Bulkhead outdoor lights are the tough, sealed round and oval fittings you see under carports, along passages and on outbuilding walls. They are cheap, robust and give a soft, even glow. OutdoorLighting.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form describing the bulkhead lights you need, and we pass it to independent local lighting suppliers, electricians and installers, who quote you directly. We do not sell, stock, install or repair anything ourselves, and there is no fee or obligation. Tell us where the fittings go and how many you need.
Round, oval and grille bulkheads
Round outdoor lights and oval bulkheads do the same job; the shape is mostly a matter of looks and fixing space. Common options include:
- Round bulkheads: a neat choice for outdoor lights on ceilings, such as carports, stoeps and covered walkways
- Oval bulkheads: the classic wall fitting for passages, back doors and outbuildings
- Grille or eyelid bulkheads: a cage or hood over the diffuser for extra protection and less glare
- Sensor bulkheads: with a built-in motion or microwave sensor for stairwells and side gates
Vandal resistance and IK ratings
Bulkheads are popular in estates, schools and public buildings because they can take a knock. Look for a polycarbonate diffuser rather than glass, which can crack or shatter. The IK rating measures impact resistance: IK08 suits most homes, while IK10 is the usual choice where vandalism or ball games are a risk. Tamper-proof screws help too, and a fitting mounted out of easy reach lasts longer in passages and stairwells. Combine bulkheads with security lights where you need brighter cover over a gate or yard.
Weatherproofing and LED options
A good bulkhead is rated IP65, sealed against dust and jets of water, which matters for Highveld storms and coastal humidity. Older bulkheads took a screw-in lamp; most modern versions are integrated LED, using roughly 8 to 18 W and lasting many years. A UV-stabilised diffuser will not yellow in the sun. For more on sealing ratings, see our waterproof outdoor lights page, and for lamp choices, LED outdoor lighting.
Installation and replacements
Swapping an old bulkhead for an LED one on the same point is quick and inexpensive. New ceiling points in a carport or new circuits need a registered electrician and a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). For a body corporate replacing dozens of fittings, ask for a per-unit price and a site visit, and agree one fitting style so replacements match across the complex. Keep a few spares in the store room for quick swaps. If existing fittings flicker or trip, our outdoor lighting repairs page explains what to tell an electrician.
What to include in your request
- Count the fittings and say wall or ceiling
- Choose round, oval or grille style
- State the IK rating needed for public areas
- Say whether you want built-in sensors
- Mention if you are replacing existing fittings
Bulkhead Lights for different properties
- Homes: round bulkheads under the carport and oval ones along the side passage
- Estates and complexes: vandal-resistant bulkheads on stairwells, walkways and parking bays across the complex
- Farms and smallholdings: sealed bulkheads on sheds, stables, workshops and staff housing
- Shops and offices: ceiling bulkheads in covered parking, service corridors and loading areas
- Industrial sites: heavy-duty IK10 bulkheads on walls, stairs and plant rooms
- Lodges, guesthouses and venues: discreet bulkheads on chalet stoeps, service paths and back-of-house areas
- Municipalities, schools and clubs: tamper-proof bulkheads in schools, clinics, ablutions and taxi ranks
Frequently asked questions
Does OutdoorLighting.co.za sell bulkhead lights?
Can bulkhead lights be mounted on a ceiling?
What IK rating do I need for a bulkhead?
How much do bulkhead outdoor lights cost?
Bulkhead Lights by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester