IP Ratings Explained
IP Ratings are an indicator of product quality. If a product’s IP Rating isn’t disclosed, it’s probably for a reason. It is also important to consider the validity of the IP Rating advertised.
All NightRider LEDS Light Bars and Driving Lights are rated IP67, and Heavy Duty Lights are rated IP69K. NightRider is a Canadian company that has been providing LED Lights from coast to coast and has earned their reputation for delivery high quality LEDS.
What is an IP Rating?
An IP Rating also known as Ingress Protection are standardized ways to measure the sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies and moisture.
Why do IP Ratings exist?
IP Ratings provide a standardized and defined measure of a products sealing effectiveness. For example, terms such as ‘waterproof’ and ‘water resistant’ can be vague and differ greatly between different products and companies.
How to read IP Ratings
All IP ratings begin with IP and are following by 2 digits, and an optional 3rd letter for other protections.
First Digit – the first digit measures the intrusion protection of solid foreign bodies (such as dust).
Second Digit – the second digit measures the intrusion protection of moisture and liquids (water).
For example, the rating IP67 translates to the following:
First Digit: 6 – dust tight, no intrusion of dust
Second Digit: 7 – immersion in water up to 1m depth
IP Rating Reference Chart Summary
First Digit – Protection Against Solid Foreign Bodies
|
Rating |
Effective against (object diameter) |
Description |
|
0 |
- |
No special protection against contact or intrusion of objects |
|
1 |
>50 mm |
Protection against larger parts of the body such as a hand |
|
2 |
>12.5 mm |
Protection against items such as fingers |
|
3 |
>2.5 mm |
Protection from items such as tools, large wires |
|
4 |
>1 mm |
Protected against intrusion of most wires, screws |
|
5 |
Dust protected |
Dust intrusion is not entirely prevented, but cannot intrude in sufficient quantities to interfere with the operation of the equipment |
|
6 |
Dust tight |
No intrusion of dust, complete protection against dust contact |
Second Digit – Protection Against Moisture
|
Rating |
Effective against |
Description |
|
0 |
- |
No protection against liquids |
|
1 |
Dripping water |
Protection against vertical dripping water when the enclosure is upright |
|
2 |
Dripping water when tilted at 15° |
Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at an angle of 15° from its normal position |
|
3 |
Spraying water |
Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect |
|
4 |
Splashing water |
Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect |
|
5 |
Water jets |
Water projected by a nozzle against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects |
|
6 |
Powerful water jets |
Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects |
|
7 |
Immersion, up to 1m depth |
Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion) |
|
8 |
Immersion, > 1m depth |
The equipment is suitable for prolonged immersion in water |
|
9K |
Powerful high temp. water jets |
Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs |