What is IP Rating - IP68 (Ingress Protection Rating) for Lights

An IP68 rating for lighting means the fixture is fully protected against dust and can withstand continuous submersion in water under specific conditions. Whether you’re lighting up your poolside, fountains, or areas prone to heavy rainfall, an IP68-rated light fixture is built to endure the elements while providing high performance.

But is it always the right choice? Let’s break down everything you need to know about the IP68 rating, when it’s necessary, and why it matters for your lighting solutions.

What does IP stand for?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standard that measures how well a product is protected against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). The system is used across various industries, primarily electrical and lighting products, to ensure they can withstand different environmental factors.

Understanding IP ratings

The IP rating consists of two digits: the first digit indicates protection against solid objects, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (completely dust-tight). The second digit represents protection against liquids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protection against high-pressure water jets).

Image credit: Good Earth Lighting ⁽¹⁾

For example, IP65 means the product is dust-tight (6) and protected against water jets (5). These ratings help ensure the fixture’s durability and suitability for different environments.

Standard IP ratings for lights

IP Rating	Application	Advantages	Disadvantages	Spaces Required	Usage Placement
IP22	Indoor fixtures	Basic protection from water	Limited dust protection	Dry areas	Dry
IP44	Outdoor lights	Good dust and water protection	Not suitable for heavy rain	Wet areas	Wet, Damp
IP65	Outdoor lighting	Dust-tight, water-resistant	Not suitable for immersion	Wet areas	Wet, Damp
IP67	Outdoor lighting	Submersible up to 1m depth	Limited exposure to water	Wet areas	Wet
IP68	Submersible lights	Continuous submersion allowed	Higher cost	Wet, underwater	Wet, Outdoor

Check out Rowabi’s collection for products that ensure safety standards and versatile design.

What is the difference between IP65, IP67 & IP68?

The key difference between IP65, IP67, and IP68 lies in the level of protection against water immersion.

• IP65: Protects against dust and water jets (not submersible), ideal for outdoor environments where the light might be exposed to rain.
• IP67: This type of protection offers protection against dust and can withstand brief submersion in water up to 1 meter (usually for 30 minutes). It is great for locations like bathrooms or outdoor areas prone to flooding.
• IP68 offers the highest level of protection, ensuring complete dust tightness and the ability to withstand continuous immersion in water, typically to depths of 1 meter or more. It is perfect for underwater or pool lighting.

Image credit: Tralert ⁽²⁾

How important is the IP rating of light fixtures?

IP ratings are critical because they determine the durability of a light fixture in different environments. The higher the rating, the better the protection against the elements, ensuring:

• Longevity: Fixtures with higher IP ratings last longer, as they are built to withstand harsh conditions.
• Reliability: A fixture with a higher rating is less likely to fail or malfunction due to external elements like dust or water.
• Practicality: The appropriate IP rating ensures your light fixture is fit for purpose, whether exposed to rain, submerged in water, or a dusty environment.

What IP ratings will you need?

The right IP rating for your lighting depends on the installation environment. For indoor use in dry environments, an IP22 or IP44 rating is sufficient. However, for areas exposed to moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens, an IP65 or IP67 rating may be necessary.

Outdoor spaces, particularly those exposed to heavy rain or flooding, require higher ratings, such as IP65, IP67, or IP68. An IP68 rating is essential for submerged applications, such as pool lighting. Always match the IP rating to the environmental exposure level to ensure safety and longevity.

How to choose the right IP rating?

Choosing the right IP rating depends on several factors:

• Assess the environment: Determine whether the fixture will be used indoors or outdoors, and if it will be exposed to moisture or water.
• Consider exposure levels: For spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, where water splashes are everyday, an IP65 or higher is needed. For areas prone to flooding or near water, IP67 or IP68 is appropriate.
• Evaluate the fixture’s purpose: Decide whether you need general lighting or if the fixture needs to be submerged (e.g., pool lighting requires IP68).
• Check compatibility: Ensure that the fixture's IP rating aligns with the space's environmental and operational demands. For example, an IP67-rated fixture works well in a wet outdoor area but might not be suitable for underwater use.

EU vs. US Standardization

RoHS and UL certifications are standard in the U.S.; in the EU, products must adhere to the CE standard to be sold within the market. Here’s a comparison:

Factor	EU (CE & IP)	US (UL & IP)
Standards & Codes	CE + IP standard	UL + IP standards
Safety Concerns	Focuses on public safety and environmental factors	Focuses on electrical and operational safety
Voltage & Safety	Typically lower voltage ratings and environmental controls	Higher voltage ratings for electrical equipment

FAQs

What is the IP68 enclosure rating?

• IP68 ensures the product is fully dust-tight and can be submerged in water for extended periods.

Is IP68 fully waterproof?

• Yes, IP68 offers complete protection against water, making it ideal for underwater lighting applications.

What is better, IP68 or IP69?

• IP69 offers even higher protection against water pressure and steam, and it is typically used in extreme environments like washing machines or industrial settings.

What IP rating is fully waterproof?

• IP68 is considered fully waterproof, suitable for long-term submersion.

What is IP69K waterproof?

• IP69K offers protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.

Is IP68 waterproof better than 5ATM?

• Yes, IP68 is rated for continuous submersion, while 5ATM typically refers to water pressure resistance but not continuous immersion.

What is an IPX8 rating?

• IPX8 refers to a light’s ability to withstand continuous submersion under specific conditions, without specifying dust protection.

Are IP and IK ratings the same?

• No, IP measures protection against dust and liquids, while IK rates protection against mechanical impacts.

Conclusion

Incorporating the right IP-rated lighting fixtures can ensure that your outdoor and underwater spaces are beautifully lit and durable. Whether lighting a garden, pool, or an industrial facility, IP68 lighting offers the ultimate protection. Choose wisely and enhance your space with lighting that’s as reliable as it is stylish!

Sources:

• https://goodearthlighting.com/media/wysiwyg/consumertips/IP-Rating-Chart_V1_1000x2100px_copy2.jpg
• https://www.tralert.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IP67-EN.png