RP Lighting + Fans

Lighting and Fans

  • Home
  • PRODUCTS
    • NEW PRODUCTS
    • Bath Fans
    • CEILING FANS
    • RECESSED LIGHTING
    • WALL / CEILING MOUNT
    • VANITY LIGHTING
    • LINEAR / UNDER CABINET
    • EXIT / EMERGENCY
    • DECORATIVE SUSPENDED
    • OUTDOOR LIGHTING
    • STEP LIGHTING
    • TRACK LIGHTING
    • Closeout
  • ABOUT
    • ABOUT
    • Learn More
    • SHOWCASE
    • CONTACT
    • Careers
  • Catalog
  • SUPPORT
    • SUPPORT
    • Representative Locator
    • Warranty
Home > Learn More > What’s the Difference Between Wet and Damp Rated Lighting?

What’s the Difference Between Wet and Damp Rated Lighting?

January 15, 2024 by RP Lighting

Do you know what the terms “wet rated” or “damp rated” mean?

When shopping for outdoor LED light fixtures, how confident are you that you’ll choose the right lights or ceiling fan without having to make a trip back to the store?

Wet rated lights and damp rated lights aren’t interchangeable, so it’s important to know the difference:

  • Wet-rated light fixtures are used in places with direct exposure to water. Think landscape lighting such as path and ground wells, and most other outdoor lights. These types of fixtures use waterproof seals to protect their internal components from moisture.
  • Damp-rated lights are used in places that have some contact with moisture, but not in areas with constant, direct exposure to water. Because they don’t have the same full seals as ones made for wet environments, they’re mostly made for around the home, like recessed lights outside the shower, or mix-used storage areas.

Wet/Damp Rated Ceiling Fans

Outdoor fans at RP Lighting + Fans are categorized as “damp” or “wet” rated, depending on the amount of moisture they’re designed to withstand.

Damp rated fans can handle humidity, but can’t handle direct contact with water, whereas wet rated fans are built for exposure to the outdoors and where water can splash onto the fan.

Covered patios or screened-in porches are better suited for damp rated fans.

Other considerations for wet listed ceiling fans:

  • Materials: Be careful before you buy! Some fan models are built for outdoor use but don’t come designated with a damp/wet rating.
  • Airflow: Semi-enclosed spaces don’t need as much power to make the room feel cool, but open plans require a fan with much stronger output.
  • Lighting: If your space needs a little light, you can get a ceiling fan that does double-duty. The best option is an LED ceiling fan that’s energy efficient, low-maintenance, and customizable.

Safety First

Because lights depend on electric currents for power and water is a conductor, the main reason to use damp and wet rated light fixtures is safety. Water in contact with electricity can spark a fire or electrocution, and using properly rated fixtures are the easiest ways to protect yourself, your home or business, and other people from the danger of electrical fire.

LED Light Fixtures for Outdoor Use

For over 30 years, RP Lighting + Fans has been a valued supplier of ceiling fans and LED light fixtures to electrical distributors and lighting showrooms. In that time our product offering has grown to encompass all types of lighting fixtures typically installed in multi-family or mixed-use facilities, as well as many LED fixtures applicable for light commercial installations.

LED lighting can be the upgrade your business needs, and as a distributor, knowing a little bit about how lighting plays into design choices can help you provide the right information to your customers and help complete a sale.

For more information about the different types of LEDs and how to best design your space, talk to one of our experts! Contact your RP representative today to get started!

Filed Under: Learn More

Learn More

The Role of Recessed Lighting in Interior Design

Lighting in your home shapes mood, highlights architectural features, and enhances functionality. Among the many lighting options available, recessed lighting has carved out a lasting place in both modern and traditional spaces. Recessed lighting’s subtle appearance and versatile functionality makes it a favorite for designers and homeowners. What is Recessed Lighting? Recessed lighting refers to fixtures […]

SUSTAINABILITY

In an effort to promote energy efficiency and recognizing the importance of energy conservation, RP Lighting has developed multiple products in each of our lighting and ceiling fan categories that are Energy Star qualified. Read More...


^
RP Lighting + Fans on X RP Lighting + Fans on Facebook RP Lighting + Fans on LinkedIn RP Lighting + Fans on Blogger RP Lighting + Fans on Google

RP Lighting ∙ Fans

4931 Paseo Del Norte NE,
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Call: 505.821.6964
Email Us!
.

RP Lighting + Fans BBB Business Review

© 2025 · RP Lighting + Fans - Albuquerque, New Mexico | Website Hosting by Network Services Group, LLC | SEO by Michigan SEO Group
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
CA Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT