Wet Location
Understanding the difference between Dry, Damp, and Wet
What do water and electricity have in common? Absolutely nothing. They don’t mix. We’ll they can mix but it’s not pretty. In the movies when a person comes into contact with an electrical current mixed with water it gets pretty ugly. Electricity that is exposed to liquids can pose a hazard. It’s important that the spaces with the potential to contain water are illuminated with UL rated light bulbs.
The UL, Underwriters Laboratory has defined three types of moisture protection ratings. Dry, damp, and wet location. If manufactured fixtures are UL listed they are appropriate to install.
Why do these ratings matter?
These ratings help the marketplace distinguish if lighting fixtures can be used in dry, damp, and wet locations. We want to be able to preserve the light bulb and its longevity. Just like how laptops that have water damage are prone to cut short life span, the same applies to a light fixture. It is important that the fixtures are air tight, preventing the accumulation of water inside the electrical parts. The UL conducts several safety tests using products from different companies in order to evaluate how they match up to UL safety standards. The lighting fixtures left untested are prone to deterioration. It’s important that your investments pay off, it will save you both money and a headache.
Dry Location
The National Electric Code (NEC) defines dry location as a “location not normally subject to dampness or wetness. A location classified as dry may be temporarily subject to dampness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction”. Meaning UL rated luminaries should be installed in places that are not subject to excessive moisture. This UL rated location can be found in bathrooms, washrooms, living rooms, and above a kitchen sink. Luminaries installed in damp locations should be labeled “Dry Locations Only”.
Damp Location
“An exterior, interior, or partially protected location that is normally or periodically subject to condensation of moisture in, on, or adjacent to, electrical equipment”. Light fixtures that are damp rated typically require a heavier investment juxtapose to dry rated fixtures. Examples of these location include locations that are partially protected such as roofed open porches, basements, saunas, marquees, and under canopies. All luminaries installed in damp locations should be labeled “Suitable for Damp Locations”. The DRD4/DCC4/DRD3/LD2 luminaires come with wet location ratings.
Wet Location
“Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas, and in unprotected locations exposed to water”. Areas with the potential for splashes of water directly hitting light fixtures qualify as Wet Locations. These area can be located both indoors and outdoors. If a luminaire is installed in wet locations, it should be labeled “Suitable for Wet Locations”. The DRD2/DRDX/DRD5S/DCC2/DCCX/DCD1/DCD2 luminaires are recessed downlight with wet location ratings.
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