IP rating refers to ingress protection rating or international protection ratings, which are used to qualify levels of dust- and water-sealing effectiveness. It is crucial to consider IP ratings if you are purchasing fixtures for dusty or wet environments. Common IP ratings, such as IP65, IP66, and IP67, are standardized codes that indicate the level of protection provided by electrical enclosures, ensuring equipment is safeguarded in challenging environments. This article explains the different IP ratings and IP66 vs ip67.
An IP rating is defined by the letters IP, followed by two numbers. Its sole purpose is to provide accurate information about the protection level an electrical fixture offers, specifically the protection provided against dust, water, and physical contact. The first digit offers a scale of 0–6 and relates to the protection levels against solids like dirt, sand, dust, and debris, while the second digit (0–8) represents protection against liquids like moisture and water. The higher the number, the greater the protection against solids and liquids. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects and dust ingress, with higher ratings ensuring complete dust protection for the enclosure.
Main Differences Between IP65, IP66, and IP67
Depending on your project, the differences between these three ratings can be very important. A fixture rated with any three of these ratings is equally protected against dust, dirt, sand, and debris (as indicated by the “6” digit). The liquid/water protection for each of these three ratings is unique.
- IP65 – Water resistance against low-pressure jets
- IP66 – Water resistant against powerful jets
- IP67 – Provides submersion resistance and is suitable for temporary submersion and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
High-IP-rated fixtures are essential for harsh environments where dust and water are prevalent.
Which IP Rating Do I Need?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on the environment in which your fixtures will be installed. If your fixtures will be subjected to dust, sand, debris, liquids, or challenging weather conditions, choosing a fixture with a higher IP rating is advised to prevent liquid ingress. To decide which IP rating is suitable for your project, examine the space where the fixture will be placed. Typically, low IP ratings are used for areas such as indoor settings where jetting water will never be an issue. Temperature-controlled areas like office buildings and municipal buildings would not require high IP ratings. High-IP-rated fixtures are used for demanding environments and outdoor environments subjected to greater amounts of liquids and dust, areas with a large footfall, wet locations, and unsealed locations, such as sports arenas, beachfront areas, and dirty warehouses. Factory floors and marine environments are also specific locations where higher IP ratings are often required due to exposure to harsh conditions and the risk of liquid ingress.
IP65 Fixtures
A fixture with an IP rating of 65 is protected against multi-directional, low-pressure water jets and water spray. In order to pass testing and achieve an IP65 rating, fixtures must be able to withstand water projected by a 0.25-inch nozzle. This includes exposure to low pressure jets and water spray from all directions. To achieve satisfactory results, this water test must be run for a minimum of fifteen minutes, with the water source placed three yards from the fixture. Additionally, the water pressure must be 30 kPa with a water volume of 3.3 gallons per minute. The IP65 rating is determined through this specific water test to ensure compliance with waterproofing standards. IP65-rated fixtures are commonly used in electrical enclosures to protect against low-pressure water jets.
Access Fixtures has many IP65 rated luminaires in many styles and for many applications. Here are just some of the Access Fixtures IP65 fixtures available for purchase.
ZIBO – The ZIBO is a budget-friendly forward-throw wall pack that is L70 rated at over 50,000 hours.- VAND – A sleek louvered bollard light, the VAND is a great vandal resistant lensproof bollard option.
- LUVO – LUVO is another great bollard option that is available in many styles and wattages, including medium-socket.
IP66 Fixtures for High Pressure Water Jets
An IP66 rated fixture is protected against multi-directional, high-pressure water jets, offering excellent liquid ingress protection. To pass IP66 testing, the fixture must be able to withstand water projected from a 0.50-inch nozzle, multi-directional, high-pressure jets. This test must be run for a minimum of three minutes, at a distance of three yards, with a water volume of 26.4 gallons per minute and a pressure of 100 kPa. IP66-rated fixtures are also dust tight, providing complete dust protection against dust ingress.
Access Fixtures has many IP66 rated luminaires in many styles and for many applications, including outdoor lights where durability against water and dust is essential. Here are just some of the Access Fixtures IP66 fixtures available for purchase.
- DOHU – This is a great little powerhouse of a flood light for use in landscaping and park applications.
- CUDL – CUDL is Access Fixtures’ longest-lasting wall pack (L70 @ 646,000 hours) and comes in a full cutoff design.
- SAFI – A unique fixture, the SAFI 40w barn light or “dusk-to-dawn” fixture comes with a photocell and an optional 12″ mounting arm.
