Are Outdoor Lights Waterproof?
When it comes to using lights in the workplace or outdoor activities, the last thing you want to experience is to see your lights damaged because of a sudden heavy rain, which will cause not only economic loss, but failure of the schedule of the day. Thus, the maintenance of the best efficiency in any severe weather environment will be a very important feature of lights to resist the attack of rainstorms.
When the rainy season comes and the weather conditions change dramatically, we must wonder whether the lights can be used safely when they are wet.
We can answer your question with confidence: Absolutely they can! As long as the outdoor lights passed IP waterproof certification. To ensure whether the lights of a specific model or type is waterproof, in addition to checking the IP level to understand the degree of water splashing test that the lights can accept, it is also necessary to confirm whether the wires are for outdoor use.
X and Y values are usually marked after the IP level. The first value X indicates the dust protection level, and the value Y indicates the liquid protection level.
Dustproof Level
| Level | Foreign Object Size | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Unprotected | No protective effect |
| 1 | Diameter>50mm | Avoid large area surface contact with foreign objects |
| 2 | Diameter>12.5mm | Block objects of finger size |
| 3 | Diameter>2.5mm | Block screwdriver and other related tools |
| 4 | Diameter>1mm | Isolate the penetration of wires, small sharp tools or insects such as ants |
| 5 | Dustproof | Completely prevent contact and not completely resist dust, but only a sufficient amount of dust will affect the equipment |
| 6 | Completely dustproof | Resist dust completely to achieve protective effect |
Waterproof Level
| Level | Classification | Test Objectives | Test Details |
| 0 | Unprotected | No protective effect | N/A |
| 1 | Drips | Block vertical raindrops such as drizzle | Test time: 10 minutes Water volume equal to 1mm rainfall per minute. |
| 2 | Drips with an inclination of 15° | Blocked vertical water drops when the equipment is tilted within 15° | Test time: 10 minutes Water volume equal to 3mm rainfall per minute. |
| 3 | Sprays | No negative effect of pressurized sprays from above (within 60° of the vertical line) on the equipment | Test time: 10 minutes
Water volume: 10L per minute Water pressure: 50 ~ 150kPa |
| 4 | Splashes | No negative effect of water splashes from any angle on the equipment | Test time: 10 minutes
Water volume: 10L per minute Water pressure: 50 ~ 150kPa |
| 5 | Low pressure water jet | No negative effect of water jet from the nozzle (6.3mm) from any angle on the equipment | Test time: at least 3 minutes
Water volume: 12.5l per minute Water pressure: 30kPa at a distance of 3m |
| 6 | High pressure water jet | No negative effect of pressurized water jet from the nozzle (12.5mm) from any angle on the equipment | Test time: at least 3 minutes
Water volume: 12.5l per minute Water pressure: 100kPa at a distance of 3m |
| 7 | Immersion in water of 1m deep | Under specific conditions (such as water pressure and time), the equipment can be immersed in 1 meter deep water for 30 minutes without damage | Test time: at least 30 minutes
When the height of the equipment is lower than 850mm, the lowest point of the equipment cover shall be submerged 10,00mm below the water surface When the height of the equipment is greater than 850mm, the highest point of the equipment cover needs to be submerged 150mm below the water surface |
| 8 | Immersion in water of more than 1m deep | The equipment can be immersed in water of more than 1m deep. The manufacturer shall specify the conditions clearly. | Test time: continuous immersion in water for at least 1 hour
Water depth is specified by the manufacturer. |
| 9 | HTHP water jet | The equipment can withstand the impact of HTHP water jet in close range under the conditions specified by the manufacturer. | Test time: 2 minutes in total
IP69K is a HTHP waterproof measure defined by the German standard DIN 40050 part9. |
What kind of lights will get wet?
Generally speaking, most outdoor lights are likely to get wet. In this case, the leading concern is whether the light is rainproof and waterproof, and the choice of outdoor lights should focus on three items:
- Weather ability of the lights
- Whether the lights are waterproof, dustproof and rainproof
- Power system quality of the lights
When the outdoor lights are durable, and operate normally under severe climate conditions, there will be no problem basically even if the lights get wet. The fastest way is to check the IP rating to confirm whether the lights meet your requirements.
What is the role of IP rating on the protection of lights?
IP rating indicates the performance of lights in terms of dust and water resistance. For example, the IP rating of general courtyard lights should be at least IP45. Lights with waterproof function of IP45 can effectively block general rains and splashes. It is recommended to replace outdoor lights with IP rating lower than IP45 to avoid electrical or circuit problems.
When the lights are subject to more intense weather tests, such as winds and rains, the IP rating should be at least IP55.
Yuang balloon lights has an IP55 polyester shade with a special unique surface coating to resist showers. The endurance of balloon lights to wind speed is another concern.
Yuan light has been tested for 24 hours all year round. The balloon light can withstand the wind speed of at least 10 meters per second, and achieve a comprehensive protective effect regardless of wind or rain. In addition, the built-in LED PCB and fan of the balloon lights are also certified to be IP65 for water and dust resistance.
On the whole, the outdoor water, wind and dust resistance performance of Yuang balloon light are commendable.
Our Lights Are Very Waterproof
As the initial balloon light trader and manufacturer in the Asia region, Yuang Light balloon light has been growing and developing in the industry for more than twenty years.
The product is mainly applied in engineering construction, firefighting & industrial safety, aerospace service and roadside assistance, etc.
LED Balloon Light System | Mobile Lighting Tower System
