I installed low voltage landscape lights on our fencing around the perimeter of our backyard in September. The lights are supposed to be IP66 waterproof, but within a month of installing, I found water pooling inside some of the units. I then disassembled, dried and sealed off anywhere I thought water could penetrate in with silicone in hopes that water would no longer seep in.
After re-wiring and installing, within a few weeks, water was beginning to pool inside again and some of the lights were starting to malfunction. Inside, some of the connections were corroding. I did notice that it appeared that most of the water was coming from condensation build-up, which then led me to believe that the water leak could be due to temperature/pressure changes.
From my research, it seems like this is a common problem, especially here in Western Canada where temperatures can change quite rapidly. I have seen some suggestions of installing small vents made of a waterproof breathable PTFE membrane on each of the units that are meant to allow for pressure equalization. I have also read that Gore-Tex clothing is made from a semi-permeable membrane, so I was thinking about creating a small hole in each unit and then creating a barrier for the hole with the Gore-tex.
I am wondering if anyone has any further suggestions on how to prevent this from happening? Or a cheaper/simpler permeable membrane material I could use. These were purchased from Amazon and I am past the return date so I'm stuck with them. I have spent a very unreasonable amount of time on these lights and I am hoping someone might have the answer. I have included some photos below as well.
Best Answer
I am not sure if allowed in Canada but in the US we are allowed and even required to provide a drain in things like this a small drilled hole that will allow the water to drain out should eliminate the pooling. I used to have multiple drains on my big 1000w metal halide lights because they cool in the winter they suck the water in just like yours. A small 1/8-1/4” hole at the lowest point will help no matter how the water is getting in.