Get matched with top lighting pros in Marshalltown, IA

In most cases, outdoor lighting is a worthwhile investment. Installing lights around your property can drastically improve your home’s curb appeal, especially if you have a lighting professional design the system, and it can make your home more appealing and more valuable when you sell it. Outdoor lighting can also improve the security of your home, as lighting can help deter burglars, which is always a worthwhile investment.

While wet-rated and damp-rated lighting is designed to handle contact with moisture, there’s a difference between the two. Wet-rated lighting is safety-rated to be placed in areas with direct exposure to water, including your shower. Fixtures classed as wet-rated are made with waterproof seals to protect the filament and other electrical components from water and moisture. 

Damp-rated fixtures can be used in places with some moisture contact, but not direct exposure. They don’t have the same waterproof seals used in wet-rated fixtures. Damp-rated lighting can be used on your bathroom ceiling or along a wall outside of your shower.

The requirements for outdoor lighting will vary depending on the type of light, where it’s located on the exterior of your home, and your local electrical code. Lights that come into contact with water (i.e. pool lights) will need to be on a GFCI, for instance. That being said, it’s safest to have any outdoor light on GFCI because of the risk of moisture. A pro can give you more specific information for your unique circumstances.

Local building codes typically require conduit around exterior wiring. Conduit protects the wire from moisture, extreme temperatures, sun exposure, and harsh weather conditions to prolong its lifespan. When a wire is worn out, it can be dangerous as the risk of electric shock or fire increases.