Mark Jones
Choosing the right gasket material to seal lighting is essential to successful lighting design and to ensure a fixture’s longevity. Any seepage cause by an ill-fitted material could lead to component damage or even failure, often resulting in costly replacement fees. When selecting a suitable lighting sealing material for the most effective performance, here are the important qualities, properties and characteristics you’ll need to factor in:
Any substances, such as moisture and dust, that find their way into the seal could lower the performance of the sealing material and lead to gasket failure. Making sure that the lighting sealing material has a high sealing pressure, will keep substances out and allow a tight, strong seal between the sealing surfaces to be maintained for the long-term.
CB Frost is a specialist rubber and plastics manufacturer, supplying a comprehensive range of materials for varied industries, including lighting. For more information on choosing the right sealing material for lighting, you can visit the CB Frost website or discuss your requirements by calling (0)121 773 8494.
Fogging proves to be a significant problem in lighting as water condensation can build up to fog over the clear lighting covering and reduce performance. A sealing material with a non-fogging capability means that instead of water droplets forming on the lighting components’ surfaces, water is held in a non-scattering film.
Outgassing involves the release of a gas that’s become trapped or absorbed in some way into a material. In a closed environment where there is recirculated air, choosing a gasket material that has low outgassing properties will ensure that unwanted substances aren’t released to affect the environment.
An appropriate lighting sealing material needs to be extremely resilient to both high and low temperatures, to endure weather conditions and ensure safety around the electrical fixtures. That’s why any material you choose should be tested to and certified by industry standards for flammability.
Sealing for lighting should also have high UV properties to protect it from weakening under exposure from the o-zone.
A main property to consider when choosing the right sealing material for lighting, is its compressibility. A compressible material should tightly fill the space between the sealing surfaces, including any slight irregularities.
The more the material can be compressed under prolonged stress application, the better it can adapt to these irregularities, such as grooves or scratches. The following most commonly used gasket materials for lighting fixtures, have strong compression capabilities:
• EPDM
• Neoprene
• Polyethylene
• PVC
• Silicone
Silicone is an especially compressible material with excellent recovery rates and resistance to pressure. Find out more about the two recommended materials for lighting sealing, BISCO Silicone and PORON Urethane.
C B Frost & Co is an innovative and highly experienced rubber and plastics manufacturer and converter. Established in 1921 we have earned a reputation for our extensive product range, comprehensive...
