What is an IP66 waterproof rating LED fixture? What is the IP rating, why is it always displayed on LED electronics?
what is the IP meaning
IP is an international standard that protects the electronic enclosure from external objects, dust and water. The standard was promulgated by the International Electrotechnical Communications (IEC) to help classify appliances. These classifications are based on two key factors preventing dust, intrusion and water penetration.
With the strengthening of people’s safety awareness, the purchase of LED light is not limited to lighting and heat dissipation issues. Dust and water resistance have become another requirement for everyone.
If you’ve been buying or planning to buy lighting electronics, then knowing the IP rating will come in handy in some way.
This knowledge can help you find the best product for your specific needs.
Protection level of led light
What does ip mean in grades?
Typically, the IP rating is represented in the format -IPXY – XY consists of two different numbers.
For example, X in IPXY means that the device can prevent foreign matter (such as dust, tools, fingers (to avoid electric shock), insects, etc.) from intruding. X can be any number between 0 and 6; where 0 is the least protected and 6 is the highest protected. This only means that IP6Y luminaires will be better, more sturdy and durable that IP1Y luminaires.
For example, Y in IPXY indicates the degree of protection of the device from water and moisture permeation. Y also ranges from 0 to 8, and has a special 9K rating. This means you will find electronic products labeled IPX0 to IPX9K. Obviously, IPX0 has the lowest level of protection, while IPX9K has the highest level of protection.
The following is a brief breakdown of the meaning of each number in the IP rating.
1. IP grade dust or object resistance rating (IPX*)
IPX0: no protection
IPX1: Prevent large solids from immersing
IPX2: Prevent medium-sized solids from invading
IPX3: Prevent small solids from immersing
IPX4: Prevent solids greater than 1mm from entering
IPX5: Prevent harmful dust accumulation
IPX6: Completely prevent dust from entering
2. IP grade waterproof or moisture resistant grade (IP*Y)
IP0Y: no protection
IP1Y: Drops of water dripping into the casing have no effect
IP2Y: Water or rain drops from the 15 degree angle to the outer casing without affecting
IP3Y: Water or rain drops from the 60 degree angle to the outer casing without affecting
IP4Y: No impact on water at any angle
IP5Y: Low pressure injection at any angle has no effect
IP6Y: High pressure jet water has no effect
IP7Y: It can withstand water in a short time (15cm-1cm, within half an hour)
IP8Y: Soaking water for a long time under a certain pressure
The IP rating consists of two numbers, the first number indicating dust protection and the second number indicating water resistance. A larger number indicates a better level of protection.
LED light IP Rating
Not all application scenarios have the same level of protection, and they have different levels of protection for indoor and outdoor LED lights. The degree of protection or IP rating is an important consideration when selecting LED lighting products for any project. It reflects the suitability of luminaires for specific environmental conditions in indoor and outdoor installations.
Now, let’s look at the different IP levels to see how they work.
LED lights for IP20 or IP40 Rating:
LED lights of IP20 or 40 are used for enclosed fixtures or indoors. It is usually good indoors unless it is in areas of high humidity or other harsh conditions. IP20 or IP40 lamps must not be outdoors unless they are sealed.
LED lights for IP54 Rating:
LED lights with IP54 protection are fully protected against dust. For liquids, it only prevents splashing. This is common in basic LED lights and indoor lighting.
LED lights for IP65 Rating:
The IP65 rating is considered the perfect choice for both domestic and commercial use, providing complete protection against foreign objects and water jets. If you buy outdoor lighting, it should be IP65 rated.
LED lights for IP67 Rating:
The IP67 protection provides full protection against solids and water ingress. They are similar to IP65 and IP64, and the protection against liquids is the same. However, LED lamps with this rating are more resistant to water than IP65. Even if the lamp is immersed in water at a depth of 1 M, the water will not affect it.
How to test IP66 LED lights?
Know that the degree of protection of the luminaire is good. However, you may still want to know how manufactures test IP66 fixtures?
If you push it to the limit, how can you make sure it won’t damage it? Well, the answers to both questions are very simple.
Learn about IP66 LED light testing. This is exactly what you need to know.
Test for IP66 Waterproof Level
Here is an introduction for everyone:Â led lights waterproof
Test Mothod
The test is made by spraying the enclosure from all practicable directions with a stream of water from a standard test nozzle as shown in figure 6.
The conditions to be observed are as follows:
– internal diameter of the nozzle:12.5 mm;
– delivery rate:100l/min
– water pressure: to be adjusted to achieve the specified delivery rate;
– core of the substantial stream: circle of approximately 120 mm diameter at 2,5 m distance from nozzle;
– test duration per square metre of enclosure surface area likely to be sprayed: 1 min;
– minimum test duration: 3 min
– distance from nozzle to enclosure surface: between 2,5 m and 3m.
Photo 1: overall view of model
Photo 2：IP6X test of model
Photo 3: IPX6 test of model
Photo 4: test result after IP6X test and IPX6 test
After the test is completed, there are some check methods:
- The site has sufficient water, it is best to build a cistern or prepare a bucket
- The ground and the wall should be treated with ceramic sheets to prevent the spattered water from damaging the wall.
- The venue should be ventilated and open, the length of the room should be 3.5 meters long and the width is about 2.5 meters.
- Prepare three-phase power to meet the needs of the pump head
What does ip mean in texting?
IP65 is dust-tight (no dust in) and water-proof (no harmful effects from water spray in all directions), which can completely prevent dust from entering. When subjected to strong wave impact or strong water spray, the water intake of the appliance should not reach harmful. Impact.
IP66 is dust-tight (no dust in) and anti-high pressure jet water, which can completely prevent dust from entering. When the high-pressure violent water is sprayed, the appliance is not in trouble.
Do you understand this knowledge? You can now shop by the importance, condition and adaptability of IP ratings.
A qualified LED light not only has good image and full function, but also has a high safety protection factor. Such a light is what the public wants.