Ever wondered if your indoor Wiz lights can be used outside to illuminate your porch, garden, or balcony? Well, you're in the right place to find the answer! Wiz lights, known for their smart and customizable features, might seem like an indoor-only solution, but let's explore their outdoor potential in this comprehensive guide.
Before we dive in, let's discuss why this question might have crossed your mind. Perhaps you've been impressed by the versatility and ambiance of your indoor Wiz lights and wondered if they could extend that magic outdoors. Or maybe you're an eco-conscious user looking to reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing the number of different smart light systems you use. Whatever your reason, we're here to help!
Understanding Wiz Lights: Design & IPC Ratings
Wiz lights, produced by Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), are designed for indoor use. They come with an Ingress Protection (IPC) rating of IP20, which means they're protected against objects larger than 12.5mm, but they're not fully sealed against dust or water. This is why they're intended for indoor use only.
However, the outdoor environment isn't just about water and dust. It's also about temperature fluctuations and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The internal components of Wiz lights aren't built to withstand these outdoor elements, so using them outdoors could lead to reduced lifespan or even failure.
IP Rating: What Does IP20 Mean?
IP ratings are a measure of how well a product is protected against dust and water. The first digit represents dust protection and the second digit represents water protection. In the case of Wiz lights, the '2' in IP20 means they're protected against objects larger than 12.5mm, and the '0' means they're not protected against water.
Compare this to an IP65 rating, which is commonly seen in outdoor-rated products. The '6' in IP65 means the product is dust-tight, and the '5' means it can withstand water jets from any direction for at least 3 minutes. Clearly, there's a significant difference between IP20 and IP65, highlighting the indoor nature of Wiz lights.
Temperature & UV Considerations
Another crucial factor to consider is the temperature range that Wiz lights can handle. They typically operate within a range of -20°C to 40°C, which is suitable for most indoor environments. However, the outdoor temperature can easily go beyond these limits, especially in areas with harsh winters or summers.
The outdoor environment also exposes products to UV rays, which can degrade materials over time. While Wiz lights have UV protection, it's more robust in their outdoor-rated products, like the Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor. Using indoor-only Wiz lights outdoors effectively means they'll be exposed to more UV than they're designed to handle.
Alternatives: Outdoor-Rated Smart Lights
Given the limitations of Wiz lights, it's best to consider outdoor-rated alternatives if you want to enjoy the benefits of smart lighting outdoors. Several manufacturers offer outdoor-rated smart lights, including Signify themselves with their Philips Hue outdoor range.
These outdoor-rated lights are designed to withstand the elements. They have higher IP ratings (often IP65 or IP67), robust enclosures, and more advanced UV protection. Plus, they typically come with their own hub, so you can expand your outdoor smart lighting system just like you would indoors.
Philips Hue Outdoor Range
Signify's Philips Hue outdoor range includes a variety of products like the Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor, Luminaires, and Spot Lights. These are fully sealed against dust and water, so they're safe to use outdoors. They also integrate seamlessly with the Philips Hue ecosystem, so you can use the same app and routines as your indoor lights.
A key advantage of the Philips Hue outdoor range is that they're also compatible with the Wiz app. This means you can control both your indoor Wiz lights and outdoor Hue lights from a single app, keeping things simple and convenient. However, keep in mind that you'll need a separate Hue Bridge for your outdoor lights, as the Wiz app only supports the Wiz Connected lamp.
Other Outdoor-Rated Smart Lights
Other manufacturers also offer outdoor-rated smart lights. Some popular options include the Wyze Outdoor Bulb and the Xiaomi Mi LED Smart Bulb ( staatstechniek.nl/best smart lights/ }. These are great alternatives if you prefer a different ecosystem or have a specific use case in mind.
For example, the Wyze Outdoor Bulb is an affordable E26/E27 outdoor-rated smart bulb that requires no hub. It also works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. On the other hand, the Xiaomi Mi LED Smart Bulb is a power-efficient and fairly priced option, although it requires the Mi Home app or a hub like the Zigbee3.0-based Mi Gateway.
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to repurpose your indoor Wiz lights for outdoor use, it's not recommended due to their design limitations and the harsh outdoor environment. Instead, consider outdoor-rated alternatives that can provide the smart lighting experience you crave, but with the durability and protection necessary for outdoor use. Ultimately, investing in the right product for the job ensures your smart lights last longer and provide the functionality you need, both indoors and out.