How to Protect Outdoor Lights From Rain?

Nowadays, outdoor light strings are widely used and is one of the most popular ways to illuminate outdoor spaces. You might have patio lights strung across your backyard or use dozens of Christmas light strings to build incredible displays during the holiday season.

After all, what happens when it rains? Could these outdoor lighting fixtures short out? Could electrical fires occur? Professional electricians install most permanent lighting fixtures, but what about temporary lights that you set up yourself?

When installing lights outdoors, buy fully waterproof ones already. Make sure any connections are sealed and that sockets are shielded. Lights can be installed under a covered porch but should still be watertight to prevent moisture from getting in.

The bottom line is that you want all of your lights, whether temporary or permanent, to remain safe, no matter what the weather is like outside. Read on to learn how to protect wholesale led outdoor decorative string lights from rain and make everything secure.

Always choose lights that are rated for the outdoors

Remember that there are specific lights that are rated for the outdoors. Usually, these lights will have something like ”IP44 rating,” "suitable for wet locations," "weather resistant," or "weatherproof" written somewhere on their packaging. When purchasing outdoor lights, be smart and ensure the lights you buy are made for harsher weather conditions.

Outdoor String Lights for you that are perfect to stay out in rain

Only use outdoor-rated extension cords

If you are running temporary lighting to your outdoor spaces, you are most likely looking for extension cords. You will want to be sure that your extension cords are weather resistant or rated for wet locations. Be sure that each extension cord and outdoor light runs to its own circuit box. This way if there is an electrical issue, only one circuit will blow and that can prevent fires or burns from happening.

Only use decorative lights made for outdoor use

If you’re wondering how to waterproof outdoor string lights, the answer is simple. Just as you should ensure that all regular light bulbs you use outside are rated for wet weather, you should do the same for any decorative lighting you choose to purchase.

Step 1: Whether it’s Christmas lights or lighted pumpkins on Halloween, you need to look for a label on the product package that says “outdoor.”

Step 2: When decorating outside, avoid lights labeled "indoor only."

Use GFCI Outlets for Outdoor Lights

Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, or GFCI, are important for the safety of your house, existing fixtures, and lights.

In short, GFCI outlets prevent electrical current from moving where they should not. If a GFCI outlet gets a big power surge or water enters the unit, it will shut off immediately and not cause any additional damage. Keep your outdoor lights on their own dedicated circuit to prevent electrical circuit failure. These outlets may sound familiar — you’ve probably encountered them in your house near sinks or wet locations like kitchens and bathrooms.

Considering solar lights

One of the best options for protecting outdoor lights from rain is to use solar lights, which won’t be damaged by rain. Since they don’t run on electricity and have no wiring, there’s no danger of a wire shorting out and causing a fire. Moreover, solar lights are sealed units and are thus virtually waterproof. On the other hand, while they won’t short out if they become damp, most don’t have enough energy to run all night.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to protecting your outdoor lights from rain, much comes down to using your common sense. Buy the right kind of lights and electrical cords, be safe, and enjoy! For safety concern, you should consider unplugging your outdoor electric lights during tumultuous weather.