Outdoor lighting isn’t just for safety—it’s also an easy way to change the look of a home. But, before you run out and replace your porch light or hang new string lights, make sure that the fixture is properly rated for outdoors and that the bulbs are safe enough for your space. And if you are going to be installing any fixtures that will get wet, like fountains and water features, check that they’re rated for use in wet locations.
One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing a fixture that’s not rated for outdoor use and then forgetting to use the proper bulb, says Brett Brenner, president of the Electrical Safety Foundation International. This can cause the bulb to overheat, posing a fire hazard.
When shopping for outdoor lights, choose fixtures with an IP (International Protection) rating of at least a 4. The first digit indicates how well the fixture protects against solid objects, and the second digit rates the equipment inside the fixture against liquids, such as sprays and submersion.
Stainless steel is another popular choice, but it requires frequent polishing to keep it looking fresh. Instead, consider a brass fixture coated in copper, which will resist corrosion and develop a rich patina over time.