Outdoor lights: Safe in the Rain? How to protect them

1. The quality of the installation.
2. The suitability and IP rating of the lights.
3. The position in which they will be installed.

Electrical equipment for outdoor use should be suitable for outdoor spaces, possible harsh weather conditions and have a suitably high IP rating to ensure that heavy rain does not cause water damage to the light or electrical system. 

1) What are IP Ratings and why are they important?

The IP rating of electrical equipment is known as the ingress protection rating, that is, the better the equipment can withstand the ingress of moisture / liquids and dust / solids. IP ratings range from IP00 to IP69. For further information on IP ratings there is a useful chart available here. Without a sufficient IP rating on the electrical equipment that is installed, electrical hazards such as shocks, short circuits and earth faults can occur which is why it’s a good idea to check before installing equipment outdoors. 

2) Waterproof Outdoor Lights

It’s important to choose the right lights for the environment in which they will be installed. It is not often necessary to have completely waterproof lights for outdoor lights but as a minimum they must have an IP rating of at least IP33 under BS7671 wiring regulations. The more likely it is that outdoor lighting or electrical equipment will be subject to harsh conditions the higher the IP rating will need to be.

3) Outdoor Christmas Lights

Christmas lights are used for a couple of weeks a year then chucked back into the loft or attic until next year’s season comes around again. It’s really important to check all the electrical components on a set of Christmas outdoor string lights before using them each year. Check the plug, the wiring, the bulbs, and the bulb holders for any signs of damage. Outdoor lighting systems can introduce additional danger over that of indoor lighting due to the proximity of our bodies to true earth. This can mean it’s much easier to receive a  dangerous electrical shock outdoor than it is indoors which is why it’s important to ensure that your string lights are not only damage-free but also protected by an adequate Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or Residual Current Devices.

4) Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

If you have any concerns over your outdoor lighting fixtures then feel free to get in touch with me for no obligation, free advice, and support. Check that any lights you have for exterior use are in good condition prior to the rainy season (in the UK this is ALL YEAR). Remember that strong winds, extreme temperatures, and wet weather can take its toll on outdoor lighting fixtures over time so it’s important to regularly check the condition of any outdoor lighting equipment.

5) Planning an Outdoor Lighting Installation?

Where equipment is not yet installed it’s worth considering if high winds are likely to affect the equipment in its installed position as well as how wet locations might get! Outdoor areas may have weatherproof covers over them such as shelters and porches. In these cases, it is not as important to select high IP rated products as it’s far less likely that the lighting will be subject to a wide variety of various weather conditions. Fittings installed in covered locations will not have to be as weather resistant as those installed on flat open walls which will face the brunt of the weather.

6) Installing to ensure longevity

Most outdoor lights will have a waterproof design, be constructed from waterproof materials and come with sufficient measures to prevent water ingress such as rubber gaskets, cable entry grommets, and instructions on installation. After this, it’s down to the installer and their skills to prevent any foreign objects or water ingress into the lights. Silicone-based sealants and robust materials for installation will ensure that the lights remain weatherproof for a long time. 

Some common sense is also necessary, for instance, fit the lights the correct way up (I have seen lights installed upside down!), ensure that extreme weather conditions cannot affect the lights operation long term and choose the right lights for the area in which you are situating them.

7) ​Conclusion

Ensuring you have the right lighting for the conditions which it will be exposed to is vital to prevent electrical problems in the future. Professional electricians will be able to advise you if your current lights are suitable for their environment and check that any lights you are planning to purchase will be suitable. It’s also important to remember that no matter how good the installation or the lighting product, water can nearly always find a way in eventually! Ensure that there is adequate electric shock protection in place when installing outdoor lighting systems and ask your electrician to upgrade your consumer unit or electrical panel to provide adequate protection for any outdoor electrical systems.