Light Bulbs for Exterior Fixtures: A Guide to Shopping and Fixtures

Shopping for light bulbs for exterior fixtures can be overwhelming with so many options available.

You'll want to consider the type of fixture, such as a post-top, wall mount, or pendant, to ensure you choose a bulb that fits securely.

For outdoor use, look for bulbs with a high Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which indicates their ability to withstand the elements.

The IP rating can range from 30 to 67, but for exterior fixtures, a rating of at least IP65 is recommended.

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When choosing light bulbs for exterior fixtures, it's essential to consider the type of lighting you need. HID bulbs are a popular choice for large outdoor spaces due to their high light output and efficiency.

HID bulbs are known for their ability to light up vast areas, making them ideal for applications like streetlights, parking lots, and large-area lighting.

They come in two main types: Metal Halide (MH) and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) bulbs. These bulbs are often used in commercial settings where bright and widespread lighting is necessary.

One of the key benefits of HID bulbs is their energy efficiency, which can lead to significant energy savings over time. They also have a long lifespan, lasting up to 24,000 hours.

Here are some key features of HID bulbs:

In summary, HID bulbs are a great option for large outdoor spaces where bright and efficient lighting is needed.

For outdoor lighting, it's essential to choose fixtures that can withstand the elements. Dry ratings are suitable for indoor use, but not for areas affected by moisture or condensation.

A damp rated fixture can be used indoors in areas with condensation, but should only be used in a protected outdoor area that never comes into contact with water. For any outdoor location that comes into contact with water, use only a wet rated fixture.

LED bulbs are a popular choice for outdoor lighting due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan, lasting up to 20 years.

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LED bulbs are a great option for outdoor lighting, and they come in a variety of styles and types.

They're built with weather-resistant, commercial-grade components to maximize their lifespan, making them a durable choice for your outdoor space.

VOLT's LED bulbs are designed specifically for landscape lighting and have a conformal coating on all circuit boards to prevent corrosion and water damage.

Their single contact bayonet base (SCB) bulbs have a milky lens that softens the light emitted and minimizes glare.

The R7S bulbs used in VOLT's Wide Splash Flood Light are similar to miniature T5 bulbs.

Night Vision uses only LED bulbs, which are energy efficient and cheap to run. They can last up to 20 years, making replacements a rare occurrence.

LED bulbs come in a variety of brightnesses and color temperatures, from warm and soft to cool and blueish.

For landscapes, you'll want to use a combination of warm white and cool white LED lights to create a natural ambiance. This is because warm white lights (2700K-3000K) mimic the soft glow of sunset, while cool white lights (5000K-6500K) resemble the brightness of daylight.

Using lights with a high color rendering index (CRI) of 80 or higher is essential for landscapes, as it ensures that colors appear natural and vibrant. This is especially important for highlighting foliage and flowers.

Outdoor-rated LED lights are a must for landscapes, as they can withstand the elements and last for thousands of hours.

If you're looking to illuminate your outdoor space, it's essential to choose the right lighting fixtures and bulbs.

LED bulbs specifically designed for landscape lighting, like those from VOLT, are built with weather-resistant components to maximize their lifespan.

A conformal coating on all LED circuit boards prevents corrosion and water damage, making them perfect for outdoor use.

These bulbs utilize the latest LED technology, are ETL and UL listed, and come with a no-hassle lifetime warranty.

When selecting outdoor fixtures, be sure to check their UL Listing for dry, damp, or wet ratings.

Dry-rated fixtures should only be used indoors, while damp-rated fixtures can be used in protected outdoor areas that never come into contact with water.

Wet-rated fixtures are necessary for any location outdoors that comes into contact with water, such as near a pool or in an area prone to heavy rainfall.

Most light bulbs, including LEDs, have a UL rating that indicates their suitability for indoor or outdoor use.

Bulbs rated for indoor use should not be used outdoors, while those rated for outdoor use can be used both indoors and outside.

Incandescent bulbs come in indoor, damp, and wet/damp ratings, but fluorescent and CFL bulbs are more problematic in cold temperatures.

Some fluorescent lights are built to work in cold temperatures, so if you're using fluorescents outside, get outdoor bulbs.

CFL bulbs may not work at all in the cold, so they're recommended for indoor use only.

LED bulbs are particularly suited for outdoor use due to their construction and mechanism.

