Have you spotted an industrial light or lamp fixed to an outside wall of a home or workplace? Then, it’s a bulkhead light. Bulkhead lights are durable options and even perfect as wall- or ceiling-mounted fixtures.
Known for their unique, robust, and water-resistant qualities, these lights are one of the most preferred choices for industrial, commercial, and residential settings. In this article, you can get the chance to explore what are bulkhead lights, the history and origin of bulkhead lights, and the proper user guide that could make these lights an excellent choice for you.
History & Origin of Bulkhead
Nautical style lighting is a huge trend nowadays. And these bulkhead lights have a nautical origin. The term “bulkhead” actually originated from nautical terminology. It generally refers to an upright partition within a ship’s hull. It creates compartments that improve the overall structural integrity. This design was crucial for preventing flooding and protecting it at sea.
However, over time, the concept of bulkheads has evolved. Once used as marine bulkhead lights, these lights are now used in different contexts. Due to their robust and enclosed structure, these lights have gained huge popularity in modern indoor and outdoor applications.
What Is a Bulkhead Light?
Many ask, what are bulkhead lights? Derived from “bulk,” meaning cargo, and “head,” meaning wall, bulkhead lights are sturdy fixtures that easily withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Known for their tough construction, these lights come with a protective barrier, a metal cage. This metal cage covers the glass or polycarbonate diffuser, keeping it away from harsh outer weather and environmental conditions.
Additionally, made from durable materials like aluminum, these lights offer corrosion-resistant finishes. This is why the modern bulkhead lights are ideal for industrial, marine, and different utility settings. All these key features and advancements make them highly reliable, safe, and trendy lighting choices.
Common Applications of Bulkhead light
You don’t need to be picky about a location when choosing and using the bulkhead lights. This weatherproof lighting fixture is outstanding wherever you feel the lighting is needed, and it provides a reliable solution for demanding weather. Let’s take a look at some common applications of bulkhead lights—
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Outdoor Lighting
When it comes to outdoor lighting, LED lights are a great choice. It often comes with a rating of IP65. The IP65 bulkhead light means, this is resistant to rain and dust. Therefore, these lights suit outdoor environments such as backyards, walkways, parks, and patios. Some models also have a high-pressure water mist protection rating, but those are suitable for some specific applications.
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Industrial and Warehousing Spaces
LED bulkhead lights are the best choice for industrial and warehousing spaces. But, to cope with the industrial environments, high impact resistance such as IK08 or above is always needed. As industrial areas are large in space, LED bulkheads can provide high-power brightness. Additionally, as the LED versions are energy-saving modules with microwave sensors, they automatically adjust the brightness. Thus, it is safe and significantly less costly in the long run and could be easily used in high-risk work areas.
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Commercial Space
The application of bulkhead lights in commercial spaces has surged in the last few years. These are highly used for their greater durability and efficiency. Therefore, the lights are used these days in retail stores, offices, and even in public spaces. Additionally, the versatility of these bulkhead lights has made them extremely reliable and ideal for commercial applications. Moreover, a vandal-resistant light is also perfect for commercial purposes, ensuring reliability and creating an appealing environment.
Benefits & Drawbacks
The global bulkhead lighting market will reach $4.3 billion by 2032. The number proves these lights’ beneficial results, such as durability, weatherproofing, and style. But still, it is essential to explore some potential downsides that might make you aware of its limitations.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Highly durable because of the metal cage and glass. |
This cage might produce a stark light, preventing the beam from showing brightness. |
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These lights are weatherproof and can be easily used in outdoor, indoor, and industrial environments. |
As some designs in these bulkhead lights restrict modern bulb compatibility, there are some limitations in applications. |
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Lifespan, even with minimal upkeep, is a great advantage of these lights. |
There are some design limitations, which is why those are not suitable every time for decorative or elegant settings. |
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The cage design creates an elegant look and protects the bulb from external damage. |
When it comes to the outdoor wall light mounting, it requires professional help. Therefore, many avoid buying it. |
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It easily fits industrial or coastal aesthetics and is ideal for modern themes. |
Due to the design limitations, some options may look bulky or very small in minimalist spaces. |
Buying Guide
As we are reading, what are bulkhead lights? There are a few variables that you need to consider as a buying guide before choosing the finest options for your needs.
