Singin’ in the rain

Rain, snow, ice and heat are no match for the ETC Desire™ XT LED fixtures. The XT luminaires were designed for permanent outdoor use in a variety of climates and weather conditions.

ETC’s XT luminaires can be used safely in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C (-4°F to 104°F). The fixtures’ enclosures and lids are sealed by O-rings that resist the sun’s UV rays. The die-cast aluminum assembly is coated with powder to add even more UV protection and prevent the fixtures from corroding. An outer polycarbonate film – similar to what is used on outdoor signage – also seals the enclosure and protects the user interface. The glass components of the luminaires are held in place by a secure seal made from synthetic rubber that can handle extreme temperatures and chlorinated or salt water.

When changes in the atmosphere occur, outdoor fixtures can take on some moisture, but ETC designed the D40XT luminaires so that pressure changes from temperature fluctuations have very little impact, reducing moisture buildup. The ETC fixtures’ GORE® Vent helps to minimize the effect of moisture, by allowing vapor gases to pass through the enclosure while keeping out liquids. And as an additional protection from the elements, a conformal coating shields the electronics on the XT luminaires’ circuit board.

Not all cord grips are made equal. The D40 fixtures’ design team focused on selecting the most watertight cord grips to keep the units safe. The cables used in the XT luminaires are UL Listed for extra-hard usage and outdoor ratings.

Proving the Desire XT fixtures’ water- and dust-resistance, the luminaires have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 66. The IP rating system specifies the level of environmental protection that an electrical product’s enclosure provides. The higher the IP rating, the more protection the enclosure provides. To determine IP ratings, products are tested by being subjected to a dust vacuum for up to eight hours, and to varying degrees of water pressure – from a light drip to total immersion. An IP66 rating means that the XT fixtures’ enclosures have no ingress of dust, completely protect their electrical components from water, and are undamaged by the formation of ice.

IP testing for the XT units was done by a third party, and in house by ETC’s R&D department. ETC also took advantage of the extreme weather in Wisconsin to prove the performance of the Desire XT luminaires. Since July 2010, an XT unit has been mounted on the exterior light rig located outside the ETC factory, being exposed to Wisconsin’s heat and humidity during the summer, rainy and cool conditions in the fall, and harsh, unrelenting cold and snow in the winter. The unit has continued to produce bright, clean light without taking on moisture or corroding.

So go ahead and use the XT fixtures wherever you need spectacular, all-weather lighting. And rest easy, knowing the lights will keep running no matter what Mother Nature can throw at them.