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Ring Pathlights is a popular outdoor lighting solution that can help brighten up your home’s exterior while also providing added security. Ring’s smart lighting has quickly gained popularity in modern smart homes since its introduction in 2018, particularly among those who are already using Ring products.
Their smart lighting range offers an impressive selection of Floodlights, Steplights, Spotlights, Wall Lights, Smart LED Bulbs, and even Pathlights on a pedestal.
Not only do Ring’s Pathlights provide an inviting illumination to guide you and your loved ones to your doorstep after a long day at work, but they also help to deter potential intruders.
With outdoor lighting like Ring Pathlights, you can rest assured that your family and your property are safer even after dark.
But you may be wondering, how long do Ring Pathlights last?
The lifespan of Ring Pathlights varies depending on usage and the type of Pathlight, but on average, they can last up to 6 months on a single charge. Solar-powered Pathlights may last longer with adequate sunlight exposure, while battery-powered Pathlights may require more frequent battery replacements.
However, regarding Solar Pathlight’s battery life, Ring said that the high-efficiency LEDs used in their Solar Pathlights are capable of lasting up to 20 years.
This means you can enjoy the benefits of Ring Solar Pathlights for many years to come without having to worry about replacing the bulbs.
On this topic, I will answer this question in detail and provide you with all the information you need to know about these lights.
What are Ring Pathlights?
The Ring Pathlights are an addition to Ring’s line of smart home products, specifically within their Smart Lighting range. There are two versions available: battery-powered and solar-powered.
They are equipped with energy-efficient LED lights and are powered by either solar energy or batteries. Some models also come with motion sensors, which can detect movement and automatically turn on the lights.
To utilize Ring Pathlights, they must first be connected to the Ring Bridge, which is necessary to link them to the Ring app and enable remote control of the lights from anywhere.
Once connected, you can set the Pathlights to activate when motion is detected or at a specific time of your choosing. They can be customized to activate the lights when motion is detected, providing a well-lit and secure pathway to your front door, back yard, or any other area where you have placed the lights.
Furthermore, the Ring app allows you to sync the Pathlights with other Ring devices, such as the Video Doorbells, to trigger recording when Pathlights detect motion, expanding the area of security coverage
The lights also come with stakes that can be securely placed in soft ground for stability.
| Model | Lights | Motion Detection | Power Source | Operating Conditions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathlight Battery | N/A | Up to 140º Field of View. Detection angle dependent on distance from unit. 15’ Range | 4 D-cell Batteries (not included) | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C), Weather Resistant (IP66 Rating) | $29.99 |
| Solar Pathlight | Up to 80 lumens (adjustable), 3500K Color Temperature | Up to 120º field of view, detection angle dependent on distance from unit. 15′ Range | Solar and 18650 Lithium-Ionre chargeable battery | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C), Weather Resistant (IP66 Rating) | $34.99 |
For added convenience, Ring Pathlights is also compatible with Alexa and Echo devices, which allow you to set up routines via the Alexa app.
How Do Ring Solar Pathlights Work?
Before we dive into the question of how long Ring Pathlights last, let’s first take a look at how they work.
Ring Pathlights are designed to be weather-resistant and durable, making them suitable for use in various outdoor environments.
They are very easy to install and require no wiring or electricity, which makes them a convenient and eco-friendly option for illuminating outdoor spaces.
In addition to solar power, Ring Solar Pathlights is also equipped with a Long Range (LoRa) radio, which allows them to communicate with the Ring Bridge.
The Ring Bridge is a device that can connect up to 50 Ring lighting devices, including Ring Pathlights, to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
When the Ring Solar Pathlights detect motion or are turned on manually, they send a signal to the Ring Bridge via the LoRa radio. The Ring Bridge then sends a notification to your Ring app, allowing you to monitor and control your Ring Pathlights from anywhere.
The LoRa radio technology used in Ring Pathlights is a low-power, long-range wireless communication technology that allows for secure and reliable communication between devices.
When it comes to using the Ring Bridge for your Ring Pathlights, placement is a crucial factor to consider. Unlike other wireless communication protocols like Zigbee or Z-Wave, LoRa does not function as a mesh network, so it is not possible to extend the range.
On average, LoRa has a range of about 15 to 20 km, but this can vary depending on any obstructions, such as walls or gates, that may be present.
While this range is typically sufficient for most homes, it’s still important to place the Ring Bridge in a central location to ensure that all of your Ring Pathlights have equal range and communication with the Ring Bridge.
By placing the Ring Bridge in a central location, you can ensure that your Ring Pathlights are able to communicate with the Ring Bridge effectively and receive commands from your Ring app.
This will allow you to control your lights from anywhere and monitor their activity, providing you with peace of mind and enhancing your home’s security.
How Long Does Ring Pathlights Last?
As a smart outdoor lighting solution, the lifespan of Ring Pathlights is an important consideration for potential buyers. The good news is that Ring Pathlights are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
The battery life of Solar Pathlights varies depending on usage and settings, but like most Ring battery products, on average, they can last up to 6 months on a single charge.
Some models are also equipped with solar panels, which allow the lights to be charged during the day and used continuously without the need for manual recharging.
The battery-powered Pathlights typically last up to a year under normal usage before the batteries need to be replaced. This also depends on usage patterns and other factors.
