Explaining IP Ratings: What Facilities Managers and Lighting Specifiers Need to Know

LiteSource  |  September 24, 2024  |  Agency News

When choosing the right lighting for your facility, it's crucial to consider the environment where the lights will be installed. One key factor that ensures your lighting fixtures are up to the task is their IP rating. But what exactly does an IP rating mean, and why should you care?

 

What is an IP Rating?

IP, or Ingress Protection, ratings are standardized codes that indicate how well a lighting fixture (or any electrical device) is protected against dust, solid objects, and moisture. These ratings are essential for determining whether a light is suitable for specific environments, particularly those exposed to dust, water, or extreme conditions.

 

Decoding the IP Rating

An IP rating typically consists of two numbers, such as IP65 or IP44. Here’s what they signify:

 

The First Digit (Solid Object Protection): This number ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the level of protection against solid particles like dust and debris.

  • 0: No protection.
  • 1-4: Protection against objects larger than a certain size, from hands and fingers to small tools.
  • 5: Dust protected—some dust may enter, but it won’t interfere with the operation.
  • 6: Dust tight—no dust can enter.

 

The Second Digit (Moisture Protection): This number ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates the level of protection against liquids.

  • 0: No protection.
  • 1-2: Protection against dripping water.
  • 3-4: Protection against spraying or splashing water.
  • 5-6: Protection against water jets, such as from a hose.
  • 7-8: Protection against immersion in water, with IP68 offering protection for prolonged submersion.
  • 9: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets (often used in industrial cleaning).

 

Understanding Additional Letter Ratings

The letter rating that sometimes accompanies an IP rating is an additional classification that can provide more specific information about the protection offered by a lighting fixture. These letters are not as commonly used or required in lighting as the primary IP digits, but they can still be relevant in certain specialized applications. Here’s a breakdown of what these letters mean and their validity in lighting:

 

  1. Supplementary Protection Letters:

   - F: Protection against oil.

   - H: High-voltage device.

   - M: Device moving during water test.

   - S: Device standing still during water test.

   - W: Weather conditions.

 

  1. Mechanical Protection Letter (Optional):

   - A: Protected against access with the back of the hand.

   - B: Protected against access with a finger.

   - C: Protected against access with a tool.

   - D: Protected against access with a wire.

 

Validity in Lighting Applications

 

While the primary IP rating digits (solid and moisture protection) are the most important and universally recognized for lighting, these additional letter ratings can be valid in certain specialized circumstances:

 

  • Outdoor Lighting (W): The 'W' designation can indicate that a lighting fixture is specifically designed to withstand weather conditions, making it more suitable for outdoor applications.

 

  • Industrial Lighting (M, S, F): In industrial settings, where equipment might be exposed to oils or needs to be tested under specific movement conditions, these additional letters might be relevant. For example, a light with an ‘F’ rating might be more resistant to oil splashes, making it suitable for manufacturing environments.

 

  • High-Voltage Applications (H): In environments where high voltage is a factor, the ‘H’ designation might be necessary to ensure that the lighting fixtures meet the required safety standards.

 

For most lighting applications, the primary focus should be on the two digits in the IP rating that address solid and moisture protection.

 

 

Choosing the Right IP Rating

When selecting lighting for your facility, always consider the specific conditions of the installation environment. Ask yourself:

  • Will the fixture be exposed to dust or debris?
  • Will it be in an area prone to moisture, such as a bathroom or an outdoor location?
  • Is there a risk of immersion or exposure to high-pressure water jets?

 

Understanding these factors will guide you in choosing the appropriate IP rating, ensuring that your lighting fixtures are not only functional but also safe and durable, and of course the team at LiteSource is always available to help evaluate your needs.

Next Article