What is IP Rating? Here are the Simple Facts

IP Ratings: Understanding the Basics

If you’ve ever looked at buying Lighting or other devices for outdoor use, you may have come across the term “IP rating.” An IP rating is a standardized way of measuring the level of protection that a device has against intrusion by dust, dirt, and water. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at IP ratings and what they mean for you.

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What is an IP Rating?

An IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, is a two-digit code that indicates the level of protection that a device has against intrusion by solid objects (like dust and dirt) and liquids (like water). The first digit of the code indicates the level of protection against solid objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids.

What do the Numbers Mean?

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The first digit in an IP rating ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the level of protection against solid objects. Here’s what each number means:

0: No protection against solid objects1: Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm (such as a hand)2: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm (such as a finger)3: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm (such as a tool)4: Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm (such as a wire)5: Dust-protected (no harmful dust buildup)6: Dust-tight (no dust can enter)

The second digit in an IP rating ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates the level of protection against liquids. Here’s what each number means:

0: No protection against liquids1: Protection against vertically falling drops of water (such as rain)2: Protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees from its normal position3: Protection against spraying water at an angle up to 60 degrees from vertical4: Protection against splashing water from any direction5: Protection against low-pressure jets of water from any direction6: Protection against high-pressure jets of water from any direction7: Protection against temporary immersion in water (up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter)8: Protection against continuous immersion in water (specified by the manufacturer)Why is an IP Rating Important?

Knowing the IP rating of a device is important if you plan to use it in environments where it may be exposed to dust or water. For example, if you’re buying a speaker for outdoor use, you’ll want to make sure it has a high enough IP rating to protect against rain or splashes of water. Similarly, if you’re buying a camera for use in a dusty environment, you’ll want to make sure it has a high enough IP rating to prevent dust from entering the camera and damaging the lens.As a rule of thumb, we always recommend using an outdoor light with a minimum IP rating of IP65. A few popular examples are the Brilliant Lighting Glenelg Wall light, the Lampada Cantino and the CLA Lighting Giro wall light

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Why Do Some Light Fittings Have IP Rating Listed While Others Do Not?If a light fitting does not have an IP rating listed on its features or specifications, then chances are the light fitting is designed for indoor use (except shower area). Light fittings that are specifically created for outdoors use will usually have the IP ratings listed.

In general, high-end outdoor lights have an IP rating of 65 and higher. Outdoor lights that are IP rated 65 or higher will be highly resistant to external elements and are perfectly suitable for areas that are exposed to heavy rain and strong coastal wind. IP44 is another common rating in the lighting industry. Light fittings with IP44 are also suitable for general outdoor use though preferably not exposed directly to heavy rain.

Here’s What You Need to Know:Light fittings that do not have IP ratings listed are likely to be designed for indoor use (except shower room)Use light fittings that have IP ratings of 44 and above for outdoor lighting

Conclusion

IP ratings are an important way of measuring the level of protection that a device has against intrusion by dust, dirt, and water. Knowing the IP rating of a device can help you make an informed decision when purchasing Lighting or other devices for use in outdoor or dusty environments. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or contact us directly to ensure that the device is suitable for your intended use.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor