By BoscoLighting Team on 21 August 2017
When choosing LED lighting products for your or your client’s projects, the Ingress Protection (IP) rating should always be considered as it reflects the environmental conditions that the light fitting is likely to experience.
The first digit refers to the
The second digit indicates the protection level against liquid. The number can work as a guide when it comes to on-site cleaning routines using sprays or water jets. It is important with lights that you do not use excessive water force and so pressure hoses should be used with care.
Dust-resistance levels progress from 0 to 6 while the water-resistance rating is 0 to 9. In some cases, an X may be interchanged with one of the digits if it is not relevant to the requirements such as IP4X.
IP rating does not correlate to vandalism or other physical protection from impact, a separate classification called IK rating is used for this.
IP Rating in Interior Lighting
Many indoor lighting products are not designed for water exposure as water damage risk is low compared to outdoor lighting. Dust or insects are not likely to damage the lights, but dusty light products will not put out as much light as before.
Below are some common IP rating for indoor lights:
IP20 means that the LED lights are suitable for all indoor dry applications, such as offices, retail shops, bedrooms, living rooms.
Recommended products: BLSM-GKA05-18(18w LED oyster light), BLSM-YUKI-25 (25W LED surface mounted light),
IP40 means that insects are not likely getting in the lights, but there is no protection from moisture.
Recommended products: BLPL-1200MBB-36(600x600 LED panel light), BLPL-1200MBB-48 (1200x300 LED panel light), BLSM-BOXA1-12 (LED surface mounted light), BLSM-BOXB2-30 (30W LED surface mounted twin light), BLSM-LEAH-72(72W LED ceiling light)
IP42 rated LED lights are protected from tools and small wires greater than 1 millimetre. The lights can resist a few drops of water.
Recommended Products: BLDL-EVA-12 (12W LED downlight), BLDL-EWS-15 (15W LED gimble down light),
Lights which are IP44 rated are suitable for bathrooms and other applications where water spray is a risk.
Recommended Products: BLDL-WAH-10 (10W LED downlight), BLDL-007B-15 (15W LED downlight), BLDL-BO3-15 (15W LED gimbal downlight), BLDL-GIT-30 (30W LED downlight), BLDL-HALO-40 (40W LED downlight), BLDL-WAJ-07 (7W LED downlight), BLSM-YOKO-40 (40W LED can light)
Outdoor lighting is made to withstand harsh conditions as it often exposed to the rain and such. IP rating is the key element to indicate the ability of the light to resist dust and moisture.
Below are some common IP rating for outdoor lights:
IP54 Lights have protection against dust and splash, making it suitable for general outdoor use or damp indoor environments.
Recommended Products: BLBL-PRIS-100 (100W industrial pendant high bay light), BLDL-GT8-30 (30W LED downlight)
IP64 products are fully protected against dust ingress. Also, these lights are protected against water splashing from any direction.
IP65 means the product
Recommended Products: BLDL-PSD-10 (10W LED waterproof downlight), BLDL-APT-12 (12W LED waterproof downlight), BLWL-CYL-09X2 (18W LED
IP66 means the product
Recommended Products:
IP68 product means that it is hermetically sealed and suitable for continuous immersion in water.
Recommended Products: Underwater Pool Flood Light ( BLLL-PO1-03, BLLL-PO1-09, BLLL-PO1-24)