T-Word Explains: What are IP ratings?

To help identify which light fitting, often referred to as a luminaire, is suitable for which application, they are given an IPXX rating. The IP denotes Ingress or International Protection code and the X denotes first and second characteristic numerals.

An IPXX rating categorises the level of protection the luminaire has against dust, solid objects and moisture. These ratings are given in accordance with European standard EN60598-1.

Luminaires installed outdoors will be exposed to rain, dust and solid objects. Luminaires in these environments will typically have an IP rating of IP54 to IP65. Conversely, luminaires installed indoors in an office or corridor would typically have much lower IP rating, i.e. IP20.

First characteristic numeral - protection from objects:

0. No special protection.
1. Protected against objects over 50mm e.g. hands but no protection against deliberate access.
2. Protected against objects over 12.5mm e.g. fingers or similar objects not exceeding 80mm in length.
3. Protected against objects over 2.5mm e.g. wiring and smaller tools.
4. Protected against objects over 1mm e.g. wiring.
5. Limited protection against dust ingress, however, still unsuitable for hazardous areas with high dust levels.
6. Totally protected against dust ingress.

Second characteristic numeral - protection from moisture:

0. No special protection.
1. Protected against vertically dripping water drops.
2. Protected against vertically dripping water, even if the luminaire enclosure is tilted to 15o.
3. Protected against sprayed water falling from an angle up to 60o from the vertical.
4. Protected against splashed water from any direction.
5. Protected against water jets projected by a nozzle from any direction.
6. Protected against heavy seas or powerful water jets from any direction.
7. Protected against immersion in water for defined conditions of pressure and time.
8. Protected against continuous submersion under defined conditions.

It's worth noting that the "x" in these ratings simply denotes that the value for that number is missing. You can replace it with a zero, assuming that it has not ingress protection rating.

Tamlite Lighting manufactures and specifies the right luminaires for the right application. For more information contact us.