IP67 Fixtures for Complete Temporary Water Submersion
A fixture rated at IP67 is protected from temporary immersion in water between 5.9 inches and 39.37 inches. This rating is commonly found in lighting fixtures, electronic devices, and other equipment that require protection in challenging environments. To pass IP67 testing, the fixture must not permit ingress of harmful quantities of water when fully immersed. There must be at least 5.9 inches of water above the fixture for the test to be valid. IP67 provides waterproof protection to prevent harmful effects caused by water ingress, ensuring the durability and performance of sensitive devices.
While IP67 fixtures are protected against temporary immersion, higher ratings like IP68 are designed for continuous immersion under specific conditions.
Access Fixtures has many IP67 rated luminaires in many styles and for many applications. Here are just some of the Access Fixtures IP67 fixtures available for purchase.
- OPPE – This bollard light fixture features four 5w chip-on-board LEDs that emit over 2,000 lumens. It is rated for 50,000 hours and comes with a terrific color rendering index of 80+.
- APTA – perfect for sports lighting, horse arena lighting, park and path lighting, playground lighting, and anywhere requiring large amounts of light
- UPTA – the UPTA is rated L70 @ 200,000 Hours, designed with advanced optics, and provides over 150,000 from a single fixture. Applicable in large facilities such as hangers, conversion centers, and commercial/industrial buildings with clear heights of 60 feet and more.
IP65
A fixture with an IP rating of 65 is protected against multi-directional, low-pressure water jets. In order to pass testing and achieve an IP65 rating, fixtures must be able to withstand water projected by a 0.25-inch nozzle. To achieve satisfactory results, this test must be run for a minimum of fifteen minutes, with the water source placed three yards from the fixture. Additionally, the water pressure must be 30 kPa with a water volume of 3.3 gallons per minute.
Access Fixtures has many IP65 rated luminaires in many styles and for many applications. Here are just some of the Access Fixtures IP65 fixtures available for purchase.
- ZIBO – The ZIBO is a budget-friendly forward-throw wall pack that is L70 rated at over 50,000 hours.
- VAND – A sleek louvered bollard light, the VAND is a great vandal resistant lensproof bollard option.
- LUVO – LUVO is another great bollard option that is available in many styles and wattages, including medium-socket.
IP66
An IP66 rated fixture is protected against multi-directional, high-pressure water jets. To pass IP66 testing, the fixture must be able to withstand water projected from 0.50-inch nozzle, multi-directional, high-pressure jets. This test must be run for a minimum of three minutes, at a distance of three yards, with a water volume of 26.4 gallons per minute and a pressure of 100 kPa.
Access Fixtures has many IP66 rated luminaires in many styles and for many applications. Here are just some of the Access Fixtures IP66 fixtures available for purchase.
- DOHU – This is a great little powerhouse of a flood light for use in landscaping and park applications.
- CUDL – CUDL is Access Fixtures’ longest-lasting wall pack (L70 @ 646,000 hours) and comes in a full cutoff design.
- SAFI – A unique fixture, the SAFI 40w barn light or “dusk-to-dawn” fixture comes with a photocell and an optional 12″ mounting arm.
IP67
A fixture rated at IP67 is protected from water immersion between 5.9 inches and 39.37 inches. To pass IP67 testing, the fixture must not permit ingress of harmful quantities of water when fully immersed. There must be at least 5.9 inches of water above the fixture for the test to be valid.
Access Fixtures has many IP67 rated luminaires in many styles and for many applications. Here are just some of the Access Fixtures IP67 fixtures available for purchase.
- OPPE- This bollard light fixture features four 5w chip-on-board LEDs that emit over 2,000 lumens. It is rated for 50,000 hours and comes with a terrific color rendering index of 80+.
- APTA – perfect for sports lighting, horse arena lighting, park and path lighting, playground lighting, and anywhere requiring large amounts of light
- UPTA – the UPTA is rated L70 @ 200,000 Hours, designed with advanced optics, and provides over 150,000 from a single fixture. Applicable in large facilities such as hangers, conversion centers, and commercial/industrial buildings with clear heights of 60 feet and more.
IP Ratings
IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, are a standardized way to describe how well electrical enclosures protect against the intrusion of dust, moisture, and accidental contact. The IP rating system is essential for anyone selecting equipment for harsh environments, as it provides a clear indication of the level of protection offered by a product. Whether you’re installing outdoor lighting, safeguarding sensitive electronic equipment, or ensuring uninterrupted operation in industrial settings, understanding IP ratings helps you choose the right solution for your needs. By referencing the IP rating, you can be confident that your electrical enclosures will withstand the challenges of their environment, from heavy rain to dust storms, and keep internal components safe from harm.
