Permanent lighting warranties, explained

There are two separate warranties on every permanent lighting job, and they fail in different ways. Knowing which one covers what saves an expensive argument in year three.

Manufacturer warranty — the parts

Covers the pucks, controller and power supply against defects. Usually 2 to 5 years.

• Covers: dead diodes, colour drift, controller failure, water ingress on a sealed part
• Excludes: physical damage, storm and lightning, power surges, incorrect installation
• Nearly always parts only — someone still has to come and fit them

Workmanship warranty — the install

Comes from your installer and covers how the system is attached to your house. Commonly 1 to 5 years; the better crews go longer.

• Covers: track coming loose, sagging runs, failed sealant, wiring and connection faults, leaks at penetrations
• Excludes: your own modifications, damage from other trades, neglected roof or fascia repairs

Questions to settle before signing

1. How many years is the workmanship warranty, in writing?
2. Is labour included for manufacturer part replacements, and for how long?
3. Is the warranty transferable if I sell the house?
4. What specifically voids it?
5. Who do I actually call — the installer or the manufacturer?
6. What is a post-warranty service call priced at?

Keep the paperwork

Save the contract, the warranty documents, the model and spacing, the light count, and a few photos of the finished runs. If your installer ever goes out of business, the model and serial details are what lets another crew support the system.

What good coverage looks like

A 5-year workmanship warranty, labour included for at least the first 2 years of manufacturer claims, transferable on sale, with a named response-time commitment. That combination is realistic — and worth paying a little more for.