Guide to IP ratings for LED lights

What is IP rating?

LED lights are becoming more and more popular due to their energy efficiency, long life span, and versatility. However, when it comes to choosing the right LED light for your needs, it is important to consider its IP rating.

 

IP stands for Ingress Protection, which is a standardized system for rating how well an electrical product protects against solid objects (such as dust) and liquids (such as water.) The IP rating consists of two numbers, the first indicating the degree of protection against solids and the second indicating the degree of protection against liquids.

 

For example, an LED light with an IP65 rating means that it is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction. On the other hand, an LED light with an IP68 rating is completely impervious to dust and can be submerged in water to a certain depth.

 

Knowing the IP rating of your LED light is crucial because it determines where and how you can use it. For example, if you plan to install LED flood lights or stadium LED lights in your tennis court lighting, you need a high IP rating to prevent water damage and ensure longevity.

What does each of the two numbers mean?

IP waterproof rating usually consists of two numbers. An example is IP65 LED shoebox lights.

The first number indicates the dustproof rating of the device, ranging from 0 o 6, where 0 means no protection and 6 means full protection.

The second number indicates the waterproof rating of the device, ranging from 0 to 8, where 0 means no protection and 8 means full protection.

Digit

Definition

0

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has no special protection

1

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection from solid objects greater than 50mm, such as the size of a hand

2

The LED flood lights or LED high bay lighting fixture has protection against objects greater than 12mm in diameter, such as a finger

3

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against objects with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more, such as a screwdriver

4

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against objects 1mm in diameter, such as a wire

5

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against harmful dust

6

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture is totally dust-tight

The second number indicates the level of water resistance (against liquids or moisture)

1

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against dripping water

2

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against water droplets deflected up to 15° from vertical

3

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against spray up to 60° from vertical

4

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against water spray from all directions

5

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against low-pressure water jets (all directions)

6

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture has protection against strong water jets

7

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture is protected against temporary immersion in water

8

The LED flood lights or high bay lighting fixture is protected against prolonged effects of immersion under pressure

what exactly are IP65, IP66 and IP67?

The IP rating is the international protection class or rating used to label dust and water resistance effectiveness. If you purchase fixtures for dusty, watery, and humid environments, it is essential and necessary to use the IP rating for definition.

Therefore, you can choose devices with different IP ratings in different environments.

What is the difference between IP65, PI66 and IP67?

Depending on the environment of your device, the difference between these three ratings can be significant. Fixtures with these three ratings are equally resistant to dust, dirt, sand, and debris (as indicated by the “6” number). Liquid/water protection is different for each of these three levels.

The first number (0-6) refers to protection against solid objects and moving parts such as dust, debris, or other solid substances.

The second number (0-8) indicates the level of protection against liquids and moisture.

  1. IP65 = Waterproof. “Protects against water spray from any angle” *Do not immerse IP65 LED lamps in water. These lamps are not waterproof.
  2. IP67 = Waterproof Plus. “Protects against temporary submersion events (10 minutes)” *Do not submerge IP67 LED lamps for extended periods. These lamps are not waterproof.
  3. IP68 = Waterproof “Protects against permanent submersion for 3 meters.”  

Which IP rating do I need?

First, you need to determine the environment in which the luminaire will be installed, considering that the luminaire will be affected by dust, water, and other liquids or solids, and then determine the IP rating appropriate for your environment.

If your environment is outdoors and affected by weather, sand, and dust, you can use LED lights with a high IP rating.

Examples of IP ratings and applications:

IP rating

Low IP ratings

High IP ratings

appropriate for

– Indoor use
– LED High bay lights

-indoor LED flood lights 

– When using aluminum extrusions

– Unsealed outdoor locations
– Places that have a lot of debris
– Areas with heavy foot traffic
-Outdoor LED flood lights
High mast LED lightis
Solar street lights

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My name is Toni Qian, I have been working as an engineer in SHINETOO LED lighting for 15 years. Welcome to Contact us!
I will provide the best LED solutions and the best LED lighting products.

Email: [email protected]

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