Frequently asked questions

To keep giving you the best experience, the latest version of our app (v6.3.0) requires iOS 13 or higher. Still using an older iOS version? No worries! You can continue using the current version of the app. But if your device supports an update, we recommend it to enjoy the latest features and improvements.

Zigbee is a communication protocol which, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allows your smart devices to communicate with each other. Zigbee is a so-called ‘mesh’ network. In a mesh network, two or more devices are connected to each other, so each device is always connected to at least one other device. So they work together continuously.

Wi-Fi is a technology that allows devices to connect to each other over a wireless network. Wi-Fi uses radio waves, instead of a cable, to provide wireless internet access at high speeds.

A Wi-Fi network operates from one central point while in a Zigbee network the products are interconnected, so the range of a Zigbee network is ‘infinite’ (given enough devices). A Wi-Fi network is faster than Zigbee, allowing more effective processing of large data streams (such as from a camera). A Zigbee network is more energy-efficient, partly because of its lower speed, which in turn makes it more efficient with battery-powered products such as the motion sensor.

You can build a huge network with Zigbee because communication hops from product to product, so your range is endless. In addition, Zigbee is very energy-efficient.

2.4 GHz Wi-Fi has a strong signal that passes through walls, doors and ceilings. This gives your Wi-Fi network a long range of up to 40 meters. What’s more, Wi-Fi is a very affordable protocol.

2.4 GHz is the wavelength (also called band or frequency) at which the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted. Wi-Fi over 2.4 GHz has many benefits, as it’s a strong signal that passes through walls, doors and ceilings. Your Wi-Fi network therefore has a long range. Our products only use 2.4 GHz and do not work on 5 GHz networks.

While configuring a new device, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is required. Once the device is installed, you can also control it via 3, 4 or 5G.

No, you need to be connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (in combination with a Gateway). Note that the switch will also operate on Bluetooth.

No, you need 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Zigbee 3.0 is the latest version, replacing older Zigbee versions.

The 5 GHz band has a shorter range compared to the 2.4 GHz band because with bandwidth, the higher the frequency, the shorter the range. In other words, if you use a lower frequency such as the 2.4 GHz band, the distance it can cover will be greater than that of the 5 GHz band. Conversely, 5 GHz features higher speeds which is useful for streaming videos and the like.

Press ‘Network Settings’ and then ‘Wireless’. Now you can enter a different Wi-Fi channel under ‘Band’. Now scroll all the way down and click ‘Apply’.

Make sure your Gateway is no further than 16 meters away from the router to add in the app.

The range of Zigbee is infinite, as communication hops from product to product. You can maintain a maximum distance of 20 meters between two different products in open field.

Up to about 40 meters.

Voice Control is a feature that lets you talk to devices. Thanks to voice recognition, those devices then know what you are saying. This is a very complex technology that is getting smarter thanks to Artificial Intelligence.

The Smart Life app works on almost all devices with iOS or Android as the platform.

Yes, that’s correct, pair the Gateway first before linking the light to the app.

- Check that the device has reset and the indicator is blinking rapidly.
- Check whether it is 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Check that the Wi-Fi password is correct.
- Check that the distance does not exceed the specified distance (16 meters).
- Check that there are no obstructing objects between the router/Gateway (metal/glass objects). These can negatively affect       the maximum distance.

- For Zigbee products, make sure the Gateway is connected and paired.

Using the pin provided, press the reset button on the side for 5 seconds, then wait about 30 seconds until the red light starts flashing rapidly.

Turn the light on for 2 seconds and then off for 2 seconds, repeat 3-5 times. Note: do this by unplugging the connector, not by disconnecting and reconnecting the transformer.

Hold down the reset button for 5 seconds.

Hold down the reset button for 5 seconds.

Press and hold the reset button (under the rubber flap) for 5 seconds.

Yes, the motion sensor works via Zigbee. First pair the Gateway via the Smart Life app before pairing the motion sensor.

No, the switch works over Wi-Fi.

