Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, have become the go-to lighting solution in both commercial and industrial spaces due to their energy efficiency and durability. Plus, LEDs come in a wide range of fixtures, such as high-bay UFOs, linear tubes, flat panels, and even refrigerator lights.
While lumens and wattage are important features to evaluate in LEDs, fixtures that are exposed to dust or moisture will require another consideration: the IP rating.
Understanding this rating is essential for ensuring your lighting investments stand up to the conditions they’ll face. Whether it’s dust, water, or environmental exposure, selecting an LED fixture with the proper IP rating can determine the overall safety of your project.
We’ve provided a breakdown of LED IP ratings and their meanings to help contractors and business owners make informed decisions that align with specific project requirements.
What Is an IP Rating?
The acronym “IP” stands for “ingress protection.” The IP rating is an internationally recognized standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This rating measures the degree of protection offered by an electrical enclosure (the housing of LEDs in this case) against solid particles and liquids.
An IP rating includes two digits. Each digit holds significant value, working together to indicate the product’s resistance capabilities. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects, like hands, dust, or debris, on a scale ranging from 0 to 6. The second digit reflects protection from liquids, such as water or other forms of moisture, on a scale ranging from 0 to 8.
For example, a light labeled IP65 offers full protection against dust (the “6”) and resists low-pressure water jets (the “5”). The rating is a universal measurement, simplifying your selection process regardless of brand or region.
Understanding these classifications can prevent costly mistakes, ensuring the longevity of your lighting installations and compliance with safety standards.
First Digit: Protection From Solid Particles
The first digit in an IP rating signifies the product’s ability to shield itself from contact with moving objects and solid particles. For example, in IP20, the “2” is the first digit.
The first digit provides a measurement scale ranging from no protection to maximum protection against large objects, such as hands and fingers, and finer contaminants, such as dust. Here’s a breakdown of what each number signifies, along with some examples:
- IP0X indicates no protection from solids.
- IP1X protects against solid objects larger than 50 mm, like accidental hand contact.
- IP2X provides safety against objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as fingers.
- IP3X ensures protection from solids over 2.5 mm in size, including small tools.
- IP4X guards against particles larger than 1 mm, such as wires and nails.
- IP5X designates products as “dust-protected,” meaning a small amount of dust could still enter, but not enough to compromise the function of the LED.
- IP6X offers complete dust-tight protection, a critical feature for harsh environments like factories or construction sites.
For contractors, understanding these values ensures you choose the right level of solid particle resistance for your project’s environment.
Second Digit: Protection From Liquids
The second digit in an IP rating measures resistance to moisture or liquids. For example, in IP68, the “8” is the second digit.
Whether you’re installing LEDs in a dry office space or a poolside area, knowing this metric is essential for safety. Here’s how the liquid resistance levels break down:
- IPX0 offers no resistance to water or liquids.
- IPX1 protects against vertically falling water drops.
- IPX2 provides additional protection for water falling vertically when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees.
- IPX3 shields against water sprayed at angles up to 60 degrees.
- IPX4 defends against water splashes from any direction.
- IPX5 can handle jets of water from any direction but at relatively low pressure.
- IPX6 withstands high-pressure water jets.
- IPX7 is rated for temporary underwater submersion for up to 30 minutes.
- IPX8 is fully waterproof and offers protection against continuous immersion in deeper water, a necessity for underwater lights in swimming pools.
Wet kitchens, swimming pools, and outdoor signage all require varying levels of liquid resistance. Selecting a fixture rated correctly can keep operations running safely.
Common IP Ratings for LEDs
LEDs come with a variety of IP ratings to cater to different settings. Here are the most common IP ratings for LED lights:
- IP20 is designed for indoor spaces with no water exposure. These LEDs are ideal for homes, offices, or dry indoor areas.
- IP44 provides splash-proof protection, making them suitable for residential kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere minor liquid contact or condensation may occur.
- IP65 offers complete dust-tight protection and low-pressure water jet resistance. These LEDs work well in semi-outdoor spaces like covered patios or damp areas such as commercial kitchens.
- IP67 is a higher-grade option that safeguards against temporary water immersion (for less than 30 minutes) and is often used for areas exposed to heavy rain or potential flooding, such as landscape lighting or outdoor facilities.
- IP68 is fully waterproof, suitable for underwater installations in swimming pools or industrial areas where submersion is a possibility.
Choosing the correct rating from the start ensures that your lights perform as intended even in demanding environments.
Why IP Ratings Matter for Contractors and Business Owners
Whether you’re sourcing LEDs for a small retail storefront or outfitting a large industrial site, IP ratings are more than just technical jargon. They directly impact several critical factors.
Compliance With Safety Standards
IP ratings align with international safety regulations, making it easier for businesses to comply with local laws and industry standards. Skipping compliance can open businesses to fines or legal issues, while adhering to the correct ratings ensures a smooth and worry-free operation.
For example, commercial refrigerator LED lights are required to have an IP rating of IP65 due to the presence of moisture and condensation. If insufficiently rated LEDs are exposed to moisture, it can pose a major safety hazard.
Ensuring Product Longevity
Properly rated LEDs last longer in harsh conditions, reducing the need for frequent replacements. For business owners, fewer replacements mean lower maintenance costs over time. For contractors, the right selection elevates your reputation by providing durable, reliable solutions to clients.
Protection From Environmental Factors
Humidity, dust, and liquids are just some of the environmental challenges your LEDs may face. Matching the proper IP rating with the environment ensures optimum performance, from lighting a high-traffic commercial kitchen to illuminating an underwater art installation.
Maintaining Customer Satisfaction
Poorly chosen lighting solutions can result in safety issues and complaints from customers. IP ratings help you install quality lighting that performs as promised, building trust and loyalty.
Selecting the Right IP Rating With Confidence
Understanding LED IP ratings and their meanings is key to making informed decisions that suit the specific conditions of your projects. From protecting lights in dusty warehouses to ensuring waterproof installations for outdoor spaces, choosing fixtures with the appropriate IP rating is critical for success.
If you have questions about Eco LED Mart’s products, reach out to our knowledgeable team today.
