Understanding IP Ratings
What is an IP rating?
IP stands for “Ingress Protection“. It’s a two-digit code used to indicate the level of protection provided against solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). The first digit refers to protection against solid objects. The second digit refers to protection against liquids.
-
ETL Wet Location: ETL wet-location ratings signify that electrical products (like lights) are tested by Intertek to withstand direct exposure to water, such as rain, snow, or splashes in showers. -
IP66 or higher: This is the recommended IP rating for outdoor lights. It means the light is completely protected against dust and can withstand strong jets of water from any direction. This is sufficient for most outdoor lighting needs, including heavy rain.
-
IP67: This rating indicates complete protection against dust and temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes). While it offers more protection than IP66, it’s typically more than necessary for most outdoor lighting situations unless you expect the lights to be submerged in water occasionally.
-
IP68: This is the highest level of protection against dust and water, meaning the light can withstand continuous submersion in water under specific conditions. This level of protection is usually more than necessary for standard outdoor lighting.
ETL Wet Location: ETL wet-location ratings signify that electrical products (like lights) are tested by Intertek to withstand direct exposure to water, such as rain, snow, or splashes in showers.
IP66 or higher: This is the recommended IP rating for outdoor lights. It means the light is completely protected against dust and can withstand strong jets of water from any direction. This is sufficient for most outdoor lighting needs, including heavy rain.
IP67: This rating indicates complete protection against dust and temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes). While it offers more protection than IP66, it’s typically more than necessary for most outdoor lighting situations unless you expect the lights to be submerged in water occasionally.
IP68: This is the highest level of protection against dust and water, meaning the light can withstand continuous submersion in water under specific conditions. This level of protection is usually more than necessary for standard outdoor lighting.