Waterproof spotlights

An outdoor spotlight is chosen first by its ingress protection rating: IP20 in dry rooms, IP44 where water can splash, IP65 near the shower or outdoors. Then come the socket, the ceiling cutout and the colour temperature, which decide the finish as much as the installation.

Which IP rating to choose for a waterproof spotlight?

A waterproof spotlight is chosen first by its ingress protection rating. IP20 suits dry rooms such as the living room or hallway, IP44 resists water splashes in a bathroom or kitchen, and IP65 withstands water jets in the most exposed areas.

Waterproof bathroom spotlights: IP44 or IP65?

The question is settled not by the name of the room but by the distance to the water point. Away from the shower, an IP44 spotlight is enough: it absorbs splashes and condensed steam. Above or very close to the bathtub, switch to IP65. Many IP44 models such as Livtorora, the minimalist version work elsewhere in the bathroom, and you will find other finishes in white recessed spotlights.

Outdoor spotlights: what IP65 guarantees

IP65 means the spotlight resists water jets and dust: this is the rating to aim for under a canopy, on a sheltered facade or near a water feature. The Cervo IP65 spotlight comes in a round or square version, in aluminium and black, with a replaceable GU10 bulb. To stay in this family, see black LED spotlights.

Which rooms to install waterproof spotlights in?

The spotlights in this selection are mostly installed in the living room and hallway, then in the entrance, kitchen and bathroom. In dry rooms, IP20 is enough; as soon as there is humidity or water splashes, move up to IP44 or IP65.

Waterproof spotlights in a hallway: guiding without glare

In a hallway, the spotlight works as grazing light: it draws a path on the floor without sending light into your eyes. An opal diffuser model such as Rusco softens the effect, whereas a spotlight with a flush trim marks the ceiling less. Find these models in spotlights designed for hallways and, for the living area, in LED lighting for a living room.

Waterproof spotlight in the entrance and kitchen: the useful zones

In an entrance, two or three points are enough to define the walkway and the storage area. In a kitchen, IP44 becomes relevant above the sink and the hob, where water and steam circulate. The rest of the room can stay IP20. The versatile models in this selection, in metal and IP44, suit these six rooms without changing reference. See kitchen LED lighting.

How to arrange spotlights on the ceiling?

Spotlights are arranged according to the areas to be lit, not the centre of the room: a regular alignment along the walkways, tighter points above a worktop. The spacing between two spotlights is set by the surface to be covered and the ceiling height.

Recessed waterproof spotlights: checking the cutout and insulation

Before drilling, note three dimensions from the product sheet: the cutout diameter, the housing depth and the visible diameter. A spotlight with an 8.5 cm diameter and an 11 cm square do not occupy the same ceiling, and the depth decides whether the spotlight fits under a joist or insulation. Compact shapes can be found in modern style spotlights.

Airtight spotlights and insulated ceilings

In an insulated ceiling, a recessed spotlight creates a perforation in the air barrier. Installation requires housing the unit without compressing the insulation and maintaining the continuity of the seal. Not all models lend themselves equally to this exercise: the depth and shape of the housing, indicated on the product sheet, are the first points to compare. See also metal spotlights.

How many spotlights in a kitchen?

There is no fixed number: it all depends on the surface, the ceiling height and the areas to be covered. Work by use, with circulation lighting in the centre and dedicated points above the worktop, cross-referencing the flux stated on the product sheet with the surface to be covered.

LED spotlights for the kitchen: which light temperature?

Two families in the selection: warm white, around 2700 to 3500 K, and neutral white, around 3500 to 4500 K. The first warms a dining corner, the second renders colours accurately on a worktop. A single space can mix both, provided they are not placed side by side on the same alignment.

Lighting the worktop rather than the centre of the room

Light falls better if it comes from slightly in front of the area to be lit: it is your body, not the spotlight, that decides the cast shadow. Place the points in front of the worktop, not directly above your head. A 17 cm square such as Albora, the square recessed spotlight covers a wide area, and adjustable models can be found in adjustable models.

How to wire spotlights in series or in parallel?

Parallel wiring is the reference: each spotlight remains independent, so a failure does not switch off the others. Series wiring makes the points dependent on each other and is not suitable for domestic lighting. The connection then depends on the socket, GU10 on a holder or integrated LED with a driver.

GU10 spotlight or integrated LED: what difference in wiring?

A GU10 socket relies on a bulb holder: the bulb can be changed without touching the wiring, and the power supply stays at 230 V. Integrated LED encloses the source in the housing, with its electronics, and the whole spotlight is replaced the day it fails. Half the selection in each family, a choice of maintenance as much as of light. See dimmable spotlights for compatible versions.

Do you need a transformer or a driver?

A spotlight with a GU10 socket works directly on the mains and does not require a transformer. An integrated LED model carries its own driver, or receives it separately depending on the reference: the product sheet is the reference. In both cases, connection to the mains must be done with the power off and by a professional.

What power and light for a waterproof spotlight?

The power ratings in the selection range from 7 W to 24 W, with a majority of 10 W models. The effect also depends on the colour temperature: warm white between 2700 and 3500 K for a living area, neutral white between 3500 and 4500 K for a worktop.

What power for an outdoor LED spotlight?

Power is read together with the surface and the mounting height: a 7 W point lights a ledge or a small volume, a 24 W washes a wide area on a high ceiling. Many 10 W models handle the common role of circulation or living area. The flux, however, varies from one reference to another: only the product sheet gives the right value. See designer LED spotlights.

Warm white or neutral white: how to decide?

Warm white creates an end-of-day atmosphere, neutral white gives a crisper light for cooking, working or reading. In this selection, warm white dominates by far, with neutral white remaining a minority. If the use changes from one hour to the next, a controllable version settles the question: see dimmable recessed spotlights.

Which material, colour and shape to choose for a waterproof spotlight?

Aluminium dominates the selection, ahead of plastic and metal, with a few glass models. In terms of colour, white is the majority and black more graphic; in terms of shape, round remains the standard and square brings a stronger design to the ceiling.

White or black waterproof spotlight: which colour for the ceiling?

White disappears into a painted ceiling and leaves only the light visible, the most common choice. Black draws a deliberate grid that structures a high ceiling or matches dark joinery. A white with a black ring, such as Lysan, plays on both. Compare black recessed models and white LED spotlights.

Round or square: which spotlight shape to choose?

Round is the standard and aligns easily along a hallway. Square marks a crisper design and is often used in a kitchen or entrance, where its orientation follows the lines of the furniture. The two are rarely mixed on the same ceiling: better to stick to one family, then adjust the sizes. The whole catalogue can be browsed in all our light fixtures.

What to check before ordering a waterproof spotlight

Three points decide a successful delivery: the ingress protection rating suited to the room, the socket (replaceable GU10 or integrated LED) and the cutout of the recessed model. The warranty is a good indicator of reliability, covering 5 years on most of the selection.

A model with a flush trim such as Ivyra, or a compact square such as Ondsamilo, is chosen mainly on its dimensions: visible diameter, cutout, housing depth. Note them down before confirming your basket, then check that the planned number of points covers every area of the room.

To go further in choosing a style, browse the world of light fixtures and designer spotlights.

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Frequently asked questions about waterproof spotlights