IP Rating Protection Guidance

Defination of IP rating

Ingress Protection, known as IP, is the level of protection an electrical enclosure provides against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, and moisture, according to the IEC definition.

One digit refers to projecting against solid objects like tools, fingers, tools, wires, insects, mosquitoes, or dust. The scale ranges from 0 to 6.

Another digit indicates the level of protection against liquids like water, condensation, droplets, direct spray, and full submersion. The scale ranges from 0 to 8.

For example, an IP67 rating means the enclosure is completely protected against dust and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.

Benefits of IP system

The IP rating system provides a standardized way to evaluate the durability and reliability of electronic equipment, especially those exposed to harsh environments. It offers several key benefits as below: 

Consumer protection

On the one hand, IP ratings provide a clear and concise way to communicate the dust and water resistance rating of a device.

On the other hand, consumers can make informed choices based on their specific needs and use cases. For example, someone who regularly uses their phone outdoors on rainy days might prioritize a higher IP rating.

Industry standardization

IP ratings are internationally recognized, ensuring consistent standards across regions and industries. Manufacturers can use IP ratings as a benchmark for designing and testing products to meet specific performance requirements.

Safety and reliability

IP-rated devices are more resistant to damage caused by dust, water and other environmental factors. A higher IP rating generally means that the device is more robust and reliable, which reduces the likelihood of failure or damage.

Regulatory compliance

IP ratings help ensure compliance with relevant security and performance standards, many countries have regulations that require certain types of electronic devices to have a specific IP class. In essence, the IP rating system provides consumers and manufacturers with a valuable tool to improve the security, reliability, and consumer confidence of electronic products. 

The IP rating mean for light

IP rating is a way to measure a light’s protection against solid objects and moisture, which is important for light as it determines the suitability of the light for use in different environments, including indoor, outdoor, and damp or wet locations. The strength of the lamp protection level is proportional to the IP level.

Common IP rating for LED light

The common IP rating set for light are IP20, IP44, IP54, IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP69, they are valued for lighting fixtures in various environments.

IP level lighting application scenario classification

IP20: This rating level can not protect from rain, but enough for indoor used

• Indoor application: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and other dry indoor spaces.

IP44: It’s an acceptable rating level for both indoor and outdoor use under the sheltered location.

• Damp indoor areas: Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
• Outdoor area: Under sheltered areas like porches or carports.

IP54: A significant rating level of protection from dust, protection from rain, spraying, and splashing.

• Outdoor area: Garden lighting, patio lights, and outdoor wall lights.
• Damp indoor areas: Shower rooms and steam rooms.

IP65: Air-tight, protection from rain, spraying, splashing, and nozzle pressure

• Outdoor area: Street lights, floodlights, and security lights.
• Harsh Environments: Industrial settings, construction sites, and marine applications.

IP66: Air-tight, protection from all rain and sea conditions

• Outdoor area: Underwater lighting, fountain lights, and pool lights.
• Harsh environments: Coastal areas, mines, and chemical plants.

IP67: Air-tight, protection from accidental submersion in water.

• Outdoor environment: street and pathway lighting, garden and landscape lighting, dock lighting, and pool surroundings.
• Harsh environment: Mining operations construction, agricultural facilities, areas with high humidity or frequent cleaning.

IP68 -- IP69: The highest lP level, indicating that the fixture is dust-proof and can withstand high pressure, high-temperature water, and steam.

• Submersible applications: Underwater lighting, marine equipment, and laboratory equipment.

The best IP rating for indoor bathroom

It is recommended at least install IP44 lighting fixtures in the bathroom to against the splashing water from any direction, and IP65 LED light fixtures can meet with protection against dust and protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction.

The best IP rating for outdoor light

In the outdoors, the IP rating may need the level of IP65 lights, and IP67 lights are better. Because, there are more accidents and dangers for outdoor lighting, such as raindrops, windage, dust, and moisture pressure, but with the use of IP65 or IP67 lighting fixtures, they are good at against those elements and can last long used.

Can high-level IP rating resistance from corrosion?

The IP rating is not directly related to corrosion, it’s an indirect value of the number to indicate the light's overall durability and protection against the elements.

Recommended light fixtures for different application

LED ceiling light, LED panel light, office light, LED track light, LED bed light, LED pendant light, and LED downlight, all are IP20 enough, but for the bathroom or warehouse, it is need an IP44 of LED batten, LED downlight, and LED tri-proof light. 

In addition, LED wall lights, LED bollard lights, and LED wall lights with IP65 ratings are recommended for outdoor gardens or pathways.

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