As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, we rely more and more on outdoor lights to brighten up our yards, patios and driveways. 

But all too often, our outdoor lights become victims of the elements, specifically rain and snow.

As we all know, rain is one of nature’s most potent elements. The rainwater can wreak havoc on outdoor lights and fittings causing them to rust or short out. 

It is for this reason that outdoor light protection is so important.

Why Protect Outdoor Lights from Rain and Snow?

Outdoor lights are exposed to the elements 24/7. While most of us have experienced a blown fuse or two during a thunderstorm, few realise the importance of protecting our outdoor lights from rain.

Over time, they can degrade and stop working correctly. In addition, water can damage electrical components and shorten the lifespan of your outdoor lights.

How To Protect Outdoor Lights from Rain and Snow?

There are a few simple things you can do to protect your outdoor lights from rain:

• Cover them with a tarp or sheet when bad weather is forecasted.
• When bad weather is forecasted, unplug the light instead of removing the cover.
• Ensure all electrical connections to your outdoor lights are tight and secure. This will help to prevent water from leaking into the light and shorten its lifespan.

Types of Outdoor Lights

If you have outdoor lights that are exposed to the elements, it’s crucial to take measures to protect them from rain. 

There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of light fixture and the level of protection you need.

Floodlight: For larger outdoor lights, such as floodlights, you’ll need to take a different approach. Floodlights are often used to illuminate a wide area, and they’re found in both residential and commercial settings.

These lights are perfect for your driveway leading up to the house illuminating any areas where criminals may lurch. To protect a floodlight from rain, you can install a cover over the fixture.

This will help keep water from getting inside and damaging the bulb or electrical components. You can install a reflective sleeve or shroud over the fixture.

String light: String lights are popular for decorating patios, porches, and other outdoor spaces. 

They typically have exposed bulbs, which can make them vulnerable to damage from rain.

To protect string lights from the elements, it’s important to keep moisture away from electrical connections.

You can ensure they’re well-sealed by checking for any gaps or cracks in the housing and sealing them with weatherproof caulk or tape.

To protect string lights from the elements, you can buy a weatherproof string light set. 

You may want to invest in a clear sealant spray specifically designed for electronics if your lights are particularly exposed to the elements.

Wrapping them around an umbrella or tarp  is another way of protecting them. This will keep them from getting directly wet and will also provide some protection from wind. 

You can also buy special covers that are designed for string lights. These covers are usually made of clear plastic and fit snugly over the lights.

Buy better lights for protection out of the box Plus further protection

There are a few things you can do to protect your outdoor lights from rain. One is to buy lights that are made to withstand the elements. 

These usually have some weather-resistant coating or are made of materials that won’t rust or corrode when exposed to moisture.

Another option is to make covers for your lights. This can be as simple as using plastic bags or zip-top bags to keep the rain off, or you can get more creative and make custom covers out of fabric or other materials.

Finally, ensure that the light is not mounted in an exposed location where it will be directly exposed to the elements.

Whichever route you choose, ensure your lights are well protected so they can keep shining brightly all season.

Are Outdoor Lights Safe in the Rain? When to Protect Outdoor Lights

When it comes to outdoor lights, there are certain times when you need to take extra precautions to protect them from the rain. 

For example, if you have string lights that are hung up around your porch or patio, you’ll want to make sure they’re taken down before a storm hits.

Otherwise, the wind could cause them to come crashing down, and the rain could damage the bulbs. 

If you have floodlights mounted on your house, you’ll want to ensure the covers are securely in place so that water doesn’t get in and ruin the electrical components.

And finally, if you have any solar-powered lights outside, bring them inside during a storm, so they don’t get damaged by the wind and rain.

Safety:

Any time you’re working with electricity and water, there’s a risk of shock, so be extra careful. 

Use plastic wire caps to cover any connection points, and make sure they fit snugly. You can also apply a layer of dielectric grease to help keep moisture out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to take measures to protect your outdoor lights from rain. 

By doing so, you can prolong the life of your lights and avoid costly repairs or replacements. 

There are a few simple steps you can take to protect your lights, such as ensuring that they are properly sealed and using a weatherproof cover. 

Thanks for reading this article on how to protect outdoor lights from rain and snow. Now it is over to you to protect your outdoor lights. 

By taking these precautions, you can keep your outdoor lights shining bright for years to come.