IP Enclosure Ratings Explained

Vapor Tight LED Light Fixtures are marked with an IP rating number. Typically, these fixtures come with impact resistant enclosure covers with gaskets and snap-fit latches to provide a tight seal. These features are designed specifically for demanding environments. This makes these fixtures ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, in cold and moist conditions.

What is an IP Rating?

IP Rating (or International Protection Rating, sometimes also called Ingress Protection Rating) consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. These ratings are defined in international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989).

These standards are used to define the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies such as dirt and water. The standards aim to provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as waterproof or water-resistant.

What do the numbers in an IP Rating mean?

The numbers that follow IP each have a specific meaning. The first digit establishes the level of protection against intrusion of foreign bodies (such as dust and other objects). The second digit establishes the resistance against moisture intrusion (drips, sprays, submersion etc.). Below are the tables which specify what each digit in the IP level relates to.

First Digit (intrusion protection) : SOLIDS

The first digit indicates how well the object guards against foreign objects like wires, conductors and moving parts. Here’s what the first digit means.

LEVEL	OBJECT SIZE PROTECTED AGAINST	PROTECTION EFFECTIVE AGAINST
0	No Protection	No protection against foreign objects.
1	> 50mm	Protection against objects larger than 50mm, but no protection against deliberate access.
2	>12.5mm	Protection against objects larger than 12.5mm, including fingers or similar objects.
3	>2.5mm	Protection against objects larger than 2.5mm., including tools, thick wires, etc.
4	>1mm	Protection against objects larger than 1mm, including most screws, etc.
5	Dust Protected	Guards against most dust entry ensuring satisfactory operation of the equipment.
6	Dust Tight	Guards against all entry of dust, offers complete protection.

Second Digit (moisture protection): LIQUIDS

The second digit tells you how well the object guards against water. Here’s what the second digit means.

LEVEL	OBJECT SIZE PROTECTED AGAINST	PROTECTION EFFECTIVE AGAINST
0	No Protection	No protection against water.
1	Dripping water	Protects against vertical dripping water.
2	Dripping water when tilted up 15°	Protects against vertical dripping water when the equipment is tilted at a 15^o angle.
3	Spraying water	Protects against vertical sprays of water when the equipment is tilted at a 60^o angle.
4	Splashing water	Protects against splashes of water from any direction.
5	Water jets	Protects against light jets of water from any direction.
6	Powerful water jets	Protects against strong jets of water from any direction.
7	Immersion up to 1m	Protects against complete immersion up to 1 meter.
8	Immersion beyond 1m	Protects against complete immersion at depths beyond 1 meter.

Our range

Our outdoor and vapor tight LED lighting all have IP designations. Our most common IP rating is IP65. For reference, the most common IP ratings for lighting products are defined below:

IP65 Enclosure - IP rated as "dust tight" and protected against water projected from a nozzle.
IP66 Enclosure - IP rated as "dust tight" and protected against heavy seas or powerful jets of water.
IP 67 Enclosures - IP rated as "dust tight" and protected against immersion.

Browse through our Vapor Tight LED fixture listings for a selection of products that come with IP ratings. These fixtures are tough and resist moisture, dust, and anything else man or nature can throw at them. Surface mount or suspend vapor tight fixtures in manufacturing facilities, parking garages, food processing areas, porches, and barns.

If you still have any questions, our team is on hand to help you with anything you need – simply give us a call at 1-866-9-ORILIS (1-866-967-4547).