In terms of the lifespan of the LED bulbs, Ring Pathlights are equipped with high-efficiency LEDs that can last up to 20 years. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of your Ring Pathlights for many years without having to replace the bulbs.
Can Ring Pathlights Stay On?
Absolutely, Ring Pathlights can be set to stay on continuously if desired. This can be useful in situations where you want to illuminate a particular area, such as during an outdoor event or when using a specific part of your outdoor space.
When it comes to Ring Pathlights, the type of power source they use can affect how often you need to replace or recharge them.
For battery-operated lights, the batteries will drain more quickly than usual, requiring more frequent battery replacements, which can become costly and inconvenient.
Similarly, if you leave solar-powered Pathlights on all the time, they may drain quickly, especially if they don’t get enough time in the sun to recharge during the day.
To avoid constant battery replacements or recharging, it’s best to turn off the Pathlights during the daytime to allow them to recharge properly or conserve battery life.
To set Ring Pathlights to stay on continuously, you can use the Ring app to adjust the light settings.
Simply select the specific Pathlight you want to modify, and then adjust the light settings to “on.”
This will cause the light to stay on continuously until you turn it off manually or adjust the settings again via the app.
But please keep in mind that keeping your Ring Pathlights on continuously can drain the battery faster than using them only when needed.
How do You Charge or Power Pathlights?
Ring Pathlights can be powered in two ways: by solar energy or by batteries.
Ring Solar Pathlights use a solar panel to collect energy from the sun during the day, which charges the battery inside the Pathlight.
At night, the battery powers the light, providing illumination without the need for electricity. The solar panels are designed to be weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use.
If you are not getting enough sun exposure, you can use the included micro USB cord to charge the rechargeable battery instead.
You may also want to opt for this method if it’s cloudy or if obstructions are blocking the sun from reaching their Pathlights.
Typically takes 2-3 hours, and can be a useful alternative to solar charging in less-than-ideal conditions.
On the other hand, Ring Battery Pathlights are powered by batteries, which need to be replaced at times. They require 4 D-Cell batteries to operate, which are not included and must be purchased separately.
While these batteries are less expensive than some other options at around $30 each, the cost can add up over time as they will need to be replaced every now and then.
This will depend on usage patterns and other factors such as weather conditions.
It’s important to keep an eye on battery life and replace the batteries promptly when needed to ensure that your Pathlights continue to function effectively.
To replace the batteries, simply remove the cover of the Pathlight, replace the old batteries with new ones, and reattach the cover.
With the app, you can turn the lights on and off, adjust the brightness, and set schedules for when the lights should turn on and off.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Ring Pathlights
Now that we understand how Ring Pathlights work, let’s take a look at the factors that can affect their lifespan. The lifespan of these lights can vary depending on a few different factors:
- Battery type: If your Pathlights are battery-powered, the type of batteries you use can affect their lifespan. High-quality batteries may last longer than lower-quality ones, and rechargeable batteries may be more cost-effective over time.
- Usage patterns: The frequency and duration of use can also impact the lifespan of Ring Pathlights. If you use them constantly or leave them on for long periods, they may need to be recharged or have their batteries replaced more frequently.
- Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold, can also affect the lifespan of Pathlights. This is especially true for solar-powered Pathlights, which may not be able to charge properly if there isn’t enough sunlight.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the solar panels or replacing batteries promptly when needed, can help extend the lifespan of your Pathlights.
- Connectivity: The connectivity of your Pathlights to the Ring Bridge can also impact their lifespan. If the connection is weak or disrupted, the lights may not function as effectively or efficiently.
Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Ring Solar Pathlights
If you want to get the most out of your Ring Solar Pathlights and extend their lifespan, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Choose high-quality batteries: If you have battery-powered Pathlights, choose high-quality batteries that are designed for outdoor use. This can help ensure that they last longer and are more reliable.
- Use solar power when possible: If you have solar-powered Pathlights, make sure they are positioned in a location where they can receive adequate sunlight. This can help ensure that they stay charged and last longer.
- Limit usage during extreme weather: Avoid using your Pathlights during extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold. This can help prevent damage to the Pathlights and ensure that they last longer.
- Clean and maintain the Pathlights: Regularly clean the solar panels and remove any debris that may be blocking the panels. This can help ensure that they receive adequate sunlight and last longer.
- Optimize usage patterns: Try to limit the duration of use for your Pathlights, and avoid leaving them on unnecessarily. This can help extend battery life and ensure that they last longer overall.
Final Note
Ring Pathlight’s smart lighting collection is a popular addition to smart homes, offering reliable and effective outdoor lighting powered by solar energy or batteries.
To ensure that they last as long as possible, it’s important to take proper care of them by choosing high-quality batteries, positioning solar-powered Pathlights in locations with adequate sunlight, avoiding usage during extreme weather conditions, and regularly cleaning and maintaining the Pathlights.
By optimizing usage patterns and following these tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your Ring Pathlights and enjoy their benefits for years to come.
Be sure to explore our top gadget recommendations for getting the most bang for your buck. For additional tips and tricks on home automation, be sure to visit AutomateYourCrib.com.
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions for future posts, don’t hesitate to drop me a line at rodney@automateyourcrib.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and until next time, happy automating!
It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
