What is IP rating?
The protection of LED lighting is indicated by 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 indicates protection against moisture and water. But which digits indicate what the lamp is resistant to? To give you an idea, below you will find the most common IP ratings for LED lighting and a table with the given digits and what they specifically protect against.
IP rating for LED lighting
|
IP rating |
Protection |
| IP20 | Dust-tight |
| IP21 | Drip-proof |
| IP23 | Rainwater resistant |
| IP44 | Splash proof |
| IP54 | Dustproof and splash proof |
| 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 rating
1st IP digit | Protection against solid objects, dust, and particles
|
IP Rating |
Protection |
| IP 0x | No Protection |
| IP 1x | Protection against large objects larger than 50mm |
| IP 2x | Protection against medium-sized 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 rating | Protection against liquids
| IP rating | Protection |
| IP x0 | No Protection |
| IP x1 | Protection against vertically falling drops |
| IP x2 | Protection against falling drops at an angle of up to 15° |
| IP x3 | Protection against spraying at an angle of up to 60° (10L/min) |
| IP x4 | Protection against spraying (10L/min) |
| IP x5 | Protection against splashing (12.5L/min) |
| IP x6 | Protection against splashing (100L/min) |
| IP x7 | Protection against water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter |
| IP x8 | Complete protection against water |
| IP x9 | Complete protection against water under high pressure and a humidity level of 90% or higher |
Why is the IP rating important?
The IP rating is crucial when selecting LED lighting, especially for outdoor and humid environments. It determines whether the lighting can withstand 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 also 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 for 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 that the lighting is resistant to rain, humidity, and other weather conditions.
In our webshop for LED lighting, we clearly state the IP rating of each product, so you can easily see what 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 that has the appropriate IP rating. Check out our range today and illuminate your spaces in an efficient and protected way!
