Money saving but not officially supported… but I do it
If you’re already part of the Philips Hue gang and you want to take your smart lighting outdoors, you’re not alone.
Hue offers a range of outdoor-focused bulbs and fittings, but the cost can be pretty daunting. $100 for the likes of the Inara or Lucca, or over $160 for more premium models like the Appear or Econic, is a hefty outlay for an outdoor light fitting, albeit a pretty snazzy looking one.
So, here’s a confession: I’ve been using regular Hue indoor bulbs outdoors for years.
To be more precise I’ve got a pair of White and Color Ambience A19/B22 bulbs on the wall outside by kitchen lighting up the patio and a trio of GU19 bulbs on the soffit of my garage.
The patio ones are housed in St Ives Swan Neck Light fittings – IP44 rated – from Garden Trading and the garage ones are in IP65 rated downlight casings.
They have lived in these fittings for nearly 6 years now, I’ve never had a single issue with them. Plus, they help to extend my Zigbee range to my garden office, which has a bunch of Hue lights.
These indoor bulbs have delivered the full smart lighting experience – color shifts, schedules, and all – without a hitch.
But here’s the catch: doing this comes with risks.
The case for indoor Hue bulbs outdoors
Yes, you can use indoor Hue bulbs outdoors, provided you’re mindful of the environment they’re placed in.
My own Hue bulbs have lasted through seasons of rain, snow, and heat.
The key? They’re installed in outdoor-rated fixtures that offer protection from the elements, shielding the bulbs from direct exposure to moisture.
Essentially, I’m getting the benefits of Hue’s outdoor ambiance – at a fraction of the cost.
In the time before Hue, I had regular indoor bulbs in outdoor fittings so I didn’t think it’d cause too much of a problem switching these dumb indoor bulbs for smart indoor bulbs.
Official limitations: Why Signify recommends against it
Philips Hue’s parent company doesn’t officially support indoor bulbs in outdoor conditions for good reason.
Indoor bulbs aren’t designed for the extreme temperatures or potential exposure to moisture that outdoor lights are built to endure.
Extended heat or exposure to rain, for example, can damage both the bulbs and the circuitry over time, especially during temperature spikes or dips.
And anything that’s electrical and gets damaged is dangerous. That’s the case both inside and outside your home.
So be sure, if you’re thinking of using regular Hue lights outdoors, that you not only use weatherproof fittings as mentioned above, but also make sure your wiring is up to date and meets the modern standards.
If something was to go wrong… a frayed wire, a rusty socket, water ingress and the like… you’d want to be sure your electrical circuits trip and shut-down as they should.
You should also be aware that using Hue indoor bulbs outside voids any warrant, since the bulbs will be are considered “misused” when installed outside.
My personal experience: Why it’s worked (so far)
Over the years, I’ve faced everything from freezing winters to scorching summers, and my standard Hue bulbs have survived it all.
That’s not only because I’ve used outdoor-specific housing for them but the Hue bulbs themselves, even the basic indoor ones, are designed to be operational in temperatures from -20°C to 45°C.
Things to keep in mind
- Protection from moisture: Ensure your outdoor fixtures are fully sealed to keep out rain and humidity, which are deal-breakers for non-IP-rated bulbs. And be sure to check on them periodically to make sure there’s no damage.
- Accept the warranty risk: As with any workaround, there’s a degree of risk, especially regarding warranty coverage. Make sure you’re okay with the possibility that Philips won’t replace an indoor bulb used outdoors if it fails prematurely.
- Test first: Before committing, try a single bulb in an outdoor fixture during a weather-intensive season to see how it performs. This trial approach will help you know what to expect long-term.
In the end, there are no guarantees with this setup, but if it works for you, then it’s an easy and cheaper way to enjoy Hue lighting across your outdoor spaces.
Be safe
Remember though, that there’s a reason Hue advises against all of this, and that extends to more than just wanting you to buy the pricier outdoor models.
At best, it will probably shorten the life span of the indoor bulbs as extreme heat will take its toll on the circuitry. At worse, you could cause a serious situation if you don’t use proper outdoor fittings and/or have circuit breakers installed on your home’s wiring.
Using a Hue bulb which is designed to live indoors outdoors is a small enough risk already, so be sure to safeguard around it buy properly protecting it.
