EZ Enclosure kit for waterproofing transformers and controllers.

A Guide to Waterproofing Your Lighting Project | DEKOR

How to Waterproof Your Lighting Project

Waterproofing your lighting project is key to maintaining its longevity and avoiding costly repairs down the line. There are several waterproofing solutions available to you, and the best method will depend on the type of light fixtures you have and how they’re situated. In this article, we will tell you exactly how to waterproof your lighting project. 

What Needs to Be Waterproofed?

The first step in waterproofing your lighting project is determining which part(s) of the project need to be protected from water.

 You’ll want to focus on the following:

  • Any exposed wire connections
  • The light fitting (the portion of the light that sits against the outer wall of your home).
  • Your transformer and controller

Depending on your lighting setup, you may need to address more than one of the items in the above list.

4 Ways to Waterproof Your Lighting Project

When it comes to waterproofing outdoor lighting projects, you have several options. And choosing the right one can be the difference between your lights lasting for years or failing prematurely. We’ll go through the four main types of waterproofing solutions for lighting projects in this section:

Image of EZ Enclosure kit by DEKOR.

EZ Enclosure Kit for Transformers

With low-voltage lighting, you’ll typically need a transformer. And if you don’t keep it dry, your lights won’t stand a chance. To waterproof your transformer and controllers, you’ll need an EZ enclosure kit, which is a convenient polycarbonate storage box. It’s completely water-tight and will accommodate your transformers and controllers. To mount your enclosure kit, you’ll need to follow these instructions from the manufacturer, DEKOR.

 Waterproof Cord Covers

Waterproof cord covers for waterproofing lighting project.

Cord safety covers are another solution you can use to waterproof your outdoor light fixtures. They are plastic covers that fit over any exposed wire connections and snap closed to protect them from the rain.

How to Use Waterproof Cord Covers

Waterproof cord covers are very straightforward to use. All you do is place two connected wires inside the safety cover. It’ll keep water out so you can enjoy your light fixtures without worry. You may need many of them to protect all of your fixtures.

Silicone Caulk

Silicone caulk is a great option for outdoor light fittings that are attached to your home’s exterior. This type of sealant is easy to apply and can provide a high level of protection against water damage. Silicone sealant is available in clear and white versions – choose the one that best matches your project’s aesthetic.

How to Waterproof Your Lighting Project with Silicone Sealant

To waterproof your lighting project with silicone sealant, here are the steps you

should take:

  1. Begin by using a damp towel to clean the exterior surface of the light fitting.
  2. Grab your caulk and cut off the end of the container to open it. Be sure to do so at a 45° angle.
  3. Start to apply the caulk around the light fixture on each side as well as the top. Avoid caulking the underside of the fixture. You need to leave a small area untreated so that moisture from inside the home can escape.
  4. Smooth the caulk around the fixture with a caulk smoothing tool or your wet finger, and then allow it to dry.

Note: Silicone sealant can be difficult to remove if you ever need to move your light fixtures, and it is not recommended for use on metal surfaces.

Waterproofing Tape

Tape is a foolproof way to waterproof your lights. But not just any tape – you need specialized waterproofing tape. While it’s not as durable as silicone, it’s easy to apply and remove.

How to Waterproof Your Lighting Project with Tape

To waterproof your lighting project with tape, simply apply a few layers of tape around the perimeter of each light fitting. Make sure that the edges of the tape are firmly adhered to both the fixture and the wall behind it, or water can and will get in. You can also wrap the tape around any wire connections that may be exposed to water.

How to Choose the Right Waterproofing Solution

Choosing the right waterproofing solution is essential if you want your lights to remain dry. Here are some tips to help you choose:

  • If your light is attached to the exterior wall of your house without any outside connections, choose caulk or tape.
  • If your light is in an area that’s susceptible to super heavy rain on a regular basis, you’ll need an extra durable waterproofing solution. Opt for either caulk or waterproof cord covers.
  • If you suspect that you’ll be replacing or moving your lights anytime soon, stay away from silicone caulk. It’s notoriously difficult to remove cleanly.
  • If you have a transformer, use the EZ Enclosure Kit.

Tips and Tricks for Waterproofing Your Lighting Project

To get the most out of your lights, it’s so important to get the waterproofing step right. 

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you do it right the first time:

  • Always clean the surface of your light fittings before applying any waterproofing tape or caulk. This will help the solution to adhere better and provide a longer-lasting seal.
  • If you’re using tape to waterproof your light fixtures, press the edges of the tape down firmly. This will prevent water from seeping in around the edges of the tape.
  • Always allow the sealant or tape to dry completely before exposing it to the elements.

Whether you choose to use tape, caulk, cord safety covers, or an EZ Enclosure kit, you can rest assured that your lights will be protected. We hope that you found this article helpful, and we wish you the best as you take your home’s lighting and safety up a notch.

 

FAQs

Yes, DEKOR® manufactures all circuitry in Denver, CO providing excellent quality.

DEKOR® offers a COLORKONNECT WiFi controller and through the app you can dim the lights, change colors, and set schedules. You may also control light colors with dimming capability manually on the front face of the COLORKONNECT WiFi device.

When using the COLORKONNECT WiFi controller app provides you the ability to control your lights regardless of where you are located.

The 3W4PORT splitter/repeater has two functionalities: the splitter is used to connect the power wire and the three additional ports for 2-3 lights based on your lighting plan. The repeater is to be used every 20’ with long cable runs and at the light connections to enhance the signal creating pure colors from the first light to the last.

DEKOR® offers a simple 3W4PORT Plug-N-Play system with various cable lengths to make the install easy in any application.

You may change colors and dim the lights manually on the COLORKONNECT device.

Yes, with the use of two or more COLORKONNECT WiFi controllers and wiring two or more zones will deliver different light color patterns.

You may power up to 60-watts of light usage or 28 individual lights.
Our lights are 46% brighter and we have a dedicated pure white channel.
We offer a variety of lengths for any application—20”, 5’, 10’ and 20’.

Yes, you can add to your current non-RGBW DEKOR® lighting system by adding RGBW lights!  While the non-RGBW DEKOR lighting system is a 2-wire direct current system, and the RGBW DEKOR lighting system is a 3-wire direct current system, you are able to integrate both systems by creating a separate zone.  Either using a splitter running from you current transformer or upgrading to a 100 or 200 watt transformer, which has more than one output from the transformer, you can create an additional zone or zones.  Please call us if you need us to walk you through this!

The transconnect cable is for our standard DEKOR® Lighting 2-wire lights. The COLORCONNECT WiFi controller is a 3-wire system. The male-to-male cables come in lengths of 20”, 5’, 10’, 20’ are to be used to connect the COLORCONNECT WiFi controller and then to your first light.

For our RGBW system: The 36-watt and the 60-watt transformers will include one (1) 20’ 3WPNP male-to-male cable. The 100-watt transformer will come with (1) transconnect cable and (1) 20’ 3WPNP male-to-male cable. The 200-watt transformer will include (1) 20’ transconnect cable with two lead wires and (1) 20’ 3WPNP male-to-male cable.

The 3W4PORT splitter/repeater may only be used with the RGBW system. The 6-port splitter is a two wire and can only be used with our standard DEKOR® Lighting system.