12 Nov IP Ratings Explained
Ingress Protection or International Protection (IP) is a term meaning how protected a light is from solid or liquid elements, that being dust proof or water proof respectively.
The IP rating always consists of two numbers. The two numbers specify the degree of protection provided to a light fitting.
The following table represents the various levels of protection as well as what each number means.
Table 1
| Degree | Waterproof definition (IPX specification) |
|---|---|
| IPx0 | No protection. |
| IPx1 | Protected against dripping water at rain equivalent of 3 to 5 mm of falling water per minute over 10 minutes. The unit is located in its working position. |
| IPx2 | Protected against dripping water when the appliance is in the 15-degree position. Same as IP x1, except that the unit is tested in 4 positions, tilted 15 ° at each position from the normal operating position. |
| IPx3 | Protected against water spray. Water sprays at 60 degrees vertically, at a rate of 10 liters per minute and a pressure of 80-100 kN / m2 for 5 minutes. |
| IPx4 | Protected against splashing water. Same as for IP x3, except that the water sprays at all angles. |
| IPx5 | Also called water resistant. Protected against splashing water. The water drives a 6.3 mm nozzle at all angles at a flow of 12.5 liters per minute at a pressure of 30 kN / m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters. |
| IPx6 | Protected against waves. The water is directed by a 12.5 mm nozzle at all angles at a flow of 100 liters per minute at a pressure of 100 kN / m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters. |
| IPx7 | Protected against immersion in water. Immersion for 30 minutes to a depth of 1 meter. |
| IPx8 | Protected against sinking into the water. The device is capable of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the device manufacturer. |
Table 2
| Degree | Solid foreign object definition |
|---|---|
| IPx0 | No protection. |
| IPx1 | Protected against solid objects up to 50 mm. |
| IPx2 | Protected against solid objects up to 12 mm. |
| IPx3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5 mm. |
| IPx4 | Protected against solid objects over 1 mm. |
| IPx5 | Ingress of dust is not entirely protected against dust but it must not enter in sufficient quantity. |
| IPx6 | Complete protection against dust contact. |
As an example, this means that if the lighting has a protection class of IP67, it is fully dustproof (number 6) and is protected against water penetration to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes (number 7).
IP RATING AT GINEICO LIGHTING
Many indoor lighting products are not designed for water exposure. Indoor lights IP20 to IP40 are not waterproof, whilst IP42 is drip proof and IP44 is splash proof. Generally speaking, dusty lights do not put out as much light so be aware of high ceilings and placement of these IP rated lights.
Below are some common IP ratings for indoor lights:
IP20
Lighting that is protected from touch by fingers and objects greater than 12 millimeters. These are impactful indoor lights and are suitable for retail properties, offices, loungerooms, and bedrooms.
The Raso IP20 is composed of anodised aluminium for a grazing emitted light. These special diffusers give a very broad wall-washing effect using fewer light sources than other devices.
Raso IP20
The Mondrian Glass Ceiling light is inspired by the painter Piet Mondrian and the chandelier is made up of vertical and horizontal metal structures. This timeless light combines the rhythm of a geometric structure, with five mouth-blown Murano glass spheres.
The Opium Pendant is a diaphanous light creating a soft textural glow that will add an enchanting feel to any indoor space. A shining example of modern light architecture.
Mondrian Glass Ceiling
Opium Pendant
Beluga Pendant
IP44
Lights that are IP44 rated are suitable for bathrooms and other applications where water spray is a risk.
The Phantom IP44 is splash proof and can be used in bathrooms because of the DurCoral material used which is totally inert to salt or moisture.
Phantom IP44
Outdoor lighting is made to withstand harsh conditions as it often exposed to the outdoor elements and is anything rated between IP66-IP68.
Below are some common IP ratings for Gineico Lighting outdoor lights:
IP54
IP54 rating means, that the device is partially protected against dust, and fully protected against splashing water that sprays at all angles.
NYX Trimless downlight has a waterproof version that is used in bathrooms and other wet areas.
The popular I-PIPEDI Wall Outdoor light is a favourite because it can be ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted or applied as a hanging fixture.
NYX Trimless
I-Pepidi Wall Outdoor
IP55
IP55 rating means, that the device is partially protected against dust, and fully protected against splashing water at a pressure of 30 kN / m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
Gineico Lighting – 2430B is inspired by the old ocean liners and is made of marine grade material so it can withstand these harsh elements. Perfect for coastal properties.
Gineico Lighting – 2430 B
IP65
IP65 rating means, that the device is fully protected against dust, and fully protected against splashing water at a pressure of 30 kN / m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
I-Cementi Zero51 Suspension is made from Piumacemento® or smoothed concrete and is waterproof. It can be isntalled in the floor, suspended, ceiling or wall-mounted applications.
I-Cementi Zero 51 Suspension
IP66
IP66 rating means, that the device is fully protected against dust, and fully protected against splashing water at a pressure of 100 kN / m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
Mathilda Outdoor has a marine grade housing with a waterproof IP rating of IP66 and is suitable for outdoor and marine environments.
Mathilda Outdoor
IP67
IP67 rating means, that the device is fully protected against dust, and fully protected against immersion in water for 30 minutes to a depth of 1 meter.
Raso Q Wall produces a grazing light onto the wall for outdoor applications and is suitable for ocean frontage.
Format Downlight Outdoor is made of marine grade aluminum, making these downlight fittings resistant to corrosion and is perfect for bathroom applications.
Raso Q Wall
Format Downlight Outdoor
IP68
IP68 rating means, that the device is fully protected against dust, and fully protected against sinking into the water. The device is capable of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the device manufacturer.
Microfile Outdoor is popular and customisable in different lengths for outdoor use. It is encased in concrete and so tough that it can be driven over.
Miami Floor Outdoor brings the atmosphere of indoor lighting outdoors. The lamp shade is made of white resin glass lampshade and can sit stylishly by a pool or outdoor entertaining area.
Microfile Outdoor
Miami Floor Outdoor
Garden Spike has a watertight rating for perfect use in landscaping a garden or balcony area throwing a punchy light to showcasing featured areas.
Garden Spike
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