StormGuard LED Vapor Tight Lights – The Practical Guide for Garages, Car Washes, and Utility Spaces
Kevin HernandezStormGuard LED Vapor Tight Lights are built for real-world mess—water, soap, dust, cold starts, and constant traffic. If you manage a parking garage, car wash, food line, or utility corridor, you need bright, even light that doesn’t quit. That’s what StormGuard delivers: sealed protection, low-glare illumination, and long life so you spend less time on lifts and more time running your site.
Below, you’ll find why vapor tights matter, where StormGuard fits best, and how to size wattage by mounting height with a quick example you can copy. We’ll also cover installation pointers and FAQs to make your project go smoother.
Why choose StormGuard?
- Stays sealed: IP65/66 gaskets and latches keep spray and dust out.
- Set light levels on site: field-selectable wattage and CCT so you can dial it in without swapping fixtures.
- Easy on the eyes: frosted/prismatic lens spreads light evenly—no hot spots or glare streaks.
- Sips power, cuts bills: high-efficacy LEDs with 0–10V dimming and controls-ready wiring.
- Ready for rebates: DLC-eligible models (check your utility program).
- Built to last: 50,000+ hours means fewer service calls and less downtime.
Problems StormGuard solves
Moisture, spray, and corrosion
Open fixtures fail early in wet or chemical-exposed zones. StormGuard’s sealed housing and prismatic lens keep water out and light levels consistent—even after countless rinse cycles.
Dark spots and glare
Garages and wash bays need even light along lanes and walls. StormGuard’s optics spread light uniformly so cameras see better and customers feel safer.
Frequent relamping
Fluorescent strips flicker, buzz, and burn out. StormGuard LEDs deliver long life and instant start, including reliable performance in cold conditions.
Where StormGuard fits best
- Parking garages & ramps: even light improves navigation and camera visibility.
- Car wash bays: sealed against spray with bright, diffuse output for detailing.
- Food processing & cold storage: cleanable surfaces and dependable cold-start performance.
- Utility tunnels & mechanical rooms: durable, tamper-resistant illumination.
- Transit platforms & stairwells: consistent light levels help safety and wayfinding.
How to pick wattage (and get it right)
Start with mounting height and target foot-candles, then fine-tune on site. The quick guide below covers common garage and bay heights.
| Mounting Height | Recommended Wattage | Approx. Lumens | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 ft | 20–40W | 2,500–5,500 | Stairwells, utility rooms |
| 12–16 ft | 40–60W | 5,000–8,000 | Parking bays, corridors |
| 16–20 ft | 60–80W | 8,000–11,000 | Car wash bays, loading zones |
Quick sizing example
You’re lighting a 12-bay self-serve car wash with 14 ft mounting heights and a target of 15–20 fc. Start at 40–60W per bay from the chart, set CCT to 4000K for clean color, and space fixtures at ~1.1× mounting height. Fine-tune with the selectable wattage and a 0–10V dimmer to balance light levels and energy use.
Installation tips
- Mounting: surface-mount or suspend; keep lens seams oriented away from direct spray.
- Cable entries: use the provided grommets/conduit fittings to maintain the IP seal.
- Controls: for garages, pair with occupancy sensors (vacancy/dimming) to trim off-peak kWh.
- Chemical cleaners: verify lens compatibility and rinse per the cleaner manufacturer’s guidance.
- Spacing: start at 1.0–1.2× mounting height between fixtures for uniformity; adjust on site.
Pro tip: point lens seams away from the direct spray path and tighten latches evenly—preserving the seal is what keeps the IP rating intact.
Frequently asked questions
What does “vapor tight” mean?
It’s a sealed fixture design—gaskets, latches, and cable entries keep water and dust out so internal components last longer in wet or dirty areas.
Can StormGuard be used in car washes?
Yes. Select models are IP65/IP66 and designed for high-moisture environments. Check your model’s rating and orient fixtures to minimize direct jet pressure on seams.
Do I need special wiring?
Standard 120–277V is typical. Always maintain the sealed cable entry with the provided fittings to preserve the IP rating.
Are utility rebates available?
Many DLC-listed models qualify for rebates. Check local program requirements and product listings.
How do I size wattage?
Use the chart above as a starting point based on mounting height and target foot-candles. Then fine-tune using selectable wattage and dimming on site.
