Wet-Location Emergency Lights: Ratings, NEMA/IP & Outdoor Tips

Choose fixtures that survive rain, washdown, and cold. What “wet-location” really means, plus heater and enclosure notes.

Last updated: October 2025

Outdoor / Washdown Cold Weather

Wet vs damp, IP & NEMA

Wet-location fixtures resist direct water exposure; damp-location handle humidity/condensation. IP/NEMA ratings define enclosure protection; pick what your site conditions demand.

Heaters & cold-weather tips

Cold temps reduce battery output—use heater kits or cold-rated batteries to maintain 90-minute runtime in freezers or winter climates.

Housings, gaskets & hardware

Look for gasketed housings, corrosion-resistant hardware, and UV-stable plastics or coated metals for marine/coastal sites.

Placement & aiming outdoors

Mount to minimize direct spray and wind-driven rain; aim heads for path coverage and consider glare at doors and ramps.

FAQ

Can I use indoor units outside under a canopy?

Only if they’re listed for damp in that location; true outdoor exposure calls for wet-location listings.