When it comes to choosing the right lights for your home, you may be wondering what the difference is between damp and wet rated lighting? Both of these ratings indicate how well a light can withstand exposure to moisture, but they do so in different ways. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between damp and wet rated lights, as well as when each type of light is most appropriate.
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Wondering what differentiates the term “wet rated” or “damp rated?” It’s exposure to water. One handles direct water contact, while another does not.
The electrical supply within a light fixture must be well-protected so that no live electrical parts are exposed to moisture. Damp rated fixtures have a sealant around all electrical components, which prevents any dampness from causing damage or creating a safety hazard. Wet rated fixtures take this protection one step further by also being able to withstand direct contact with water.
Wet rated lights are made with greater protection against water infiltration and, as a result, can be installed in exterior areas that may experience sustained moisture exposure from rain or snow and installed in interior wet locations like wet rooms and showers where there is a risk of direct water jets.
So a wet rating means a wet rated light fixture can be used in wet areas safely.
Wet rated lighting can be used porches, garages, and in the exterior landscaping. Recessed ceiling lighting in bathrooms, spas, saunas, and covered outdoor areas can also take advantage of wet rated lighting.
Damp rated lights are made with a level of water ingress protection to repell moisture and liquids from a luminaire but not to a degree that allows for sustained exposure to wet conditions, like rain or within a shower.
So a damp rating means a damp rated light fixture can be used in damp or humid areas safely.
Damp rated lights should not be used in direct contact with rain or snow but can still be used in humid interior spaces such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. These fixtures are also a great option for covered outdoor areas that are not completely exposed to the elements.
When it comes to choosing between a wet or damp-rated product, the safety of yourself and those around you should be your main concern. Each lighting fixture relies on electricity for its function; as such, if there is any chance that an accidental fire could occur due in part from water being used as insulation then this would not only put both yourselves at risk but also everyone else nearby.
Getting the specification right of the lighting for the area in installation will also make a more prudent investment. If a lighting fixture is not built to withstand the elements or liquids adequately, then the exposure to water will radically shorten it’s lifespan and lead to early failure and replacement.
Damp locations are defined as any indoor area where moisture may be present or subject to condensation or high humidity, but not direct contact with water. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and covered outdoor areas like patios and porches can all be considered damp locations.
When choosing light fixtures for damp locations, look for fixtures that are specifically labeled as “damp rated”
A wet location is an exterior or interior space that directly exposes the light fixture to water. This might include porches, garages or anywhere exposed to the elements.
Damp rated lights have an ingress protection to moisture so are suitable for use outside as long as there is a level of protection and shelter for the product to ensure it is not exposed to direct jets or spray of water. For example, porches and garages are good locations for damp rated lights.
Do not use damp rated lighting on decking or patios, on the sides of sheds or along alleyways as even if they have some protection against the rain. Wherever rain can reach a lighting product it must be wet rated.
When it comes to safety, the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have you covered. They were founded in 1894 as part of an electrical bureau with their focus on lighting products that are tested for suitability. In the case of liquid exposure the lights are then labeled either “wet rated” or “damp rated” according to how they past the water ingress test. The tests are impartial and are an important standard to be met to ensure people and insurance companies, that potentially dangerous equipment has been designed and installed to suit the right locations.
ETL is another independent testing company that assesses the safety of products. They are widely recognized in North America and their focus is on product safety testing and certification.
In order to be wet rated, a lighting fixture must go through a series of tests where it is exposed to water from different angles and at different pressures. The volume of water and the duration of the exposure is also increased incrementally to check that the light can withstand sustained moisture over time.
In Europe the standardisation of water ingress certification for lighting and electrical products is called an IP Rating.
When looking at a light it is important to check that it has been certified by either UL or ETL as these are the most widely recognized bodies. The IP Rating should also be clearly marked on the product.
The certification will usually be written as “IPX (followed by a number)”, with the number indicating the level of protection. The higher the number, the greater the protection against water ingress.
For example, a wet rated light could be IP65.
There are a few ways to tell if a light is wet rated:
The main difference between damp rated and wet rated lights is that wet rated lights can be directly exposed to water while damp rated lights cannot.
When it comes to choosing between the two, you need to take into account the environment that the light will be installed in. If there is a chance of sustained moisture exposure then wet rated lighting should be chosen as it offers greater protection against water infiltration.
If you are unsure about which rating to choose, always consult with a professional electrician or lighting specialist who can offer guidance on the best option for your needs.
So when it comes to choosing the right light for your home, you need to take into account the environment that the light will be installed in.
There are two main types of locations: wet and dry. A wet location is any area where water or other liquids could come into contact with electrical equipment. This includes areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas that are not completely exposed to the elements.
A dry location is any area where there is no danger of water coming into contact with electrical equipment. This includes most indoor areas, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
The main difference between wet and dry locations is the level of protection that is required for the electrical equipment. In a wet location, the electrical equipment must be able to withstand exposure to water or other liquids. In a dry location, the electrical equipment does not need to be resistant to water or other liquids.
When it comes to choosing the right LED light for your home, you need to take into account the environment that the light will be installed in just as you would any other light fixture.
If you are looking for an LED light for a wet location, then you need to choose a wet rated LED light. Wet rated LED lights are designed to withstand exposure to water or other liquids, and they are the best option for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas that are not completely exposed to the elements.
If you are looking for an LED light for a dry location, then you do not need to choose a wet rated LED light. Dry rated LED lights are designed for use in any area where there is no danger of water coming into contact with electrical equipment, and they are the best option for most indoor areas, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
When it comes to choosing between wet rated and dry rated LED lights, the best option is to choose the light that is best suited for the environment where it will be installed.
When it comes to choosing between wet rated and damp rated lights, you need to take into account the environment that the light will be installed in. If there is a chance of sustained moisture exposure then wet rated lighting should be chosen as it offers greater protection against water infiltration. Wet rated lighting can be directly exposed to water while damp rated lights cannot. If you are unsure about which rating to choose, always consult with a professional electrician or lighting specialist who can offer guidance on the best option for your needs.
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