Are LED Bulbs good for outdoor use?
What are LED bulbs?
An LED light bulb is a solid-state lighting device, which uses light-emitting diodes in order to produce light and, at the same time, it fits in standard screw-in connections. You do not need special fittings for them.
We can proudly call LED light bulbs energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly. They deliver significant energy savings and provide excellent quality of light. Generally, thanks to LED technology, the bulbs can work even up to 50,000 hours, which allows you to save money.
There is a wide range of LED bulbs available on the lighting market at a variety of prices. LED lights are offered in a great range of colours, shapes, and wattages. They come in different temperatures. There are also special filters which can change the colour or your light bulb if you need to. LED bulbs are cooler than incandescent ones in operation. They are mercury free, hum free, and UV emission-free. They have lots of benefits!
Why should you use LED light bulbs outdoors?
As you already know, LED light bulbs can be used outside the home, in places such as garden, patio, balcony, driveway, or garage. What's more, not only private individuals use LED bulbs outdoors. Business owners also make the best of this type of lights outside their office buildings and industrial plants.
LED bulbs are ideal for increasing the security around your home. People love them for aesthetic purposes, too. However, you need to be sure that your chosen outdoor LED bulbs provide a certain degree of protection against moisture, high and low temperatures, precipitation, and dust. Simply saying, you need LED bulbs that are suitable for outdoor use.
What are IP ratings, and why are they important in the case of outdoor LED bulbs?
Let's think about which IP (Ingress Protection) rating you need. When it comes to the dust, IP0X means no protection, and the highest IP6X stands for 100% dust resistant, which is clearly the better choice. As you may have noticed, protection increases with each subsequent number. The same applies to the moisture protection ratings. IPX0 means no protection, and IPX8 stands for complete protection against immersion.
The absolute minimum IP rating you will need is IP43, which will protect your light against spraying water or rain. IP44, that is considered splash proof, would even be a better option, especially for lighting mounted on building façades. IP45 would be a good choice for patio and decking lights. IP65 and IP66 will be perfect for using outdoors, especially when it comes to the outdoor lights that are mounted in the ground.
Which light colour is suitable for outdoor illumination?
Finally, it is worthwhile to dwell on a light colour. You don't always have to use strong and bright lights to illuminate your garden or elevation of the building. It is usually enough to use soft diffused light. The selection of appropriate light colour is equally important. If you rely on minimalism and a modern style, you ought to use cool white bulbs to light up your garden. If you're more into retro solutions, warm whites and other warm colours will be perfect for you.
Summary
The correct answer to the question asked in the title is YES. LED light bulbs are undoubtedly good for outdoor use, provided that they have high IP rating, and they suit your garden. It's worth spending some time to find the safest lights. After all, you wouldn't want the moisture and dust to get inside the bulbs!
