Ensuring Beauty that Lasts.

Since longevity is a requirement for heirloom quality fixtures, Hammerton outdoor lights are crafted with a keen eye toward both aesthetics and durability. Thoughtful design, as well as careful selection, preparation and finishing of materials, ensures that each fixture is as beautiful as it is long lasting.

Location and climate are the most important considerations in maximizing the lifespan of your outdoor light. Of course, aluminum is the ideal fabrication material in any climate because of its excellent resistance to corrosion and weathering. However, steel offers excellent design versatility, and is entirely suitable for many dry or damp outdoor locations in moderate climates.

Below is a detailed explanation of the materials selection, pre-treatment and finish processes we employ to ensure the longevity of Hammerton outdoor lights.

1 Outdoor Environment
Steel is suitable for outdoor lighting fixtures in most dry or damp locations, while aluminum is ideal for dry, damp or wet locations. Per UL standard 1598 for luminaries (Dec. 2004):

A dry location is one not normally subject to dampness, but may include a location subject to temporary dampness such as a building under construction, provided ventilation is adequate to prevent an accumulation of moisture.

A damp location is one that is normally or periodically subject to condensation of moisture in, on, or adjacent to electrical equipment, and includes partially protected locations.

A wet location is one in which water or other liquid can drip, splash or flow on or against electrical equipment.

2 Pre-Treatment
Pre-treating fixtures prior to finishing provides an added measure of resistance against weathering and corrosion. Our pre-treatment processes have been subjected to rigorous UV and salt spray tests to ensure effectiveness.

Zinc Plating is the process of coating steel with a thin zinc layer by passing the metal through an electro chemical process. The zinc, when exposed to the atmosphere, reacts with oxygen to form zinc carbonate that stops further corrosion, protecting the underlying steel from the elements. The advantages of zinc plating over galvanizing are control over zinc thicknesses, smoother surfaces and less damage to fragile parts.

Chromate conversion coating is the process of coating aluminum with a thin layer of chromate by passing the aluminum through a chromic acid bath. The chromate passivates the aluminum and acts as a corrosion inhibitor.

Large fixtures: Fixtures too large to fit in our zink plating or chromate tanks are sandblasted and pre-treated with a zinc-rich primer to maximize durability and weather resistance. These fixtures are rated only for dry and damp locations.

3 Finish
Hammerton uses high performance architectural powder coat finishes that are electro-statically applied and deliver an environmentally compliant coating that contributes towards LEED credits of the US Green Building Council. In addition to their excellent weather resistance, our outdoor finishes deliver superior hardness and chemical and corrosion resistance.

AAMA: Hammerton offers several AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) 2604 rated finishes that provide the highest standard of durability and weather resistance when combined with our pre-treatment processes.

Mottled Finishes: We’ve also pioneered a number of mottled powder coat finishes that closely resemble our traditional wet coat-mottled finishes and provide the durability, weather resistance and hardness suitable for an outdoor finish when combined with our pre-treatment processes.

Premium Finishes: Since our premium finishes can only be rated for dry locations, we do not offer them for outdoor fixtures.

4 Durability
We have invested significant time and energy to research, develop and implement industry-leading materials and practices to ensure that Hammerton leads the outdoor lighting market in fixture quality and durability. We subject our finishes to rigorous UV and salt spray testing to ensure that they meet the most stringent performance standards. Most of our lights can be built out of either steel or aluminum. Your sales representative can assist you with specific product information.

Good: Our steel fixtures qualify for a ‘good’ durability rating because of the inherent properties of steel. Hot dip galvanizing and AAMA rated powders go a long way to guard against corrosion, but the elements can have an impact over time depending upon fixture location and climate.

Best: Our aluminum fixtures qualify for a “best” durability rating because of the excellent corrosion resistance properties of aluminum and our pre-treatment and powder coating processes. While aluminum fixtures can corrode over time, Hammerton lights provide excellent longevity.

Regional Climate and Fixture Location Considerations:
Longevity is highly dependent on the regional climate and the weather exposure of the fixture. All other things being equal, an outdoor fixture hung on a north facing wall in Arizona will stand the test of time much better than a fixture hung on a south facing wall on a beach house in Hawaii.

Coastal: The most challenging environment for an outdoor fixture. Salty, humid ocean air will substantially decrease the longevity of the fixture. Don’t even think about using steel in this environment.

Humidity: Next to a coastal region, this is the second most challenging environment. Constant air moisture will weather a fixture over time, but without the corrosive effects of salt. Aluminum is the preferred solution for this environment.

Sun Exposure: All manufacturers’ finishes will dull with enough exposure to the sun. Lights hung on exposed south-facing walls will dull more quickly than lights hung on protected or north-facing walls. Based on extensive UV testing of our fixtures, we are confident you will get many years of enjoyment from Hammerton lights before you see any dulling of the finish.

To learn more about our color finishes, options and custom capabilities, click here >>