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Light bulbs for exterior fixtures can make a big difference in your home's safety and ambiance. Energy-efficient bulbs save on electricity bills, which is a great benefit for any homeowner.

Long-lasting bulbs reduce the frequency of bulb replacements, which means less hassle and cost in the long run. Weather-resistant bulbs are suitable for various weather conditions, making them perfect for outdoor use.

You can customize the lighting ambiance with bulbs that offer various color temperatures. Low UV emissions also minimize bug attraction, which is a bonus for outdoor lighting.

Here are some examples of suitable outdoor applications:

One of the most significant benefits of using these bulbs is that they save on electricity bills, which can add up to a substantial amount over time.

They're also incredibly long-lasting, reducing the frequency of bulb replacements and saving you money and hassle in the long run.

Their weather-resistant design makes them suitable for various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and humidity.

This means you can install them outdoors or in areas prone to moisture without worrying about them failing.

Low UV emissions minimize bug attraction, which can be a major issue in areas with high insect populations.

This is especially useful for outdoor lighting in areas with high insect activity.

The various color temperatures of these bulbs also make them highly customizable, allowing you to create the perfect lighting ambiance for any space.

When you're looking to light up your outdoor space, you've got a lot of options. Garden lights are a great way to add ambiance and highlight your favorite plants.

Garden lights are perfect for illuminating specific areas of your garden, such as a beautiful flowerbed or a tranquil water feature.

Pathway lights are another great option, helping you to safely navigate your outdoor space at night. They can also add a decorative touch to your walkways.

Security lighting is a must-have for any home, providing an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. It can be used to illuminate dark areas around your property, such as corners or gateways.

Front porch lighting is a great way to welcome guests to your home and add some curb appeal. It can also be used to highlight your home's exterior features.

Floodlights are ideal for illuminating large areas, such as a backyard or a sports field. Security lights are similar, but often have a more focused beam to help deter intruders.

Spotlighting is a great way to highlight specific features or objects, such as a statue or a piece of art.

Shopping for exterior light bulbs can be overwhelming, but it's made easy by choosing a lamp-ready fixture that prompts you to select a bulb. This way, you'll be guided through the process.

For example, the MR16 bulb is a common choice for landscape lighting, often used in spotlights, downlights, and in-grade lights. It's a great all-around option.

When selecting a bulb, consider the type of fixture you're using. If you're looking for a discreet option, the MR11 bulb is a good choice due to its smaller size.

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Shopping for the right light bulb can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Made for use in damp locations, our LED bulbs are UL and ETL listed, ensuring they meet safety standards.

Before adding a lamp-ready fixture to your cart, you'll be prompted to select a bulb. This makes it easy to find the right one for your specific needs.

Our MR16 bulbs are the most common landscape lighting bulb and are often used in spotlights, downlights, and in-grade lights. They're a great all-around choice for many applications.

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G4 Bi-Pin bulbs are used in path lights, step lights, and flood lights due to their omni-directional light distribution. This makes them perfect for illuminating walkways and other areas.

Durable and watertight, our PAR36 lamps are ideal for below-ground fixtures like in-ground lights and well lights. They're also used in some flood lights, making them a versatile option.

If you're looking for a more discreet option, consider our MR11 bulbs. They're similar in appearance to the MR16 but much smaller, making them perfect for unobtrusive fixtures.

We also offer energy-efficient options like our 2W MR8 bulb, which uses 85% less energy than its 15W halogen MR8 equivalent. This can help reduce your energy costs and make your lighting more environmentally friendly.

Our color LED bulbs are designed specifically for colored landscape lighting applications and produce vivid, balanced colors of illumination. They're a great choice for adding some personality to your outdoor space.

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When choosing a lighting fixture, it's essential to consider its rating for outdoor usability. Dry ratings are only suitable for indoor use in areas not affected by moisture or condensation.

A damp rated fixture can be used indoors in areas with condensation, but it's not suitable for outdoor use in areas that come into contact with water. This includes areas that get direct rain, snow, or runoff.

Wet rated fixtures are the only option for outdoor use in areas that come into contact with water. This ensures the fixture can withstand the elements and stay safe.

For indoor use, damp rated fixtures are a good choice for areas with condensation, such as bathrooms or kitchens. However, they shouldn't be used in areas directly above a shower or bathtub.

Always check the fixture's UL Listing to ensure it meets the necessary standards for its intended use.