Lighting Shaded Living Areas with Makel IP44 & IP55 Solutions

Lighting Shaded Living Areas: Why Makel’s IP44 & IP55 Solutions Really Matter

The first thing you'll usually notice when walking into a covered area such as a partially enclosed balcony, or a breezy corner of your patio or veranda, is that it feels protected but is not entirely indoors. In shaded areas natural light is reduced significantly - anywhere from about 40% to 60% less than in totally uncovered spaces depending upon the direction sunlight hits the area and the amount of shading provided by your building's roof structure.

At first glance, you may also notice that materials (such as electrical devices) behave differently in these areas due to changes in temperature, humidity, etc. As well, you will likely find that switches and outlets in these areas receive more use (and wear) due to the presence of humidity, dust and temperature fluctuations than many homeowners are aware of. This article will explore the proper use of lighting in semi-shaded (or semi-exposed) spaces and where Makel's IP44 and IP55 switch and outlet families fit into the picture. It won't be a "technical" piece... more of a conversation with someone who has installed numerous fixtures on shaded balconies that have had side rain fall on them.

Why Semi-Outdoors Aren't Really Indoors or Totally Exposed

There's a middle ground between being indoors and outdoors when it comes to semi-outdoor living spaces. While you're somewhat safe from the elements, there is always some type of weather condition present.

How Light Behaves in Shaded Spaces

When comparing the intensity of natural light in a shaded area versus an unshaded area, the shade generally reduces the intensity of natural light in the shaded area by approximately 50%. However, the exact degree of reduction depends on several factors including the angle of the sun relative to the space, and the depth of the roof above the space. Because humans adapt to these types of conditions, you may not even realize the reduced amount of light. However, once you take a photograph of the space, you will immediately recognize the "underlit" effect.

Moisture Is a Sneaky Enemy

While shaded spaces aren't going to experience full rainfall, the humidity and moisture that does exist within shaded spaces can cause problems with ordinary switches and outlets. For example, while a typical indoor switch may survive for a few months to possibly a year, the tiny clicks, yellowing, or oxidation will eventually become apparent.

That's where Makel's IP-rated switch and outlet families begin to earn their stripes.

Anyway... Let's Break Down the IP Stuff Without Turning it Into an Engineering Course.

IP Ratings Explained the Way a Regular Person Would Explain Them

You likely know what IP stands for (ingress protection), however, the numbers are the part that really matter.

IP44

• Protection against splashing water and solid particles larger than 1 mm

• Useful for "weather-protected but still semi-outdoor" areas

• Consider it "as long as you're not spraying water right at it"

IP55

• Protection against low pressure water jets and powerful dust

• Suitable for areas that face rain driven by the wind or areas subjected to hose cleaning

• Think of it as "it was made for this"... sort of.

What many people miss is assuming every item must be IP55. That would be equivalent to wearing hiking boots to go grocery shopping... sometimes appropriate; sometimes overkill.

Where Makel IP44 Makes Perfect Sense

Makel's IP44 series is specifically created for those "protected-but-not-completely" living spaces. These products are designed with a style that is close to indoor styles, which is why architects tend to prefer them.

Spaces Where Makel IP44 Works Well

• Closed-in balconies and/or winter gardens

• Covered verandas protected from direct rain

• Pergola areas that are not subjected to water sprays

• Outdoor walkways that are occasionally splashed

• Shaded seating areas adjacent to a living room

Makel's IP44 series of switches and outlets are slender and visually warm and tend to blend with residential interior environments better than industrial outdoor equipment. Just the aesthetic aspect of Makel's indoor-style framing and rounded edges contributes greatly to the ambiance of shaded living spaces intended to feel comfortable.

Aesthetic Advantages People Don't Talk About Enough

Makel's thin profile, warm tones, and curved edges help to avoid the "utility closet" look. Many competing IP44 models appear cumbersome. Makel maintains elegance.

