Why You Can't Use Certain LED Bulbs in Enclosed Fixtures

Heat is the enemy of LED light bulbs. Though LED bulbs themselves may have a similar shape to incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs, the LED chips inside the bulb aren't that different from the chips in your laptop or other electronics. They are very sensitive to heat, which is why they can't be used in microwaves, ovens, or other similar applications.

While some larger commercial-use LED bulbs may utilize a passive heat sink or internal fan to keep the electronics from overheating, you still have have to ensure that LED light bulbs enough airflow to avoid excess heat built up. Enclosed fixtures that don't allow for airflow to LEDs can drastically affect the bulbs performance and lifespan. This is why some bulbs cannot be used in an enclosed ceiling fan or a fully enclosed porch light fixture.

Today, we'd like to address some frequently asked questions about enclosed fixtures and enclosed fixture rated bulbs to help you get the most light out of your light bulbs.

LED light bulbs being used in a totally enclosed fixture.

What is an Enclosed Light Fixture?

An enclosed light fixture is any fixture or application where the light bulb is encased in a way that does not allow for proper airflow or ventilation. This includes fixtures such as porch lights where the bottom is made of glass or plastic instead of being left open, enclosed Mason jar light fixtures, and lensed recessed light fixtures.

How Do I Know if a Light Bulb is Rated for Enclosed Fixtures?

If rated for use in an enclosed fixture, LED bulbs will have that information disclosed in multiple locations including on the packaging and printed directly on the bulb itself. It will also be listed on any spec sheet, dimmer compatibility sheet, or other data sheets that may be available for the bulb.

At 1000Bulbs.com, we make it easy to find enclosed rating information. The rating for specific products is listed on the product pages under Product Attributes. If the value for “Enclosed Fixture Rated” is “yes,” the light bulb can be used in enclosed fixtures. If the value is “no,” the bulb should not be used in enclosed fixtures.

If the product page doesn't list this specification, you can call an account manager or email customerservice@1000bulbs.com for assistance.

When Do I Need to Use Enclosed Rated LED Light Bulbs?

Enclosed rated bulbs will need to be used in any fully enclosed fixtures, or any fixtures that don't have a lot of ventilation. If your not sure how much air flow your light fixture has, its best to error on the side of caution and use an enclosed rated bulb. Common applications include:

Range hoods
Ceiling fans
Vanity lights
Ceiling lights
Ceiling fans

You may also need to enclosed fixture rated bulbs in outdoor fixtures. You may have garden lights or fully enclosed street lamps that require an enclosed fixture-rated bulb. Because the bulbs are fully protected from rain and other elements, they bulb do not have to be rated for wet or damp locations to be used in an outdoor enclosed fixture.

What Are Location Ratings?

Most bulbs will have either a UL (Underwrites Laboratory) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) rating. These ratings tell you what kind of conditions or locations the bulb can be used in. Bulbs with a damp location rating can come into some contact with moisture, while wet location rated bulbs can come into direct contact with water. Much like enclosed ratings, UL and ETL ratings will be printed on packaging, data sheets, and directly on the bulb itself.

Damp location rated bulbs can be used in outdoor open fixtures, such as downlights under an eave, but the bulbs still must be protected from direct contact with rain. For outdoor fixtures where the bulb will be coming into direct contact with the elements, you will need to use a wet location rated bulb.

Can an Enclosed Fixture Rated Bulb be Used in Open Fixtures?

Yes, you can use enclosed rated bulbs in an open fixture. Just because a light bulb is rated for enclosed fixtures doesn't mean it requires an enclosed fixture. To use a bulb in an enclosed fixture, it has to be designed to handle the heat of the enclosed space. In the open air, that's not a concern.

Can I use an Enclosed Fixture Rated Bulb Indoors and Outdoors?

Any bulb that is rated for enclosed fixtures can be used both indoors and outdoors. For open fixtures, enclosed fixture rated bulbs can be used if the fixture is indoors, but can only be used outside if the bulb is also UL or ETL listed for wet or damp locations.

Can I Use a Bulb That is Not Rated for Enclosed Fixtures?

No. Do not use a bulb that is not rated for enclosed fixtures in any enclosed fixture, whether indoors or outdoors, as it can pose a safety hazard. Using an LED bulb that is not rated for enclosed fixtures in an enclosed fixture may cause the bulb to overheat, potentially causing damage to the both light bulb and fixture. Even small amounts of extra heat can shorten the lifespan of the bulb, preventing you from enjoying the full value of your investment.

For open fixtures, using bulbs that are not rated for enclosed fixtures are fine. However, if the fixture is outdoors, only use bulbs that are UL or ETL listed for wet or damp locations.

Contact 1000bulbs.com for Help with Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Needs

Understanding which light bulb is rated for a specific application, whether it be outdoors or an enclosed fixture, is important for getting the most light from your bulb. Don't hesitate to give us a call if you're still unsure whether you need to choose a bulb rated for enclosed fixtures. You can reach a lighting expert during normal business hours at 1-800-624-4488.