What is a weatherproof light?

Weatherproof lights are high IP rated luminaries that are ideal for outdoor and some commercial usage.  Anti-corrosive components such as marine grade steel, waterproofing and dustproofing are all components of what makes a fitting, ‘weatherproof’.
 

What is an IP Rating?

An IP Rating (or ‘Ingress Protection Rating’) classifies the degrees of protection a fixture provides against the intrusion of foreign bodies like dust, water and even the user.
The most common way of interacting with these ratings is seeing a code such as ‘IP65’.  
The first digit represents the level of protection against solids (or dust) and the second is the level of protection against liquids (or moisture). 
 
Digging deeper into the specific numbers, the first digit will be a number between 0 and 6.  It’s a measure of how much protection from ingress (the unwanted introduction) of solid objects such as dirt, dust and even people and their fingers.  Dust can cause corrosion and degradation of lighting fixtures so if you’re looking for an outdoor and weatherproof use, consider a fitting with an IP6X. 
 
The X above denotes the second digit which measures how resistant the fitting is from moisture and water. This number can range from 0 to 9 and a common rating for outdoor, weatherproof lighting is an 8.  An 8 rating means the fitting can be submerged under water at depths of more than 1m – the manufacturer will specify the exact depth that it’s suitable for.
 
For a visual explanation, watch this video by GORE for a fantastic explanation of IP ratings
 

Use Cases

The second digit of the IP rating metric is particularly helpful when selecting a light for a pond which will be submerged underwater compared to an exterior wall light that is undercover.
 
The Hunza Pond Lite is an adjustable underwater luminaire that is rated to IP68.  We can then rest assured that this particular fitting is suitable to be placed in the water with no risk of corrosion.  It is fit for purpose.
 
The Lombardo Trend U&D 60 is a striking wall light that is rated to IP66.  This 6 rating indicates the light will be protected against powerful jets striking it from any direction – or in simple terms, it will be perfectly fine in heavy rain. In addition to the IP rating, this weatherproof light is made from aluminium, which does not rust and has had a cataphoresis treatment to resist any corrosion. 
 
 
Installation

How do you seal around an outdoor light?

Whilst lights can be weatherproof based on their IP rating, they still must be properly installed to ensure no water can enter.  For example, an exterior wall light will need to be fixed to a wall where the electrical cables can be connected.  That connection point, if not protected, can be a source of trouble.  Rain will often find its way into a wall if the exterior light fixture is not properly caulked.  A large portion of homes do not have proper sealing on their exterior light fixtures so we recommend reviewing all your outdoor lights to make sure there is caulk around the light.  This small touch up can ensure no power outages and dead lights during periods of rain.
 
If a lighting fixture is not sealed, please take the following steps:

1. If there is no caulk, then caulk around the fixture. Prior to caulking, ensure the light still works in case any parts need to be replaced.
2. If there is caulking and it has deteriorated, then remove the old caulking and redo it.
3. If the fixture has a rubber seal or gasket, check to see if it has slipped out of place. If you can, try and re-position it.  If you can’t do that, then replace the seal or caulk the area to seal it. 

 

Need help on your weatherproof light choices?

By providing a wide range of premium lighting options, Radiant Lighting offers you the opportunity to transform your outdoor space into something that you love to show off. Bollards, spotlights, pillar lights, wall lights, pond lights – we have it all.
 
To ensure you select the most appropriate lighting fixtures for your space, our team of lighting consultants are here to assist.  Feel free to contact us on 08 9240 2227 or by email at sales@radiantlighting.com.au