IP protection indicates the extent to which a luminaire is shielded against the ingress of solid particles such as dust and liquids such as water. For industrial LED luminaires, the IP rating is one of the most defining technical specifications for reliability and lifespan. The remainder of this article answers the most frequently asked questions about IP codes, so you know exactly what degree of protection your environment requires.

How does an IP code work and what do the numbers mean?

An IP code, also known as Ingress Protection code, consists of the letters “IP” followed by two digits. The first digit indicates protection against solid particles on a scale of 0 to 6. The second digit describes protection against water on a scale of 0 to 9. The higher the number, the better the protection.

The code is standardized via the international standard IEC 60529 and offers a clear way to compare luminaires. An “X” in one of the positions means that property was not tested or is not relevant for the product in question.

• First digit (dust protection): 0 = no protection, 5 = protected against dust, 6 = dustproof
• Second digit (water protection): 0 = no protection, 4 = protected against splashing water, 5 = protected against water jets, 6 = protected against strong water jets, 7 = immersion up to 1 meter, 8 = prolonged immersion

For industrial LED lighting, the first digit is almost always a 5 or 6, because dust, fibers, and fine particles in production halls and outdoor locations quickly cause failure when they enter the fixture.

Which IP ratings are most common in industry?

In the industry, IP54, IP65, IP66, and IP67 are the most commonly used IP ratings for LED luminaires. IP65 is by far the most applied standard and is considered the minimum requirement for most industrial indoor applications and covered outdoor locations. IP66 and IP67 are used where water is present with more force or frequency.

The choice depends heavily on the industry and the specific environment. In a manufacturing facility with standard cleaning procedures, IP65 is usually sufficient. In ports, terminals, or offshore applications, where luminaires are regularly exposed to powerful water jets or seawater, IP66 or higher is the standard. On offshore and maritime locations Furthermore, the combination with corrosion resistance plays a major role alongside the IP rating itself.

An overview of commonly used IP ratings per application:

1. IP54: Protected against limited dust ingress and splashing water, suitable for dry industrial areas with low cleaning requirements
2. IP65 Completely dust-tight and resistant to water jets, the standard for most industrial facilities and covered outdoor areas
3. IP66: Completely dustproof and resistant to high-pressure water jets, suitable for ports, construction sites, and heavy-duty cleaning environments
4. IP67: Completely dustproof and resistant to temporary submersion; suitable for use in environments subject to flooding or intense water exposure
5. IP68/IP69K: Highest protection levels, for prolonged immersion or high-pressure steam cleaning in the food or chemical industry

What is the difference between IP65, IP66, and IP67?

The difference between IP65, IP66, and IP67 lies solely in the degree of water protection. All three ratings are completely dust-tight (first digit is 6). IP65 provides protection against water jets from any direction. IP66 withstands powerful water jets with higher pressure and volume. IP67 adds protection against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

For daily practice, this means the following: an IP65 fixture will survive rain and normal cleaning procedures with a hose. An IP66 fixture is suitable when cleaning with a high-pressure washer or when large amounts of water can splash, such as with machinery in the paper industry or with port terminals. IP67 is relevant when the fixture may come into physical contact with water, for example, in the event of a basement flood or when installed on or near the water's surface.

It is important to note that these ratings are not cumulative. An IP67 fixture has not automatically been tested against the high-pressure water jets specified for IP66. If you are unsure about the correct choice, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer to inquire about the test conditions for that specific product.

When is a higher IP rating not enough?

A high IP rating provides protection against dust and water, but says nothing about resistance to extreme temperatures, corrosive substances, mechanical shocks, explosion hazards, or UV radiation. In demanding industrial environments, these factors are just as critical to a luminaire’s service life as the IP rating.

In environments with extreme heat, such as steel mills or foundries, the temperature resistance of the luminaire itself is the critical factor. An IP66 luminaire that is not designed for high ambient temperatures will fail prematurely, regardless of its IP rating. The same applies to environments with aggressive chemicals or saltwater, where material resistance and corrosion protection are crucial. For such situations, specialized solutions for lighting for extreme corrosion necessary.

Other factors that complement or exceed the relevance of the IP rating:

• IK rating: Describes resistance to mechanical impacts, relevant for machines, cranes, and traffic areas
• ATEX certification Required in potentially explosive atmospheres, regardless of the IP rating
• Temperature range Determines whether a light fixture will function in extreme heat or cold, such as in climate chambers
• UV resistance: Suitable for long-term outdoor installations in intense sunlight
• Corrosion resistance Crucial in maritime environments and the chemical industry

How do you choose the right IP rating for your environment?

Choose the correct IP rating based on three questions: What solid particles are present? What level of water exposure is realistic? And what additional environmental factors are at play? Start by assessing the environment before selecting a luminaire. In complex situations, always consult a lighting specialist who can assess the environmental conditions.

A practical four-step approach:

1. Assess the surroundings: Determine if dust, fibers, particulate matter, or other solid particles are present and in what concentration.
2. Assess water exposure: Is it about condensation, splash water, direct water jets, or possible submersion?
3. Inventory additional risks: Consider temperature extremes, corrosive substances, mechanical stress, and the risk of explosion
4. Check the product's test conditions: Inquire with the supplier under what exact circumstances the fixture is certified.

For outdoor locations such as sites and infrastructure, IP65 is a responsible minimum requirement. For industrial outdoor installations with intensive cleaning or exposure to the elements, IP66 is more prudent. More information on outdoor applications can be found on the page regarding lighting for infra and terrain.

How JEL Products Helps You Choose the Right IP Protection

Choosing the right IP rating involves more than just looking up a number in a specification sheet. It requires an understanding of the full environmental context: the nature of the contamination, the cleaning methods, the temperature conditions, and any hazardous substances. JEL Products combines technical expertise with practical experience in the harshest industrial environments.

• Analysis of your specific environmental conditions and risk factors
• Advice on the correct combination of IP rating, IK rating, temperature range, and material resistance
• Fittings designed and produced in the Netherlands, tested to industry requirements
• Full service from advice and design to installation and maintenance
• ISO9001 and VCA** certified for quality assurance in every project

Would you like to ensure your fittings meet the requirements of your environment? Then contact us via the JEL Products Contact Page for a no-obligation consultation with a specialist.

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