Waterproof Screens for LED Tubes

Waterproof screens for LED tubes: what they are and how to choose them

A waterproof screen is an enclosed luminaire, with a body and a diffuser, that houses one or two T8 LED tubes and protects them from dust and water. The fitting has no integrated LED: the tube is changed when the time comes and the luminaire stays where it is. That is why a waterproof screen for LED tubes is the default option in garages, basements, industrial units, workshops and damp rooms, where you want maintenance to be cheap and sorted in minutes.

This family splits into three sizes, according to the length of the tube that goes inside: Waterproof Screen 60cm for small rooms and narrow spaces, Waterproof Screen 120cm as the standard for garages and car parks, and Waterproof Screen 150cm for industrial units and large areas.

What IP65 means and why it matters

The IP rating is read as two digits. In IP65, the 6 indicates total protection against dust and the 5, resistance to water jets from any direction. Translated into everyday terms: you can clean the diffuser with a hose, the fitting stands up to the dust of a loading bay or the sawdust of a workshop, and the damp of an underground garage does not reach the inside. There are IP66 versions for more powerful jets, as in car washes. In a dry, clean space you do not need IP65; as soon as dust, damp or washing down appear, you do.

Waterproof screen or LED batten: the real difference

They are not the same thing. An LED batten has the LED built into the body itself: when the module reaches the end of its life, the whole batten is replaced. A waterproof screen is a sealed container that houses replaceable T8 tubes and is designed for harsh environments. In an indoor corridor with no dust or damp, a batten does the job; in a garage, an industrial unit or a pump room, a waterproof screen gives you sealing and a replaceable tube.

Single and twin tube versions

Each size comes in a single or twin tube version. The tubes that go inside are T8 with a G13 base and 26 mm diameter: 9W in 60 cm, 20W in 120 cm and 24W in 150 cm. In the twin tube version the power doubles, so it is the choice when the ceiling is high or when you want to cover the same area with fewer light points. On low ceilings, one tube is usually enough.

Materials, clip closure and linking

The body is made in polycarbonate or ABS and the diffuser in polycarbonate: a material that resists knocks and impacts, useful where forklifts move around. Closure is by clips and sealing gaskets, so opening the fitting to change a tube needs no special tool and does not break the seal. Many models are linkable: you can mount several units in a continuous line from a single supply point, and the cable glands allow the cable entry while maintaining the protection rating.

How to choose your waterproof screen

• Size: measure the available space and choose 60, 120 or 150 cm. In small rooms and service spaces, 60 cm; in garages and car parks, 120 cm; in industrial units and warehouses, 150 cm.
• Number of tubes: one for low ceilings and general use, two for high ceilings or when you want to cut down the number of fittings.
• IP rating: IP65 covers most cases; go up to IP66 if there is pressure washing.
• Colour temperature: 4000K, neutral white, for work and circulation areas where you want visual comfort; 6000K, cool white, when you prioritise a sense of brightness, common in car parks and warehouses.

At FactorLED you have all three sizes of waterproof screen for LED tubes, in single and twin tube versions, with the replacement T8 tubes in the same catalogue. Go into the subcategory for your size and build the installation with material made to last for years.

Frequently asked questions about waterproof screens for LED tubes

Does the waterproof screen include the LED tubes?

It depends on the model. Some are supplied with the T8 tubes included and others with the fitting only. Check the product sheet and, if it comes empty, add the tubes in the matching size.

Can I install several fittings in a line?

Yes, as long as the model is linkable. They join in a continuous line from a single supply point, which saves wiring and speeds up installation.

Can a waterproof screen be used outdoors?

It works in covered or semi covered outdoor areas, such as porches, arcades and loading bays. The IP65 rating protects against dust and water jets, not against immersion.

Which replacement tube do I need?

A T8 LED tube with a G13 base of the same length as the fitting: 60 cm at 9W, 120 cm at 20W or 150 cm at 24W.