What’s the Difference Between Wet and Damp Rated Lighting?

Do you know what the terms “wet rated” or “damp rated” mean?

When shopping for outdoor LED light fixtures, how confident are you that you’ll choose the right lights or ceiling fan without having to make a trip back to the store?

Wet rated lights and damp rated lights aren’t interchangeable, so it’s important to know the difference:

• Wet-rated light fixtures are used in places with direct exposure to water. Think landscape lighting such as path and ground wells, and most other outdoor lights. These types of fixtures use waterproof seals to protect their internal components from moisture.
• Damp-rated lights are used in places that have some contact with moisture, but not in areas with constant, direct exposure to water. Because they don’t have the same full seals as ones made for wet environments, they’re mostly made for around the home, like recessed lights outside the shower, or mix-used storage areas.

Wet/Damp Rated Ceiling Fans

Outdoor fans at RP Lighting + Fans are categorized as “damp” or “wet” rated, depending on the amount of moisture they’re designed to withstand.

Damp rated fans can handle humidity, but can’t handle direct contact with water, whereas wet rated fans are built for exposure to the outdoors and where water can splash onto the fan.

Covered patios or screened-in porches are better suited for damp rated fans.

Other considerations for wet listed ceiling fans:

• Materials: Be careful before you buy! Some fan models are built for outdoor use but don’t come designated with a damp/wet rating.
• Airflow: Semi-enclosed spaces don’t need as much power to make the room feel cool, but open plans require a fan with much stronger output.
• Lighting: If your space needs a little light, you can get a ceiling fan that does double-duty. The best option is an LED ceiling fan that’s energy efficient, low-maintenance, and customizable.

Safety First

Because lights depend on electric currents for power and water is a conductor, the main reason to use damp and wet rated light fixtures is safety. Water in contact with electricity can spark a fire or electrocution, and using properly rated fixtures are the easiest ways to protect yourself, your home or business, and other people from the danger of electrical fire.

LED Light Fixtures for Outdoor Use

For over 30 years, RP Lighting + Fans has been a valued supplier of ceiling fans and LED light fixtures to electrical distributors and lighting showrooms. In that time our product offering has grown to encompass all types of lighting fixtures typically installed in multi-family or mixed-use facilities, as well as many LED fixtures applicable for light commercial installations.

LED lighting can be the upgrade your business needs, and as a distributor, knowing a little bit about how lighting plays into design choices can help you provide the right information to your customers and help complete a sale.

For more information about the different types of LEDs and how to best design your space, talk to one of our experts! Contact your RP representative today to get started!