How to Waterproof Outdoor Lights - Outdoor Cabinets

Outdoor lighting can add beauty and function to your home, but exposure to the elements takes a toll over time. Moisture is especially damaging, leading to corrosion, shorts, and complete fixture failure. Fortunately, a few preventive steps can significantly extend the life of your outdoor lights. With the right materials and techniques, you can effectively waterproof most outdoor lighting fixtures.

Choose Fixtures Made for Outdoor Use

The easiest way to waterproof outdoor lights is to start with fixtures designed to withstand the weather. Look for these features when selecting outdoor lighting:

Weather-Resistant Materials

Fixtures made from plastic, polymer, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, or other non-corroding materials hold up better outside. Avoid painted steel fixtures which will rust over time. Also look for powder-coated, galvanized, or otherwise treated metals which resist corrosion.

Tight Sealing

High-quality outdoor light fixtures will have gaskets, seals, and watertight connections. This prevents moisture from entering and condensing inside fixture housings. Fully sealed LEDs and electronics last longer as well.

Durable Finish

A finish that can shed water and resist chipping, peeling, and fading means a fixture will maintain its looks and integrity through seasons of exposure. Enamel, baked-on powder coat, and anodized metal finishes are ideal for outdoor use.

Rainproof Rating

Check specs for the fixture’s rainproof or waterproof rating, indicating how much wet weather it can withstand. Common ratings are IP64 and IP65, meaning protected from splashing and low-pressure water streams.

UL Listing

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) testing indicates safety and reliability under outdoor conditions. Look for UL listing on light fixtures to ensure they meet waterproof standards.

Choosing fixtures with weather-appropriate materials and designs to begin with makes waterproofing much easier.

Regular Maintenance Helps Too

Even outdoor-rated fixtures need some maintenance for maximum water resistance and longevity. Follow these tips:

Inspect seals and gaskets seasonally. Replace any that are cracked, worn, or missing.
Check electrical connections for corrosion annually. Clean and re-tape as needed.
Periodically apply marine-grade sealant around fixture seams and connections. This renews the water barrier.
Clean fixture lenses and housings when dirt builds up. Dirt holds moisture against the light.
Lubricate any screws, latches, and moving parts on fixtures annually. This prevents freezing and corrosion from seizing them in place.
Replace any exterior caulk or sealant beads around fixtures when they shrink or crack. Neat application keeps water out.

With consistent maintenance and part replacement when needed, outdoor lighting can stay watertight for years.

Add Waterproof Covers

For existing fixtures that lack weather-tight designs, add protective covers:

Plastic Dome Covers

Clear plastic domes that fit over floodlights, carriage lights, and other fixtures provide an extra barrier from rain and snow. Choose domes rated for wet locations.

Weatherproof Hoods

Hinged, close-fitting hoods made of plastic or metal can be added to open bottom fixtures like downlights or spotlights. The hoods prevent water from entering the top.

Sealed Box Covers

Whole fixture boxes made of clear acrylic plastic or fiberglass encapsulate wall sconces, lanterns, and other decorative lights. With a gasketed access door, the boxes keep moisture completely away from the fixture.

Outlet Covers

For low voltage landscape lighting with exposed wiring, use outdoor-rated outlet covers designed to shield wire connections. Waterproof gel-filled covers are also available for extra protection.

Added covers are an easy retrofit option to protect existing outdoor lighting from moisture damage.

Use Outdoor-Grade Caulking

Anywhere wires enter fixtures, conduit connects, or seams exist between fixture parts represents an opportunity for water intrusion. Seal up those spots by caulking with outdoor-rated material:

Clear silicone – flexible and waterproof, ideal for sealing moving connections. Look for a marine or wet location grade.
Exterior polyurethane – expands as it dries for a super tight seal. Best for gaps larger than 1/4 inch.
Butyl rubber – thick consistency is great for vertical seam caulking. Stays semi-flexible when dry.

For each type, look for versions labeled for outdoor use. Avoid general purpose caulking which can wash away outside. Apply a neat bead that fully seals the joint or gap without blocking airflow or light output.

Weatherproof Wire Connections

Exposed wire connections are also vulnerable to moisture. Whether wires enter fixtures through holes or conduit, a little weatherproofing helps:

Seal wire access points – Squeeze a ring of outdoor caulk around wires where they enter fixture housings. This helps block moisture.
Tape connections – Plastic electrical tape stretched tightly around wire nuts and splice points protects against condensation inside fixtures.
Enclose connections – For low voltage landscape lights, enclose wire connections in outdoor-rated direct burial gel capsules or waterproof connection boxes.
Use moisture-resistant parts – Twist connectors and wire nuts for outdoor use have grease, gel, or silicone seals. Heat shrink splices add another layer of protection.

