Installing outdoor lighting can enhance the beauty and functionality of your home’s exterior. However, exposure to the elements can take a toll on outdoor lights. Rain, in particular, can damage lighting fixtures and their electrical components. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your outdoor lights from rain damage.
Use Weather-Resistant Fixtures
The best defense against rain is to choose outdoor lighting fixtures specifically designed to withstand wet weather. Look for units with these protective features:
- Weather-tight housings: Housings made of plastic, polymer, stainless steel or other non-corrosive materials keep moisture out. Make sure any housing seams are sealed.
- Tempered glass or plastic lenses: Glass or plastic components won’t warp or degrade from exposure to rain.
- Gasketed joints: Rubber seal rings prevent water from seeping into light fixture joints.
- Drain holes: Drain holes allow moisture to escape rather than collect inside the fixture.
- Rust-resistant metals: Fixtures made of aluminum, galvanized steel and copper hold up better to rain than iron or standard steel.
- Waterproof LEDs: LED lighting better resists moisture than incandescent or halogen bulbs.
Install Fixtures Under Eaves
Position lighting under roof eaves or overhangs whenever possible. This prevents rain from falling directly onto the fixtures. Foradded protection, choose recessed can lighting or fixtures with hoods. Just be sure outdoor lights have enough structural shelter so rain won’t blow in from the side.
Use Post Lights with Side Shields
Post-mounted lights provide visibility and security for paths, driveways and yards. To protect them from rain, select designs with side shields that prevent water from entering from the sides or top. Side shields come as sold panels or sections of the housing that extend out above and beside the light source.
Install Wall Sconces Against Walls
For lights mounted to walls, position them flush with the surface rather than angled out. This makes it harder for rain to get into the fixture. Choosing wall sconces with back plates that extend out above and to the sides of the lights adds protection. Be sure any open bottom edges are tight to the wall surface.
Use Interior-Rated Fixtures Under Covered Porches
Covered porches allow you to use indoor-rated lighting fixtures safely outside. The roof protects fixtures from direct exposure to rain. Check manufacturer instructions to confirm an indoor fixture’s suitability for sheltered exterior spaces. Make sure the overhang is deep enough so rain won’t blow in and hit the lights.
Keep Floodlight Lenses Clean
Dirt and debris can accumulate on the protective lenses of floodlights. This reduces light output and their effectiveness. Periodically clean floodlight lenses with a soft cloth and mild detergent solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the lens surface.
Caulk Around Wall Penetrations
Any wires or mounts that penetrate an exterior wall need to be properly sealed. Use clear outdoor-rated caulk to form a watertight seal around penetrations. Look for caulk designed for sealing gaps and cracks in siding and masonry.
Use Hangman’s Clips for Hanging Lights
Rope or chain-hung pendant lights are popular for covered patios and porches. Protect hanging wires from rain infiltration by securing them with hangman’s clips. These clips thread wire through a watertight gasket within the clip interior.
Plug Cord-Hung Lights Into GFCI Outlets
For plug-in pendant lights, use exterior-rated cords with adequate length to reach GFCI outlets. The GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) safely cuts power if moisture causes a current leak. Don’t exceed outlet capacity with too many lights.
Check Condition of Outlet Covers
Regularly inspect the weatherproof covers on all exterior electrical boxes and outlets. Make sure the gaskets are intact and provide a tight seal when closed. Replace any cracked, warped or damaged covers to maintain a water-resistant barrier.
Use Drip Loops in Wiring
A drip loop in the wiring above lights prevents water from running along the wire and entering the fixture. Form a U-shaped downward arc in the wire above the entry point. The drip loop channels moisture away before it can enter.
Apply Rain-Repellant Coatings
Special weatherproofing sprays provide an added layer of rain protection. Apply them to light fixture housings, lenses and the wires coming into lights. Reapply them periodically to maintain effectiveness. Just avoid coatings that could yellow or cloud lenses.
Consider Using Post Lights with Photocells
Photocell sensors automatically turn post pathway lights on at dusk and off at dawn. This avoids lights staying on unnecessarily when raining. Just be sure photocell post lights also have adequate weather resistance.
Use Professional Help for Installing New Fixtures
Improper installation can allow moisture to infiltrate even weather-tight fixtures. If adding new exterior lights, a licensed electrician can ensure they are properly mounted, sealed and wired for your protection.
Inspect Fixtures Frequently
Make it part of your regular exterior maintenance routine to closely inspect all outdoor lighting. Look for any cracks, leaks or gaps that could allow water intrusion. Immediately repair or replace any compromised fixtures. Addressing problems quickly prevents further rain damage.
Turn Off Power Before Inspecting
Use your circuit breaker to turn off power to outdoor lights before performing any proximity inspections or repairs during rainy weather. Prevent shock hazards by assuming fixtures and wires are wet even if they don’t appear so.
Properly installing and maintaining weather-resistant outdoor lighting is the key to protection from rain. Follow these guidelines to keep your exterior lighting looking and performing at its best. With the right fixtures and precautions, your outdoor lights can provide beauty, safety and security lasting through many rainy seasons. Let us know if you have any other tips for protecting outdoor lights from the rain!
Frequently Asked Questions About Protecting Outdoor Lights from Rain
How often should I inspect my outdoor lighting?
You should inspect your outdoor lighting fixtures at least twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. Check for any cracks, leaks, gaps, or corrosion that could allow moisture to get in. Also check that gaskets and seals are intact.
Should outdoor lights be put on a GFCI circuit?
Yes, outdoor lighting circuits should have GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection. GFCIs detect current leaks from moisture and automatically cut power to prevent shocks. Outdoor outlets used for plug-in lights must be GFCI protected.
What is an IP rating and how does it relate to outdoor lights?
IP stands for ingress protection. The IP rating indicates a light fixture’s resistance to dust and moisture intrusion. Most outdoor lights should have an IP rating of at least IP44, meaning protected from splashing water from any direction.
Can I use silicone caulk to seal outdoor light fixtures?
Yes, clear silicone caulk rated for outdoor use can effectively seal cracks and gaps in lighting fixtures exposed to the elements. Make sure the surface is clean before applying the silicone.
Should I apply any protectant to the lenses on my outdoor lights?
A rain-repellent coating or wax can be applied to plastic fixture lenses to make water bead up and roll off the surface. Avoid coatings that could yellow or cloud the lens. Reapply annually.
How can I stop water from running down wiring into light fixtures?
Form a drip loop – a downward U shape arc – in the wire above where it enters the light fixture. This channels moisture away before it reaches the entry point.
Are Incandescent bulbs safe to use in outdoor fixtures?
Incandescent bulbs are more prone to moisture damage than LED or halogen lighting. Make sure the fixtures are rated for wet locations if using incandescent bulbs outdoors.
Can outdoor lights be mounted on vinyl siding?
Yes, use siding blocks behind the mounting bracket. The blocks better distribute the weight without denting or buckling the vinyl. Make sure wiring penetrations are well caulked.
Should I caulk around recessed lights under a porch overhang?
If recessed lights have an adequate overhang, caulking generally isn’t needed. The interior-rated cans are protected. Do caulk around any fixtures mounted to the framed underside of the overhang.
How do I clean cloudy residue off outdoor light fixtures?
Use a mild detergent and soft cloth to gently remove any cloudy mineral deposits that build up from rain exposure. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Rinse thoroughly. Re-apply protective coatings afterward.