Choosing the right outdoor lighting is about more than style—it's about safety and functionality. Whether your garden faces coastal sprays, heavy rain or splashes from the pool, investing in lights that can withstand the elements is crucial.
Understanding the difference between weatherproof and waterproof lighting is key to ensuring your new installations are protected and can thrive for years to come.
We've created this guide to help you understand the different levels of water resistance available in outdoor lights and to explain how to read waterproof ratings so that you can choose outdoor lighting that's safe and performs well for many years to come.
What is Waterproof Lighting?
Waterproof lighting offers the highest level of water resistance. It can withstand water pressure because the fixtures are completely sealed to ensure inside components stay dry and functional. This means it's best for permanently wet locations like marine areas or where lighting fixtures are submerged, like swimming pools, in fountains with water jets or around garden ponds.
What is Weatherproof Lighting?
Weatherproof lighting refers to water-resistant lights that can withstand standard weather conditions like heavy rain. Unlike waterproof lighting that's used in areas that have direct contact with moisture all the time, these water-resistant lights are suitable for splashing water rather than submersion. They are best for outdoor areas like decks and gardens.
What Are IP Ratings and Why Do They Matter For Outdoor Lighting?
Understanding IP ratings is key to choosing the right lights for your situation. Whether you're replacing your pool lights or looking for garden lights that will withstand the elements, a light fixture's IP rating gives you an indication of its protection level and performance in different scenarios.
How To Read An IP Rating
IP stands for ingress protection. An IP rating is made up of two digits. The first digit in an IP rating refers to the level of protection against solid objects like dirt or dust. 0 means no protection while 6 means complete protection. The second digit in an IP rating refers to a lighting fixture's protection against liquids and moisture. It ranges from 0 for no protection to 8 for protection against continuous submersion.
The lower the IP rating, the less protection your light has against moisture or dust. Here are some common IP ratings you’ll see on outdoor lighting fixtures – and what they mean:
- IP44 - Suitable for outdoor use. Protected against solid objects larger than 1mm (like tools or wires) and splashing water from any direction, such as rain or a garden hose.
- IP65 - Complete protection against dust and low-pressure water jets. Ideal for areas that are pressure washed, for example.
- IP67 - Protection against dust and temporary immersion in water (up to 1m deep for up to 30 minutes). Great for lights near water features or in flood-prone zones.
- IP68 - Designed for constant submersion.
What Happens If My Lights Aren't Waterproof and They Get Wet?
Water conducts electricity, so if you don't use water-resistant (weatherproof) lights or waterproof lights in wet locations, you risk short circuits, potential fires and electric shocks. Always follow Australian regulations and choose water-resistant lights for outdoor use for safety and to ensure their longevity.
Remember, you can choose lights with a higher IP rating than you think you might require as it doesn't affect how the lights themselves work.
Need Help Choosing the Right Outdoor Lighting For Your Needs?
Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between weatherproof and waterproof and know how to read IP ratings, you can feel more confident in choosing outdoor lights for different applications.
At Fusion Lighting, we've made the process easy. Our range of garden lights has a minimum water-resistance rating of IP65, so you can rest assured they will withstand all types of weather conditions and perform optimally for many, many years.
The next hurdle to overcome when planning an outdoor lighting system is what style of lights to choose and where to place them.
If you need assistance with an outdoor lighting plan, Fusion Lighting can help! We offer a free custom lighting plan service to help you make the most of your outdoor areas. Visit our website for more information on a free lighting plan, even before you've made a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a weatherproof light?
A weatherproof light will have an IP rating of at least IP44. This means it will be safe and keep working if it gets wet.
Can I put LED strip lights in my outdoor shower?
You can put LED lights in indoor or outdoor showers, but you should ensure they have an IP rating of at least IP44 for water protection. If you're after something with more ambience and a more appropriate aesthetic for intimate outdoor areas, visit the Fusion Lighting website to see our full range.
How do you know if a light is waterproof?
You need to understand a light's water ingress protection level to know if it's waterproof or water-resistant.
