How do I make a table lamp weatherproof for use outdoors? I am making it from scratch.?

Question

I have seen retail outdoor lamps with a protective glass covering over the bulb area, to keep water away from the electrical parts of the lamp, along with a weatherproof lampshade.

Answer 1

I guess you have a choice:

- Engineer a weatherproof enclosure for the bulb, switch and electrical connections.

Or...

- Buy an outdoor lamp already made.

Or...

- Buy the weather-critical parts for an outdoor lamp (or copy the in some fashion).

Or...

- Buy a weatherproof outdoor light fixture and adapt it for use on a table.

Answer 2

You can’t (or at least you shouldn’t); here’s why:

In order for a lamp to be rated or listed for use in a wet location, it undergoes rigorous testing by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Then, the manufacturing process is monitored by that NRTL, and the manufacturer is allowed to place the Mark of the NRTL on the product. One of the better known NRTLs is Underwriters Laboratories, Inc; most people are familiar with the UL Mark on a product, although most people who notice it don't really understand what it means.

The National Electrical Code requires any electrical fitting, device, luminaire, or appliance to be "listed". This means that product is placed on a list of similar products that have also been proven to meet Product Standards that have been created in order to provide safe products for consumer use. This is an over-simplified explanation; but the end result is that using an electrical product that is not listed (or using a product in a manner contrary to its listing) puts the user at risk of injury or death.

Most insurance companies will not pay claims for damages caused by non-listed products.

Buy a listed lamp, it will be worth the cost to you. Without a listing, there is no way to prove a product is safe, short of paying thousands of dollars for a field evaluation.

Sorry.