Vapor-proof lights, also called wet location fixtures, are designed to be used in unfavorable environments. These lightings are weatherproof, waterproof, and dustproof. They have a polyurethane or fiberglass outer shell that protects the light bulb and its wires from vapor, water, dust, moisture, and nonexplosive gasses.

Vapor Proof Lights vs. Vapor Tight Lights

Vapor tight and vapor proof lights are essentially the same as they perform the same function. Both lights are designed to withstand water, vapor, and dust. They both have an ingress protection rating and a protective casing.

Where Can Vapor Proof Light Fixtures Be Used?

You can use vapor proof lights in any indoor or outdoor location prone to vapor and moisture. If you need a light source that can serve effectively in conditions where the light will come in contact with moisture and vapor if it is not adequately protected.

Where you can use vapor proof lights are car washes, tunnels, public bathrooms, laundry, bakeries, steam showers, kitchens, swimming pools, walk-in freezers, garages, and any other place where moisture could affect the light source.

What is Ingression Protection Rating?

Ingression is the act of entering or intruding, so when we talk about ingression protection, we mean protection against intrusion.

Consequently, the Ingress protection rating or IP rating is an international standard (IEC 60529) used to measure the level of protection provided by an electrical outer shell or closure against the intrusion of obj, water, dust, or electrical contact. The first digit in the IP rating represents protection against dust or solid objects. The second digit in the IP rating represents protection against water and fluids. 0 means no protection, while the highest number shows the highest protection. 6 is the highest number for protection against dust, meaning there is no dust ingress allowed. 

The IP Rating of Vapor Proof Light Fixtures

Vapor proof light fixtures have an IP rating of IP65, IP66, and IP67.

IP65 Rating: A vapor proof light with ingress protection that is rated IP65 does not permit any ingress of solids. It must also withstand water projected by a 0.25-inch nuzzle from any angle. The test must last for at least 15 minutes with a water volume of 3.3 gallons per minute and pressure of 30 Kpa (Kpa means kilopascal; the measurement for pressure) at a distance of 3 yards.

IP66 Rating: In addition to its complete protection from intrusion by solid, enclosures should be able to resist powerful jets of water from a 0.50-inch nozzle. The test should be three minutes long with a water volume of 26.4 gallons per minute at a pressure of 100 kpa at a distance of three yards.

IP67 Rating: Enclosures that fall under this rating do not permit water in harmful quantities when it is fully immersed for 30 minutes in a depth of at least one meter.

What Are the Types of Vapor Proof Lights?

Vapor proof lights can be classified based on their location of use. Different enclosures of vapor proof light fixtures have been designed to meet the needs of some specific location types. They are:​

• High Bay Vapor Proof Lights: High bay lights are used for halls or rooms with high ceilings (20-40ft). These lights are designed to disperse light around a large area.
   
• Linear Vapor Lights: These vapor lights are widespread. The linear light is designed for more expansive areas where a linear light arrangement is necessary to disperse light evenly in the room properly.
   
• Jar Vapor Lights: This type of light is enclosed in a jar shape. They are either fixed to the ceiling or on the wall, with a pendant or directly. These vapor lights are used in small areas. 
  
  Vapor proof tight lights come in different bulb types. So why are LED vapor proof lights your best option?
  
   

Why Choose Led Vapor Proof Tight Lights?

If you are familiar with LED bulbs, you would already know most of its advantages over other light bulbs. Light Emitting Diodes are known for their cost-efficiency. Compared to other light bulbs, you will replace an LED less frequently.

Another reason it's the best option is that it saves energy. An LED bulb reduces its energy consumption while still giving off non-comparable brightness. This gives users of the LED vapor proof light an edge because they will spend less energy on light bulbs, reducing the power consumption.

Compared mainly to fluorescent bulbs, LED bulbs are better vapor proof lights. While fluorescent bulbs are affected by cold, LED bulbs aren't. The fluorescent bulb dims when faced with such a weather situation, and this is a vital weak point for a light source needed in wet areas.

The fluorescent bulb also takes time to warm up to full capacity. This can be a big problem in places where the light needs to be turned on and off frequently. Also, when there is a need to install a motion sensor. The fluorescent bulb warming time will lessen the effectiveness of the device by the fluorescent bulb warming time.

Lastly, an LED bulb doesn't just stop working abruptly. It slowly reduces its brightness by about 30% instead of going off once it has used up its working years. Other light bulbs stop working with barely any warning. The brightness of such bulbs significantly dwindles before they finally burn out.

Conclusion

Vapor proof lights are built with an enclosure that protects the bulb and its wiring from unfavorable environmental elements. This includes water, vapor, moisture, dust, etc. They come in different gasket shapes to fit the different places they need to be placed. Vapor lights are used in wet areas where it is necessary to protect the lighting from harsh elements, like in a bathroom, swimming pool, bakeries, car washes, etc.