Climate considerations: heat, salt and freeze-thaw

A permanent lighting system that thrives in one climate can fail early in another. The differences are in the details.

Hard winters Ice dams and snow load dictate channel placement. A good installer will move a planned run rather than mount it where meltwater collects, and will specify enclosures that tolerate deep cold.

Extreme heat Power supplies should be derated and mounted in shade or ventilated enclosures. UV-stable channel finishes matter, and so does thermal expansion allowance on long runs.

Coastal and salt air Stainless fasteners, sealed connections and corrosion-resistant hardware are not upgrades in a marine environment — they are the baseline. Ask specifically what is specified.