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.
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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).
IP RATING CHART
IP ratings are represented by combining the first and second digits of the following columns:
| Digits |
Solids |
Digits |
Water |
| 1 | Protected against a solid object greater than 50mm. | 1 | Protection against water drops. |
| 2 | Protected against a solid object greater than 12.5mm. | 2 | Protection against water drops at 15-degree angle. |
| 3 | Protected against a solid object greater than 2.0mm. | 3 | Protection against water sprays at 60-degree angle. |
| 4 | Protected against a solid object greater than 1.0mm | 4 | Protection against water splashing from any angle. |
| 5 | Protection from limited dust ingress. | 5 | Protection against water jets from any angle. |
| 6 | Dust tight. NO ingress of dust. |
6 | Protection against powerful water jets and heavy seas. |
| none | none | 7 | Protection against the effects of temporary submersion in water (30min at 3 feet). |
| none | none | 8 | Protection against the effects of permanent submersion in water (up to 13 feet). |
A technical guide to Ingress Protection levels for outdoor lighting. Image credit: Rowabi.
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 |
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.
High-performance IP68 submersible fixtures for fountains and pools. Image credit: Rowabi.
How important is the IP rating of light fixtures?
IP ratings are critical because they determine a light fixture's durability across different environments. The higher the rating, the better the protection against the elements, ensuring:
- Longevity: Fixtures with higher IP ratings are built to withstand harsh conditions and last longer.
- 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!
