Bulkhead Lights

Bulkhead lights are built for places where reliability matters more than flair. A bulkhead light fitting encloses the light source in a robust housing of polycarbonate or metal, protecting it from moisture, dust, and impact in environments where a standard ceiling fitting simply wouldn't last. Browse our full range below, including standard bulkheads for everyday general lighting and emergency bulkheads with battery backup for escape route compliance.

Find Quality Bulkhead Lighting at Lyco

Bulkhead fitting was originally designed to survive the punishing environment of a ship's hull, and that heritage of toughness still defines the category today. A well-specified LED bulkhead light will run reliably for years in conditions that would defeat most domestic fittings, such as damp stairwells, dusty plant rooms, busy communal hallways, covered car parks exposed to frost and condensation, and external walls facing the full force of British weather.

For outdoor use, IP rating is the first thing to check. Outdoor bulkhead lights should carry a minimum IP65 rating, which means they are fully dustproof and protected against water jets from any direction; making it adequate for wall-mounted external use in all typical UK weather conditions. 

For locations near hosepipes, power washers, or standing water, IP66 or IP67 offers a higher margin of protection. An IP65 bulkhead light is the most widely specified choice across commercial and residential external applications.

For indoor use in dry areas, a lower IP rating such as IP44 or IP54 is generally sufficient. These still provide protection against splashing water and dust ingress, which is appropriate for communal areas in residential buildings, HMOs, and light commercial premises.

The choice between a standard bulkhead and an emergency bulkhead often comes down to the building type and its legal obligations. 

Standard bulkheads are general-purpose LED bulkhead light fittings that provide normal mains-powered illumination.

Emergency bulkheads include a battery backup that activates automatically when mains power is lost, illuminating escape routes for a minimum of three hours, which is a legal requirement in most non-domestic buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. 

All orders over £70 qualify for free delivery, with same-day dispatch across the Lyco bulkhead light UK range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bulkhead light, and where is it used?

A bulkhead light is a surface-mounted fitting with a sealed, enclosed housing that protects the light source from moisture, dust, and physical impact. The housing is typically round or oval and made from polycarbonate or die-cast aluminium with a frosted diffuser. Bulkhead lights are used wherever a standard fitting would be inadequate, such as external walls and entrances, communal stairwells, car parks, covered walkways, utility rooms, plant rooms, and anywhere subject to damp or dust. 

What IP rating do I need for an outdoor bulkhead light?

For standard external wall mounting, a minimum of IP65 is recommended. IP65 means the fitting is fully protected against dust and against water jets from any direction, which covers rain, garden hoses, and cleaning. For harsher environments (near high-pressure washers, in areas prone to flooding, or coastal locations subject to salt spray), IP66 or IP67 offers greater protection against powerful water jets and temporary submersion, respectively. Always match the IP rating of the fitting to the actual conditions of the installation rather than defaulting to the minimum.

Can bulkhead lights be used on ceilings as well as walls?

Yes. Most bulkhead light fittings are designed to be surface-mounted on either a wall or a ceiling, and the internal wiring is typically arranged to accommodate both orientations. In communal stairwells and covered car parks, ceiling-mounted bulkheads are common because they provide more even light distribution across the floor area. Wall-mounted installations are more typical for external entrances and corridors. Check the individual product specification to confirm both mounting options are supported before ordering.

Are LED bulkhead lights cheaper to run than older fluorescent versions?

Yes, considerably. A traditional fluorescent bulkhead might draw 28W–58W to produce a given light output. An equivalent LED bulkhead light fitting typically draws 8W–18W for comparable or superior lumen output, which translates to running cost reductions of 60–70% over the lifetime of the installation. 

LED bulkheads also have a significantly longer operational lifespan (typically 25,000–50,000 hours compared to 8,000–15,000 hours for fluorescent equivalents), which reduces replacement frequency and maintenance costs, particularly relevant for large buildings with many fittings.

Do I need planning permission to install an external bulkhead light?

In most cases, no. Fitting a replacement or additional light fitting to an external wall of a domestic or commercial property is generally considered permitted development and does not require planning permission, provided the installation does not materially alter the appearance of a listed building or fall within a protected area that’s subject to additional restrictions. 

If you are in a conservation area, working on a listed building, or making significant changes to a commercial façade, it is worth checking with your local planning authority before proceeding.

Do you sell bulkhead lights near me?

Lyco delivers bulkhead lights across the full UK mainland, with next working day delivery as standard and free delivery on all orders over £70. Same-day dispatch applies to most in-stock products, so your bulkhead light UK order will typically arrive the following working day regardless of where you're based.