If you noticed the terms “wet rated” or “damp rated” on your lighting fixture, you may have wondered what differentiates these two ratings. Exposure is the short answer. One handles direct exposure to water and the other does not. The difference between wet and dry ratings is based on the amount of water that is in contact with the surface of the fixture.
A wet rated fixture is one that can be submerged in water for an extended period of time. For example, if you have a shower head with a wet rating of 1.0, it is capable of being submerged for up to 30 minutes.
If you are using a dry rated showerhead, the water will not be able to enter the shower for more than a few seconds at a time, and it will be completely dry when it comes out.
This is why you will often see the words “dry” or “dry” in the description of a fixture, even though it may be rated as wet or dry, depending on how much water it can handle.
Table of Contents
What does damp rated mean on lights?
What do you mean by damper rated lights? Moist locations with no direct exposure to water are referred to as damp. If a light is marked as suitable for a damp environment, it can be installed in areas like the bathroom or basement. Damp rated lights are designed to be used in damp environments. They are not designed for use in wet environments, such as showers, bathtubs, and bathhouses.
What is considered a damp location for lighting?
The locations that are damp are protected from precipitation and storms. The semi- outdoor nature of the space makes it susceptible to condensation and humidity. The most common places to be damp are porches. Dampness is defined as the amount of water vapor in the air that condenses on the surface of a surface.
Water vapor is a form of energy that can be used by plants and animals to regulate their growth and reproduction. It is also a major component of cloud formation and precipitation. The moisture content of an area determines how much water it can hold and how quickly it evaporates.
For example, if the humidity in a room is less than 50 percent, it will hold less water than if it were 75 percent or more. This is why it’s important to keep the temperature of your home as low as possible when you’re away from home.
Can damp rated lights be used above shower?
LEDs are more resistant to steam and humidity. Bathrooms have different lighting zones, based on how close they are to water. Damp-rated lights are needed within 600mm/23″ of bathtubs, showers, or basins. If the room is well-ventilated, dry-rated lights can be used outside.
LEDs are also more efficient than incandescent light bulbs. They use less energy to produce the same amount of light. LED bulbs also last longer than traditional bulbs, which means you don’t have to replace them as often.
Do kitchen lights need to be damp rated?
Most lighting fixture on the market are dry-rated. The space-efficient bathroom has a precedence over the pendants and chandeliers. They’re good at scaling to small spaces, and good at adapting to low-ceilinged spaces. If you’re looking for a bathroom fixture that’s easy to install, you can’t go wrong with a sconce. But if you want something that will last a lifetime, consider a pendant.
Can I put any light in my bathroom?
If you follow the correct safety procedures and install lights outside of the zones you can use any lighting you want to make your home more energy efficient.
Is it safe to put a light in a shower?
“Damp-location” rated lights in these locations are unsafe and will not meet safety code requirements. A design with a lens cover is required for the Recessed shower lights. The light can be used over the tub or toilet. Special shower trim with a built-in lens can be used over tub and toilets. “Shower-type lights are not allowed in bathtubs and toilet rooms.
They are also not permitted in showers and over-the-shoulder lighting fixtures. †‡ ‡Showers are required to have at least one light in each shower stall. The light must be visible from the outside of the stall and must not block the view of other people in the shower.
