitting diodes rather than an open flame. This allows them to provide many benefits over traditional candles.

One of the biggest advantages of LED candles is their longevity. Since no wax or wick burns, LED candles can last for years or even decades with normal use. You never have to replace a burnt-out wick or clean up melted wax. This makes them reusable and cost effective in the long run.

LED candles are also much safer. Without an open flame, there is no fire risk. LED candles don’t get hot like real candles, so they pose less of a burn or fire hazard. This allows them to be used more flexibly indoors and in places where regular candles may be prohibited.

Overall, the innovative LED technology in electric candles provides reusable, long-lasting and safe candlelight ambiance. They offer most of the same visual benefits as real candles without the cost, mess or risk of fire.

Challenges of Using Outdoors

LED candles pose some unique challenges when used in outdoor settings. Unlike regular wax or oil-based candles that can be lit with just a match or lighter, LED candles require electricity to illuminate the diode that produces the simulated flickering flame effect.

This means you’ll need access to an electrical outlet or battery pack to power LED candles outside. Extension cords may be required if outlets are not conveniently located near your outdoor living space.

Additionally, LED candles are electronic devices not designed to withstand outdoor elements. Rain, snow, wind, dust, and humidity can damage LED circuitry and shorten the lifespan of LED candles. The flames and electronics could short out if they get wet.

So extra steps must be taken to protect LED candles from the weather if you want to use them in your yard, on your patio or deck, or at an outdoor event. But with the right precautions, LED candles can create beautiful ambiance outside.

Protecting from Moisture

One of the main difficulties with using LED candles outdoors is protecting them from moisture. Since LED candles contain electronic components, exposure to rain, sprinklers, or other wet conditions can cause shorts, corrosion, and complete failure of the product.

To prevent moisture damage when using LED candles outside, it’s important to either place them in a weather-resistant enclosure or situate them under an overhang or canopy:

• Weather-resistant casing – Choose an LED candle designed for outdoor use that has a sealed, waterproof casing to protect the internal electronics.
• Container or enclosure – Place the LED candle inside a glass container, lantern, or watertight enclosure to protect it from precipitation.
• Roof overhang – Position LED candles under roof eaves, a patio cover, gazebo, or other outdoor overhang to keep rain or irrigation sprinklers away.
• Canopy – Use a canopy tent, umbrella, or other temporary cover when placing LED candles in areas exposed to potential precipitation.

Taking steps to keep LED candles away from moisture will allow you to safely decorate outdoor living spaces while avoiding short circuits or other water damage.

Preventing Blowing Over

One of the main challenges with using LED candles outdoors is preventing them from blowing over in the wind or breeze. Unlike traditional candles, LED candles don’t have a melting wax base to hold them in place. Here are some tips to prevent LED candles from toppling over outside:

Use weighted bases or stakes to secure LED candles in the ground. Look for LED candles that come with weighted or stable bases, or purchase separate weighted bases designed for outdoor use. Stakes can also be used to secure LED candles firmly in soil or dirt. Push the stake attached to the base deep into the ground.

Place LED candles in lanterns or other heavy holders. The glass and metal of lanterns helps anchor LED candles and protect the flame from wind. Similarly, setting LED candles in pots, cages, or other heavy duty holders can prevent tipping over. Position the holders on flat surfaces or stake/weigh them down.

Providing Electricity

You’ll need access to electricity to power your LED candles outdoors. The easiest option is to use solar-powered LED candles that charge up via sunlight during the day. Look for candles with built-in solar panels and rechargeable batteries so they can illuminate all night after absorbing sunshine.

If your candles don’t have solar power capabilities, you can run a waterproof extension cord from an outdoor outlet to provide electricity. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord that is designed to withstand moisture and sun exposure. Make sure the cord is covered and not in any foot traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.

Avoid routing the extension cord across any walking paths or doorways. You may need to use clips or cord covers to securely attach it in place. Test the extension cord ahead of time to ensure ample power reaches the LED candles without dimming or flickering effects.

Ambiance Considerations

One of the major advantages of LED candles is their ability to set a certain mood through lighting. Many LED candles allow you to control the brightness, from a subtle glow to a brighter light. This lets you dim LED candles for a softer, more romantic ambiance, or brighten them for a livelier atmosphere.

Additionally, most LED candles mimic the natural flicker of a real flame candle. This flickering effect adds warmth and ambiance that would be difficult to achieve with ordinary electric lights. The flame movements make the LED candles feel more realistic.

Outdoors, the flickering light of LED candles can create a cozy, inviting environment. String lights and lanterns with faux flickering flames provide the same familiar comfort as real candles without the fire risk. They instill a sense of hygge and “home” even when used in an outdoor space.

Safety Tips

When using LED candles outdoors, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips:

Never leave LED candles unattended. Even though LED candles don’t have open flames, they should still be monitored when lit outside. Wind or other factors could cause them to fall over, damaging the candle or causing a fire hazard.

Avoid open flames nearby. Don’t place LED candles right next to open flames like tiki torches or fire pits. The open flames could melt the plastic on the LED candles.

Check electrical cords. If your LED candles need to be plugged in, inspect any outdoor extension cords for damage. Make sure the wattage rating exceeds the amount drawn by the candles to prevent overheating.

Following basic safety precautions will allow you to enjoy LED candles outside your home safely.

Creative Outdoor Uses

LED candles open up creative possibilities for outdoor decorating and lighting. Here are some ways to use LED candles outside:

Gardens, Patios, and Decks

Dot LED candles along garden pathways or line them along the edges of patios and decks to create a magical ambiance at night. Place LED candles on outdoor tables or hide them in bushes and flowerbeds for a twinkling surprise.

Camping and Hiking

Pack LED candles for camping trips or night hikes. They provide mood lighting at the campsite and help illuminate trails after sunset. LED candles are portable, lightweight, and safer than open flames.

Holiday Decorations

Use LED candles in outdoor holiday displays. Line walkways or windowsills with LED candles for Christmas or Halloween. Create shapes and designs using multiple LED candles to decorate for fall, winter holidays, or even Valentine’s Day night ambiance.

Conclusion

In summary, while LED candles can be used outside, there are some important factors to consider. The biggest challenges are exposure to moisture, high winds blowing them over, and providing electricity. Protecting the candles from rain and sprinklers with covers, and weighting the bases or securing with stakes can help prevent issues. Running extension cords or using battery-powered candles are options for powering them. With proper precautions, LED candles can provide beautiful, safe ambiance to enhance outdoor spaces for evenings and events.

LED candles offer a flameless, safer alternative to traditional candles for outdoor use. While they require some extra effort compared to lighting indoor, by addressing the potential hazards they can work well outside. Taking steps to protect, weight, and power the candles allows enjoying their versatile lighting effects on patios, porches, gardens and more. LED candles continue advancing in realism, brightness and battery life. With creativity and care, they can be part of memorable alfresco experiences.