Weatherproof Outdoor Electric Heaters

All outdoor electric heaters are weatherproof to a degree. There is an important distinction between "weatherproof" and "waterproof". 

Most outdoor electric heaters are not waterproof and are not advisable to be installed in an area where rain will be directly on the unit. However, they can handle water splashes and are weatherproof enough to be installed outside under a roof. They have a water resistance rating of IPX4.

Please use the water-resistance filters ("Splash Resistant" for IPX4 or "Moderate Rain Resistant" or "Heavy Rain Resistant" for higher water resistance ratings) to narrow down products with the best water resistance rating for your application.

Understanding Water Resistance Ratings

Let's start with definitions. Ingress protection ratings or IP ratings, refer to the level of protection offered by an electrical enclosure, against solids and liquids.

For Ingress Protection Ratings, the first digit denotes the level of protection against dust, this can be any number from 0 to 6. The second digit denotes the level of water resistance which can be any number from 0 to 9.

However, since all electric heaters are designed to be used outdoors, the lowest water resistance rating starts at 4.

IPX4 means that the electric patio heater is protected from water splashes from all directions, limited water entry does not prevent the patio heater from operating.

IPX5 means that the electric patio heater is protected from sustained, low-pressure water jets from all directions, such as light to moderate rain. Limited water entry is also possible but it will not affect regular operation.

IPX6 means that the electric patio heater is protected from powerful jets of water from any direction, such as heavy rain or water splashing on ship decks. Heaters with this rating are not affected by natural elements and can be safely installed in any location outdoors.