[Full Guide] What is LED IP Rating?

From bright, energy-efficient LED lights in homes and offices to vivid LED screens used in advertising, entertainment, and sports, LEDs are now an essential part of modern life. 

However, when choosing LED products, it’s important to look beyond brightness and design. One key factor to consider is the IP rating (Ingress Protection rating), which shows how well a device is protected from dust and water.

Understanding IP ratings helps you pick the right LED lights and displays for different environments, whether for indoor, outdoor, or wet areas. This guide explains what IP ratings mean, how they work, and which one is best for your needs.

What is IP Rating?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is a standard rating that shows how well a device or enclosure is protected from dust, dirt, and water.

An IP rating shows how well a device is protected from dust, debris, and water. It has two numbers.

• The first number (0-6) measures protection against solid objects like dust and dirt.
• The second number (0-8) shows resistance to liquids like water.

A higher number means better protection.

IP Rating for LED Lighting

IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating) is an internationally recognized classification system established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under Standard IEC 60529.

This standard defines the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures, including LED fixtures, against the intrusion of solid particles (e.g., dust, debris) and liquids (e.g., water, moisture). The rating system helps users determine the suitability of devices for specific environments, particularly critical for LED lighting applications in diverse settings.

An LED IP rating shows how well an LED light is protected from dust and water. It helps decide if the light is safe for outdoor use, humid places, or dusty areas. A higher rating means better protection.

You can download IEC 60529 edition 2.1 here: IEC 60529.pdf

Structure of the IP Code:

The IP rating consists of two digits (e.g.,IP65):

1. First Digit (Solid Protection):Ranges from 0–6, indicating resistance to solids.

• 0: No protection.
• 6: Complete protection against dust (dust-tight).

2. Second Digit (Liquid Protection):Ranges from 0–9, indicating resistance to liquids.

• 0: No protection.
• 9K: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets (specialized industrial use).

Note: If a digit is omitted (e.g.,IPX7), "X" denotes untested or unspecified protection for that category.

Relevance to LED Lighting:

IP ratings guide consumers in selecting LED fixtures for safe installation in specific environments:

• Indoor Use (e.g., offices):Lower ratings likeIP20(protected against fingers, no water resistance).
• Outdoor/Weatherproof Use:Higher ratings such asIP65(dust-tight, resistant to water jets) orIP67/68(submersion-resistant).
• Industrial/Harsh Environments:Specialized ratings likeIP69Kfor high-pressure cleaning.

Standards and Compliance:

• Developed by theIEC, the IP system is adopted globally, with regional adaptations likeEN 60529in Europe.
• Manufacturers rigorously test LED products against IEC 60529 criteria to assign ratings, ensuring reliability in advertised conditions.

Why It Matters for LEDs:

Understanding IP ratings ensures LEDs perform optimally in their intended settings, preventing damage from environmental factors. For instance, garden LEDs require at leastIP44(splash-resistant), while pool lights needIP68(submersible).

Image: IP69K Explained

What IP Rating do you need?

If your environment is not very dusty or wet, a lower IP rating should be enough. For areas with heavy dust, debris, or possible contact with water, choose a higher IP rating. Make sure your LED strip lights have water-resistant or waterproof coatings for added protection.

Low IP Rating vs High IP Rating

Lower IP ratings are best for:

• Indoor spaces
• Enclosed products
• Sealed signage
• Aluminum extrusions

Higher IP ratings are best for:

• Open outdoor areas
• Dusty environments
• High-traffic zones
• Splash-prone locations

LED IP rating first number(0-6) vs. second number(0-8)

IP ratings have two numbers that show how well an LED light is protected. The first number tells how much it resists dust and solid objects. The second number shows its protection against water. Check the table below to understand the levels of safety.

Some common examples

• IP65- Water-resistant. It can handle water jets from any direction but should not be submerged in water.
• IP67- Extra water resistance. It can survive short-term submersion (up to 10 minutes) but not for long periods.
• IP68- Fully waterproof. It can stay underwater up to 3 meters for a long time.
• IP44- Can handle small solid particles and splashing water.
• IP54- Offers protection against dust and splashing water.

