Blog – LED Landscape Lighting

Electrical codes are written to regulate the construction of landscape lighting fixtures as well as procedures for installation. Beautiful and relaxing, ponds, waterfalls and fountains are focal points of many landscapes today in our homes and also in commercial settings. Your concerns are not only to make the installation safe to avoid trips and falls, but also to make sure fixtures are selected properly and installed by a professional who is familiar with the National Electrical Code. Electrical codes can vary from state to state and from city to city. The National Electrical Code is a standard for the United States but not all states have adopted it. You may also run into communities that subscribe to even stricter requirements. So be sure to check before you dig. Be sure to check requirements before you purchase fixtures. There are several degrees of suitability for damp or wet locations as follows:

1. Dry Location – This designation relates primarily to interior locations where fixtures will not be exposed to any dampness whatsoever.

2. Damp Location – This designation can be either an outdoor or an indoor location where fixtures will be partially protected from precipitation such as under roof overhangs or inside a space subject to moderate degrees of moisture such as some basements and bathrooms. When we say under roof overhangs, that does not mean it is OK to use a damp location fixture if it will be exposed to driving rain which at times can blow into the area. If you have a condition like that or are along the seashore, for example, you will want to choose wet location fixtures. For damp locations, all metal parts of a fixture must be protected from corrosion and the electrical insulation materials used must be of the nonabsorptive type such as porcelain.

3. Wet Location – This designation is for outside locations where a fixture will be exposed to weather or subject to saturation with water or other liquids. The requirements for wet locations are in addition to the damp location requirements. This section of UL 1571 lists minimum acceptable coating thickness for various types of finishes. It requires that the fixture enclosure prevents wetting of electrical components or wiring. The fixture lens must pass a three pounds impact test. The fixture must be subjected to rain, a sprinkler or immersion test based on where the fixture will be located outdoors.

4. Rainproof – This designation describes a fixture which is constructed to prevent water from interfering with normal operation. 5. Rain tight – This designation describes a fixture which is constructed to prevent the entry of water or other liquids. There are also fixtures that are designed for use under water or in pools or ponds. UL 676 prescribes the type of materials and conditions that housings, lenses and gaskets must meet to ensure a waterproof fixture that will not cause shock to a person entering the same water where the fixture is located. We always recommend that you hire a qualified electrician whenever working with line voltage (120VAC) products, particularly when there will be exposure to dampness or the elements. Above all, be safe. If you happen to be in the Carson City area, we have several local electricians we will be happy to recommend to you.

By: Mary Wecker