How to Select Waterproof Outdoor Wall Lights

Waterproof outdoor wall lights are an easy way to make your home feel safe and bright after dark. When selecting the perfect one, it’s important to consider key product features like wattage, bulb type, color temperature and waterproofing.

Other great features include dusk to dawn sensors that automatically turn on after sunset and motion sensor lights for added security. Read on to learn more about these features and how they can affect your choice.

Weather Resistant

Whether they’re flanking your front door or lighting a patio, wet rated outdoor wall lights are LED Downlight designed with harsh weather in mind. Look for a durable metal frame and lampshade that can withstand extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, or hail without damage. These fixtures are also resistant to corrosion and rust for long-lasting use in your home’s exterior.

The size of your outdoor wall light depends on where it will be located and what kind of ambiance you’re looking for. The ideal height for most entryways is one-quarter to one-third of the height of the door itself, while a lamp intended to illuminate a patio will need a higher lumen output than a fixture meant for security purposes.

Choosing the right bulb type is another crucial element when it comes to your home’s lighting. Choose from LED, halogen, or incandescent bulbs to create the perfect illumination for your space. Additionally, consider color temperature, as warmer whites provide a cozy feel, while cool whites work well for task lighting in garages and workshops. Finally, don’t forget to consider features like dusk-to-dawn and motion sensors when purchasing your waterproof outdoor wall sconces. These features will ensure that your home’s lighting is always turned on at the right time, improving safety and reducing energy costs.

IP Rating

A light’s IP rating, which stands for Ingress Protection, provides important information about its suitability for certain environments. It consists of two digits that indicate how well the fixture is protected against solid objects and liquid.

The first digit, which ranges from 0 to 6, measures the level of protection from solid objects such as dust and dirt. The second digit, which ranges from 0 through to 8, indicates the level of protection against water and is more relevant for outdoor lighting. The higher the number, the more resistant the light is to water ingress.

For example, a light that is rated IP65 or higher will be completely protected from dust and can withstand long periods of immersion in water. This makes it ideal for use in harsh and outdoor environments.

When choosing a light for your home, always consider its location and purpose. This will help you decide on the best waterproof outdoor wall lights to suit your home’s exterior and to ensure that it is safe for your family to use.

It is also worth considering the corrosion resistance of your chosen outdoor lighting. This will vary depending on the type of light and the environment in which it is used, but there are some helpful tips that you can follow to reduce the risk of damage to your light from corrosion.

Bulb Type

The type of light bulb you choose will be a major factor in how your outdoor wall lights look. LED bulbs are the most popular choice because they’re long-lasting, energy-efficient, and come in a variety of colors and brightness levels. They’re also wet rated, meaning they can withstand the elements.

Aside from wattage and lumen output, consider what kind of mood you want to create with your lighting. For example, a warm white bulb will give off a cozy feeling and is ideal for patios, while a cool white will mimic daylight and is more suitable for garages or task areas.

You’ll also need to decide whether you want your bulbs to be dimmable. Some models allow you to control the brightness of your lighting with a remote or app, which can be a handy feature when you’re looking to change the ambiance.

Finally, you’ll need to determine the type of bulb base that your waterproof outdoor wall lights fixture requires. Most floodlight, entryway, and spotlight fixtures are compatible with bulbs that have an E26 base (the same size as most lamps and indoor light fixtures). However, some string lights or outdoor ceiling fans require bulbs with smaller bases such as E17 or E12. If you’re replacing a bulb, check the old one for a sticker that denotes its base size.

Color Temperature

In addition to choosing a waterproof fixture that can withstand the elements, you’ll want to consider the color temperature of your outdoor lighting. This refers to the hue of light produced by a bulb and is measured in Kelvins, based on a scale that starts at zero. Basically, the lower the Kelvin number, the warmer the light is.

Warm white outdoor lights, between 2000K and 3000K, produce a nice cozy glow that is great for outdoor entertaining areas like porches, patios, and outdoor kitchens. This lighting option also helps to accentuate the natural browns and reds in your outdoor landscaping, as well as the earthy tones of stone fountains and sculptures.

Cool white outdoor lighting, between 4000K and 6500K, produces a more neutral light with fewer red and blue tones. These lights are ideal for highlighting your outdoor dining area or pool, and they can also be used to highlight landscape features such as trees, bushes, and shrubs.

You can even use these types of lights to create a popular moonlighting effect on your property by pointing the fixtures downward toward the ground. Keep in mind, however, that some lighting fixtures only work with one specific color temperature of bulbs and won’t allow you to switch out the bulbs if needed. So, if you want to be able to change the color temperature of your exterior lighting based on season, decoration, or mood, make sure to choose fixtures that will accommodate different bulb options.