IP Rating – Ingress Protection Explained
What is an IP Rating?
An IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating) is a standard that shows how well a device or enclosure is protected against solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). The IP rating system was established by the International Electromechanical Commission (IEC), a worldwide organization for standardization.
Reliable Protection in Demanding Environments
All I-Valo luminaires are designed for tough industrial conditions, offering excellent protection against dust and water. With ingress protection ratings ranging from IP65 to IP67, our luminaires are fully dust-tight and withstand everything from water jets to temporary immersion. This ensures long-lasting performance and reliability, even in the most challenging environments.
IP Rating Chart (IEC 60529)
| SOLIDS | LIQUIDS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against a solid object greater than 50mm, such as a hand. | 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against a solid object greater than 12.5mm, such as a finger. | 2 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with enclosure tilted up to 15º from the vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against a solid object greater than 2.5mm, such as a screwdriver. | 3 | Protected against sprays of water with enclosure tilted up to 60º from the vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against a solid object greater than 1mm, such as a wire. | 4 | Protected against water splashed from all directions. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Dust Protected. Limited ingress of dust permitted. Will not interfere with operation of the equipment. 2-8 hours | 5 | Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No Ingress of dust. 2- 8 hour | 6 | Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets will not enter the encloure in harmful quantities. |
| 7 | Protection against the effects of immersion in water under pressure for long periods. | ||
| 8 | Protection against the effects of immersion in water between 15cm and 1m for 30 minutes. |
Testing the IP Rating of our Luminaires
Our luminaires are tested in our wet room according to SFS-EN IEC 60598-1:2025:
- Jet-proof luminaires – Tests for second characteristic IP numeral 5.
Jet -proof luminaires are switched off and immediately subjected to a water jet for 15 min from all directions. The water pressure at the nozzle shall be adjusted to achieve a water flow rate of 12,5 l/min.
- Powerful jet-proof luminaires – Tests for second characteristic IP numeral 6.
Powerful water jet-proof luminaires are switched off and immediately subjected to a water jet for 3 min from all directions. The nozzle shall be held 3 m away from the sample. The water pressure at the nozzle shall be adjusted to achieve a water flow rate of 100 l/min.
- Watertight luminaires – Tests for second characteristic IP numeral 7.
Watertight luminaires are switched off and immediately immersed for 30 min in water, so that there is at least 150 mm of water above the top of the luminaire and the lowest portion is subjected to at least a 1 m head of water. Luminaires shall be held in position by their normal fixing means.