Weatherproof and Waterproof Emergency Lights

When we talk about weatherproof emergency lights, there are really two weather conditions that we are talking about: water and cold. These are the two things that can affect the function of the lights the most, either preventing them from working efficiently or destroying them totally.

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  Wet Location Emergency Light
  $119.99
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  Extreme Emergency Light
  $284.99
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Waterproof emergency lights are weatherproof. They can be used indoors and outdoors. Halogen lamps produce brilliant illumination.

View our Most Popular Weatherproof Emergency Lights

More correctly, weatherproof emergency lighting fixtures are referred to as:

• Wet location emergency lights – To be used wherever rain can fall directly on the light unit (Also known as waterproof emergency lights)

• Damp location emergency lights – To be used where the light unit is partially protected from the rain by a roof, canopy or awning. While the light may still get damp, it will not have water falling directly upon it

When choosing emergency lights that will be outdoors, where they are exposed to the weather, it is important to determine which of these two terms provides for a more correct definition of the application you are using. While wet location lights can be used in damp locations, the opposite is not true. However, making a decision to use just wet location lights is not the most cost effective decision you can make.

Weatherproof Emergency Light Construction

Most wet and damp location emergency lights are made with injection molded ABS thermoplastic cases. The thermoplastic has been UV stabilized to prevent it from fading or becoming brittle from constant exposure to the sun’s rays. While it is possible to manufacture waterproof light units out of steel, the steel itself can corrode over time, especially when the paint is scratched or chipped.

This fluorescent emergency light has it all - self-testing diagnostics, wet location rating, and recessed trimplate option.

Waterproof emergency lights have fully sealed cases to prevent any moisture from entering from any angle. On heavy duty units with separate lamp heads, the lamp heads are sealed as well. Water can literally be poured over the light, without any risk of short circuit.

While damp location units are sealed too, they aren’t sealed as thoroughly as wet location units are. Should they be splashed by water, the case is well enough sealed to prevent damage; however constant exposure to water will cause damage.

Both wet and damp location emergency lights are available with fluorescent bulbs, in addition to the standard incandescent bulb models. Fluorescent bulbs use approximately 1/6 of the electricity as incandescent bulbs, allowing these units to be made with smaller batteries and smaller corresponding cases.

Batteries are affected by cold, reducing their charge capacity and slowing down their release of whatever charge they carry. In cases where your exterior lighting will be installed in a cold climate, it is important to buy your wet or damp location emergency lights with an internal heater. This low power heating element provides enough heat to keep the battery functioning well, insuring that your light will work when needed.

Special Installation Needs for Weatherproof Lights

When installing exterior emergency lights, it isn’t enough to just install wet location lights. You also need to insure that the wiring leading up to the light fixture is protected from water as well. If your wiring is inside the building, with the emergency light connected to a wall mounted electrical box, a simple gasket provides the only necessary seal against water.

However, if you are making a new installation where wiring will have to be run outside of the building, extra care must be given to insuring that the entire installation is properly sealed to protect from the weather. This is accomplished by using special conduit, conduit butt splices and electrical boxes that have moisture seals built in.