G'day! There's nothing better than a balmy evening in the backyard, the barbie is sizzling, and the whole space is lit by the magical, warm glow of festoon lights. It's a classic Aussie scene.

For years, those lights used old-school, power-hungry glass bulbs that would break if you looked at them sideways. But thankfully, technology has moved on. Today, the undisputed champion and the only type you should be considering is the LED festoon light.

What's the Big Deal with LED Festoon Lights?

Swapping to LED festoon lights from the old incandescent style isn't just a small upgrade; it's a massive leap forward. They are superior in every way that matters for an outdoor setting.

Massive Savings on Your Power Bill

This is a huge one. LED festoon lights use up to 90% less electricity than old-fashioned filament bulbs to produce the same amount of light. This means you can run them every single night to make your backyard look a million bucks, without worrying about a massive jump in your power bill.

They're Tough as Nails (No More Broken Glass!)

Remember how fragile the old glass globes were? You'd be packing them away, one would tap against another, and tink... another one bites the dust. Modern LED festoons have changed the game. Their globes are almost always made from shatterproof plastic or acrylic. You can drop them, knock them, and they'll be fine, making them a fair dinkum perfect and safe choice for a busy backyard with kids and pets.

They Last for Ages

A traditional filament globe might have lasted 1,000 hours if you were lucky. A quality set of LED festoon lights can last for 20,000 hours or more. That's years and years of use without ever having to track down and replace a blown globe. It's the ultimate in set-and-forget convenience.

Safe to the Touch

This is a ripper of a benefit, especially for parties. Old globes got incredibly hot and could pose a burn risk. LEDs run cool to the touch, making them much safer to hang from trees, pergolas, marquees, and around areas where people will be mingling.

What to Look For When Buying Your LED Set

• Power Source: Choose between a plug-in (low voltage) set for consistent brightness or a solar-powered set for ultimate flexibility and zero running costs.
• Weatherproof Rating: For any outdoor use in Australia, make sure the set has a good weatherproof rating (like IP44 or higher) to handle a bit of rain.
• Bulb Style: Most LED festoons come in a beautiful warm white colour that creates a perfect ambient glow. You can also find vintage "Edison-style" filament LEDs for a more rustic look.

Going for a Permanent, Professional Look?

Most LED festoon lights are simple plug-in kits that are perfect for a DIY setup.

But if you're after a truly seamless and permanent installation that's controlled by a proper wall switch, you'll need to get the pros involved. Any permanent, hardwired outdoor lighting in Australia must be installed by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional can install weatherproof power points, run outdoor-rated cabling, and ensure the whole setup is safe, compliant, and looks a million dollars.

Whether you're using a simple plug-in set or planning a full professional installation, the quality and safety of your power source are paramount. For these trade-quality, permanent installations, professional installers rely on specialised gear from trusted electrical suppliers. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of all the components needed for a robust and compliant outdoor electrical system. They stock a huge range of weatherproof GPOs (power points), outdoor-rated switches, and all the compliant wiring and circuit protection a qualified professional needs to create a safe, stunning, and long-lasting outdoor entertaining area. To power your perfect atmosphere, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.