No, the camera works over Wi-Fi.

You can connect an average garden to one Gateway, but owing to range limitations we recommend connecting a separate Gateway for both the front and back gardens.

This could have several causes. The Motion Sensor contains a twilight sensor, which prevents it from detecting motion during the day. It might be positioned too far from the Gateway. Ensure the motion detector is no more than 16 meters away from the Gateway to connect it in the app. The Motion Sensor needs to be programmed in the Smart Life app to function. Did the Motion Sensor work previously? Then replace the batteries first.

The light source remembers the status the moment the power is lost; as soon as the power is back, it assumes the old status again.

The switch remembers its status if the power is lost. However, this is a setting in the switch page of the app. You have three options:

• Off: always off after voltage returns;
• On: always on after power returns;
• Remember: go back to the status before the voltage dropped.

Need help setting up SMART? Click here.

While the Switch can be installed indoors, you must take into account that the dark-light sensor will not work. This sensor switches the lighting on when it is dark and off when it is light. For optimal operation, the Switch Plus should therefore be installed outdoors.

The Switch Plus operates via Bluetooth. To download the app and create an account, an internet connection is required. For further operation, this is not required.

No, without a Bluetooth connection, you cannot control the Switch Plus. However, a connection is only needed when you want to switch the lights on or off or change the settings. After you have programmed the system, there is no need for a continuous connection.

To operate the Switch Plus, a device is required on which the Garden Lights Plus app can be installed. This can be a phone or a tablet.

Yes, the Switch Plus and smart lights can work together in a system. However, the smart lights cannot be installed directly with a Switch. The Switch Plus and the smart lights must be connected to a separate extension.

Yes, this is possible. Please note that you cannot connect multiple Switches in a row. You have to make a separate extension for each Switch Plus. This way, you can also create different zones and control each zone in your garden separately.

This is only possible if both accessories are connected to a separate extension and not directly after one another.

We currently have five smart outdoor lights in our product range; you can find them here. We also have two complete sets with smart lights, mains cable and transformer; you can find them here. You can also turn some light types into smart lights; the smart MR16 light source that is suitable for this can be found here.

The MR16 Plus light source can be used for the following Garden Lights products: Corvus, Focus, Arcus, Gilvus, Otis, Pavo, Remiz and Sibus.

No, the smart MR16 will not fit in every Garden Lights product. It can only be used in our Corvus, Focus, Arcus, Gilvus, Otis, Pavo, Remiz and Sibus outdoor lighting.

No, you can combine the smart products, but this is not necessary. You use the Switch Plus if you want to control the outdoor lighting remotely, set several timers or make use of the dark-light sensor.

Choose smart lights if you want to dim the lights or change their colour. These settings can then be linked to a timer.

Yes, this is possible. An internet connection is only required to install the Garden Lights Plus app and create an account for your garden lighting; after that, everything works on Bluetooth.

No, this is not possible. A Bluetooth connection is required to make a connection and edit the settings. Once everything has been programmed, there is no need for a continuous connection.

With the smart lights from Garden Lights, you can adjust your garden lighting to any desired atmosphere and occasion. You can dim the lights or change their colour. In addition, you can increase safety by setting as many timers as you like.

There may be a delay in renewing the connection when opening the app. This depends on the distance between the outdoor light, phone or tablet, and how many obstacles (such as walls) the connection has. Usually, this is easily solved with a little patience.

• Is the phone or tablet stuck on the 'connecting' notification? Then you can restore the connection by clicking on ' add products ' in the right-hand menu. The phone will now actively search for smart products. You will then see an 'error' because no new products are found, but when you go to 'zones' in the left menu, you will see the zones again.
• If this does not work, it is best to delete the products, log out of the app, and reset the outdoor lights as described in the manual.

The smart lights contain a Bluetooth repeater. This means that the maximum distance only applies from your phone or tablet to light 1. Light 1 then passes the signal to light 2 and so on. The connection between the outdoor lights can slow down with a distance greater than 20 metres.