Where Makel IP55 Quietly Turns Out to Be a Wiser Decision

Now we get to the areas where moisture is unpredictable. There are morning dew, wind-blown rain, cleaning water and spaces where people believe are protected until they're not.

Install Makel IP55 in:

• Balconies with no walls on either side

• Outdoor kitchens or grilling stations

• Areas with rain falling diagonally

• Wall outlets adjacent to gardens

• Outlets subject to routine cleaning with water

• Utility corridors and exterior entry points

Why Makel IP55 Performed Better Long-Term

Regular outlets have shorter lifespans in humid and dusty areas. Makel's IP55 family utilizes reinforced gaskets, tight seals, sealed covers and corrosion-resistant parts. It's not just marketing hype - it will truly extend the lifespan of the product.

Many electricians say "IP55 is 'future you thanking' you," and I'm afraid they're right.

Lighting Plans That Will Give Shaded Spaces an Actual Life

Using Makel IP-rated switches and outlets is only half the battle. Lighting plans represent the remaining half.

Layer the Light - Don't Count On Any Single Fixture To Do All The Work

1. Ambient Lighting

Soft and indirect lighting fixtures are best suited for ambient lighting in a shaded space. Examples include LED strip lights mounted underneath balcony railings, wall grazing lights that reflect light off of textured surfaces, or ceiling-mounted low-glare lights provide a consistent base layer of light.

2. Task Lighting

Task lighting provides focused lighting for specific tasks. For example, task lighting would be beneficial for a reading nook, an outdoor cooking station, or a decorative console table. Makel-controlled sconces or spotlights can provide focused lighting without overpowering the space.

3. Accent Lighting

Accent lighting provides small amounts of lighting to enhance shaded spaces during nighttime hours. Up-lights, warm-toned LEDs surrounding plant displays, or lantern-style lighting fixtures can make shaded spaces attractive at night. Sometimes the small accent lighting fixtures do a lot more work than the primary fixture...

The Importance of Using Proper Materials

Materials used in semi-outdoor living spaces must endure very slight but consistent environmental stress.

Look for the following materials when selecting fixtures for your semi-outdoor space:

• UV resistant plastic

• Powder-coated metal

• Sealed diffuser and gasket designs

• Corrosion-resistant hardware

• Glass diffusers that do not yellow

As luck would have it, all of the durability-related features mentioned above are incorporated into Makel's IP55 cover and outdoor line accessories. That's why they remain durable despite extreme temperatures for years.

Common Errors People Keep Making (But Makel Can Help Prevent)

Error #1: Installing Low-IP Devices Near Open Edges

Even though you may not see the rain coming, wind blown moisture can still reach the wall. Makel's IP55 completely eliminates this problem.

Error #2: Ignoring Splash Zones

Splash-back caused by outdoor sink use, hoses, or watering plants can occur unexpectedly. Makel's IP55 sealed covers protect against water intrusion.

Error #3: Mounting Fixtures Too Far Back Under Shade

Interestingly, mounting fixtures too far back under the shade can create uneven light distribution during evening hours. A little bit of space actually helps.

How to Choose Between Makel IP44 and IP55 (Simple Rule)

If water might reach the spot → choose Makel IP55.
If the area is mostly protected → choose Makel IP44.
If you’re unsure → you're probably describing an IP55 scenario.

FAQ

Are Makel IP44 products safe for balconies?

If the balcony is fully or mostly covered, yes. For open balconies, Makel IP55 is safer.

Do Makel IP55 switches look bulky?

Not really. Makel’s design team found a good balance between protection and aesthetics.

Can I mix IP44 and IP55 in one shaded space?

Yes. Many installers use Makel IP55 near openings and IP44 closer to interior walls.

Is Makel’s outdoor line more expensive?

Slightly, but the lifespan often doubles in semi-outdoor environments.

Do shaded areas always need IP-rated switches?

If moisture or dust is present - which is almost always - IP-rated Makel products are the reliable choice.