Plastic Globes for Outdoor Lights: 4 Steps to Choosing the Best Fixture

You might assume choosing the perfect plastic globe for an outdoor light fixture is a quick and easy task, but after you see the high quantity of plastic globes available you might think the task is in reality daunting. We’re here to tell you: “of course the task of picking out the best plastic globes for your outdoor light fixtures is not daunting!” but the task is significantly easier and quicker if you know what you’re working with and what you’re looking for.

When it comes to plastic globes for outdoor lights, there are many styles and sizes to pick from. Style decisions are usually pretty easy to make, but specifications depend on the location and application of your outdoor light. First, you need to determine what kind of globe you want. Then, you need to figure out how big the globe should be to fit the light fixture in question. Next, you need to consider whether acrylic or polycarbonate is best for your application.

In just 4 easy steps we’re going to tell you how to choose the best plastic globes for your outdoor lights:

Step One: Pick a Style

Are you replacing a plastic globe? If so, then you must make sure you buy the right style globe. Here are the styles you have to pick from:

• Neckless
• Round Threaded Lip
• Round Plain Lip
• Jelly Jar Plain Lip
• Acorn (Street Lamps)

Threaded Lip Openings:

3.25-inch opening and 6-inch in diameter (height of the globe) available in clear acrylic, clear ribbed acrylic, smoke acrylic, white acrylic, or white lexan polycarbonate.

Neckless Openings:

Diameters ranging between 8-inches and 22-inches. Fixed to the top of light poles and secured to a fitter with clamps, springs and screws. Available in acrylic, clear ribbed and smoke acrylic

Plain Lip Openings:

4, 6, 10, and 12-inch diameters with 3.25-inch and 4-inch openings. Held in place with thumbscrews. Available in white acrylic, clear acrylic, ribbed acrylic and smoke acrylic.

Step Two: Determine How Big Your Globe Should Be

If you are replacing a plastic globe, you must measure the opening of the globe to determine what size globe to buy. Measure the height of the globe by sticking a tape measure through the globe’s opening down to the bottom. Measure the width of the opening at the top.

Step Three: Choose Acrylic or Polycarbonate

Acrylic:

Pros:

• Does not yellow over time
• Optical clarity can be restored with polishing

Cons:

• Durable, but not as durable as polycarbonate
• Breaks easier than polycarbonate
• More likely to chip and has less impact resistance

Polycarbonate:

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Doesn’t shatter when dropped

Cons:

• Poorer quality than acrylic
• Yellow over time

Step 4: Find a Supplier Who Has What You Need

View superior lighting’s entire collection of acrylic and polycarbonate light globes on our website. If you have questions about the plastic light globes our company supplies or you need assistance choosing the right globe for your light application, then do not hesitate to reach out to superior lighting’s friendly and helpful staff. Call us at 1-888-577-1894 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a lighting expert today.