If creating a network fails, follow the steps below.

1. Check that the Bluetooth on your phone or tablet is switched on
2. Check if you have given the app access to use location (you can find this in the settings of your phone or tablet)
3. Reset the outdoor light to be sure that it is working correctly. The manual describes how.

If you have already created a network and you would like to add a light, follow the steps below:

1. In the right-hand menu, go to 'add product' and click on connect. The phone or tablet will now search for available devices. The smart outdoor light will start blinking as soon as a connection has been established.
2. Go to 'product customisation'. Here you will find the smart products you are connected to, and you can give them a name. Is your product not listed here? Please reset the outdoor light as described in the manual and repeat steps 1 and 2.
3. Is your product not listed here? Please reset the outdoor light as described in the manual and repeat steps 1 and 2.

A smart light has to be linked to a zone to be able to operate the light. You can then switch the zone on and off, dim it or change the colour. Your favourite zone settings can also be saved as a scene.

By clicking on 'add zone' in the menu on the right. You give the zone a name and then click on the arrow to add various outdoor lights. Satisfied? Then click 'save'.

In a scene, you can easily save your favourite settings, such as the desired dimmer setting or colours of your 12-volt smart garden lighting. A saved scene can be activated at any time. Your outdoor lights will then light up according to the selected settings.

A scene is necessary to set a timer. The timer needs to know what to do at what time: which lights should be on and with which settings? This is why you save a scene and link it to the timer. You can also use a scene to recall your favourite settings at any time.

You create a scene from a zone. You open the zone to access the option 'save as scene'. This means that you save your current settings as a scene (switch the lights or Switches you want on with the desired settings).

There is no limit to the number of scenes you can create.

In a zone, you link the products that you want to control at the same time. With a scene, you save your favourite settings, which you can then use for a timer. One scene can contain several zones.

Several factors are important for a good connection. Go through the following steps and see if the problem resolves itself:

1. You must be in the vicinity of the Switch or the smart outdoor lights to connect. If the distance is too great or there are many walls in between, move closer.
2. Is the Bluetooth activated on your phone? If not, turn it on.
3. Have you changed anything in your settings? Check that you still have permission for the location facility.
4. Close the app properly; do not simply switch to another app, but close it properly by swiping up (not logging out). Re-open the app.

If this does not work, then you can follow the next steps:

1. Delete your scenes, timers, zones and the products in the app and log out. Are you using two phones or tablets? Then delete everything on both devices and log out.
2. Reset the light or Switch as described in the manual
3. Return to 'add product' and click on 'connect'. The app will now connect to the products again.
4. At 'customise product', you now see the reconnected products, and you can give them a name. Next, you can link them to a zone, save scenes and set timers.

A timer is linked to your created scene. When creating a scene, you save the settings of the zone at that moment. If the outside lights are switched off at that moment, they will stay off when the timer starts. You can resolve this as follows:

1. Delete the timer and the scene.
2. Go to the zone that you want to link to a scene and switch on the outdoor lights with the desired brightness.
3. Click on 'save as scene' to create a new scene.
4. Now you can set a timer again under 'timers' and link it to the new scene.

To set a timer, your 12-volt garden lighting must be linked to a zone. You can open this zone and save it as a scene. Then go to 'timers' and click on the plus symbol. Link the desired scene and fill in all fields. Save the timer and switch it on in the overview.

There is no limit to the number of timers you can set.

The phone only needs to be near the smart light or Switch and connected while programming the timer. The smart light or Switch then remembers the settings, and the timer also works when you are not at home.

The Switch Plus also features a dark-light sensor. You can set this as follows:

1. Link the Switch to a zone.
2. Open the new zone.
3. Here you see the symbol of a sun and a moon.
4. Click on this symbol to activate the dark-light sensor. Your lights will now go on when it gets dark and off when it gets light again.

Yes, that is possible.

Yes, you can. Place the light or Switch in the garden and go to 'add product' to connect the light or Switch with the app.

