What are the two warranties on permanent lights?
| Manufacturer (product) warranty | Workmanship warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Who gives it | The company that made the lights | The company that installed them |
| What it covers | Defects in the product: lights, controller, power supply | The quality of the install: mounting, wiring, sealing |
| Whose terms apply | The manufacturer's published terms | Whatever the installer puts in writing |
| Who you contact | Usually the manufacturer, or the installer if the terms say so | The installer |
The two don't overlap much. A failed controller is a product problem. A track that pulls away from the fascia is a workmanship problem. Knowing the difference tells you who to call.
What does a manufacturer warranty cover?
A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the product for a set time, under the manufacturer's terms. Lengths and conditions vary a lot by brand. A few examples as each company published them on October 21, 2026:
- JellyFish: its Plano location page (opens in a new tab) states “We include a five year warranty on parts and one year of labor.” That page describes JellyFish's own installs. We could not find its full warranty terms or how they apply to other installers.
- Govee: its collection page (opens in a new tab) says its permanent outdoor lights “come with a 3-year warranty.” We could not find the full terms.
- Trimlight: its warranty page (opens in a new tab) offers a lifetime product warranty on its standard residential system and says “Labor warranty is provided by your local dealer.”
Read the actual terms, not the headline. Look for what's excluded, whether labor is included, whether coverage drops to parts-only after a period, and whether you need to register the product.
What does a workmanship warranty cover?
A workmanship warranty is the installer's promise about its own work. It typically covers things like:
- Track, clips or fasteners that loosen or pull away
- Connections that fail because they weren't made or sealed properly
- Wire runs that come loose or get damaged because of how they were routed
- Leaks caused by the installer's holes or fasteners
It usually does not cover storm damage, damage from other trades (roofers, painters, gutter cleaners), or product defects, which go to the manufacturer. Terms differ from installer to installer, so get the specifics.
Can who installs the lights change the product warranty?
At some brands, yes. The clearest public example is Oelo. Its warranty page (opens in a new tab), checked October 21, 2026, says Oelo “provides a 7-Year Warranty on Authorized, Preferred and Platinum Dealer installs and a 5-Year Warranty on Contractor and Customer DIY installs.” Same product, different coverage depending on who installed it.
Oelo's terms also say the warranty can't be changed by anyone, including a contractor or installer, and that improper or faulty installation is not covered.
What should you ask before you sign?
- Which product and model am I getting, and where are the manufacturer's warranty terms?
- Does the manufacturer's warranty apply to an install by your company, and for how long?
- Do I need to register the product, and who does it?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover, for how long, and what does it exclude?
- If a light or controller fails, who do I call first, and is there a service fee?
- Is labor covered when a defective part is replaced under the product warranty?
- Does any warranty transfer if I sell the house?
What happens when a light goes out?
- 1Check the simple thingsIs the controller powered and online? Has a GFCI outlet tripped? Many “dead light” calls are power or Wi-Fi.
- 2Take photos and note the datePhotograph the problem section and note when it started. It speeds up any claim.
- 3Call the installerThe installer can tell whether it's a mounting or connection issue (workmanship) or a failed part (product).
- 4File with the manufacturer if it's a product defectFollow the manufacturer's claim process. Keep your proof of purchase and installation date handy.
Why should warranty terms be in writing?
Whoever you hire, get workmanship terms in writing before you sign: what's covered, for how long, what's excluded and how to make a claim. Keep the manufacturer's terms for your exact product in the same folder.
A verbal “we stand behind our work” is hard to rely on three summers later. A written sentence is easy to check.
Questions
Who do I call if my permanent lights stop working?
Start with your installer. They can tell whether it's an installation issue, which falls under their workmanship warranty, or a product defect, which goes to the manufacturer under its terms.
Does the installer's warranty cover the lights themselves?
Usually not. Product defects are covered by the manufacturer under its own terms. The installer's workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation.
Can an installer extend the manufacturer's warranty?
No. Only the manufacturer sets its product warranty. Some manufacturers, such as Oelo, state that no contractor or installer can change their terms.
Does it matter whether my installer is a brand's authorized dealer?
At some brands it affects product coverage. Oelo, for example, publishes a 7-year warranty for its dealer installs and 5 years for contractor and DIY installs. Ask the manufacturer how its terms apply to your installer.
Sources
- JellyFish Lighting: Plano location page (warranty statement) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Govee: Permanent Outdoor Lights collection (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Trimlight: Lifetime Product Warranty (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Oelo: Warranty (accessed October 21, 2026)
