Underdeck Waterproof Lighting?

DennisG

Ok. We have been installing underdeck rain diversion systems since last year. A frequent question I'm asked when quoting a job is "Can you install a recessed lighting fixture?"

We have not found a fixture that installs between the deck joists that is "waterproof/water resistant". Our local lighting wholesaler has emailed me and said there is nothing available.

Has anyone seen or used a recessed fixture that can be installed under a residential deck? The obvious problem is the rain runoff...so I need a "watertight" installation kit. Safety and reasonable costs are the primary consideration. Any help would be appreciated.

trav007

Is there any way you could just use one of those formed vapour barriers that are designed for can lights as a type of canopy?

Or something like that.

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DennisG

Yes, I've thought about it. My partner and I discussed testing 2-3 options under my deck. It will serve as a test platform. We're also looking at a low voltage LED system. No real expierence with using the LED so that's another issue.

Basically, I want to be able to get a "sealed" unit between the joists with access to changing out the lamp and cleaning the lens from below. Once the undersystem system is installed there is no way to get to the guts of the lighting unit without removing a deck board from the top. Hence, it has to be a very reliable and waterproof unit.

Thanks for your thoughts.

DennisG

MALCO.New.York

Google "Fountain Supplies" or check these out.

http://www.mainlandmart.com/ledmart.html

I have done a few underwater jobs but have not used LED's as of yet! Got to be better than incandescent!

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Michaeljp86

About 10 years ago my dad wired up a building for making apple cider, everything had to be water tight because the health inspector said every 4 hours the place needs to be powerwashed. He went to the local electrical supply and got alot of different kinds of water proof lights. They were not cheap but water wasnt getting in.

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troubleseeker

Head to a marine supplier, they are an incredible source of truly weatherproof electrical devices for both line and low voltage. Naturally it is not cheap, and not very "decorative", but it works, will last, and provides a safe installation. Don't know that I have ever seen marine recessed cans though.

TimelessQuality

If you were able to 'seal' some type of fixture through the penetration in the underdeck, wouldn't that create a sort of dam for the water flow?

I think I'd look into a 'puck' style that would mount below the system..

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DennisG

Thanks for the suggestions. I have thought about a marine dealer as well of some of these guys that install water fountains and other types of water related exterior designs.

The ones I looked at are expensive or they don't look good for this kind of use.

As to the water dam problem...we have solved that pretty much. A couple of beads of a waterproof sealer around the fixture usually helps divert the runoff. Since these installs have a 1/4" slope every 2' the water runs out fairly well. Of course that also assumes the home owner will keep the system cleaned out. If we get a whole bunch of pine needles piling up then we have a problem.

We already have an exterior mount version for lights and fans. The recessed down lights continues to be a problem. At this point I haven't found anyone that makes them for this kind of application.

Thanks for the suggestions.