Headquartered in Southampton, at Home Technology Experts we have been designing and installing luxury outdoor systems since our inception.

Our system designers are sometimes asked if outdoor products are necessary. These solutions are more expensive than their interior counterparts, and it is understandable that prospective clients want to understand why. Below are the four reasons to use products designed for exterior use.

SAFETY

The most important reason is for the safety of your family and property.  Using products designed for interior use outdoors can be dangerous.  Interior products are not held to the same safety ratings.  If water gets into the casing of a powered electronic, it can become a fire hazard.

Outdoor products meet building code requirements for external use.

WEATHERPROOF

Waterproof is not weatherproof. Many of our manufacturers make both waterproof and weatherproof products.  Waterproof means it can withstand water from a nozzle in any direction hitting the device without causing damage.  These products usually have an IP65- IP67 rating. Weatherproof products often have an IP68 or IP69 rating meaning that it can handle high-pressure water (rain/wind mix), extreme temperatures and can prevent dirt, sand, and dust from entering the unit. Weatherproof products can withstand the extreme temperatures, storms, and pollen in the Hamptons that waterproof products cannot.

DESIGN

Many products are used differently in exterior systems, and thus the outdoor versions are designed differently.  Think about outdoor speakers. Typically, speakers are found in the wall or ceiling throughout a home, so audio is coming from above.  While HTE does offer surface mount outdoor speakers for covered patios, this solution is not an option for certain applications. Landscape speakers are designed to project audio upwards while blending into the foliage.  

Televisions are rarely placed in front of an open window or directly under a skylight.  If done as a last resort our system designers heavily advise blackout shades to prevent the sun’s rays from interfering with the perceived picture.  In our article, Do I Really Need an Outdoor TV, we discuss the fact that outdoor televisions are designed to be incredibly bright to compensate for sunlight.  The screens on outdoor displays are also coated to prevent glare and fog.

WARRANTY

Not using a product as recommended, voids the warranty. Outdoor electronics are more expensive but typically have impressive warranties.  Many of our exterior audio and lighting manufacturers offer lifetime warranties.

LEARN MORE

Click on the product groups below to view the manufacturers tested and selected by our engineers.