Yes, this is possible.

• To change the name of a product, go to 'change product' and click on the product you want to rename. Then give the desired outdoor light or Switch a new name.
• To rename a zone, go to 'edit zone'. You open the zone you want to rename, click on its name and type in the new name.
• To rename a scene, open the corresponding zone in the overview 'zones' by clicking on the arrow pointing to the right. Then go to the scenes, click on the corresponding scene, and give it a new name.

Yes, the app will be updated as soon as there are changes or improvements. You will not notice this, and depending on your phone or tablet settings, this will happen automatically.

Ideas are always welcome! You can send your ideas to info@techmar.com.

Check the e-mail address for any spelling mistakes. Also, check your spam e-mail because the mail can end up there by mistake. Did you not receive anything there either? Then please contact us.

Yes, this is possible. You can set everything up in one phone and then share your data.
Note: the system works on Bluetooth. The changes you make on phone 1 are therefore not automatically processed in phone 2. You have to scan the QR code again. After this, the app settings will be the same on both phones. If you change settings on two phones at the same time, this will cause problems in your network. Always update the settings on one phone and share the updated settings by scanning the QR code.

1. Make sure the system is connected to a power source.
2. Leave the lights on between a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 20 seconds.
3. Remove the power from the system (e.g. by unplugging the transformer).
4. Wait for at least 5 to 10 seconds.
5. Reconnect the system to the power (plug the transformer back into the outlet).
6. Repeat steps (2) through (5) several times.
7. When steps (2) to (5) have been carried out correctly three times in succession, the Garden Lights Plus lights will flash red several times.
8. Wait until the lights stop blinking and turn white. The factory settings have now been restored, and the lights are ready for use again.

1. Make sure that the Switch is connected to a power source. The green indicator light on the Switch must light up.
2. Press and hold the reset button for at least 6 seconds.
3. Wait a few seconds after releasing the button.
4. The green indicator light flashes twice, and then the light remains permanently lit. The Switch is now reset to the factory setting.
5. If you have already connected to the Switch using the app, you can now delete the Switch from your network. To do this, go to the 'Extra' menu and select 'Customise product'.
6. Then (re)connect the Switch to your network. To do this, go to the 'Extra' menu in the app and select 'Add product'. Or select 'New network' on the app's home screen.

AC refers to alternating current. Our 24 W, 60 W, 150 W transformers are AC transformers. DC is direct current. Our 24 W and 12 W transformers are DC transformers and can be plugged directly into the power outlet without a cable between the power outlet and the transformer. For the operation of our outdoor lighting, it does not matter which transformer you choose.

A transformer is required to convert the mains current (230 V) to 12 volts. The Garden Lights system will not work without the transformer.

The consumption of your light can be found on the packaging, in the manual and here on the website under the relevant product.

Within the Garden Lights range, you can choose a motion detector, a timer with a sensor, remote control or the Switch Plus.
The motion detector ensures the lighting switches on when someone walks past, while a timer with a sensor switches your lighting on when it gets dark; it stays on for as long as you have set. You can use a remote control with several receivers to switch the lighting on and off from a distance. With our Switch Plus, you can control the lighting system with your smartphone.

The motion detector ensures the lights go on when someone walks past within a radius of 5 metres. For example, you can place it at the gate or the shed so that the lighting automatically goes on when someone comes home.

When positioning the sensor, please note that it has a detection area of 90 degrees horizontally and 45 degrees vertically up to a distance of 5 metres.

You should bear in mind that the sensor has a detection area of 90 degrees horizontally and 45 degrees vertically, up to a distance of 5 metres.

The sensitivity of the motion sensor cannot be adjusted. However, the sensitivity of the light sensor, which determines the amount of light that triggers the motion sensor, can be set.

The timer with a sensor has a dark-light sensor that ensures that the lights come on when it gets dark and go off when it gets bright. Or it turns on when it gets dark and turns off after a pre-set time (1-9 hours).

