Flood light , Street light , Led high bay
Lighting projects can be confusing at times, especially when it comes to what is safe to use outside and what is not. The general misconception is that if it is classified for wet locations, then it can be used in swimming pools. While there are many accessories that can be used around your pool, total immersion in the pool (or any other water) is a completely different story. In this publication, we will see what lights or accessories can be used underwater and what qualifications you need.
Wet location vs IP Classification
The wet location means that a bulb or fixture can be used in an area where the water will come in contact with it. Accessories with moisture classification can be used in garages, barns, porches and other areas. Read about other places you may not know that require a wet location in this article. While these accessories are designed to handle rain and water droplets, they are not sealed enough to be used in the water. For immersion in water, you should look for products that have specific IP ratings.
Unlike wet location classifications, IP classifications provide more levels of distinction. Composed of two numbers, IP classifications tell you how much protection an artifact has against the ingress of water and solid objects. The first number covers objects such as fingers and dust, while the second covers the water. For applications on or near water, there are three classifications you should look for:
IP68 is for total and permanent immersion in water up to 13 feet.
IP67 is for temporary immersion in up to 3 feet of water for no more than 30 minutes.
IP65 protects against jets of water at any angle.
For any lighting project that will be permanently installed in the water, it is strongly recommended that you use products with an IP68 rating for your safety. It is not recommended to use products with IP67 classification, since they are only for temporary immersion. The IP65 ratings will be the most commonly used for general outdoor applications, such as area lights used in parking lots.
What kind of accessories do these classifications have and where can I use them?
Products that are totally waterproof include underwater lights and waterproof tape light. For example, our waterproof tape light has an IP68 rating that allows its use in terraces and patios, or in pools and fountains. To maintain its classification, the waterproof tape should not be cut. It is designed with an airtight seal to prevent water or moisture from seeping into the circuits. Cutting the tape light will nullify that protection. You should also make sure that the connector cables you use are also waterproof.
Lighting advice: It is unlikely that many small LED drivers that you can use with a waterproof tape light have a rating higher than IP65. If the light on your tape is part of a large lighting landscape, place your driver in a waterproof housing or use larger, outdoor-rated LED drivers; They should always have a waterproof housing.
Accessories with IP65 ratings are numerous. A family that you can have in your garage or workshop is a vapor-proof accessory. Recognizable by their latches, steamproof fittings can also be used in parking garages, spa rooms, stairwells and car washes. Floodlights are available in different classifications according to the locations of the application. Flood lights with wet location classification can be used for mounting directly on the wall, and those with IP65 rating can be used as part of landscape lighting.
Landscape lighting, such as road lights and bullets, will have a wet location classification. The LED security luminaires will also have a wet location classification, as they are designed for mounting on walls or under eaves. Light from the rope is also included for use in damp places as long as it is not cut. Like the waterproof tape, the rating is canceled once it is cut. However, the rope light can be resealed with shrink tubing and silicone glue to protect the connections from water. Rope light can be used outdoors to illuminate corridors, flower beds, terraces and patios.