IP RATINGS - COMPLETE GUIDE
What is an IP Rating?
IP ratings tell you how well a light fixture is protected against dust and water.
IP stands for "Ingress Protection" and is an international standard (IEC 60529) that classifies the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures. Think of it as a universal language that tells you exactly what environmental conditions a fixture can handle.
The rating system uses two digits after "IP" - each digit represents a specific type of protection. The first digit rates protection against solid objects (like dust), while the second digit rates protection against liquids (like water). Higher numbers mean better protection.
For outdoor lighting, IP ratings are critical because they determine whether your fixture will survive rain, snow, humidity, dust, dirt, and temperature changes. A fixture with the wrong IP rating can fail prematurely, creating safety hazards and costly replacements.
FAQ
What IP rating do I need for outdoor lighting??
IP65 is the standard for most outdoor applications. It's dust tight and handles rain/snow perfectly.
Is IP67 better than IP65?
Not necessarily. IP67 handles immersion (temporary flooding) but may not handle high-pressure jets as well as IP65/IP66. Choose based on your specific needs.
Can I use IP65 in a pool?
No. Pool lighting requires IP68 (submersible) rating. IP65 is for water jets, not continuous underwater use.
What does the "X" mean in IP ratings?
"X" means that protection level wasn't tested. For example, IPX7 means water immersion was tested, but dust protection wasn't.
