The Significance of IP Ratings in Lighting Industry Enclosures

Understanding IP Ratings

In the realm of lighting technology, Ingress Protection (IP) ratings hold pivotal importance in assessing the efficacy of electrical enclosures against external factors like tools, dust, and moisture. These ratings, as defined by the international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989), offer a comprehensive system for characterizing enclosure protection.

Decoding IP Rating Numbers

The alphanumeric code following the IP designation carries nuanced information. The first digit signifies the level of defense against intrusion, safeguarding both individuals and enclosed equipment. The second digit outlines the protection against moisture in various forms, such as drips, sprays, and submersion.

Quick Reference Chart for IP Rated Enclosures

First Digit (Intrusion Protection)

• 0 (or X): No special protection; not rated for this type of ingress.
• 1: Protection from large body parts but no defense against deliberate access.
• 2: Protection against fingers or objects up to 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.
• 3: Protection from tools, wires, etc., with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more.
• 4: Defense against solid objects larger than 1mm.
• 5: Partial protection against harmful dust.
• 6: Totally dust-tight, providing full defense against dust and particulates, including a vacuum seal.

Second Digit (Moisture Protection)

• 0 (or X): No protection.
• 1: Protection against vertically falling droplets, like condensation.
• 2: Defense against water droplets deflected up to 15° from vertical.
• 3: Protection against spray up to 60° from vertical.
• 4: Protection against water splashes from all directions, tested with an oscillating spray for a minimum of 10 minutes.
• 5: Protection against low-pressure jets (6.3 mm) from any angle.
• 6: Protection against direct high-pressure jets.
• 7: Protection against full immersion for up to 30 minutes at depths between 15 cm and 1 meter.
• 8: Protection against extended immersion under higher pressure, with specific test parameters set by the manufacturer.

Understanding IPX Ratings

While not a standard IP rating, the IPX designation is occasionally used, especially in lighting. The “x” denotes the absence of a value, which can be replaced with zero, signifying no ingress protection rating. For instance, IPX5 indicates no defined protection from solid objects but protection against low-pressure water jets.

Common IP Ratings in Our Range

In the lighting industry, our frequently employed IP ratings encompass IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP68, each offering tailored protection:

• IP65 Enclosure: Designed to be dust-tight and protected against water projected from a nozzle.
• IP66 Enclosure: Ensures dust-tightness and shields against heavy seas or powerful water jets.
• IP67 Enclosures: Provides dust-tightness and protection against immersion for 30 minutes at depths ranging from 150mm to 1000mm.
• IP68 Enclosures: Guarantees dust-tightness and safeguards against complete, continuous submersion in water.