When selecting the optimal LED lighting for factories or other commercial properties, the distinction between watertight and vapor-tight fixtures demands careful consideration. On the surface, these two types may seem highly similar—but a detailed comparative overview will help you make the best choice for your needs. The actual differences might surprise you.
Grab your preferred warm beverage (and keep that water vapor far from your keyboard) as we break down everything you need to know about vapor-tight versus watertight LED light fixtures.
What Are Watertight LED Lights?
LED fixtures installed in spaces like warehouses or outdoor facilities require water resistance. Watertight LED lights are specifically engineered to resist water intrusion, making them a go-to choice for damp or wet environments.
This design focus means watertight LED lights excel in outdoor settings—whether you’re in rainy Seattle or mild Los Angeles. Importantly, being watertight doesn’t limit design flexibility or material options. These fixtures come in virtually any shape, along with a range of sizes and materials, including:
  • Metal
  • Plastic
  • Glass
The final choice typically depends on the specific environmental conditions the LED light needs to withstand. For example: An LED Vapor Tight Light floodlight variant is a medium-sized, high-performance option tailored for outdoor use. Even with its strong performance, it doesn’t compromise on durability—often featuring rugged, die-cast aluminum housing.

What Are Vapor-Tight LED Lights?

Vapor-tight LED light fixtures are sometimes called “wet location fixtures.” They’re purpose-built to handle harsh weather and environmental conditions, making them ideal for illuminating both indoor and outdoor areas exposed to water, humidity, and dust. A residential or commercial garage is a classic example of a space that benefits from these fixtures.
Most vapor-tight LED lights have an outer casing constructed from either polyurethane or fiberglass. This outer layer is then paired with a full metal fixture interior to provide extra protection against wear and environmental damage.

Key Differences Between Vapor-Tight and Watertight LED Lights

Watertight fixtures are engineered to resist water penetration (such as direct splashes or light rain), while vapor-tight models primarily block dust and moisture vapor from entering the unit.
Here’s an industry insider tip: These two types of LED lighting are often nearly identical in design but marketed under different names. To determine if a fixture is suitable for wet environments, ignore the marketing terminology and focus instead on its IP rating—that’s the most reliable indicator.

Ingress Protection (IP) Rating Explained

When shopping for watertight or vapor-tight LED lights, the IP (Ingress Protection) rating is critical. This rating provides three key pieces of information about the fixture’s functionality:
  1. The level of protection the enclosure provides against contact with internal moving parts (for user safety)
  1. How well the equipment is shielded from foreign objects like dust
  1. The degree of protection against moisture (including drips, sprays, and full submersion)

An IP rating consists of two digits:

  • The first digit refers to intrusion protection (resistance to dust/foreign objects), ranging from 0 (no special protection, sometimes marked with an “X”) to 6 (dust-tight).
  • The second digit refers to moisture protection, ranging from 0 (no moisture protection, sometimes marked with an “X”) to 9 (protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and spray cleaning).
Real-World Example: An LED Vapor Tight Light floodlight, for instance, often carries an IP65 rating. Based on our earlier breakdown, this means it is dust-tight (first digit: 6) and protected against low-pressure water jets from any angle (second digit: 5). This makes such floodlights ideal for parking lots, auto dealerships, billboards, and general outdoor lighting needs.

Areas That Require Water-Resistant LEDs

No matter what you call your water-resistant LED fixture (watertight or vapor-tight), the following spaces demand this type of lighting:
  • Garages: Whether used for vehicle storage or as a workshop, garages need fixtures that withstand dust and moisture.
  • Spas: These relaxation spaces see frequent water splashes, so safe, water-resistant lighting is essential for clients and staff.
  • Car Washes: Far more demanding than garages, car washes involve high-pressure water jets and soapy water—requiring robust water resistance.
  • Parking Lots: Exposed to the elements, parking lots need reliable illumination to ensure safety (and reduce liability risks, like slips and falls in dark areas).
  • Refrigerators/Freezers: Constantly exposed to cold air and high humidity, lighting in these units (including industrial walk-in freezers) must remain unaffected by moisture.
  • Pools: Underwater or poolside lights need to be safe around water and splashes, while still delivering the desired aesthetic.

TL;DR: Vapor-Tight vs. Watertight LEDs

Numerous online sources claim significant distinctions between these two types of fixtures—but the reality is that “vapor-tight” and “watertight” are often used interchangeably to simplify consumer choices. Unfortunately, this can create more confusion. The bottom line: When choosing energy-saving LED lights for wet or humid environments, always check the IP rating—that’s the most trustworthy measure of suitability.

About Our LED Lighting Expertise

You don’t have to navigate commercial or residential LED lighting decisions alone. If you have further questions, our friendly team is ready to help clear up confusion or assist with planning your lighting setup. Our team brings expertise in lighting solutions, so you don’t have to.
We’ve served as a U.S.-based expert in manufacturing commercial and industrial LED lighting fixtures (including LED Vapor Tight Light models) for over 25 years. Combine this experience with our competitive 10-year warranty, and you’ll have a long-term partner for all your lighting needs.
Explore our diverse product portfolio to discover some of the latest technology on the market. Curious why electricians and general contractors prefer LED fixtures over other lighting types? We have a dedicated article covering that topic—feel free to ask for more details!
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