Moisture-Proof LED Lights for Wet Areas in Food Factories in Vietnam

In wash areas and wet processing areas of food factories in Vietnam, open light fittings draw steam, dust and insects right up to the tube. The simple fix is to switch to moisture-proof LED fittings with a plastic housing, a sealed diffuser cover and locking clips. PRIMEAG supplies 0.6 m sets with 10 W tubes and 1.2 m sets with 20 W tubes, in single or twin versions.

Why open fittings cause trouble in wet areas

Wash areas, pre-processing areas and cold stores always have steam. Open fittings leave the tube bare, so moisture condenses into droplets and dust sticks to it as a slimy layer that is hard to wipe off.

Dead insects stay inside the fitting, and the sheet-metal reflector gradually rusts at the edges.

Construction of a sealed moisture-proof fitting

Moisture-proof, waterproof LED fittings consist of a plastic housing and a clear ribbed plastic diffuser cover. The cover is sealed with locking clips along the housing, with a rubber gasket inside. Each set comes with G13 LED tubes.

The sealed housing keeps out steam, dust and insects; cleaning only requires wiping the cover, without removing the whole fitting.

Read the IP rating before installing in washdown areas

Under IEC 60529, IPx5 means protection against water jets, IPx6 against powerful water jets, and IPx7 against immersion in water up to 1 m for 30 minutes.

IPx7 does not include protection against water jets. Areas with pressure hoses should use fittings explicitly rated IPx5 or IPx6. The IP rating and cover material of each code follow the supplier’s datasheet; request it when ordering.

Layout principles

• Above stainless tables: with a wall-mounted inox 304 frame table (optional stainless top and stainless sink tray), mount 1.2 m fittings along the length of the table.
• Offset from open product: as a general principle, do not hang fittings directly above uncovered product trays; offset them towards the table edge or the aisle.
• Cable routing: bring cables in from below or form a drip loop so water does not run along the cable into the fitting.
• Metal frames: must be connected to the protective earth conductor as required by electrical safety regulations.

Cleaning covers with the right chemicals

Covers are usually polycarbonate (PC); wipe them with a damp cloth or alcohol. PC is not compatible with acetone, ammonia, strong alkalis and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Concentrated alkaline cleaners used for floors and equipment must not be sprayed onto light covers. Yellowed or greasy covers reduce illuminance, so include cover cleaning in the 5S schedule.

Lighting on assembly workbench frames: see poorly lit workstations: desk lamps and shelf-mounted LED lights. Bench and rack materials for food areas: inox 201 or 304 for food and pharma areas.

Periodic self-check

1. Count the locking clips on each fitting: one open clip means the fitting is no longer water- and dust-tight.
2. Inspect the cover: water or insects inside mean the gasket is misaligned or hardened.
3. When replacing tubes, check the rubber gasket; replace it if it is hardened or torn.
4. Replacement tubes must be G13 LED tubes of the correct length and wattage, with the same wiring type as the fitting.

Frequently asked questions

Can moisture-proof LED fittings be used in high-pressure washdown areas? Only if the datasheet of that fitting code states IPx5 or IPx6. IPx7 means immersion resistance and does not replace water-jet protection.

Single or twin 1.2 m fittings for a food pre-processing area? Above work tables, 1.2 m single fittings are usual; aisles and general lighting use 1.2 m twin fittings. Measure with a lux meter at the table surface before deciding.

What chemicals are safe for cleaning LED light covers? Use a damp cloth or alcohol. Avoid acetone, ammonia-based glass cleaners and concentrated alkaline cleaners, as the polycarbonate cover will cloud and crack.

Updated: 20/10/2026 — PRIMEAG engineering team