LED Vapor Tight Lights
IP-rated vapor tight LED fixtures for washdown, dust, and humidity—gasketed, durable lighting built to stay consistent in harsh interiors and covered exteriors.
Vapor tight LED fixtures for washdown zones, corrosive environments, and impact-prone facilities
Vapor Tight LED Fixtures are engineered for wet-location and washdown environments where standard shop lights fail. Featuring high-integrity gasket seals and sealed housings, these fixtures are built to resist dust ingress, moisture intrusion, and repeated cleaning cycles—while maintaining stable output in harsh industrial and transitional spaces.
Read more about LED Vapor Tight Lights
Sealed, corrosion-resistant fixture families in this collection
Our collection focuses on corrosion-resistant solutions designed to withstand the moisture, road salt, and chemical exposure found in car washes, parking garages, food processing areas, and utility corridors. By moving to sealed LED systems, you reduce ballast-related failures and gasket degradation common in legacy fluorescent fixtures—supporting 24/7 reliability in demanding environments.
Common applications and environmental context
Answer summary: Vapor tight LED fixtures are specified by ingress protection, impact rating, gasket integrity, mounting height, and environmental exposure—not lumen output alone.
Sealed fixture references
Choosing the Correct IP Rating for Vapor Tight and Washdown Applications Specifying Vapor Tight Lighting for Car Wash and Moisture-Heavy Facilities When Corrosion Resistance Matters in Harsh-Environment LED Fixtures
Vapor tight spec workflow: IP/IK selection, gasket integrity checks, and harsh-environment documentation
Use this guide to choose vapor tight fixtures by exposure level (washdown, dust, salt/chemicals), confirm sealing and impact requirements, and route documentation (photometrics, submittals, shipping visibility, closeout) for commercial projects. The table of contents links to the core decision points used in harsh-environment specifications.
Vapor tight specification guidance
Vapor tight fixture performance depends on more than an IP label. Mounting height, delivered lumens, gasket integrity, impact resistance, and environmental exposure all influence long-term reliability in wet and washdown applications. For broader guidance covering vapor tight, strip, panel, troffer, recessed, and linear ceiling systems, reference our commercial ceiling lighting buying guide.
Specification note: Common vapor tight failures include gasket compression loss, corroded latches, driver failure from moisture ingress, and housings that crack under repeated washdown or impact exposure.
Technical selection guide for vapor tight LED fixtures
Not all “wet-rated” fixtures are built for true washdown or corrosive conditions. Use the sections below to match IP/IK needs, hardware longevity, and serviceability to the actual exposure profile of the site.
IP and IK rating selection
In environments like parking garages, loading docks, and washdown corridors, fixtures face two primary risks: moisture intrusion and physical impact.
Selection rule: Choose IP and IK ratings based on actual exposure (spray vs. washdown vs. dust) and impact risk (equipment, vandalism, forklifts), then confirm the rating applies to the full luminaire assembly—not just the lens.
Selection shortcut: Use this matrix to match IP/IK ratings to real-world exposure and impact risk.
| Site exposure | Typical environment | Minimum IP target | Recommended IK target | Spec check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dust / debris (no direct spray) | Utility corridors, workshops, light industrial | IP65 | IK06–IK08 (as needed) | Confirm rating applies to full luminaire assembly (lens + end caps + entries). |
| Spray / humidity | Garages, loading docks, transitional/exterior covered areas | IP66 | IK08–IK10 where impact risk exists | Confirm gasket channel + latch design maintains compression after repeated access. |
| Washdown (direct jets) | Car wash bays, washdown corridors, sanitation cycles | IP69K | IK08–IK10 (often recommended) | Verify washdown rating is stated for the full fixture, not only the lens material. |
| Corrosive exposure | Salt air, de-icing salts, chemical cleaning agents | IP66–IP69K (based on wash method) | IK08+ if impact also present | Specify corrosion-resistant hardware and verify material system is intended for chemicals present. |
| Impact-prone zones | Forklift aisles, cart paths, vandalism-prone areas | IP66 (or higher if spray) | IK10 preferred | Confirm lens retention method and housing rigidity—cracks often start at end caps/latch points. |
Gasket integrity and seal lifecycle
Vapor tight reliability is driven by the gasket system and how the housing maintains compression over time. Repeated temperature swings and maintenance access can degrade seals if latches and channels aren’t designed to keep consistent pressure.
Selection rule: Prioritize fixtures designed to maintain gasket compression across repeated openings, temperature cycling, and long service intervals—especially in facilities with scheduled washdowns.
