IP Ratings Demystified: Choosing the Right Waterproof Outdoor LED Lights

When installing outdoor lights, the worst mistake you can make is forgetting the troubles that arise when water meets electricity. From flickering bulbs to deadly electric shocks, the risks are real. Fortunately, waterproof LED lights step in to save you from potential hazards, keeping your outdoor lights shining for years.

But the truth is - not all waterproof lights are the same, and their strength is determined by ‘IP ratings.’ If the term feels like a jargon, you’re not alone. Read on to learn what it means and what type of waterproof outdoor LED lights your setup needs!

What Does IP Rating Exactly Mean?

IP Rating stands for Ingress Protection Rating, which is a measure to reflect how well an LED light can hold up against dust and water. Essentially, it shows whether something is built tough enough for certain environmental conditions. This helps especially with outdoors, where moisture and dirt are pretty common.

Now, the rating is made up of two numbers. The first number shows how well the light is shielded from solid objects like dirt, dust, and debris. Conversely, the second number reveals how well it holds up against rainwater or droplets.

The higher these numbers are, the better the resistance against outdoor wet areas. This knowledge helps you pick out the ideal waterproof outdoor LED lights, depending on the environment!

Multiple IP Ratings in Waterproof Outdoor LED Lights

LED lights come with different IP ratings, which are determined by where they’re meant to be used. Evidently, indoor lights come with lower IP ratings since they don’t have to withstand harsh conditions, while those used outdoors need a higher IP rating. A thorough understanding of this concept is the only way to help you pick lights that last long.

Let’s explore some practical examples to understand waterproof outdoor LED lights and their ratings better:

IP20: IP20 is an Ingress Protection rating that’s designed to offer a moderate level of protection for your lights against solids like dust. However, the lower second digit, i.e., 0, shows that lights with this rating offer zero protection against liquids. Hence, they’re unfit for outdoors or conditions prone to moisture or water.

IP40: Slightly more durable than IP20, an IP40 rating indicates that the LED light is safe against small solid objects like wires or tools. However, the second digit, once again, shows that it doesn’t shield against moisture or water. Usually, this rating works best for indoor use within dry areas where there’s minimal risk of water exposure.

IP54: An IP54 rating means that the LED light is well-protected against dust and can handle a bit of moisture, too. However, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t suffice against direct water exposure. This makes it fit for use in areas with occasional dust or moisture, such as kitchens or near windows, giving you durability without being fully waterproof.

IP64: IP64-rated lights are fully dustproof and can decently tackle water splashes from all directions like the IP54 rating. The result? These lights become the ultimate choice for outdoor areas that collect dust and rain over the seasons. Nonetheless, they fall short when exposed to extended water immersion since their base isn’t completely sealed.

IP65: As the most common rating among waterproof outdoor LED lights, the IP65 rating is completely dustproof and can even handle low-pressure water jets. This makes these lights ideal for use where there’s dust and frequent water exposure. Hence, the common spotlights, path lights, or other outdoor fixtures carry this rating to remain firm against the harsh outdoors.

IP67: An IP67 rating is dustproof and handles temporary submersion into water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes or so. This makes it fit for areas with more water exposure or floods, such as near pools or underwater. It’s a pretty common rating for industrial systems, but it’s still not fully suitable for long-term underwater use.

IP68: While relatively less common, the IP68-rated LED lights are 100% dustproof and waterproof. This makes them capable enough to withstand permanent submersion into water (up to 3 meters deep). Plus, they’re also least affected by dust or storms. No wonder they’re so reliable when it comes to pools, fountains, or marine applications.

Quick Maintenace Tips for Waterproof Outdoor LED Lights

Even if you’ve mastered the IP ratings for your outdoor lights, no lights work well without proper maintenance. Here are some quick TLC tips for keeping your LED lights in top shape for years:

1. Inspect your fixtures from time to time for dust and debris buildup. Wipe them off to keep them shining optimally.

2. Monitor the seals to ensure they’re watertight. This helps you spot any leaks or cracks and address them beforehand.

3. If your lights seem to flicker, it’s time to replace the bulbs before they go out.

4. Don’t forget to keep spare bulbs at hand to avoid any hassle if the light goes out.

FAQs

What IP Rating is Best for Outdoor Lights?

Generally, the recommended IP rating for outdoor light fixtures is IP65 or higher. Figure ‘5’ indicates that your lights are strong enough to handle water jets, which might otherwise ruin your lighting or lead to electric hazards.

How Do I Know If a Lighting Fixture is Truly Waterproof?

To know whether a lighting fixture is truly waterproof, aim for a higher second digit (like 5, 6, or higher) in the IP rating. This implies strong water resistance, ensuring your waterproof outdoor LED lights can effortlessly handle splashes, rain, or even water jets.

Is IP44 or IP65 Better for Outdoor Lighting?

The higher the IP rating, the firmer your lights stand against harsh outdoor conditions. Hence, it’s no surprise that IP65-rated lights perform much better than IP44, remaining weatherproof throughout the wet season and beyond.

Conclusion

Choosing the right waterproof outdoor LED Lights doesn’t have to be rocket science. Once you fully understand the IP ratings and how they work to protect your lights against outdoor elements, it becomes a no-brainer to pick the best of the lot! Now’s the time to make your exteriors as beautiful as the interiors with the right lights!

Get in touch with Gardenreet to shop for the best waterproof lights to keep your outdoors bright for years to come.