Understanding the IP Code
The IP code is a two-digit system that clearly communicates the level of protection an electrical enclosure provides. The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree of protection against solid objects, such as dust or tools, while the second digit represents the level of protection against liquids, including water and moisture. This rating system is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under standard 60529, ensuring consistency and reliability across the electrical industry. By using the IP code, manufacturers and consumers alike can easily compare the protection levels of different products, making it easier to select electrical enclosures that meet the specific demands of their application.
First Digit and IP Code: Dust and Accidental Contact Protection
The first digit in the IP code ranges from 0 to 6 and is crucial for determining how well an enclosure protects its internal components from solid ingress and accidental contact. A rating of 0 means there is no protection, while a rating of 6 signifies complete protection against dust and accidental contact, ensuring that even the smallest solid particles cannot enter the enclosure. This level of protection is especially important in harsh environments and outdoor applications, where dust and debris are common. For example, an IP66 rating guarantees that the electrical components inside are dust tight and shielded from any accidental touch, making these enclosures ideal for demanding settings where uninterrupted operation is critical.
IP Rating Certification and Standards
Achieving an IP rating requires rigorous testing to ensure that electrical enclosures can withstand the environmental hazards they are designed to face. Certification involves exposing the enclosure to dust, water jets, and even immersion, depending on the desired rating. These tests are conducted according to standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and other organizations like UL, which provide detailed guidelines for evaluating ingress protection. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can certify that their products offer reliable protection against dust and water ingress, giving users confidence in the safety and performance of their electrical enclosures in any environment.
Speak to an Access Fixtures Lighting Specialist about Choosing the Right Fixture
Access Fixtures is your factory-direct source for all light fixtures needed to suitably illuminate your property. We want to make sure you get the exact fixture for your needs, your budget, and your goals. We are passionate about lighting and love what we do—we’ll get you an answer. To speak with an Access Fixtures lighting specialist, call (800) 468-9925.
Conclusion
Selecting the right IP rating comes down to understanding your environment. If your lighting fixtures will face high-pressure water but never submersion, IP66 is typically sufficient. However, if there’s any risk of temporary submersion, IP67 is the safer and more appropriate choice. Both offer full dust protection and are built for demanding environments. When in doubt, speak to a lighting specialist to ensure you choose the fixture that matches your needs, environment, and budget.
Frequesntly Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does an IP rating signify?
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating classifies the degree of protection a fixture has against dust and water. The first digit indicates protection from solids (0–6), while the second digit denotes protection from liquids (0–8).
What is the difference between IP66 and IP67?
Both IP66 and IP67 fixtures are dust-tight. However, IP66 protects against powerful water jets, whereas IP67 offers protection from complete, temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter (39.37 inches) for up to 30 minutes.
When should I choose IP66 over IP67?
Choose IP66 for environments exposed to high-pressure water jets, such as car washes, sports arenas, or marine docks, where direct water impact is common but submersion is unlikely.
When is IP67 the better option?
IP67 is ideal for environments where fixtures may be temporarily submerged in water, such as beachfront properties, recessed ground lighting, or areas with frequent flooding or standing water.
Is IP67 better than IP66?
Not necessarily, it depends on your application. IP67 offers submersion protection, but IP66 is often better suited for applications involving high-pressure water exposure without submersion.
Are IP66 and IP67 fixtures equally dustproof?
Yes. Both ratings begin with a “6,” which means they are completely protected from dust ingress, making them suitable for dirty, dusty, or sandy environments.
Can IP66 fixtures withstand rain and outdoor exposure?
Absolutely. IP66 fixtures are designed to handle rain, snow, and even heavy water jets, making them reliable for outdoor installations.
What happens if an IP66 fixture is submerged?
While it may resist water for a short time, IP66 fixtures are not tested for immersion and may eventually allow water ingress, leading to failure. For submersion protection, use IP67 or higher.
Do IP67 fixtures cost more than IP66?
Often, yes. IP67 fixtures require additional sealing and testing to meet immersion standards, which can result in slightly higher costs compared to IP66.
What types of lighting fixtures are available with IP67 ratings?
Access Fixtures offers many IP67-rated products, including bollard lights like the OPPE, high-performance flood lights such as APTA, and high bay fixtures like UPTA, all built for tough environments.
