HOW TO SELECT THE CORRECT IP VALUE FOR LED LIGHTING
Most LED lighting comes with a IP value. But what does it mean and how to ensure the selection of the correct value?
What IP stands for:
IP stands for: Ingress Protection, or protection against the ingress of solid and liquid substances. The value consists of two digits. The first digit says something about the protection against the ingress of, for example, dust and objects. The second digit indicates the protection against liquids. Together, the figures indicate to what extent the housing of an electronic device or fixture is protected against environmental influences.
General LED lighting inside a home typically does not require extra protection. IP20 is sufficient in most cases. But bathroom and outdoor lighting generally requires a higher IP value.
What the digits in IP values represent:
FIRST DIGIT (FROM 0 TO 6): PROTECTION AGAINST OBJECTS & DUST.
IP0X: Not protected
IP1X: Protected against hand contact (solid objects larger than Ø50 mm)
IP2X: Protected against finger contact (solid objects larger than Ø12.5 mm)
IP3X: Protected against contact with tools (solid objects larger than Ø2.5 mm)
IP4X: Protected against wire contact (solid objects larger than Ø1 mm)
IP5X: Dust-free (sufficiently safe to touch through closed housing)
IP6X: Dustproof (complete protection against dust by completely closed housing)
SECOND DIGIT (FROM 0 TO 8): PROTECTION AGAINST WATER
IPX0: Not protected
IPX1: Drip proof 1 (no damage when exposed to vertical drops of water)
IPX2: Drip-proof 2 (no damage from water drops at an angle of up to 15°)
IPX3: Splashproof (protected against rainwater)
IPX4: Splashproof (protected against splashing water)
IPX5: Jet watertight (protected against water jets)
IPX6: Water resistant (protected against strong water jets such as rainstorms)
IPX7: Submersible (submersible protected, 30 minutes to 1 meter deep)
IPX8: Waterproof (protected against staying under water)
What IP value to use in the bathroom?
The higher the IP standard, the more resistant the lamp or fixture is to moisture. For the bathroom, LED lamps and fixtures are mainly used with an IP44, IP65 and IP68 standard:
IP44: Splash-proof
IP65: Jet waterproof
IP68: Waterproof (even if permanently submerged)
Because the degree of humidity is not the same in all places in the bathroom, the maximum IP value does not have to be used everywhere. In the image below you can see exactly where in the bathroom which IP value can be used.
What IP values to use outdoors?
The same applies to outdoors, the higher the IP standard, the more resistant the lamp or fixture is to moisture. For the outdoors, we typically identity 3 areas and their different needs:
Completely sheltered: Any location for a lamp or fixture outdoors, where it is completely sheltered from outside elements. This can be a covered veranda or balcony. A recommended minimum of IP23 is recommended here.
Not directly exposed to the elements: The lamp or fixture is mounted in areas such as a veranda, overhead roof or structure that provides shelter from above, like a shed or garage. A minimum of IP44 is required in these areas.
Fully exposed areas: This is where the lamp of fixture is in direct contact with all types of weather elements. A minimum of IP65 is recommended here. Though if the lamp or fixture will be mounted in an area where it will be merged deep into the ground, a minimum of IP67 is recommended.
The Yphix products and packaging bear IP values and in the assortment you will find LED solutions for each specific situation. For Yphix bathroom lighting click here, and for Yphix outdoors please click here.
