When looking at the specifications of LED lights, you will often see the letters “IP” followed by two digits. These numbers are important because they tell you how durable the product is and how well it can resist water and dust.
What Is the IP Rating for Light Fixtures, and Why Is It Important?
The IP rating is a crucial factor, even though it might seem technical. Understanding these numbers can help you make better decisions about the durability, longevity, and reliability of your lights.
Longevity
If a light fixture does not have the correct IP rating, it may get damaged quickly, causing it to fail sooner than expected. This means you could end up wasting money on lights that do not last.
Reliability
A low IP rating can also affect how well the light works. Even if it doesn’t cause immediate damage, it might lead to reduced brightness, flickering, or other issues that make the light unreliable.
Practicality
The IP rating is essential when choosing LED fixtures, especially for specific environments. It’s not just about whether a light is suitable for outdoor or bathroom use. For example, lights in a greenhouse require a high IP rating to withstand hot and humid conditions.
Common IP Ratings for LED Lights
Choosing the right lighting fixtures can be tricky, and the IP rating is another factor to consider. Here’s a breakdown of some common IP ratings to help you understand what they mean and where they work best.
IP22
IP22 is a basic level of protection. It indicates that the LED light is protected against physical contact, like touching, and has some resistance to water, such as light rain or drizzles. This rating is adequate for indoor lighting and outdoor use in sheltered areas not directly exposed to the elements.
IP44
IP44 offers a mid-level protection rating. It means the fixture can guard against small objects, such as wires, screws, and insects, and can handle water splashes from any direction for a short time. IP44 lights are suitable for most outdoor uses but may not be safe for areas with direct exposure to water, such as inside a shower or bath.
This post was written by a professional at GlowbackLED. GlowbackLED has been the industry leading custom LED power supplies located in Miami, FL for years. They specialize in custom LED light panels for backlighting translucent stones, artwork, stained glass, and resin. They have been manufacturing robust lines of recess linear, surface linear, and pendant linear LED light fixtures (suspended or hanging). Proudly offering industry leading project management and support, Glowback is second to none! Their goal is to make your purchasing experience as simple and headache free as possible.
