System and method for controlling the humidity and pressure in a luminaire

A luminaire, comprising:

• an enclosure comprising a light source, an air pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor, wherein the enclosure includes a first opening, the enclosure being otherwise sealed from external air;
• a remotely operable air valve comprising second and third openings, the air valve coupled at the second opening by a sealed air coupling to the enclosure at the first opening, wherein:
• the third opening comprises a membrane completely covering the third opening, the membrane comprising a material configured to allow air to pass through the material while reducing passage of water droplets in the air, and
• the air valve is configured to block air passage between the enclosure and the membrane when closed and to allow air passage between the enclosure and the membrane when open;
• and
• a control system coupled to the air pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the air valve, wherein the control system is configured to determine whether the enclosure is adequately sealed based on air pressure as sensed by the air pressure sensor and a temperature as sensed by the temperature sensor.