What is Ingress Protection (IP) Rating
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating is a lingo commonly used in the lighting industry to describe the level of protection provided by a lighting product against external factors such as water, dust, and solid object intrusion. It is represented by a two-digit code that indicates the product’s ability to safeguard its internal components and ensure electrical safety and longevity.
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The first digit in the IP rating signifies the level of protection against solid objects, ranging from a hand to dust. A higher number indicates a higher level of protection. For example, an IP rating of 0 means no protection against solid objects, while an IP rating of 6 signifies complete protection against dust.
The second digit in the IP rating indicates the level of protection against water, ranging from protection against 1mm of rainfall to temporary immersion up to 1m. Again, a higher number indicates a higher level of protection. For instance, an IP rating of 0 means no protection against water, while an IP rating of 9 signifies protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets.
To determine the IP rating of a lighting product, it needs to undergo Ingress Protection testing, also known as IP testing. This testing is conducted at accredited test laboratories and provides a standardized method to compare the enclosure protection of different products.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better IP65 or IP67
An IP65 rated enclosure provides protection against low pressure water jets from any direction, as well as condensation and water spray. It is suitable for most outdoor enclosures that are not exposed to extreme weather conditions like flooding. On the other hand, an IP67 rated enclosure offers even greater protection against liquid ingress.
Is IP65 Enough for Rain
Rainfall typically occurs at a relatively low pressure, which means that having a rating in the range of IP54 to IP65 is sufficient to ensure the screen remains protected and dry. Additionally, these ratings are effective in preventing any airborne particles from causing damage to both the screen and the internal components of the enclosure.
What Does the 3 Digits of Ingress Protection Indicates
The third digit of the IP designation indicates the level of protection against mechanical impact and is frequently left unspecified.
Do All Lights Have an IP Rating
All lights that are considered legal have an IP rating. If a light does not specify a specific rating, it is assumed to have an IP20 rating, making it “IP-rated”. The IP rating applies to the entire luminaire.
Do Kitchen Lights Need to Be IP Rated
You should always use IP rated products in kitchens, bathrooms, and for any outdoor usage to ensure protection against dust or water ingress.
What IP Rating Is Fully Waterproof
Since 8 is the highest number on the IP water rating scale, any IP enclosure with a rating ending in 8 provides the highest level of waterproof protection. However, IP68 is generally considered to be the most effective and commonly used IP waterproof rating.
Is IP68 Fully Waterproof
IP68 is a rating that indicates a device’s ability to withstand dust and water. With an IP68 rating, a device can endure dust and be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for a duration of 30 minutes. In comparison, the IP67 rating offers similar dust protection but can only handle water up to 1 meter deep for the same amount of time.