When it comes to outdoor lighting, a frequent concern is: Can you leave outdoor lights outside in the rain? The answer hinges on the type of light, its design, and how it’s installed. This practical guide focuses on wall pack LED lights, wall mounted exterior LED lights, and similar fixtures, offering clear, actionable advice to ensure your LED wall pack lighting remains safe and functional in wet conditions. Rather than diving into technical specs, we’ll explore why some lights thrive in rain while others falter, spotlight hidden risks, and share expert tips.
Why Were Traditional Outdoor Lights Vulnerable to Rain? How Has LED Changed That?
The Flaws of Traditional Lighting
Traditional outdoor lights, like high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, often struggled in the rain due to outdated designs. These fixtures typically used basic seals or gaskets that degraded over time, letting water seep in. For instance, older wall pack fixtures might have exposed wiring or poor drainage, causing water to pool inside and leading to electrical issues or safety hazards. Rain was a persistent threat to their longevity.
The LED Advantage
LED technology has transformed this landscape. Modern wall pack LED lights feature modular encapsulation, where each component is individually sealed, slashing the risk of water damage. Unlike traditional setups, wall mounted exterior LED lights often include advanced drainage systems. Take a wall pack fixture, for example—many now have small, angled drainage holes at the base, allowing rainwater to escape while keeping internals dry. This design leap makes LED wall pack lighting far more rain-resistant than its predecessors.
Visual Insight: Picture a wall pack fixture with tiny drainage holes tilted downward—rain flows out naturally, safeguarding the light.
3 Rainy Day Pitfalls (Even If the IP Rating Is High)
A high IP (Ingress Protection) rating doesn’t guarantee invincibility. Here are three traps to avoid with your commercial wall pack lights:
Pitfall 1: Corrosion Risk on Wooden Walls
Wall mounted exterior LED lights may be rainproof, but the surface they’re attached to matters. Wooden walls can soak up moisture, causing rot or rust at the mounting points over time. This weakens the fixture’s hold and safety.
Tip: Experts suggest adding a metal or composite backplate when installing LED wall pack lighting on wood to block moisture transfer.
Pitfall 2: Lens Aging and Water Seepage
Even top-tier commercial wall pack lights face lens wear. UV rays and temperature swings can make the lens brittle, cracking it and letting water in. A high IP rating won’t help if the lens fails.
Tip: Check your wall pack fixture lens yearly for cracks or cloudiness, especially after harsh weather.
Pitfall 3: Non-Direct Rain Hazards
Rain isn’t the only culprit—condensation from humidity or temperature shifts can sneak into poorly vented fixtures. This hidden moisture threatens wall pack LED lights even without a downpour.
Tip: Opt for fixtures with venting or add silica gel packs inside to soak up excess moisture.
5 Expert Tips for Rainproofing Your Outdoor Lights
Keep your LED wall pack lighting rain-ready with these five pro tips:
Tip 1: Master the “Installation Location Formula”
Placement is key for wall mounted exterior LED lights. Use this formula:
- Eave Angle: Mount under eaves with a 30-degree-plus overhang to shield from direct rain.
- Ground Drainage: Ensure water flows away below to avoid splash-back onto the fixture.
- Vegetation Buffer: Keep lights 12 inches from plants to prevent trapped moisture.
Visual Guide: Think of a triangle—light at the top, eave as the sloping side, ground as the base. Angle it right to stay dry.
Tip 2: Seek Advanced Sealing
Choose commercial wall pack lights with silicone gaskets or O-ring seals—they outlast standard rubber and block water better.
Tip 3: Distance from Greenery
Plants near LED wall pack lighting can trap humidity. Maintain a 12-inch gap to cut moisture risks.
Tip 4: Use Weatherproof Hardware
A rainproof wall pack fixture needs rust-free screws and brackets. Go for stainless steel or coated options.
Tip 5: Annual Maintenance Checklist
Once a year, inspect:
- Seals: Confirm gaskets aren’t cracking.
- Drainage: Clear debris from holes.
- Wiring: Look for moisture or corrosion signs.
Pro Tip: Apply dielectric grease to connections for extra water resistance, a trick experts swear by.
Conclusion: Rainproofing Is a Team Effort
So, can you leave outdoor lights outside in the rain? Yes, wall pack LED lights and wall mounted exterior LED lights can handle it—if designed well, installed smartly, and maintained properly. It’s not just about the fixture’s build; location, mounting surface, and upkeep are vital to keeping LED wall pack lighting safe and shining. Follow these tips, and your commercial wall pack lights will weather any storm. When unsure, check the manufacturer’s advice or call a pro.
Rain or shine, your wall pack fixture can thrive with the right care!