Seal lifecycle check: Use this table to spot designs that lose gasket compression over time.
| Failure mode | What causes it | What to specify | Fast field check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasket compression loss (“compression set”) | Heat + time + repeated opening; low-grade gasket material | Gasket system designed for long compression life; consistent latch force | Inspect gasket rebound and uniform contact; look for flattened sections at latch points. |
| Leak path at end caps | End-cap interface not sealed evenly; warped housings | Sealed end-cap design with consistent compression at ends | Check end-cap fit and torque; verify no visible gaps after closing. |
| Latch loosening / uneven closure | Corrosion, vibration, weak latch geometry | Corrosion-resistant latches and fasteners; robust closure mechanism | Confirm latches clamp evenly and don’t “rock” the lens/housing when closed. |
| Lens cracking under cleaning/impact | Impact, chemical stress, poor lens retention | IK-rated lens/housing; retained lens design suited to site risks | Inspect lens edges and latch points—microcracks often start near retention features. |
| Moisture ingress to driver cavity | Compromised seals or entry points; poor cable gland practice | Rated entries/glands; documented sealing method; correct wiring pathways | Verify entry fittings and gasketed covers are rated and installed per instructions. |
Hardware and corrosion resistance
In chemical exposure zones and locations affected by road salt, hardware longevity matters as much as the housing. Corroded latches, fasteners, or end caps can compromise the seal long before the LED engine reaches end of life.
Selection rule: In corrosive environments, specify corrosion-resistant hardware and verify the fixture’s material system is intended for the cleaning agents and exposure present on site.
Corrosion durability check: Use this table to match materials/hardware to salt and chemical exposure.
| Exposure profile | What fails first | What to specify | Spec / closeout note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking garages / road salt | Latches/fasteners corrode → seal compromised | Corrosion-resistant latches, fasteners, and end caps; sealed entries | Document hardware spec and cleaning practices; confirm wet-location listing applies. |
| Car wash detergents / repeated washdown | Gaskets degrade; lens stress; latch corrosion | IP69K washdown-rated construction; material system suited to chemicals | Confirm rating is for full luminaire; record maintenance intervals and access method. |
| Food processing / sanitation cycles | Hardware oxidation; seal fatigue from frequent cleaning | Cleanable housing; robust sealing and hardware; documented serviceability | Define cleaning method; keep fixtures consistent across zones for appearance and maintenance. |
| Coastal / salt air | External corrosion accelerates on latches and fasteners | Enhanced corrosion-resistant hardware + housing materials intended for salt exposure | Standardize fixtures by zone; confirm warranty coverage aligns with environment. |
| Chemical exposure corridors | Material incompatibility causes swelling/cracking and seal loss | Verify chemical compatibility; specify correct material system and seal design | List known agents (degreasers, acids, disinfectants) in submittal requirements. |
Application matching by exposure
Match fixture construction to the site’s reality:
- Car washes / washdown bays: prioritize washdown-resistant sealing and serviceability.
- Parking garages / transitional zones: prioritize impact resistance and corrosion durability.
- Food handling areas: prioritize cleanable housings and construction aligned to hygiene requirements.
Application matching: Use this table to match construction priorities to the site’s real exposure profile.
| Application | Primary hazards | Construction priorities | Documentation to request |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car washes / washdown bays | Direct water jets, detergents, temperature cycling | IP69K, robust gasket compression, corrosion-resistant latches, sealed entries | Submittals showing washdown rating; maintenance access method; closeout settings. |
| Parking garages / transitional zones | Salt exposure, spray, impact/vandalism | IP66+, IK08–IK10, corrosion-resistant hardware, rigid housing | IK/IP documentation; mounting details; photometrics where uniformity is critical. |
| Food handling / sanitation areas | Frequent cleaning, chemical exposure, hygiene requirements | Cleanable housing geometry, seal longevity, chemical compatibility confirmation | Chemical exposure notes; cleaning method alignment; consistent CCT policy by zone. |
| Utility corridors / light industrial | Dust, occasional humidity, maintenance access | IP65–IP66, serviceable access, consistent gasket/latch design | Driver access method; wiring entry plan; standardized lumen/CCT settings. |
Troubleshooting note: If the install is complete and failures/complaints begin post-commissioning, use the symptom-to-fix table below before swapping fixtures.
Field-proven fixes: The table below maps common vapor tight complaints to likely causes and the fastest spec/commissioning corrections.
