Are LED lights suitable for outdoor use in all weather conditions?

LED lights can be used outdoors and in all weather conditions provided that the fitting they are in the light itself is the appropriate IP rating.  IP ratings are designed to inform the user how much an item will be protected with dust and water.  It is essential that you choose the correct IP rated light for where you are looking to install the light.

Below are some examples of IP ratings that will indicate whether or not the light is suitable for outdoor use and to what level:

• IP44: Suitable for sheltered outdoor areas, sometimes described as splashproof

• IP65: Protected against rain and jets of water

• IP67/IP68: Suitable for heavy exposure or submersion

For most outdoor applications it is recommended that you use a light that has an IP rating of IP65 or higher.  This would include lights used on garden walls or security lighting for example.

LEDs have been found to perform particularly well in cold weather which makes them an ideal choice for outdoor environments within the UK.  LEDs are able to maintain their brightness and efficiency even in freezing conditions.  When you are installing LED lights however it is important to make sure that they have adequate ventilation.  This is because too much heat can play a large role in causing LEDs to fail prematurely.  Outdoor lighting fixtures are generally designed to manage this problem to prevent this.

Durability is another advantage to using LED lights which is very relevant to a light being used outdoors.  LED fittings are typically more robust than older lighting technologies as they are often built with weather-resistant materials such as aluminium and toughened glass.  This makes LED lights resistant to corrosion, impact, and fluctuations in temperature.

When you install your LED lighting set up outdoors it is important to make sure that all connected items are also waterproof or IP65 rated or above.  This will include cables; drivers and any other optional connected lighting accessories.  As long as this has been done along with the above for the lights you should have a fully functioning outdoor lighting system.