Home » Egress Learning Center » Wet Location Emergency Lights – Waterproof & Cold Weather Rated
Guide to Wet Location Emergency Light

Wet Location Emergency Lights – Waterproof & Cold Weather Rated

This resource explains wet location emergency lights—what they are, when a wet listing is required vs. damp, how cold‑weather packages (battery heaters, chemistry, thermostats) keep systems reliable, and why ratings like UL 924, NEMA/IP, and NFPA 101 matter. It also covers -40°F cold‑weather models and field results from Alaska installations.

Last updated: September 3, 2025

Buyer’s Guide to Wet Location Emergency Lights
Shop Wet‑Location Emergency Lights Cold‑Weather (‑40°F) Models Table of Contents

Educational Guide UL 924 • NFPA 101 • NEMA/IP • OSHA Cold‑Weather (‑40°F)

Quick Picks

Choose the Right Listing

  • Wet location listed: Direct rain, spray, or wash‑down.
  • Damp location: Covered areas/humidity—not for spray.
  • NEMA/IP: 3R/4/4X or IP65/66 for jets & hose‑down.

Cold‑Weather Package

  • Battery heater & thermostat for < 40°F installs.
  • Low‑temp battery chemistry for dependable 90‑min runtime.
  • Rated options to ‑40°F for extreme climates.

Verify Compliance

  • UL 924 + Wet Location on label/spec sheet.
  • NFPA 101 90‑minute egress illumination.
  • NEC/OSHA installation & workplace safety.

What Are Wet Location Emergency Lights?

Wet location emergency lights—often called waterproof or weatherproof—use sealed, gasketed housings (typically impact‑resistant polycarbonate or die‑cast aluminum) to block moisture intrusion from rain, snow, spray, or condensation. They run on normal power and automatically switch to internal battery backup during an outage to keep egress paths illuminated.

Highlight: If the fixture can see weather or direct spray—even occasionally—spec a wet‑location listed unit, not just damp.

Cold Weather Requires Battery Heaters

Below about 40°F, battery performance drops and runtime can suffer. An internal battery heater with a thermostat keeps the battery within its optimal temperature band so the system still delivers the code‑required 90‑minute illumination window. Traditional heater kits supported operation down to roughly ‑4°F; newer cold‑weather packages extend reliability far beyond that.

Rated for Extreme Cold: Down to ‑40°F

Our cold‑weather emergency lights are engineered for prolonged sub‑zero exposure, with select models rated to ‑40°F. These are ideal for outdoor perimeters, loading docks, exposed stairwells, and industrial sites in severe climates.

Field‑Tested Performance in Alaska

Two recent Alaska installations using our cold‑weather emergency lights reported excellent performance through snow, wind, and sustained freezing temperatures—validating real‑world reliability in extreme conditions.

Why Choose a Wet‑Location Emergency Light?

  • IP/NEMA‑rated, sealed against moisture ingress
  • Resists rain, snow, and high humidity
  • Great for loading docks, parking decks, and outdoor egress
  • Cold‑weather options with battery heaters down to ‑40°F
  • UL 924 listed and aligned with national life‑safety codes

Compliance & Standards

  • UL 924: Emergency performance (incl. 90‑minute illumination)
  • NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code): Egress lighting requirements
  • NEC (Articles 410, 700): Luminaires and emergency circuits
  • NEMA/IP ratings: Select 3R/4/4X or IP65/66 for outdoor or wash‑down
  • OSHA: Workplace enforcement of life‑safety provisions
Reminder: UL 924 alone isn’t enough—confirm a wet‑location listing and the proper NEMA/IP rating for your site.

Installation Tips

  • Seal all conduit and cable entries; use gasketed fittings rated for wet locations.
  • Mount under eaves where possible; if fully exposed, favor NEMA 4/4X or IP65/66 units.
  • Account for ambient temperature; heater kits require power and clearances.
  • Plan photometric coverage; aim adjustable heads to cover stairs and longer paths.
  • Enable self‑testing to automate monthly/annual checks in hard‑to‑access spots.

Summary

For any exterior or wash‑down environment, specify wet‑location listed emergency lights, not damp‑only units. In cold climates—or whenever temps can dip below 40°F—choose a cold‑weather package with a heater and appropriate battery chemistry. For extreme sites, select models rated to ‑40°F. Verify UL 924, NEMA/IP, and NFPA 101 compliance, and design for proper spacing and aiming.

Need help matching a model to your site? Explore wet‑location emergency lights or browse cold‑weather emergency lights for severe environments.