IP and Waterproof Rating Explained
LED Lighting IP and Waterproof Rating
LED lighting products come with an IP rating that classifies the level of protection each product has against solids like dust and liquids like water. The "IP Rating" is a code for the "International Protection Rating" or "Ingress Protection Rating" that defines the level of protection that electrical appliances (like LED light bulbs) provide against the intrusion of solid objects or dust, accidental contact, and water.
The IP rating is expressed as IPNN with "N" being numbers. For example, you may find a LED lighting product on the EagleLight website that has an "IP" Rating of 65.
The level of protection against solid particles is shown in the first digit. This measures protection against dirt, dust, and other solid matter. The second number classifies the protection against harmful ingress of water.
The higher the number the greater the protection. Lower numbers are better suited for inside carpeted areas like office LED lighting, school LED lighting, and LED lighting of churches. EagleLight LED light bulbs with higher numerical LED light bulb IP ratings are better suited for areas with more exposure like industrial LED lighting and commercial LED lighting like hospital lighting and factory LED lighting or warehouse LED lighting.
LED lighting IP Solid Rating Chart - First IP Rating Numerical Digit
| First Number | Effective Against |
| 0 | No protection against contact and ingress of objects |
| 1 | Any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part (>50mm) |
| 2 | Fingers or similar objects (>12mm) |
| 3 | Tools, thick wires, etc. (>2.5mm) |
| 4 | Most wires, screws, etc. (>1mm) |
| 5 | Dust protected--Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment |
| 6 | Dust tight--No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact |
LED lighting IP Water Rating Chart - Second IP Rating Numerical Digit
The second numerical digit indicates the level of protection from harmful ingress of water:
| Second Number | Effective Against |
| 0 | Not protected |
| 1 | Dripping water from vertical |
| 2 | Direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from vertical |
| 3 | Spraying water of up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing water from all angles, limited ingress |
| 5 | Low pressure water jets from all angles |
| 6 | Powerful water jets, like decks for ships |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1 meter |
| 8 | Immersion beyond 1 meter |
For the Scientist and Engineer
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are developed by the European Committee for Electro Technical Standardization (CENELEC) (NEMA IEC 60529 Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures - IP Code), specifying the environmental protection the enclosure provides.
The IP rating can include a third number but normally has two numbers:
- Protection from solid objects or materials
- Protection from liquids (water)
- Protection against mechanical impacts (commonly omitted, the third number is not a part of IEC 60529)
LED lighting on LED-Purchase.com IP ratings do not include impact ratings or ability to withstand shock or a drop.
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