Understanding the IP Rating of LED Luminaires - A Curated Guide

What Are IP Ratings?

IP ratings consist of two digits. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects like dust, while the second digit refers to protection against liquids such as water. The higher the number, the greater the protection.

For example, an IP65-rated LED fixture is dust-tight (6) and protected against water jets from any direction (5). This makes it suitable for outdoor use or environments where moisture and dust are concerns.

IPX5 waterproof

IPX5 is a rating that tells you how well an electronic device can handle getting wet. "IPX" stands for "Ingress Protection," which basically means how much protection the device has against things like water and dust.

The "5" in IPX5 means the device can take on water jets from any angle. To be specific, it can handle water sprayed with a 6.3 mm nozzle at a flow rate of 12.5 liters per minute from up to 3 meters away.

In everyday terms, an IPX5-rated device can deal with rain or splashes during outdoor activities. But keep in mind, it's not fully waterproof, so you shouldn’t dunk it in water.

IPX6 waterproof

IPX6 waterproof means your device can withstand high-pressure water jets from any direction for three minutes. The IPX6 rating is higher than the IPX5 rating, so it can withstand stronger water pressure and water volume.

What is the standard for IP testing?

The IEC international standard IEC 60529 and the European standard EN 60509 set out the rules for IP rating testing, which are essential for assessing the ability of everyday devices such as LED lights to resist elements such as water and dust. The EN60598 standard details the IP test methods, especially for LED outdoor luminaires. Here is how the IPx5 waterproof test works:

Test method: Water spray test

Test equipment: Spray nozzle with an inner diameter of 6.3mm

Test conditions: The nozzle is 2.5m~3m away from the sample, spraying water at a rate of 12.5L/min (750L/h), and the sample surface is tested for 1 minute per square meter, with a minimum of 3 minutes, excluding the installation area.

If no water enters the housing after the test, the product is considered to have passed the IP65 rating.

The difference between IP65 and IP66

The difference between IP65 and IP66 ratings primarily lies in the level of protection each offers against water ingress:

• IP65: This rating means the device is protected against water jets projected from a nozzle (6.3mm) from any direction. While it can handle exposure to rain, splashes, or even a hose, it is not designed to withstand more intense water exposure.
• IP66: This rating indicates a higher level of protection compared to IP65. A device with an IP66 rating can withstand more powerful water jets from a larger nozzle (12.5mm) from any direction. This makes it more suitable for harsher outdoor conditions, where the device may encounter heavy rain or even direct high-pressure water jets.

IP level lighting required for different environments

Selecting the Right IP Rating

Consider the environment where your LED fixture will be installed. For indoor dry areas, a lower IP rating might suffice. However, for outdoor, wet, or dusty environments, higher IP ratings are crucial to ensure longevity and performance.

Understanding IP ratings helps you make informed decisions, ensuring your LED fixtures are well-suited to their environment and providing peace of mind that they’ll stand up to the elements.