IP Rating for Different Types of LED Lighting

Not all LED displays need the same level of protection. Some are used indoors, while others face dust, rain, or harsh weather outside. The right IP rating ensures your display stays safe and works properly. Let’s explore which rating is best for different environments.

IP Ratings for indoor displays

Indoor LED lights usually have lower IP ratings because they are not exposed to harsh weather. An IP20 rating is enough for dry indoor spaces like offices, shops, and homes. It protects against dust and touch but doesn’t guard against moisture.

If the area has more dust or insects, an IP40 rating is a better choice. It prevents small particles from getting inside the light while offering slight protection against humidity. You’ll often see IP40-rated lights in malls, retail stores, and other large indoor spaces where durability matters.

Semi-outdoor LED displays

Semi-outdoor LED displays are designed for areas with partial protection from the weather, such as porches, covered patios, or building exteriors. These displays usually have an IP44 rating, which helps block dust and resist water splashes from any angle.

This protection reduces the risk of damage from light rain and dirt buildup. Since outdoor lighting conditions change throughout the day, these displays also have features to minimize glare.

Outdoor LED displays

IP ratings are important for outdoor and bathroom lighting. Ideally, outdoor lights should have an IP65 rating for full protection against dust and water. However, this limits decorative options. IP44 lights can be used in sheltered outdoor areas, like under eaves, allowing for more stylish choices.

In bathrooms, proper IP ratings ensure safety, especially in wet areas. Outdoor LED displays also need strong protection. IP65-rated displays resist dust and water jets, while IP67-rated ones can handle short-term water submersion.

IP Rating for Stage Lights

Image: Betopper Stage Lights

Stage lights are often exposed to different environmental challenges, from rain at outdoor concerts to dust in venues with high foot traffic. Therefore, knowing the IP rating of a stage light helps ensure that it will perform optimally and withstand these elements without compromising safety or functionality.

Choosing stage lights with the appropriate IP rating is essential for venues or event planners to ensure the longevity and reliability of their lighting setup. For example, a concert stage set up in an open-air venue would require lighting fixtures with a higher IP rating (e.g., IP65) for maximum protection, whereas indoor theaters may only need lights with lower ratings (e.g., IP20 or IP44).

Ultimately, understanding and selecting the correct IP rating for stage lights ensures both the safety of the equipment and the success of your event, providing peace of mind that your lights will shine brightly—regardless of the environment.

How to choose the right LED IP rating?

• Check where you will install the light. Indoor, outdoor, or wet areas need different IP ratings.
• For outdoor lights, IP65 is best for full protection from dust and water.
• If the light is under a roof or sheltered area, IP20 is usually enough.
• Bathroom lights near water should have at least IP44, but IP65 is safer for wet zones.
• Garden and pathway lights should be at least IP65 to handle rain and dirt.
• Underwater lights, like in pools or fountains, need IP67 or higher for water resistance.
• Choose a higher IP rating if the light will be in extreme weather.
• Always check product details to match the IP rating with your needs.

Conclusion

IP ratings help you choose the right LED lights for different environments. A higher IP rating means better protection against dust and water. Indoor lights need a lower IP rating, while outdoor and wet areas require higher ratings. For outdoor use, IP65 or higher is best. If the light is near water, IP67 or IP68 is safer. Always check the IP rating before buying to guarantee the light fits your needs. Picking the right rating helps your lights last longer and work properly.

FAQs

1. What does an IP rating mean for LED screens?

An IP rating shows how well an LED screen is protected from dust and water. For example, an IP65 outdoor LED display can resist dust and water jets, while an IP20 indoor display only protects against small solid objects and not liquids.

2. Is IP68 better than IP65?

Yes, IP68 offers more protection than IP65. An IP65 rating means the device is dustproof and can handle water jets. With an IP68 rating, it can be immersed in shallow water for a while while still being dustproof. The depth and duration vary depending on the particular product.

3. Do all electronic devices have an IP rating?

No, not all electronics have an IP rating. It is mainly used for devices that need protection against dust and water, like LED screens, smartphones, and outdoor equipment. Devices that are not exposed to such elements may not need an IP rating.

4. Does the same IP rating mean the same protection for all devices?

Not always. Even if two devices have the same IP rating, their actual protection can vary. This is because different brands use different materials and designs. Some products may have better sealing and durability, even with the same IP level.