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IP values for lighting and lights

The IP coding (International Protection Rating, also known as Ingress Protection) on electrical applications and lighting is an indication for the safety of the construction of electrical or electronic objects against damage by using the object in a 'hostile environment', and for the safety of the user.

The IP indication is internationally normalised in the 'IEC 60529' legislation. This IP indication has two numbers: the first symbolises the degree of protection against the touching and entering objects, the second number symbolises the degree of protection against moisture.

The most commonly used IP values for lights are:

·         IP20 = Dust-resistant lights

·         IP21 = Lights resistant to dripping water

·         IP23 = Lights resistant to rain water

·         IP44 = Bathroom lights resistant to splattering water

·         IP54 = Lights resistant to splattering water and dust

·         IP65 = Lights protected against water streams

·         IP67 = Lights resistant to dust and water whilst being submerged for 30 minutes (e.g. in baths or showers)

·         IP68 = Lights resistant to dust and water, whilst being indefinitely submerged (e.g. in pools or ponds)

The IP values as mentioned above, get higher and higher when you read the list. Bathroom lights will, for example, require a minimal IP value of IP44 if they are anywhere near the splattering of water. In addition, all lights that have a higher IP value can be used in a bathroom. Is there a ceiling light in your bathroom above the sink? In that case an IP value of IP22 will suffice. The required IP value is therefore depending on the position of a light. Another example is related to outdoor lights. If you want to use a light beneath a conservatory where there is no such thing as rainwater, an IP value of 20 will suffice. If there are gusts of wind that might cause some rain water to end up beneath your conservatory, you will need a minimal IP23. 

IP-values containing  ‘x’                                        

Instead of 'x', you can imagine a second number. The value 'x' can also mean the moisture protection is not really important. Within the world of lighting, the following IP values are most frequently used:

You will find the elaborated meaning of IP values below.

Protection degree against solid objects                             
Core figure Description 1e IP figure Described
0 Not protected IP 0X  
1 Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm IP 1X  
2 Protected against solid objects greater than 12mm IP 2X Refit Safely
3 Protected against solid objects greater than 2,5mm IP 3X  
4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm IP 4X  
5 Protected against dust IP 5X Dust-free
6 Dust-proof IP 6X Dust-proof
       
Protection degree against moisture    
Core figure Description 2e IP figure Described
0 Not protected IP X0 Basic
1 Protected against dripping water IP X1 Drip-proof
2 Protected against dripping water tilt <15 degree IP X2  
3 Protected against spraying water IP X3 Rainproof
4 Protected against splashing water IP X4 Splashproof
5 Protected against water jets IP X5 Spray waterproof
6 Protected from rainstorms IP X6  
7 Protected against immersion <1m - 30 minutes IP X7 Waterproof
8 Protected against staying under water IP X8 Pressure water tight