| Complaint / symptom | Typical root cause | Spec fix (design) | Field fix (commissioning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture inside lens / fogging | Seal compromised (gasket set, latch corrosion, entry point leak) | Specify higher integrity sealing + rated entries; verify assembly-level IP applies | Inspect gasket seating and latch closure; verify cable glands/entries are sealed correctly. |
| Premature driver failure | Moisture ingress, heat stress, chemical exposure | Confirm environment-rated driver and sealing; verify thermal and ingress design | Check seal integrity and entries; verify ambient conditions and mounting method. |
| Latch/fastener corrosion | Salt/chemical exposure; wrong hardware spec | Specify corrosion-resistant hardware and compatible materials | Replace compromised latches; add maintenance schedule; confirm cleaning agents used. |
| Lens cracking / broken end caps | Impact exposure exceeds housing strength; IK not sufficient | Specify IK08/IK10; reinforce lens retention method | Relocate fixtures away from impact zones where possible; add protective mounting strategy. |
| Light output looks uneven or “dirty” | Lens contamination, inconsistent cleaning, mixed CCT/wattage settings | Standardize fixture family and settings policy by zone | Normalize CCT/wattage switches; implement consistent cleaning schedule and method. |
| Flicker or unstable dimming | 0–10V wiring interference/polarity issues; mixed drivers in a zone | Standardize driver families and controls; enforce wiring best practices | Verify polarity; separate control wiring; set minimum dim above dropout. |
Commercial Project Support
Need documentation, lead-time visibility, or closeout-ready deliverables? Use the resources below to route your project correctly and reduce revision cycles.
- Commercial Project Support (Hub)
- Quote Intake & Project Routing
- Photometrics
- Submittals
- Shipping Reliability & Fulfillment
- Closeout Documentation
- Returns & Restocking
- Warranty Claims
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What is the difference between “wet location” and “vapor tight”?
“Wet location” indicates the luminaire is listed for exposure to moisture. “Vapor tight” typically refers to sealed construction intended to prevent moisture, dust, and contaminants from entering the housing—especially important in washdown and high-humidity environments.
How do I choose the right IP rating for vapor tight fixtures?
Select the IP rating based on actual exposure: dust-heavy areas, spray exposure, or true washdown. Verify the rating applies to the complete luminaire assembly and matches the cleaning method used on site.
Why do vapor tight fixtures fail in car washes and washdown bays?
Failures are commonly caused by compromised gasket compression, degraded latches or end caps, and repeated pressure/temperature cycling that pulls moisture into the housing. Proper sealing design and corrosion-resistant hardware reduce these issues.
Do I need IK-rated housings in industrial environments?
If fixtures are exposed to impacts from equipment, carts, forklifts, or vandalism risk, IK-rated construction helps prevent lens cracking and housing damage that can break the seal and shorten driver life.
When should I prioritize corrosion resistance?
Prioritize corrosion resistance in parking garages, coastal or salt-exposure areas, facilities with harsh cleaning chemicals, and any location where hardware corrosion could compromise the seal over time.
How should I size vapor tight fixtures for mounting height?
Start with mounting height and the maintained light level required for the task area. Choose lumen packages and distribution that preserve uniformity without creating glare—especially in low ceilings where occupants can see the source more directly.
Expert reviewed for commercial specification
Brandon Waldrop
Lead Commercial Lighting Specialist • Documentation + Layout Support
The LED Vapor Tight Lights collection is reviewed for washdown-grade sealing, corrosion survival, and impact-resilient construction so wet-location corridors, garages, food areas, and wash bays stay reliably lit without moisture-driven driver failures or seal breakdown over time.
Collection review focus:
Verified for exposure-matched ingress protection (dust, spray, true washdown) with the expectation that the rating applies to the complete luminaire assembly—not just a lens label—so real-world moisture intrusion doesn’t appear after commissioning; verified for gasket integrity and seal lifecycle (compression retention, end-cap sealing continuity, latch closure consistency, and entry-point sealing) so repeated openings, temperature cycling, and sanitation routines don’t create slow leak paths; verified for corrosion resistance where it actually fails first (latches, fasteners, end caps, and hardware interfaces) so road salt, detergents, and chemical cleaning agents don’t compromise the seal before the LED engine reaches end of life; verified for impact tolerance in equipment-adjacent zones (cart paths, forklift aisles, vandalism-prone areas, low-mounted runs) so lens cracking and housing damage don’t become the trigger for moisture ingress and premature driver loss; verified for washdown survivability in high-pressure cleaning environments (car washes, sanitation corridors, frequent rinse-down schedules) so jet exposure and detergent cycles don’t fatigue sealing interfaces or degrade lens retention; verified for application matching by hazard profile (washdown bays vs parking garages vs food/sanitation areas vs utility corridors) so each zone gets the right balance of sealing, cleanability, corrosion durability, and serviceability rather than a “wet-rated” one-size-fits-all choice; verified for service access and maintenance discipline (how the fixture is opened, resealed, and re-closed) so routine maintenance doesn’t introduce uneven gasket seating, mis-latched closures, or compromised entries; verified for control and electrical stability in harsh environments (dimming minimums, wiring practice, and zone standardization where used) so flicker, dropout, or inconsistent performance doesn’t get misdiagnosed as a sealing failure.
Team-backed support: Quotes, photometrics, submittals, shipping visibility, and closeout documentation are supported through Commercial Project Support . Call 800-357-6860.
Industrial Wet Location & Vapor Tight Engineering Resources
