When choosing LED lighting, it is important to consider where the product will be installed. Indoor displays, outdoor signage, and architectural installations can all be exposed to different levels of dust, moisture, and water.
An IP rating indicates how well an electrical product is protected against the ingress of solids and liquids, helping you select a product suited to its intended environment.
What Does IP Stand For?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating is made up of two numbers, with each number indicating a different level of protection.
The first digit indicates protection against solid objects and dust.
The second digit indicates protection against water.
For example, an LED product rated IP65 is dust-tight and protected against water jets.
Understanding the First Digit
The first number ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates protection against solids.
| First Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1–4 | Protection against progressively smaller solid objects |
| 5 | Dust protected |
| 6 | Dust-tight |
For most LED lighting applications, a higher first digit provides greater protection against dust and other solid particles.
Understanding the Second Digit
The second number indicates protection against water.
| Second Digit | General Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1–3 | Protection against dripping or spraying water |
| 4 | Protection against splashing water |
| 5 | Protection against water jets |
| 6 | Protection against powerful water jets |
| 7 | Protection against temporary immersion |
| 8 | Protection against prolonged immersion under specified conditions |
The exact test conditions vary between ratings, so the IP rating should always be considered alongside the manufacturer's product specifications.
Common IP Ratings for LED Lighting
Some ratings you may come across when selecting LED lighting include:
IP20 – Provides basic protection against solid objects but no protection against water. It is generally suited to dry indoor environments.
IP44 – Provides protection against solid objects and splashing water, depending on the specific product and installation.
IP65 – Dust-tight and protected against water jets, making it commonly used where LED lighting may be exposed to dust or water.
IP67 – Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water under specified test conditions.
The appropriate rating depends on the actual installation environment rather than simply choosing the highest available rating.
Indoor vs Outdoor LED Lighting
For indoor signage, displays and shopfitting applications, the LED lighting may be installed in a controlled, dry environment where a lower IP rating is appropriate.
Outdoor signage and architectural applications can require greater protection from rain, dust and other environmental conditions. In these situations, selecting an LED product with an appropriate IP rating is important.
However, an IP rating is only one consideration when selecting outdoor LED lighting. Installation method, power supplies, connections, drainage, heat management, and the overall construction of the installation should also be considered.
Choosing the Right LED Lighting
Understanding IP ratings can help you select LED lighting that is appropriate for its installation environment. Whether you're working on illuminated signage, retail displays, architectural features, or outdoor installations, choosing the right level of protection is an important part of the planning process.
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