De-icing salts damage luminaires
Why choose stainless steel?
Outdoor lighting systems in mountain areas and beyond are often exposed to extremely aggressive weather conditions in winter. Among the most damaging factors is the de-icing salt used to keep roads safe during the winter months. But how does this road de-icing salt affect lighting fixtures, and why is stainless steel the ideal solution to protect the investment of designers and customers?
When de-icing salt (especially sodium or calcium chloride) is spread, it dissolves in the water, creating a highly corrosive solution. This solution is deposited on every surrounding surface, including lighting fixtures. The salt accelerates the corrosion of unprotected metals, rapidly reducing the life of the fixtures and compromising their function and aesthetics.
Outdoor lighting, mountain spotlights, mountain wall lights or especially public lighting are often subjected to continuous cycles of freezing and de-freezing, with consequent salt accumulation. Less resistant materials such as traditional steel or aluminium tend to corrode easily in these environments, making them unsuitable for long-term use.
It should also be considered that de-icing salts are also present at a considerable distance from roads. Salt is carried by rainfall even tens of kilometres inland. The wind is able to carry the droplets of water and chlorides tens or hundreds of metres. For these reasons, specific alloys must be used even in places seemingly protected from corrosion.
Stainless steel, in particular AISI 316L (also known as marine stainless steel), is the best choice for applications in mountain environments exposed to de-icing salts. This type of steel is highly resistant to corrosion due to the presence of molybdenum, which enhances protection against aggressive external agents.
This is why AISI 316L stainless steel stands out:
- Corrosion resistance: unlike normal steel, stainless steel forms a passivating chromium oxide film that protects it from corrosive salt attacks.
- Durability: stainless steel can resist for decades without deteriorating, keeping both the structure and aesthetics of the luminaires intact.
- Ease of maintenance and cleaning: it does not require special protective treatments such as painting or additional coatings, making it an economical choice in the long run.
In environments exposed to extreme conditions such as the mountains, it is essential to choose materials that guarantee consistent performance over time. Outdoor luminaires made of 316L stainless steel are designed to withstand environmental challenges, such as de-icing salt, without compromising on quality and efficiency. They not only ensure a long life, but also maintain an elegant design, ideal for blending into any mountain landscape.
For those working in a mountain area or any environment exposed to de-icing salts, investing in stainless steel outdoor luminaires is a wise choice. This material offers strength, durability and sustainability, protecting installations from damage and guaranteeing a long-term economic return. Choosing quality today means avoiding expensive replacement or maintenance tomorrow.