If you want to use the dark-light sensor, it should be placed where it can measure the light, so not inside a shed or under a roof. There should also be no spill light, for example, from a streetlight or indoor lighting.

The timer with a sensor allows you to switch the lights on when it gets dark and off when it gets light or after a set number of hours. With the Switch Plus, you can have the lights switch on and off via the built-in dark-light sensor or have it switch on and off at the set time using a timer. With the Switch Plus, you can set as many timers as you like at the same time.

The motion detector switches on your lights when someone walks by within the detection area. The Switch Plus switches on your lights via the dark-light sensor, with preset timers, or when you switch the lights on or off with the app.

By adding up the watts of all your lights and the accessories, you get the total wattage. Based on this, you can choose a 24 W, 60 W or 150 W transformer. Bear in mind that the maximum load for the transformer is 75%.

Yes, you can order these from your nearest retailer.

To ensure the transformer functions correctly, we recommend you mount the transformer in a sheltered spot at least half a metre above the ground.

This is only possible if the transformer can be mounted in a sheltered location.

You can find all online retailers where Garden Lights is available on our webshop page.

A complete set includes a transformer, a mains cable and lights. A promotion set includes a transformer, mains cable, dark-light sensor and lights.

You need a transformer to convert the 230 volts from the power outlet to 12 volts.

This depends on your lighting plan. Look at where the power outlet is located and then where you want to place the lights. The cable must be long enough to run from the power outlet to the lights.

The Flex main cables have no fixed connection points; this means that you can connect the lights anywhere on the cable using the Flex connector. Additionally, you can easily cut the Flex cables to size.

SPT stands for Stranded Parallel Thermoplastic. SPT cables are available in three types: SPT 1, 2 and 3. The difference is in the thickness of the insulation covering the wires (not in capacity!). SPT cables are mainly used for low voltages, thus our 12-volt system!

The type of cable does not depend on your garden but on which system you prefer; the Flex cable system (SPT-2) or the fixed cable system (SPT-1 and SPT-3).

We have fixed main cables of 10 and 15 metres long and Flex main cables of 10, 25 and 50 metres long. We also have a wide choice of extension cables. View them all here.

You can use screw connectors with either SPT-1 or SPT-3 cables, depending on which screw connector you use. The Flex connector can only be used with the Flex main cables (SPT-2).

This depends on the system you are using. You do not need anything extra for the fixed cable system if you have a connection point left. You simply connect the extension cable to it. If you do not have a connection point, you can use a cable divider or screw connector. For the Flex system, you use the female connector if you want to use an extension cable that has a connection. To connect to a remaining piece of SPT-2 cable, you need a female and male connector.

For the fixed system, you can use the cable divider, which you place on an existing connection point or a screw connector that you place anywhere on the main cable. For the Flex system, you use the female connector.

You can use a female connector to connect a light to the main cable and a male connector to connect the cable to the transformer or create an extension.

You can repair cable breaks with the repair connector. Did you accidentally cut the cable with the shovel, or did the dog chew through the cable? You can easily repair this with the repair connector. You can connect an SPT-1 cable with SPT-1 or connect an SPT-1 cable with SPT-3.

Yes, any main cable can be extended with our wide range of extension cables. View them here.

This depends on your lighting plan. How many watts of lighting and accessories have you connected, and how are they distributed on your cable? If you use the maximum wattage of your transformer, you can use up to 80 metres of cable (Flex SPT2 or Fixed SPT3) with an even distribution of your lights.

The number of lights you can connect to a cable does not depend on the cable; it depends on the transformer. Before choosing a transformer, it is important to know the total number of watts of the lights you want to install in your garden. You can easily calculate this by adding up the watts of the lights. You can find how many watts a light uses on the packaging. If you want to expand your system with more lights and/or accessories later, it is advisable to ensure the transformer has sufficient capacity. For example: if your total is 21 watts, it is wise to purchase a 60-watt transformer instead of a 24-watt transformer. We offer various transformers suitable for 12-volt lights with a maximum load of 24, 60 or 150 watts.

