WHAT DOES IP PROTECTION MEAN?

The index of protection – the IP – is an essential characteristic of most of the electrical devices and it shows the protection rate of the device from any external agents such a solid object or liquids. It is expressed of word "IP" followed by 2 numbers, which show:

The first digit describes the degree of protection rate against solid objects, dust, the solid particles and bodies;

the second digit describes the degree of protection offered against liquids.

The IP rating is relevant when the environment conditions are standard; in special cases and hazardous environments special protection is required.

Although there are numerous combinations of IP ratings for LED strips and fixtures, the most common ones are: IP67, IP65, IP44, IP20. For specially IP rated luminaires you will find each product clearly marked with its IP rating PLUS the highest zone in which it can be installed.

In general, all LED strips have IP20, same with many LED fixtures. IP44 you will find for LED strips inside an aluminum profile with closed end caps and in many spotlights and downlights. IP65 or more is usually used for waterproof LED strips and some special fixtures.

The first digit – protection from foreign bodies

0 – no protection from foreign bodies;

1 – protected against solid objects greater than 50mm(e.g. accidental touch by hands);

2 – protected against solid objects up to 12mm(e.g. fingers);

3 – protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm(e.g. tools and wires);

4 – protected against solid objects greater than 1mm(e.g. small tools and wires);

5 – protected against dust, limited ingress(e.g. no harmful deposit);

6 – totally protected against dust.

The second digit – protection from liquids

0 – no protection from liquids;

1 – protection against vertically falling drops of water(e.g. condensation);

2 – protection against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from vertical;

3 – protection against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical;

4 – protection against water sprayed from all directions – limited ingress permitted;

5 – protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions – limited ingress permitted;

6 – protected against high pressure jets of water (use on ship deck) – limited ingress permitted;

7 – protected against the effects of immersion between 15cm and 1m;

8 – protected against long periods of immersion under pressure.

CONSULT AN ELECTRICIAN

Don't forget, always seek advice from a qualified electrician if you are unsure of what you need or how to correctly install lighting in any area.