What Is The Ip Rating For Outdoor Lighting

What is IP Rating for Outdoor Lighting?

The IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, is a standardized measure of the level of protection provided by an electrical enclosure against the entry of solid objects and liquids. It is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in its publication IEC 60529.

The IP rating is a two-digit number, where the first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects and the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids. The higher the number, the greater the level of protection.

For outdoor lighting, the IP rating is important because it helps to ensure that the lighting fixture will be able to withstand the elements, such as rain, dust, and snow. A higher IP rating will provide more protection, and will therefore be more suitable for use in harsh environments.

First Digit: Protection Against Solid Objects

The first digit of the IP rating indicates the level of protection against solid objects. The following table shows the different levels of protection:

| Level | Description | |---|---| | 0 | No protection | | 1 | Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm | | 2 | Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm | | 3 | Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm | | 4 | Protected against solid objects greater than 1 mm | | 5 | Protected against dust | | 6 | Completely dust-tight |

Second Digit: Protection Against Liquids

The second digit of the IP rating indicates the level of protection against liquids. The following table shows the different levels of protection:

| Level | Description | |---|---| | 0 | No protection | | 1 | Protected against dripping water | | 2 | Protected against water dripping at a 15-degree angle | | 3 | Protected against water spraying at a 60-degree angle | | 4 | Protected against water splashing from all directions | | 5 | Protected against water jets from all directions | | 6 | Protected against powerful water jets | | 7 | Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter | | 8 | Protected against immersion in water up to 3 meters |

IP Ratings for Outdoor Lighting

The following are some typical IP ratings for outdoor lighting:

| IP Rating | Description | |---|---| | IP44 | Protected against solid objects greater than 1 mm and water splashing from all directions | | IP54 | Protected against solid objects greater than 1 mm and water jets from all directions | | IP65 | Protected against dust and water jets from all directions | | IP66 | Completely dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets | | IP67 | Protected against dust and immersion in water up to 1 meter | | IP68 | Protected against dust and immersion in water up to 3 meters |

Choosing the Right IP Rating for Outdoor Lighting

When choosing an IP rating for outdoor lighting, it is important to consider the following factors:

The location of the light fixture
The weather conditions in the area
The type of light fixture

For example, if you are installing a light fixture in a sheltered area, such as under a porch or patio, then you may not need a high IP rating. However, if you are installing a light fixture in an exposed area, such as on a rooftop or in a coastal area, then you will need a higher IP rating to protect the fixture from the elements.

It is also important to consider the type of light fixture when choosing an IP rating. Some light fixtures, such as LED lights, are more resistant to moisture than other types of lights, such as incandescent lights. This means that LED lights can often get away with a lower IP rating than incandescent lights.

By considering the factors above, you can choose the right IP rating for your outdoor lighting needs. This will help to ensure that your lighting fixture will be able to withstand the elements and provide you with years of trouble-free service.