The Garden Lights system operates on 12 volts, which is low voltage. Low-voltage cables do not need to be buried.

Yes, you can choose whether you want to conceal them with some soil, gravel or tiles or lay the cables at the back of the border, for example, so that they are not noticeable.

You do not have to do anything with the open end. This is harmless. If you want to seal it neatly, you can use the caps provided or some tape.

No, this is not necessary. We supply them with the Flex cable for a neat finish, but an unsealed end on this cable is not dangerous or disruptive to the system.

If making a loop in your garden costs too much cable, you can choose to create an extension. This means that you let your main cable run straight and branch off to the left, for example.

You can use the cable divider if you are short a connection point on the fixed connection system; you can then connect three extra lights to a connection point. A cable divider can also be placed directly on the transformer, allowing three (or two) main cables to run directly from the transformer. You can also use the cable divider to create an extension to a fixed connection point where a light is already connected. By placing the cable divider in between, you can connect the light and the extension cable to a single point.

In lighting, wattage is used to indicate electrical power. This says something about the light output of a light source, but since the introduction of LED, this is indicated in lumens.

The number of lumens of a light source says something about the light output. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter your light will shine.

The transformer must always be connected to a working power outlet for the lights to burn.

In 2018, we switched to new connectors that comply with the new guidelines. You can easily cut away the caps of the connectors so the new connector fits on the existing system. We also have an adapter available if you prefer not to cut; this adapter is placed between the new and old connections.

There is no difference. Low voltage is any voltage below 50 volts. So 12 volts is low voltage.

• You do not need an electrician for the installation. You can easily install everything yourself.
• Unlike a 230-volt system, the cables do not need to be buried 50 cm underground.
• Very safe for children and pets.
• Easy to expand, and you can connect it quickly.

It is not possible to combine a 230 V system with 12 V lights. In that case, the entire cable system must be replaced with a transformer, cables and 12 V lights.

You can easily combine these systems. However, you cannot connect a 12 V light to a 230 V system and vice versa.

If you have a power outlet in the garden, shed or on the porch, then you can connect 12-volt lighting in your garden.

All you need is a regular power outlet.

No, it does not. The voltage to which the lighting is connected says nothing about the light output of a light source. The number of lumens says something about the amount of light that a light emits.

Yes, your transformer plug can be plugged into any EU outlet.

No, the transformer can be connected to any type of power outlet.

You can use 12-volt lighting in any garden, whether large or small. If there is a regular power outlet in the garden or shed, you can connect 12-volt lighting.

This is no problem at all and completely safe! In fact, over time, these holes will gradually disappear. 

You can always call us at +31 88 43 44 517, send an e-mail to info@garden-lights.com or visit a dealer. Then we can have a look and think along with you.

If you go to the product page of the light, you can click on the button at the bottom of the page to open the manual.

We have repair connectors for repairing a cable. 

You can find this information in the product manual or on the product sheet. Both of these can be found on the product page of the product on this website.

The light source may be from a different batch. Please send us a picture of the colour difference and of the labels on the light sources, so we can look for light sources that emit the same colour of light. Please send the information to service@techmar.com.

With some luminaires, you can, and with others, it is not possible. You can find out whether it is possible to change the light sources yourself and how to do it in the light manual. Do you no longer have this manual? Then you can find the manual on the product page of the light.

You can find this in the light manual or in our light source overview.

Please send an e-mail to service@techmar.com and specify which light it is, then we can try to find a suitable solution.

Please send an e-mail to service@techmar.com and specify which light it is, then we can try to find a suitable solution.

It may be that you have a cable that does not yet have the new connections. You can easily solve this by cutting away the caps. Or ask us for a connector.

All Garden Lights products come with a 5-year warranty.

You can find the Garden Lights warranty conditions here.

You can always contact us about a problem with your system. We can then try to find a suitable solution together.