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Consider the IP Rating
While buying these bulkhead lights, ensure they are made from lightweight aluminum or polycarbonate. Only then can these lights endure rough ecological problems. Besides this, check the IP rating because it shows the light’s resistance to dirt and water. The IP65 rating is ideal for an outdoor wall light.
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LED vs. Traditional Bulbs
Traditional bulbs use the same wattage but produce less light than modern LEDs. However, the LED bulkhead lights are calculated in lumens, and the power consumption is determined in watts. So, you can expect a high lumen result and low wattage for energy efficiency.
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Design & Shape
Modern bulkhead lights are available in different shapes, such as round, oval, and rectangular, that easily suit the decor or installation space. Similarly, when you opt for the caged design, it provides added protection along with an excellent appeal.
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Sensor Options
Bulkhead lights, especially an outdoor bulkhead light model, are available with motion or dusk-to-dawn sensors. These save energy and make it ideal for pathways, entrances, and outdoor walls.
Design & Styling Tips
Bulkhead lights providing ideal illumination are perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. But there are always some design and styling tips that can help you to do justice to these elegant lights and keep the aesthetic appeal as it is.
- Outdoor Styling: Use the bulkhead lights in the garden or patio. Thus, they can create a welcoming atmosphere
- Indoor Styling: Installing bulkhead lights in the hallways or even in the stairwells can give your place a modern touch.
- Bathroom Styling: These weatherproof lighting fixtures are perfect to install in bathrooms because they are ideal for the humid environments. Thus, it gives both style and safety.
Best Practices
Bulkhead lights also use some best practices that could provide optimal results. Let’s take a look.
- Placement of these bulkheads at ≥ 2.5m is crucial so they can provide an effective light spread.
- Use dual-mode fittings, especially in mixed-use buildings.
- Install the bulk headlights that come with motion sensors. Thus, it easily fits in the low-traffic storage areas
- Always follow the manufacturer’s mounting guidelines so you can easily maintain IP and IK ratings
FAQs
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Are bulkhead lights suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, bulkhead lights are considered a suitable option for outdoor use. Many bulkhead lights come with some weatherproof features. For example, these lights are resistant to water and corrosion. These features make them very much ideal for outdoor usage, such as for decorating the gardens, patios, backwards and others.
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Can I install bulkhead lights indoors?
Yes, bulkhead lights are ideal for indoor installation. Those are especially placed in the hallways, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Known for their greater durability and weather resistance, these bulkhead lights are suitable for different spaces, surpassing the power of traditional lights.
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What makes LED bulkhead lights more energy-efficient?
There are several reasons behind the energy efficiency of LED bulkhead lights. The first reason is the inherent characteristics of LED technology. LEDs can easily convert a much higher percentage of electrical energy into light. As a result, this efficiency leads to lower power consumption and makes it very much energy efficient.
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How waterproof are bulkhead lights (e.g., IP65 bulkhead lights)?
Bulkhead lights are designed to be waterproof and easily withstand different weather conditions. Many bulkhead lights have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of IP65 or higher. This rating means these lights can withstand dust and water. Thus, it is highly suitable for gardens, patios, balconies, and other outdoor places.
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What styles and shapes do bulkhead lights come in?
The bulkheads are available in different styles and shapes. Some shapes include round, oval, square, and rectangular. All these are highly durable, highly weather-resistant, and perfectly suitable for outdoor and industrial applications.
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Do bulkhead lights require professional installation?
Yes, the bulkhead light requires some professional installation. With some basic electrical knowledge, a person can ensure these lights’ safety and proper functionality. It can be a DIY project for easy setups and complex ones. Professional installation is necessary.