What is a Vapor Tight Light Fixture?
Vapor tight lights are robust, weather-resistant fixtures designed to protect against moisture and environmental contaminants. The term "vapor tight" refers to their ability to prevent water, dust, and debris from entering the fixture, which could otherwise compromise its performance and longevity. These fixtures often feature gasket-sealed housings made from corrosion-resistant materials like polycarbonate or aluminum.
The sealed design safeguards the internal components, making them ideal for use in areas exposed to harsh conditions. Additionally, vapor tight LEDs are more environmentally friendly than traditional lighting technologies, as they contain no hazardous materials like mercury.
Vapor Tight Light Uses
LED vapor tight lights are typically found in locations where moisture, dust, and debris are prevalent. These fixtures are often used in commercial and industrial environments that are exposed to moisture. Their sealed construction makes them suitable for outdoor use, providing bright, uniform lighting in areas exposed to the elements.
It’s worth noting that vapor tight lighting is also dust-proof. In environments with significant dust, dirt, or debris, such as woodworking shops, a vapor tight seal helps protect the fixtures. This ensures continuous operation without frequent fixture replacements due to debris buildup.
Some common applications for LED vapor tight lights include:
- Parking Garages
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing Plants
- Food Processing Facilities
- Pharmaceutical Facilities
- Transit Stations.
- Outdoor Covered Walkways and Bridges
Types of Vapor Tight Lights
The two main types of vapor tight lights are linear Vapor-Tight Lights and Jelly-Jar Lights. Each is designed for environments with moisture, dust, and contaminants.
Jelly Jar Lights
Jelly jar lights are compact, cylindrical fixtures with a protective jar covering the LEDs. They are commonly found in stairwells, utility rooms, and storage areas. They offer durability and protection against harsh conditions in a smaller form.
Linear Vapor Tight Lights
Linear vapor tight lights are long, narrow fixtures often used in industrial and commercial settings such as manufacturing plants, food processing facilities, and parking garages. They are designed to provide uniform lighting in areas exposed to moisture, dust, or debris. Linear vapor tight lights typically come in two sizes:
- 2 ft LED vapor tight light fixture
- 4 ft LED vapor tight light fixture
Vapor Tight Lights IP Ratings
Vapor tight lights have IP ratings of IP65 or IP66. Both ratings offer the same level of protection against dust but differ in their ability to resist water under pressure.
- IP65: The fixture is dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction, offering protection against water splashes but not immersion.
- IP66: The fixture is also dust-tight but can handle more intense, high-pressure water jets from any direction, providing stronger water resistance compared to IP65. However, it is still not rated for full immersion.
While IP65-rated LED light fixtures offer protection against water and dust, they are not always necessarily vapor tight. Check the product specifications to confirm.
Vapor Tight vs. Vapor Proof Lights
Vapor tight fixtures are linear fixtures that feature a gasketed seal to prevent water and dust from entering the fixture and are easily recognizable by the metal latches that ensure a secure closure. These fixtures typically have an ingress protection (IP) rating of either IP65 or IP66.
An IP65 rating means the fixture is dust-tight and resistant to water jets from any angle, while an IP66 rating indicates protection against dust, water jets, and heavy sprays. Vapor tight fixtures can be used in warehouses, loading docks, car washes, and similar environments.
Vapor proof fixtures differ slightly. While they share dust-tight and water-tight properties with vapor tight fixtures and can carry similar IP ratings, vapor proof fixtures also provide protection against vapors, gasses, and corrosive fumes. These fixtures are designed for various applications, including laboratories, freezers, coolers, laundromats, tunnels, and manufacturing facilities where chemicals are involved.
