What is IP rating?
The protection of LED lighting is indicated with an IP rating, but what does this value actually mean? IP stands for International Protection rating (sometimes ingress protection). The first digit indicates protection against solid objects and the second digit protection against moisture and water. But which digits indicate what the lamp is resistant to? To give you an idea, below are the most common IP ratings for LED lighting and a table with the given digits and what exactly they protect against.
IP rating for LED lighting
|
IP Rating |
Protection |
| IP20 | Dust tight |
| IP21 | Drip water resistant |
| IP23 | Rain water resistant |
| IP44 | Splash water resistant |
| IP54 | Dust protected and splash water resistant |
| IP65 | Protected against water jets |
| IP67 | Dust tight and protected against immersion (30 minutes) |
| IP68 | Dust tight, waterproof, and corrosion resistant |
Explanation of protection per IP digit
1st IP digit | Protection against solid objects, particles, and dust
|
IP Rating |
Protection |
| IP 0x | No protection |
| IP 1x | Protection against large objects larger than 50mm |
| IP 2x | Protection against medium objects larger than 12.5mm |
| IP 3x | Protection against small objects larger than 2.5mm |
| IP 4x | Protection against small objects larger than 1mm |
| IP 5x | Protection against harmful dust accumulation |
| IP 6x | Complete protection against dust |
2nd IP digit | Protection against liquids
| IP Rating | Protection |
| IP x0 | No protection |
| IP x1 | Protection against vertically falling drops |
| IP x2 | Protection against falling drops up to an angle of 15° |
| IP x3 | Protection against spraying water up to an angle of 60° (10L/min) |
| IP x4 | Protection against spraying water (10L/min) |
| IP x5 | Protection against spraying water (12.5L/min) |
| IP x6 | Protection against spraying water (100L/min) |
| IP x7 | Protection against water up to 30 minutes at 1 meter depth |
| IP x8 | Complete protection against water |
| IP x9 | Complete protection against water under high pressure and humidity of 90% or higher |
Why is the IP rating important?
The IP rating is crucial when selecting LED lighting, especially for outdoor and moist environments. It determines whether the lighting is resistant to the specific conditions in which it will be used. For example, a higher IP rating is essential for outdoor applications where the lighting is exposed to rain, dust, or other environmental factors.
Additionally, the IP rating provides insight into the durability and reliability of the LED lighting. A higher IP rating generally means better protection against external elements, resulting in a longer lifespan of the lighting.
When choosing LED lighting for specific applications, it is important to consider the required IP rating. For example, if you want LED lighting for outdoor use, you should choose a higher IP rating to ensure the lighting is resistant to rain, humidity, and other weather conditions.
In our LED lighting webshop, we clearly indicate the IP rating of each product so you can easily see the level of protection it offers. Whether you need lighting for your garden, terrace, bathroom, or other environments where protection against dust and water is essential, we have a wide range of LED fixtures with different IP ratings to meet your needs.
Choose durability, reliability, and the right protection against external elements with LED lighting with the correct IP rating. View our product range today and illuminate your spaces efficiently and protected!
