What are IP Ratings?

IP rating refers to the ingress protection rating or international protection rating, which is used to define the level of sealing effect against dust and water. If you’re buying a fixture for use in dusty or wet environments, it’s important to consider the IP rating.

An IP rating is defined by the letters IP followed by two numbers. Its sole purpose is to provide accurate information about the level of protection provided by electrical equipment. The first number provides a rating from 0-6, relating to the level of protection against solids such as dirt, sand, dust and debris, while the second number (0-8) indicates the level of protection against liquids such as moisture and water. The higher the number, the better the protection against solids and liquids.

Key Differences Between IP65, IP66 and IP67

Depending on your project, the differences between these three ratings can be very significant. Luminaires with any of these three ratings are equally protected from dust, dirt, sand, and debris (as indicated by the number “6”). The liquid/water protection of each of these three grades is unique.

IP65 – waterproof

IP66 – waterproof against powerful jets

IP67 – Protected against complete temporary immersion in water

What kind of IP class do I need?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on the environment in which your luminaire will be installed. If your fixture will be affected by dust, sand, debris or liquids, it is recommended to choose a fixture with a higher IP rating. To determine which IP rating is right for your project, check the space where the luminaire will be placed. Typically, low IP ratings are used in areas such as indoor environments where jetting water is never an issue. Temperature-controlled areas such as office buildings and municipal buildings do not require a high IP rating. Fixtures with a high IP rating are used in outdoor locations with large volumes of liquid and dust, areas with high traffic, wet locations and unsealed locations such as sports fields, seaside areas and dirty warehouses.

IP65 fixtures

Luminaires with an IP rating of 65 are protected against multi-directional low pressure water jets. In order to pass the test and achieve an IP65 rating, the luminaire must be able to withstand water sprayed from a 0.25-inch nozzle. For satisfactory results, the test must be run for at least 15 minutes with the water source placed three yards from the fixture. Additionally, the water pressure must be 30 kPa and the water volume 3.3 gallons per minute.

IP66 Fixtures

IP66-rated fixtures protect against multi-directional high-pressure water jets. To pass the IP66 test, the luminaire must be able to withstand water sprayed from a 0.50-inch nozzle, multi-directional high-pressure jets. The test must be run for at least three minutes, a distance of three yards, a water volume of 26.4 gallons per minute, and a pressure of 100 kPa.

AIKO Lighting has a wide range of IP66 rated luminaires in a wide variety of styles for a wide range of applications.

IP67 fixtures

IP67-rated fixtures protect against water ingress between 5.9 inches and 39.37 inches. To pass the IP67 test, the luminaire must not allow the ingress of harmful quantities of water when fully submerged. There must be at least 5.9 inches of water above the light fixture for the test to be valid.

AIKO Lighting has a wide range of IP67 rated luminaires in a wide variety of styles for a wide range of applications.