IP Ratings For LED Lights Explained
LED lights are a reliable and energy-efficient lighting solution for many homes. However, when deciding upon the best LED lights for your needs, IP ratings are an important factor to consider.
You may be wondering, "what is the IP rating for lights?" and that's where this guide comes in. IP (ingress protection) ratings are a crucial part of LED light selection, as they indicate the level of protection that the lights have against dust, water and other external elements. Knowing what IP ratings mean and how they affect LED lights can help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we'll explain what IP ratings are and how they apply to LED lights, such as IP rating downlights. We'll also discuss how to choose the right LED lights for your needs based on their IP ratings.
By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of how to choose the best LED lights for your unique needs.
In this guide you will find:
Understanding the Digits In An IP Rating
What Does IP Stand For?
IP stands for "Ingress Protection" and is used to indicate the level of protection of an electrical device from dust, water and other external elements in order to operate and avoid electric shock safely.
The protection is created from the electrical enclosures encasing the lights, and the rating is determined in an accredited test laboratory which performs the necessary IP testing to ensure safety.
Understanding the Digits In An IP Rating
IP ratings are composed of two digits, which help you determine the specific limits to the level of protection. The first digit in the IP number indicates solid object intrusion protection, such as dust and dirt, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids.
| First Digit | Explanation | Second Digit | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No safeguard against solid objects. | 0 | No safeguard against liquids. |
| 1 | Shielding against objects bigger than 50mm in size. | 1 | Offers shielding that covers vertically falling drops. |
| 2 | Shielding against objects larger than 12mm. | 2 | Shielding from streams of water at a 15-degree angle. |
| 3 | Shielding against objects larger than 2.5mm. | 3 | Shielding from streams of water at a 60-degree. |
| 4 | Shielding against objects larger than 1mm. | 4 | Shielding from all angled sprays. |
| 5 | Shielding against small particles such as dust. | 5 | Shielding from a low-pressure water jet. |
| 6 | Completely protected against solids. | 6 | Shielding from a high-pressure water jet. |
| 7 | Capable of withstanding the impact of being submerged between 15cm and 1m. | ||
| 8 | Total protection against liquids and can withstand extended submergence. |
When it comes to LED lights, higher ingress protection means an increased defence against dust and moisture, such as condensation around the wash basin. This is important to consider, as LED lights are often used both indoors and outdoors and need to be able to withstand the elements.
What IP Rating Will You Need?
When choosing your LED light fitting, it's important to consider the environment in which they will be used to find the right IP-rated lights.
For indoor lighting, you'll typically only need to choose lights with a lower IP rating unless they will be going in areas with high levels of moisture, such as the different bathroom zones.
For outdoor lighting, on the other hand, you'll need to choose lights with a higher IP rating, as the lights will be more exposed to the elements.
Indoor Lighting
For indoor lighting, you'll need a low, medium, or high IP rating, depending on the room you'll be installing the lights. When selecting an LED light fitting for indoor use, you should consider the environment and potential hazards, like a wet environment, as this will help you to determine the ingress protection you need.
For example, when choosing bathroom lighting, it's important to stick to the right bathroom zones when installing lights, as each zone requires a different level of water protection. Bathroom zones go from 0 to 2, with areas inside 0 and 1, which include the shower tray, needing the highest IP-rated lights as they are more likely to come into direct contact with water.
Unlike bathroom lighting, other areas of your home won't need as high protection, and you can select the minimum rating required.
Outdoor Lighting
For outdoor lighting, you'll need a medium or high IP rating, depending on how sheltered the area of installation is, as outside lights will be subjected to the elements and need to have the minimum IP rating needed to withstand those conditions.
For example, suppose you're installing LED lights in an area that is exposed directly to rain and wind. In that case, you'll need a high IP that is completely waterproof, such as IP68, to avoid foreign objects and liquid getting into the light fixture. In other areas, such as a closed porch or garden structure, a medium rating may be sufficient.
Final Thoughts
In summary, IP ratings are a crucial part of LED light selection, as they indicate the protection that the lights have against dust, water and other external elements.
When selecting LED lights for indoor use, you should look for LED lights with a rating that is suitable to the conditions of the room, such as medium to high ratings in bathrooms.
When selecting LED lights for outdoor use, you should look for LED lights with a medium or high rating, depending on the level of cover the lights will have from the elements.
It's important to note that the IP rating should not be the only factor when deciding on the best LED lights for your needs. You should also consider other factors such as wattage, beam angle, colour temperature, and voltage.
If you have any questions about IP ratings or LED lights, feel free to reach out to a qualified professional for advice.