Understanding IP Ratings In LED Lighting For Your Home

Just like with lights in your home, there are different lights for different areas outside.  Choosing the right light - and making sure it's safe - and safely installed - is the most important step in getting your lighting right.

And remember - electricians are the first stop for any electrical installation.

So, how do we assess what lighting is for indoors and what can go out doors?

Well, we look at the IP rating.

But I hear you ask “What is this IP rating and what does it tell me”?

It stands for Ingress Protection – and it’s a rating that classifies light fittings (and lots of other things) for their suitability for use in different locations based on how or if water and/or dust can get into the fitting where the electricity is.

The Ingress Protection or IP rating is an important consideration during the selection of LED lighting products for any project. The IP rating reflects the suitability of the light fitting to specific environmental conditions in indoor and outdoor installations.

The first digit of an IP rating refers to the level of protection against solids, including dust particles, mosquitoes, moths, or flies. The second digit indicates the protection level against liquid with the number also providing guidance when it comes to on-site cleaning routines using sprays or water jets.

While dust resistance levels progress from 0 to 6, the water resistance rating is provided in a 0 to 9 range. In some cases, an X may be interchanged with one of the digits if it is not relevant to the requirements, for instance, IP4X.

An IP rating does not correlate to vandalism or other physical protection from impact; a separate classification called IK rating is used for this purpose.

IP Ratings in Interior Lighting

Most indoor lighting products are not designed for water exposure as risk from water damage is low compared to outdoor lighting. While dust or insects are not likely to damage the lights, a dust cover will impact the quality of light being emitted.

IP ratings for indoor lights:

IP20- (Ordinary)

An IP20 rating makes the LED light suitable for all indoor dry applications, such as offices, retail shops, bedrooms and living rooms.

IP40- (Not waterproof)

An IP40 rating will prevent insects from getting into the lights, but there is no protection from moisture.

IP42 (Drip Proof)

IP42 rated LED lights are protected from tools and small wires greater than 1 millimetre. The lights can resist a few drops of water.

IP44 (Splash Proof)

IP44 rated lights are suitable for bathrooms and applications exposed to water spray.

IP Ratings in Exterior Lighting

LED light fittings for outdoor installations are designed to withstand harsh conditions including rain and dust.

IP ratings for outdoor lights:

IP54 (Dust Proof, Splash Proof)

IP54 lights offer protection against dust and splash, making them suitable for general outdoor use or damp indoor environments.

IP64 (Dust Tight, Splash Proof)

IP64 products are fully protected against dust ingress as well as water splashes from any direction.

IP65 (Dust Tight, Jet Proof)

An IP65 rating makes the product completely dust-tight with protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction.

IP66 (Dust Tight, Watertight)

IP66 means the product is completely dust-tight as well as protected against high pressure water jets from any direction.

IP67 (Dust Tight, Watertight)

An IP67 rated light is completely protected against solid particles and can be submerged up to 1m in water for up to 30 minutes.

IP68 (Dust Tight, Pressure Watertight)

An IP68 fitting is hermetically sealed and suitable for continuous immersion in water.

IP ratings give you a universally consistent way to assess the likely performance of LED Lighting in many typical applications and environments. If you’re in any doubt as to what IP rating you need for the specific use you have in mind, then please don’t hesitate to contact an expert for further advice and assistance when planning your purchase.

Because water and electricity can be a deadly combination.

In Main Blog Tags lighting design, Lighting Education, lighting plans, lighting consultant, australia lighting, home lighting, BCA J6 Compliance, kitchen lighting, bathroom zones, bathroom lighting, LED, melbourne lighting design, Outdoor lighting, quality home lighting, water proof lighting, IP rating