Philips Hue products are mostly used indoors but are Philips Hue lights waterproof and can be used outdoors as well? These smart lights are known for their features that offer customers optimum energy efficiency. While most homeowners prefer installing smart lights inside their homes, others remain skeptical of whether these will work outdoors or not.
Some Philips Hue lights that are made for outdoor usage are waterproof. The other Philips Hue lights aren’t waterproof, especially the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus. However, you can install these other lights outdoors as long as they aren’t exposed to water, snow, or other elements.
In this article, we’ll discuss how Philips Hue lights can be used outdoors, along with some recommendations that will be a perfect choice for outdoor use.
Philips Hue and outdoor use
Humidity and rain
The first thing you need to consider when it comes to using Philips Hue lights for outdoor purposes is that rain, excess humidity, and moisture can make their way into the wiring and burn the light. This can cause permanent damage. For this reason alone, bulbs that are used outdoors are weather-sealed or protected.
Heat generation and summers
Another reason is the heat generated by the bulbs, even indoors during the summer season. So, if you were to use the bulbs outside, the heat would add to the already hot bulbs, ultimately reducing each bulb’s lifespan.
What to do?
As mentioned earlier, most Philips Hue lights are meant for indoor use only. This means they are not weather-sealed. Even a bit of rain could damage the lights, which would cost you expensive replacements. If you wish to use the lights outdoors, you should ensure they are enclosed so that moisture and other external factors cannot enter.
However, at the same time, the lights should be installed near the Hub. If they are not near the Hub, it could result in bad signals, affecting the performance of the lights.
But know that there are some Philips Hue lights that are made for outdoor usage! Read on to find out.
Philips Hue alternatives for outdoor use
If it is your first time using Philips Hue bulbs outdoors, you are bound to be a bit hesitant. However, you can opt for a Philips Hue light fixture specifically designed for outdoor use! Philips users are already well-aware of outdoor lights such as:
- Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Outdoor LightStrip
- Philips Hue Inara White Outdoor Lantern
- Philips Hue White Outdoor PAR38 13W Smart Bulbs
- Philips Hue Ludere White Outdoor Security Light
- Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Lucca Wall Light
- Philips Hue Econic White & Color Ambiance Outdoor Smart Pathway light
- Philips Hue Lily White & Color Outdoor Smart Spot Light
- Philips Hue Discover Outdoor White & Color Ambiance Smart Floodlight
- Philips Hue Calla White & Color Ambiance Outdoor Smart Pathway light
Even though there are other bulbs that come with IP44 waterproofing, the company still recommends using its own fixtures for both longevity and safety.
Concluding thoughts on whether Philips Hue lights are waterproof
Most Philips Hue lights are not specifically made for outdoors, which means they are not waterproof. However, you can purchase Philips Hue outdoor light fixtures or opt for alternatives that are particularly made for outdoor uses and can withstand external factors such as rain, hail, snow, etc., without reducing the lifespan.
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