What the effect actually is
A water ripple projector shines a rotating glass gobo or a laser diffraction pattern through a lens so the light lands as slow-moving waves. The motion comes from a motorised disc or a scanning laser, not from video. That is why the effect is cheap to run and never buffers, but also why it cannot show text.
Indoor or outdoor first
Decide the primary location before the spec sheet. Indoors you can use a lower IP rating and less power because ambient light is controlled. Outdoors you need weatherproofing and enough output to survive streetlight and nearby signage.
- Indoor: lobby, ceiling, feature wall, behind a reception desk
- Outdoor: garden wall, pool edge, building facade, covered patio
- Dual-use: pick the outdoor rating — an indoor unit will fog up the first damp week
IP rating and water safety
The rating governs how the unit behaves near moisture, not just rain.
| Rating | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Splash resistant | Indoor damp rooms only |
| IP65 | Rain and dust tight | Covered outdoor / patio |
| IP67 | Brief immersion | Poolside, open weather |
Brightness for the surface
Brightness decides contrast, and contrast decides whether anyone sees the waves. A 20W unit is enough for a dim interior wall; a poolside or facade install usually needs 50W-plus to read against ambient light. Increase image size and you pay in brightness, so fix the size before the wattage.
Control options
Most units ship with a remote and a timer. For installs that change mood through the evening, look for a model with DMX or an app so the speed and colour can be matched to the moment.
- Remote: fine for a fixed mood
- Timer: auto on at dusk, off at dawn
- DMX / app: sync speed and colour to the venue
Where it earns its keep
The effect is strongest where a still surface looks empty — a plain lobby ceiling, a garden wall, a pool that already catches light. It is weakest over textured or reflective surfaces where the waves compete with what is already there.
- Map the exact wall or water surface
- Test one unit at the real hour before buying many
- Keep a spare gobo disc for colour changes
