Can You Use Moving Head Beam Lights Outdoors?
, by Katy Chen, 11 min reading time
Can You Use Moving Head Beam Lights Outdoors?
Yes, you can definitely use moving head lights outdoors, but—and this is a huge but—only if you use a fixture specifically designed and rated for outdoor use. The key factor that determines whether a moving head beam light can safely operate outdoors is its IP rating. This universal standard is the single most important specification you need to understand before placing any lighting equipment outside.
The #1 Thing You Need to Know: The IP Rating
When shopping for moving head lights to use outdoors, nothing matters more than the IP rating. This seemingly small detail makes the difference between a successful outdoor light show and a costly equipment failure. Let's break down exactly what this rating means and why it's crucial for your outdoor lighting setup.
What is an IP Rating?
IP stands for "Ingress Protection," and it's a standardized system that measures how well a device is protected against solid particles (like dust) and liquids (like rain). Every electrical device designed for outdoor use should have an IP rating clearly marked on its specifications. For moving head beam lights, this rating tells you exactly how well the fixture can withstand outdoor conditions.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
An IP rating always consists of two digits. The first digit (ranging from 0-6) indicates protection against solid objects, from large body parts to fine dust. The second digit (ranging from 0-8) indicates protection against liquids, from dripping water to complete immersion. The higher each number, the better the protection.
| First Digit (Solids) | Protection Level | Second Digit (Liquids) | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against objects >50mm | 1 | Protected against dripping water |
| 2 | Protected against objects >12.5mm | 2 | Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Protected against objects >2.5mm | 3 | Protected against spraying water |
| 4 | Protected against objects >1mm | 4 | Protected against splashing water |
| 5 | Dust protected | 5 | Protected against water jets |
| 6 | Dust tight | 6 | Protected against powerful water jets |
| - | - | 7 | Protected against temporary immersion |
| - | - | 8 | Protected against continuous immersion |
The Magic Number: IP65
For most outdoor event use, you should be looking for a rating of IP65 or higher. An IP65 rating means your moving head light is completely dust-tight (6) and protected against water jets from any direction (5). In practical terms, this means the fixture can withstand heavy rain, dust storms, and other typical outdoor conditions without damage to the internal components. For more guidance, check out our article on where to buy professional moving heads.
Anything less than IP65 puts your equipment at serious risk when used outdoors. An IP54 rating, for example, only offers limited protection against dust and splashing water—not enough for reliable outdoor operation in changing weather conditions.
Indoor vs. Outdoor-Rated Lights: What's the Difference?
Indoor and outdoor moving head lights might look similar at first glance, but they're built very differently. Understanding these differences helps explain why you can't simply take an indoor light outside and expect it to perform safely.
Seals & Gaskets: Outdoor lights have waterproof rubber seals and gaskets at every joint, panel, and opening. These create watertight barriers that prevent moisture from reaching sensitive internal components.
Connectors: Outdoor fixtures use specialized waterproof power and DMX connectors, not the standard ones found on indoor models. These connectors maintain signal integrity even in wet conditions.
Casing: The housing on outdoor-rated moving heads is built with more robust materials and reinforced construction to withstand temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and physical impacts.
Cooling Systems: Outdoor fixtures have specially designed cooling systems that prevent moisture from entering while still allowing heat to escape.
Internal Components: The electronics inside outdoor fixtures often have additional conformal coatings or other moisture protection treatments.
These design differences explain why outdoor-rated moving head lights typically cost more than their indoor counterparts. You're not just paying for a label—you're investing in specialized engineering that protects your equipment in challenging environments.
A Dangerous Idea: Using an Indoor Light Outdoors
It might be tempting to save money by using your indoor moving head lights for an outdoor event, especially if the weather forecast looks good. However, this decision comes with significant risks that could end up costing you much more in the long run. Before making a decision, it's worth understanding the pros and cons of whether to rent or buy moving heads.
Warning: Using indoor-rated moving head lights outdoors will almost always void your warranty, leaving you with no recourse if the fixture fails due to moisture damage.
The Obvious Risk: Rain
The most apparent danger is rain. Even a light drizzle can introduce enough moisture to short-circuit and permanently damage an indoor moving head light. Water and electricity don't mix, and the sensitive electronics, motors, and optics inside these fixtures are particularly vulnerable to moisture damage.
The Hidden Risks
Morning Dew: Overnight temperature drops can cause condensation to form on and inside your fixtures.
High Humidity: In humid environments, moisture can gradually seep into fixtures even without visible rain.
Dust and Particulates: Outdoor environments contain dust, pollen, and other particles that can infiltrate indoor fixtures and damage moving parts or optics.
Temperature Fluctuations: Rapid heating and cooling can cause condensation inside the fixture, leading to moisture damage.
The Financial Risk
Voided Warranty: Manufacturers can easily detect water damage and will deny warranty claims.
Shortened Lifespan: Even if the fixture doesn't fail immediately, exposure to outdoor elements will significantly reduce its operational life.
Reliability Issues: Fixtures that have been exposed to moisture may develop intermittent problems that are difficult to diagnose and repair.
Event Failure: A light failing during an event can damage your reputation and lead to client dissatisfaction or refund requests.
Other Tips for Outdoor Lighting
Beyond selecting the right IP-rated moving head lights, there are several other considerations that will help ensure your outdoor lighting setup is safe, effective, and reliable. Knowing how to properly install your lights is key.
Power Considerations
Outdoor-Rated Power Cords: Use only extension cords specifically rated for outdoor use with proper grounding.
GFCI Protection: Always use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for outdoor setups to prevent electrical hazards.
Elevated Connections: Keep power connections off the ground where water can pool.
Weatherproof Junction Boxes: Use proper outdoor-rated enclosures for any connection points.
Mounting and Stability
Wind Rating: Ensure your mounting solution can withstand expected wind loads in your area.
Secure Fastening: Use appropriate clamps, safety cables, and mounting hardware rated for outdoor use.
Weight Distribution: Consider the additional weight of weatherproof fixtures when designing your support structures.
Angle Considerations: Position fixtures at slight downward angles where possible to help shed water.
Maintenance for Outdoor Fixtures
Regular Inspection: Check seals and gaskets for signs of wear or damage before each use.
Proper Storage: Store fixtures in dry conditions when not in use, even if they are rated for outdoor use.
Connector Care: Always use the provided caps or covers for connectors when they're not in use.
Cleaning: Gently clean external surfaces to prevent buildup of dirt that could compromise seals.
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Download Your Free PDFProtect Your Investment with Proper Outdoor Lighting
When it comes to using moving head beam lights outdoors, there's simply no substitute for fixtures with the proper IP65 or higher rating. While it might be tempting to save money by using indoor fixtures for "just one outdoor event," the risks to your equipment and your reputation are simply too great. Knowing how to sync your lights with music will also take your show to the next level.
Investing in quality outdoor-rated moving head lights isn't just about avoiding damage—it's about ensuring reliability, maintaining your professional reputation, and ultimately saving money through longer equipment life and fewer failures.
Don't let a little weather stop your show
At Any Case Gear, we stock a range of rugged, IP65-rated moving heads designed to handle the elements with confidence. For a quote on an all-weather package, send our expert team a message on WhatsApp.