Taking steps to weatherproof all parts of an outdoor lighting circuit guards against shorts, corrosion, and safety hazards from moisture.

Take Extra Steps for Floodlights

Weatherproofing floodlights takes some extra care since the directional lights are more openly exposed:

Caulk inside – Apply a bead of outdoor caulk around the interior seam where the lens meets the housing. Prevent water that seeps in from collecting inside.
Slope to drain – If possible, adjust floodlight angle slightly to slope front openings downward. This allows any moisture that enters to drain out.
Lens treatments – Special hydrophobic coatings can be applied to floodlight lenses to improve water beading and runoff.
Ground lights – Install floodlights on vertical ground stakes, not angled up on eave brackets. Avoid holding water against fixtures.

The more shielded and directed downward floodlights are, the less weathering they endure. But with proper sealing and drainage, even exposed flood bulbs can stay dry.

Check Outdoor Fixture Locations

Where you locate outdoor lighting also impacts weathering. Keep these tips in mind:

Avoid direct weather exposure – Position fixtures under roof eaves and porches whenever possible. This provides natural shielding.
Consider drip loops – Hang wires with a loop that allows water to drip off before reaching connections or fixtures. Prevent moisture from running down wires.
Light from below – Ground-level uplighting or lighting recessed under roof overhangs help protect fixtures from rain and snow.
High and dry – Locate fixtures well above ground level where flooding wont reach them.
Watch spray zones – Avoid installing lights where lawn sprinklers will constantly spray them. Use drip irrigation near lights instead.

Strategic placement reduces the amount of weatherproofing outdoor lights need. Locate them to take advantage of existing cover and minimize moisture contact.

Improve Drainage Around Fixtures

Even well-sealed fixtures get wet outdoors. Ensuring good drainage around lights prevents water from pooling and seeping in:

Slope soil – Grade soil so it angles away from post and pillar mount fixtures. Prevent puddles around the base.
Plant wisely – Avoid dense shrubs that can trap moisture around lights. Gravel mulch helps drainage under fixtures.
Elevate stakes – Outdoor lighting stakes and spikes should sit an inch or more above the ground, so water drains away from connections.
Drips and gutters – Make sure roof edge drains, downspouts, and gutter driplines aren’t overflowing and spraying fixtures. Divert runoff if needed.
Seal below – Caulk fully around the base of a light post or foundation to prevent standing water from migrating up.

Encouraging proper drainage around outdoor lighting is just as important as sealing the fixtures themselves. Quick-draining soil reduces constant moisture contact.

Add Height for Driveway Lights

Low-voltage driveway lights take a beating from vehicle traffic and road splashes. To make them more waterproof:

Install high – Position lights 2 feet or higher above the road surface if possible. Less dirt and moisture will kick up onto them.
Use shielded fixtures – Partial hoods, visors, and lenses help protect open fixture bottoms from water and gravel spray.
Slope away – Aim lights out and away from the driveway edge so water runs out of them.
Stake down wires – Use garden staples to secure wiring runs to the ground between lights. Prevents puddles on connections.
Frequent servicing – Expect to clean and seal driveway lights annually as road dirt accumulates on them.

Raised height and frequent maintenance is key for driveway lights staying water-tight.

Use Enclosed Underwater Lights

For lighting water features and pools, enclosed underwater luminaires keep moisture completely isolated:

Gasket seals – Choose luminaires with multiple thick rubber gaskets within the housing. Prevent any water reaching electrical parts.
Pool niche – Anchor the watertight housing into the pool wall or liner niche to keep it stable underwater.
Low voltage – 12-15 volt LED or halogen systems are safest for pool and fountain use. Keep transformers out of the wet zone.
Retrofit kits – Conversion kits allow installing new LED arrays and optics inside existing watertight housings. No water exposure during upgrades.
No splashes – Avoid using uplights and floodlights aimed into the water. The splashing quickly damages them.

Submersible underwater luminaires engineered to be waterproof are by far the most reliable way to illuminate wet environments safely.

Test Light Waterproofing

To test outdoor lighting for water resistance before installation:

Spray test – Use a garden hose to spray the fixture while illuminated. Check for shorts or flickering which indicate moisture seepage.
Submersion – Dunk fixtures in a bucket or tub of water while on to check for leaks into housings.
Pressure wash – Use an actual pressure washer to simulate rain and storms, testing for water intrusion.
Weather in place – Connect fixtures outdoors and let them sit through all kinds of real weather for a week. Inspect closely for any moisture inside after.

While not proof against all conditions, testing gives confidence in outdoor lights’ water protection before permanent installation.

