TECHNICAL BULLETIN
WET LOCATION RATING OF RECESSED LUMINAIRES
The 2002 National Electric Code → (NEC) 1contains requirements addressing environmental ratings applicable to luminaires. The following sections define requirements for luminaires installed in wet locations:
410.4(A) Wet and Damp Locations. Luminaires (fixtures) installed in wet or damp locations shall be installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments, lampholders, or other electrical parts. All luminaires (fixtures) installed in wet locations shall be marked, “Suitable for Wet Locations”. All luminaires (fixtures) installed in damp locations shall be marked, “Suitable for Wet Locations” or “Suitable for Damp Locations”.
Article 100, Definitions
Location, Damp. Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture. Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold storage warehouses.
Location, Wet. Installations under ground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather. 2
Because of the multiple variables involved, location type must be determined on a
UL LISTING: To correlate with the NEC requirements regarding location, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) assigns location ratings to luminaires based on their compliance with standards and testing. Luminaires (fixtures) suitable for installation in wet locations as defined in the NEC must comply with the appropriate construction and test requirements of UL 1598 in order to be marked “Suitable for Wet Locations”.
RECESSED: Select Lightolier recessed luminaire (fixture) finishing sections (trims) are rated “Suitable for Wet Locations - Covered Ceiling Mount Only”. Lightolier
LIGHTOLIER OPEN WET LOCATION FINISHING SECTIONS (TRIMS) 1081, 1181, 1084,
1184 AND 2084:
Each of these finishing sections bear a UL Marking signifying that they are “Suitable for Wet Locations – For Covered Ceiling Mount Only” when installed per the supplied instructions and with the specified
The use of lamps identified as outdoor wet location rated, specific to the finishing section model number, is required to provide necessary shielding of the electrical
components from liquid saturation and a lamp envelope suitable for contact with water. Each of these finishing sections is also provided with a high temperature silicone gasket which, when properly installed, seals the lamp base, lamp holder and electrical parts and complies with UL 1598.
All Lightolier recessed fixtures are Listed by UL, as evidenced by the UL Listing Mark on the products. All Lightolier fixtures are intended for installation in accordance with The National Electric Code and instructions provided with the product. In order to comply with applicable codes & regulations, Lightolier recommends that the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (building/electrical inspector) be consulted prior to installation and all necessary permits and inspections be obtained.
1 - Because National Electric Code requirements change from time to time, the current version accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction should be
consulted prior to installation. 2 - [NFPA
UL is a Registered Trademark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. The National Electrical Code & NEC are Registered Trademarks of The National Fire Protection Association. All Rights Reserved. ♥2004 by Lightolier Division of Genlyte Group LLC
