IP44 outdoor light

[SSE]

Thoughts on fitting these? I've been asked to fit an old fashioned outdoor light that's IP44 rated, says it's weatherproof as well but I'm not convinced. Lost count of the amount of these I've been to over the years that become full of water. It's going to be in a very exposed area. I'd rather fit a better IP rated but as of yet can't seem to find a suitable one, it's an old looking sort of lantern with an arm.

 

[malcolmsanford]

IP44 is regarded as outside lighting.

Have you a pic of the ones you are fitting? Where do you think it will leak at the body or the connection? If it's the connection you can make up neoprene/rubber gaskets to fit and secure it, even silicone or MICC sealent will protect the insides

 

[Spoon]

You may be able to fill it with something like Magic Gel. RAYTECH - MAGIC GEL - 1 LITRE PACK | Premier Farnell CPC UK

 

[Richard Burns]

IP44 should be OK, the minimum rating for outside lights is IP33, so you are well above that.
It is only where there are specific environmental or installation problems that you need to go beyond IP44.
The likelihood of high power water sprays being used on light fittings is fairly low in most cases.

 

[malcolmsanford]

You may be able to fill it with something like Magic Gel. RAYTECH - MAGIC GEL - 1 LITRE PACK | Premier Farnell CPC UK

You lads and your new fangled stuff.............whatever happened to invention or what do I have on the van...........

These RCDs have a lot to answer for. A good old BS 3036, you could submerge them and they never trip

 

[Spoon]

You lads and your new fangled stuff.............whatever happened to invention or what do I have on the van...........

Don't know what you mean mate.. We just to drill a hole in the bottom of an electrical enclosure that was located in a very oily environment. It stopped it filling up with oil.

 

[malcolmsanford]

works with water is a switch as well...............are guys still taught do drill a small hole in the bottom of a back box

 

[Spoon]

This was about 20 years ago mate. Industrial stuff. Had to be careful taking pushbutton stations off as sometimes lots of oil would come spilling out. It used to work its way into the junction box, along the conduit and into the pushbutton area.
I personally wouldn't recommend anyone to drill holes into enclosures now.

 

[YoungBart]

I was always told to drill small drip holes in the bottom of external sockets, switches etc. We had an apprentice (definitely not me) who was asked to drill drain holes in the bottom of a number of external circular bulkhead lights, Which he did last thing before leaving, Came in the next day, fitted said lights, Plenty of silicone behind etc. I asked him where he'd drilled his holes as I couldn't see them, He was adamant he had drilled them, Which to be fair he had, Unfortunately he fitted all the lights upside down. Didn't see much of him after that....

 

[Hellmooth]

A lot of junction boxes have a pre marked cut out with drain hole written on it!

 

[Paul.M]

A lot of junction boxes have a pre marked cut out with drain hole written on it!

Yes they do, just a little drill hole for drainage just in case the rubber waterproof grommets that are supplied fail with time.

 

[SSE]

Thanks for the replies, I've reluctantly fitted it after trying to persuade my auntie to get a better ip rated light but she's stuck on this one! Typical woman! I have sealed round the bit on the wall where I thought water may get in so hopefully should be fine.