Maintain Interior Lights Near Humidity

Indoor lights in damp locations like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements also need moisture resistance. Take these precautions:

Use waterproof enclosures – Fully enclosed fixtures protect against steam and condensation buildup.
Insulate wires – Cover electrical connections in foam waterproof insulation suited for indoor wet locations.
Caulk openings – Seal all cracks and openings in the fixture housing, especially where wires enter.
Install GFCI – Upgrade circuits to ground-fault interrupters for safety. They will shut off power if moisture causes a short.
Vent fans – Run bath and laundry fans during and after use to control humidity. Quickly clear moist air from light fixtures.

Indoor damp areas pose their own risks for lights. But sealed and insulated fixtures can operate safely for years in humid indoor locations.

Summary of Waterproofing Outdoor Lights

With attention to detail both in product selection and installation, you can successfully waterproof outdoor lighting in nearly any setting:

Choose fully weatherproof fixtures with rugged, water-shedding materials inside and out.
Apply marine-grade caulks and sealants liberally during mounting and all wire connections.
Protect existing fixtures with weatherproof outlet covers, domes, shields, and enclosed boxes as needed.
For floodlights, caulk interiors, angle downwards, and ensure unobstructed drainage.
Locate lights in naturally covered or drained locations, avoiding constant moisture contact.
Submersible, gasket-sealed lights are specifically designed for pool and fountain use.
Inspect and replace any compromised gaskets, seals, and connections as outdoor lights age.

With proactive waterproofing and vigilant maintenance, your outdoor lighting can provide beauty and security night after night through any weather. Follow the steps and products above, and those outdoor lights will retain their sparkle for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproofing Outdoor Lights

What is the most waterproof outdoor lighting?

Fully sealed LED or halogen fixtures made from weatherproof polymers, aluminum, or stainless steel provide the most waterproof outdoor lighting. Key features are gasketed housing, sealed optics, and UL wet location listing.

How do you waterproof old outdoor lights?

For older outdoor lights lacking inherent waterproofing, add protective covers like plastic domes, weatherproof boxes, or hoods to shield the fixtures from rain and snow. Liberal use of silicone or polyurethane caulk is also recommended to seal seams.

Should outdoor light fixtures be covered?

It is not mandatory, but covers do provide useful extra weather protection. Individual light covers like domes or shields allow light to shine through while keeping bulbs and fixtures dry. Completely enclosing fixtures in a larger box eliminates moisture contact.

Can you use outdoor lights indoors?

Yes, outdoor-rated fixtures can generally be used in interior spaces. Their weatherproof construction makes them very durable for indoor use. Just avoid using indoor-only lights outside where moisture can damage them.

What is the difference between damp rated and wet rated?

Damp rated means resistant to humidity and condensation, like in bathrooms. Wet rated indicates waterproof and able to withstand rain, spray, and temporary submersion outdoors. Wet rated fixtures have superior weather seals.

How do you waterproof LED light connections?

Outdoor-grade twist connectors, silicon filled wire nuts, and heat shrink splices all help protect LED light wire connections from moisture. Further protect joins by covering with outdoor-rated electrical tape and enclosing connectors inside junction boxes.

Should outdoor lights be grounded?

Yes, grounding provides an extra level of electrical safety which is important for outdoor circuits. Ground lights via connecting fixtures to metal posts driven into earth, through ground wires, and by using GFCI circuits. This guards against shocks.

How do you weatherproof landscape lighting?

Use fully sealed LED or low voltage fixtures rated for wet locations. Fully enclose and caulk wire splices and connection points. Direct burial gel splice capsules can also permanently seal connections underground. Slope lights to drain water, and raise fixtures off wet soil.

What kind of caulk is best for outdoor lights?

For sealing fixtures and connections, look for caulk labeled for exterior use such as silicone caulk or polyurethane sealant. These stay flexible and waterproof through outdoor temperature and moisture changes. Butyl rubber caulk also works well.

Conclusion

Outdoor illumination enhances safety, security, and ambiance – as long as moisture does not compromise lighting fixtures and wiring. But with robust waterproofing using the right products and installation methods, your outdoor lighting can thrive for years even through harsh weather. Choose fixtures made to shed rain, snow, and moisture without leaks. caulk thoroughly, protect components, and ensure good drainage around lights. Take steps to properly waterproof outdoor lighting, and your home will glow reliably no matter the conditions outside.

References

[1] https://www.batteriesplus.com/t-lighting-howto-outdoor.aspx

[2] https://www.ecmag.com/section/lighting/waterproofing-outdoor-lighting

[3] https://www.finegardening.com/article/waterproofing-outdoor-light-fixtures

[4] https://www.1010lighting.com/post/how-to-waterproof-outdoor-lighting-fixtures

[5] https://www.lumens.com/how-tos-and-advice-outdoor-landscape-lighting-waterproofing.html

[6] https://www.ashireporter.org/homeinspection/exteriors/exterior-electrical/waterproofing-exterior-lighting-fixtures/