Myth 101: “The Lights Are Best Placed Inside the Cage”

It is a widespread misconception that placing light bulbs directly inside terrariums or cages provides the most effective illumination and heat. In reality, this practice is against EU electrical installation norms and poses serious safety risks.

Key Regulatory Frameworks in the EU

EU electrical installation rules are governed by several directives and standards:

• Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): 

  Requires that electrical equipment operates safely under normal use, including protection against electric shock, fire, and overheating. A bulb inside a terrarium risks condensation and direct contact with water or substrate, which breaches this directive.

• Ecodesign Directive (EU 2019/2020): 

  Focuses on energy efficiency and safe design of light sources. It does not permit unsafe enclosures or installations that expose electrical components to moisture.

• IEC/EN 60598 (Luminaires Standard): 

  Requires luminaires to be tested for ingress protection (IP rating). For terrariums, an IP65 or higher rating is typically required (dust-tight and water-resistant). Standard household bulbs without protective housing do not meet this requirement.

Why It's Against Norms

• Moisture & Condensation: Terrariums are humid environments. A standard bulb inside risks short-circuiting or electric shock.

• Heat Build-up: Bulbs generate heat, which can cause glass cracking, substrate ignition, or harm to plants/animals.

• Ingress Protection: EU norms require sealed luminaires in damp/wet areas. A bare bulb inside a terrarium does not comply.

• Fire Hazard: Organic material inside terrariums (soil, moss, wood) increases fire risk if exposed to direct bulb heat.

Acceptable Alternatives

Practical Guidance

• Always use fixtures rated for damp environments (IP65 or higher).

• Install lighting outside or above the terrarium, never directly inside unless the fixture is specifically certified.

• For reptiles or plants, use UV or heat lamps designed for terrariums, which comply with EU safety standards.

• Consult local electrical codes (based on IEC 60364) for installation specifics in your country.

Appendix: International Notes

While the EU provides clear directives (Low Voltage Directive, IEC/EN standards), other regions have comparable safety frameworks:

United States (NEC – National Electrical Code) → Similar requirements for damp/wet locations, mandating sealed fixtures.

Canada (CEC – Canadian Electrical Code) → Aligns closely with NEC, emphasizing moisture protection.

Mexico (NOM standards) → Comparable safety rules for electrical installations in humid environments.

Taiwan → Electrical safety codes mirror IEC standards, requiring IP-rated fixtures in damp areas.

Vietnam → National standards harmonize with IEC, applying similar restrictions on lighting in humid enclosures.

Comment: In all these jurisdictions, the principle is the same: placing bare bulbs inside terrariums or cages is unsafe and non-compliant.

⚠️ Insurance Liability and Legal Exposure

In the EU and many other jurisdictions, installing electrical lamps inside terrariums—especially without certified waterproof housings and compliant wiring—is a direct violation of electroinstallation norms. If such a setup leads to an incident like fire, electrocution, or property damage, insurance companies will investigate the origin of the fault. Upon discovering that the installation breached safety codes, they are not only entitled to deny all claims—they may also pursue legal action against the owner for negligence, fraud, or endangerment. This includes civil liability for damages and, in severe cases, criminal charges. The presence of non-compliant electrical components inside a humid enclosure is considered gross professional misconduct, and no insurer will cover it. In fact, many policies explicitly exclude coverage for DIY or non-certified electrical work.