Vapor lights or lamps are a bright, long-lasting illumination resource. They're often used to provide light for large spaces, such as sports arenas, stores, banks, gyms, or streets.
Vapor-proof fixtures keep moisture and dust from affecting the illumination quality received when turning on the lights.
They're often used in high-moisture environments where other fixtures can't safely operate.
Understanding this critical difference between vapor lights and vapor-proof fixtures makes it much easier to find an appropriate illumination product. Since the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it's crucial to look at the purpose of the product to know what it can or cannot do.
FAQ About Vapor Light and Vapor Proof Fixtures
When looking for vapor lights or vapor-proof fixtures, a few questions often arise during the product review process. Here is an overview of what many people ask and the answers to those questions.
What Are the Different Types of Vapor Tight Fixtures?
Vapor tight fixtures come in several different design options to accommodate the unique needs of each structure. Here is a brief overview of each one and where it delivers the most benefits.
| Vapor Tight Fixture Type | How This Vapor Tight Fixture Delivers Results |
| Jelly Jar | This vapor tight illumination option is typically used for smaller spaces and areas. The design is similar to a Mason jar with its style, offering a cage-type covering to protect the fixture. Many commercial buildings hand them as pendants or mount them on ceilings and walls. They work well in settings with extreme temperatures, high humidity, and saltwater environments. |
| Linear | You can find a vapor tight linear light available in multiple lengths. They're typically installed on ceilings, soffits, or walls to create a viable alternative to fluorescent tubes. They're seen in stairwells, garages, car washes, and airports. |
| High Bay | This vapor tight fixture is useful for larger areas that require illumination. They're mounted to ceilings with above-average height – usually 18 feet or higher. You can see the most often in hangars, warehouses, or places where hazardous products are in the environment. |
Are Vapor Tight Fixtures Waterproof?
Most LED vapor tight fixtures are considered waterproof, weatherproof, and dustproof. You'll need to look at the Ingress Protection (IP) rating for the product to confirm this feature.
It should have an IP65 or IP66 rating if it delivers an authentic vaper-proof user experience.
How Are Vapor Tight Fixtures Made?
A vapor-tight fixture keeps dust, moisture, and other substances out by using a silicon gasket enclosed inside a polycarbonate shell to protect the inside.
Watertight fixtures are different from vapor-tight models. The latter might not provide a complete weatherproof experience. That's why a review of the IP rating is critical.
Are LED Lights Vapor Proof?
LED vapor lights are a durable enclosed fixture made to handle life's rugged environments. They withstand exposure to vapor and water, making them an excellent choice for any food service area.
This technology is also well-suited for tunnels, maintenance areas, airports, stairwells, and parking garages.
How Can I Promote Safer Lighting?
Thinking about a building's function and location makes it much easier to select the best lighting type for the environment. Larger facilities benefit from high bay options, but smaller businesses or environments could benefit from linear or jelly jar alternatives.
LED vapor proof lights serve as an effective replacement for incandescents and fluorescents because they protect against harsh, wet conditions.
Is There a Difference Between “Vapor Tight" and “Vapor Proof?"
Vapor tight and vapor-proof LED lights are essentially the same product. You can confirm this fact when looking at the IP rating of comparable products.
The one difference you can find in some fixtures is an explosion-proof rating. Some vapor proof and vapor tight lighting is designed to meet that safety standard, but not all receive the certification.
That's why anyone ordering or installing these lights should ensure that meet the required safety standards for their current location.
Are LED Lights Steam Proof?
Most LED lights are an excellent choice for an infrared sauna since they reach lower temperatures than the more traditional design. The heat in the latter can be too much, causing damage to the bulb.
Although some LED vapor-proof fixtures are rated for sauna use, you'd want to find a product with an IP68 rating to ensure it stays safe to use.
Why Do Vapor Lights Turn On and Off?
When an equipped sensor sees light reflected from a nearby building or from its installation pole, then it looks like a vapor light is turning off, then back on again throughout the night. This issue can also occur if too much sunlight exposure occurs during dawn or dusk.
Some vapor lights flicker when they start reaching the end of their life. There can also be issues with the power supply.
Although LED lights sometimes flicker when they're not equipped with an appropriate fixture, this issue is not typically seen with vapor-proof illumination.
Can I Fix a Vapor Light?
It is possible to repair some vapor lights. You'll want to start by turning off the electricity to the unit. You'll loosen the screws to the ballast cover, remove it, and then unscrew the bulb.
Once that's finished, remove the hardware that secures the wiring inside.
Rotate the ballast counterclockwise to remove it from the fixture. Screw the new one in place before replacing the hardware.
Once that work is completed, unplug the photocell. Turn it counterclockwise to remove it from the fixture. You can then insert a new one.
Retrieve the bulb, return it to the fixture, and replace the cover.
Anything Else I Need to Know About Vapor Lights vs Vapor-Proof Fixtures?
When you want to improve the energy efficiency rating of your lighting needs, an LED vapor-proof fixture makes sense. This product is built to deliver powerful illumination in harsh conditions.
Although this product handles a high-moisture environment, it might not be suitable for every application. To ensure you're installing an appropriate product, you'll want to consult with your building codes, local rules, and other requirements.
