No, you should not leave LED Christmas lights up all year. While the LED lights themselves are very durable, their wiring and casings can be as vulnerable as any Christmas lights. They’re subject to drying out, experiencing cold or sun damage that causes them to crack, and even damage caused by gnawing pests. (The same is true of incandescents.) If you want your lights to last the years that they’re rated for, bring them inside after Christmas is over.
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.
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.
Yes, outdoor lights and receptacles should be on a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for safety. The outdoors is considered a wet location where GFCI protection is generally required. A GFCI enhances safety by automatically tripping and shutting off the circuit if it detects an imbalance, which protects against electrocution and reduces the risk of an electrical fire. While it is the safest approach for all outdoor electrical components, specific requirements can vary depending on the type of light (e.g., pool lights), its location, and local electrical codes. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, it's best to consult a professional electrician.
The five common types of landscape lighting are up-lighting, down-lighting, spotlights, built-in lighting, and pathway lighting.
Up-lighting casts light upwards from the ground, mostly for aesthetic purposes.
Down-lighting directs light onto the ground, lighting pathways, or outdoor space.
Spotlights cast direct, focused lighting in any direction.
Built-in lighting integrates lighting into an outdoor feature.
Discover how much under-cabinet lighting costs. Discover installation prices, key cost factors, and expert tips to save on your kitchen or workspace lighting project.
There are three types of light bulbs on the market: incandescent, compact fluorescent, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Here’s how to choose one for your home.
Installing lighting inside or above your cabinets will make your kitchen more efficient and user-friendly. Learn the best cabinet lighting fixtures, bulbs, and installation options that’ll enhance the style and function of your kitchen.
Ceiling lights come in a wide array of styles and functions. Use this guide to learn about the types of ceiling lights to find one that suits your space.