The degree of safety of a luminaire is indicated by an IP rating. This is based on 2 digits, described as degree of protection. The degree of touch and penetration is represented by the first number. The second number indicates whether the lamp in can be used outdoors. The higher the number, the higher the quality and the more the product is suitable for harsh conditions. Especially for construction lamps, this is a important indication. The IP designation is internationally standardised in the standard IEC 60529.
For the first digit of the IP value, it is advisable to require at least a value of IP6x, or full dust-tightness, for outdoor use. Luminaires with lower dust-tightness will quickly become soiled and break down in environments where there is a lot of dust and/or wind. Note: regardless of the application, it is always advisable to aim for the highest possible value.
Large objects:
Provides protection against accidental, superficial hand contact.
Protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 50 mm.
Medium-sized objects:
Provides protection against finger touch. Touch-safe only for measuring devices.
Protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 12.5 mm.
Small objects:
Provides protection against contact with an implement.
Touch-safe only for measuring devices. Protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 2.5 mm.
Pointy objects:
Provides protection against contact with an implement. Protects against contact with a wire.
Protected against penetration of solid objects larger than 1 mm.
Dust protection:
Is touch-safe as the housing is completely sealed.
Not complete protection against dust but enough to not interfere with proper operation.
Dust-free:
The highest achievable class. This class is touch-safe because the housing is completely sealed.
It thus provides full protection against dust.
For the second digit of the IP value, it is advisable to require at least a value of IPx6, or waterproof, for outdoor use. For environments where there is a risk of submersion and/or the lamp is heavily used, it is even advisable to opt for a luminaire with minimum values of IPx7 or even IPx8.
Type I drip seal:
No damage if subject to falling drops.
Type II drip seal:
No damage if subjected to falling drops on a 15° tilted device.
Splashproof:
No damage if sprayed (10 l/min) at an angle -60° to 60°.
Pee-proof:
No damage if sprayed (10 l/min) under unchanged and any angle.
Sprayproof:
No damage if sprayed (12.5 l/min) under unchanged and any angle
Water-resistant:
No water penetration if sprayed (100 l/min) under unchanged and any angle.
Submersible:
No water penetration if submerged (30 min at 1 m).
Waterproof:
Remains usable under water under specified conditions.
Damp-proof:
Remains usable when humidity exceeds 90% or high-pressure spraying.
The IK classification classifies the level of protection provided by electrical appliances against external mechanical influences. It is defined by the standard IEC 62262. The degree of mechanical protection is identified by a code consisting of the letters IK followed by two digits.
It is recommended to always aim for the highest achievable IK value, the higher the value the higher the resistance to impact. For a permanent lighting installation such as for a terrain or sports field, IK07 is recommended as the minimum requirement. For mounting luminaires on moving installations with vibrations, impacts and/or in an environment with moving parts, an IK value of at least IK09 or even IK10 is recommended.
Impact energy: <0.15 joules
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 7.5 cm.
Impact energy: <0.20 joules
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 10 cm.
Impact energy: <0.35 joules
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 17.5 cm.
Impact energy: <0.50 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 25 cm.
Impact energy: <0.70 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 200-gram object thrown at a distance of 35 cm.
Impact energy: <1.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 500-gram object thrown at a distance of 20 cm.
Impact energy: <2.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 500-gram object thrown at a distance of 40 cm.
Impact energy: <5.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 1.7 kg object thrown at a distance of 29.5 cm.
Impact energy: <10.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 5 kg object thrown at a distance of 20 cm.
Impact energy: <20.00 joules:
Resistant to the impact of a 5 kg object thrown at a distance of 40 cm.
