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Coloured LED "filament" lamps for external use ?

broadgage
I am about to put up my Christmas lights, which this year will include a mains voltage festoon of the traditional type. 40 B22 lamp holders moulders onto tough rubber cable.

I propose to use coloured LED "filament" lamps made by BELL LIGHTING.

These give an impressive light for only 4 watts, and in very striking saturated colours.


On receiving the lamps, I am rather concerned to observe that they are "for indoor use only"

Does anyone know why ? they certainly look waterproof, with a glass bulb directly sealed to the metal cap, and with only 4 watts wont get hot enough for cold rain to shatter the glass.

I am inclined to use them, but don't like ignoring the instructions.

The festoon will  be connected to the mains via an isolating transformer to prevent any electric shock to earth, and an RCD as a second line of defence.

LED lamps
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    In general, if any part of the string of lights carries mains voltage then the rule is that it is suitable for indoor use only. If the string carries a maximum of a small fraction of mains voltage it is OK for outdoor use, subject to it being of such design that it will not be disaffected by damp conditions and that the mains plug and step-down transformer are kept indoors or within a rainproof enclosure.


    The glass may not get hot enough for rain to cause it to shatter but glass can shatter from other causes, e.g. mechanical impact.


    Even with indoor use of decoration light sets there can be concerns about possible electric shock. With the older style of lighting set, using MES or LES lamps, there was the slight risk that metal foil, such as a sliver of tinsel, could touch metal between the lamp and lamp-holder, making a substantial part of the decor live. This concern was addressed in later designs using capless lamps and keeping all live parts well enclosed.


    I think that Broadgage is OK to use these lights in the manner described. The "belt and braces" precautions employed are beyond what the manufacturer would have envisaged in its instructions.
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    In general, if any part of the string of lights carries mains voltage then the rule is that it is suitable for indoor use only. If the string carries a maximum of a small fraction of mains voltage it is OK for outdoor use, subject to it being of such design that it will not be disaffected by damp conditions and that the mains plug and step-down transformer are kept indoors or within a rainproof enclosure.


    The glass may not get hot enough for rain to cause it to shatter but glass can shatter from other causes, e.g. mechanical impact.


    Even with indoor use of decoration light sets there can be concerns about possible electric shock. With the older style of lighting set, using MES or LES lamps, there was the slight risk that metal foil, such as a sliver of tinsel, could touch metal between the lamp and lamp-holder, making a substantial part of the decor live. This concern was addressed in later designs using capless lamps and keeping all live parts well enclosed.


    I think that Broadgage is OK to use these lights in the manner described. The "belt and braces" precautions employed are beyond what the manufacturer would have envisaged in its instructions.
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