Car Wash LED Lighting Specifications Checklist 2026
IP Rating & Waterproofing
IP65 minimum rating for general areas CRITICAL
IP65 provides dust-tight and water jet protection. Non-negotiable for car wash environments.
IP66/IP67 for high-pressure zones CRITICAL
Areas exposed to pressure washing or potential flooding require higher ratings
IP68 rated cable glands CRITICAL
Water often enters through cable entry points. Use IP68 rated cable glands for all wire entries.
Sealed junction boxes CRITICAL
All electrical connections must be in IP65+ rated junction boxes
Silicone sealant at mounting points
Apply marine-grade silicone sealant around mounting brackets
Light Output & Efficiency
Luminous efficacy (lm/W)
Higher efficacy means more light per watt consumed. Look for 130+ lm/W for best efficiency.
Total lumen output CRITICAL
Match output to your space requirements. 100W=13K lm, 150W=20K lm, 200W=26K lm typical.
Color temperature
5000K-6500K provides best visibility and cleanliness perception for car washes
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
CRI 70+ for general areas, CRI 80+ for wax/polish application zones
Beam angle
90-120° for general coverage, narrower for spotlighting specific areas
Electrical Requirements
Input voltage range CRITICAL
Ensure compatibility with your building’s electrical system. Universal voltage (100-277V) covers most applications.
Power factor
Higher power factor (>0.9) means more efficient power usage and may qualify for utility incentives
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
Lower THD reduces stress on electrical systems and improves compatibility
Dimming capability
0-10V or DALI dimming for energy savings and flexibility
Surge protection
Built-in surge protection extends driver life in facilities with electrical fluctuations
Construction & Materials
Housing material
Die-cast aluminum with corrosion-resistant coating provides best durability
Lens material
Polycarbonate or tempered glass. Polycarbonate is impact-resistant, glass provides better light transmission
Gasket/seal material CRITICAL
Silicone or EPDM gaskets resist car wash chemicals and maintain seal integrity
Mounting hardware
Use 316 marine-grade stainless steel for all mounting brackets and fasteners
Heat dissipation
Adequate heat sinking extends LED life. Check for thermal management design
Certifications & Compliance
UL or ETL listing CRITICAL
Required for commercial installations in the US. Verifies safety testing by recognized laboratory
DLC certification
Required for most utility rebate programs. DLC Premium offers highest rebate eligibility
CE certification
Required for European markets, indicates compliance with EU safety standards
FCC compliance
Required in US to ensure no electromagnetic interference
IP rating verification CRITICAL
Verify IP rating is tested by recognized laboratory, not just manufacturer claim
Warranty & Support
Warranty length
5-10 year warranties are standard for quality commercial LED fixtures
Warranty coverage
Check what’s covered: LED array, driver, and housing should all be included
Technical support availability
Access to technical support for installation questions and troubleshooting
Replacement parts availability
Check if drivers and other components are replaceable and available
Installation Requirements
Mounting type compatibility CRITICAL
Verify fixture mounting matches your ceiling/wall configuration
Clearance requirements
Most fixtures need 6+ inches clearance for heat dissipation
Weight capacity CRITICAL
Ensure mounting surface and hardware can support fixture weight
Wire routing plan
Plan conduit routing before ordering fixtures
GFCI protection CRITICAL
All circuits in wet locations require GFCI protection