Industrial and commercial spaces should never risk installing improper lighting that could lead to malfunctions or electrical problems. IP ratings explain how well a product can withstand dust and water pressure. This article focuses on IP ratings for lighting, but electronics, medical devices, and other products are IP-rated. Understanding these ratings for your commercial and industrial lighting is critical. Keep reading to learn more.
What is an IP Rating?
IP ratings matter in industrial and commercial environments to ensure proper lighting and to prevent electrical issues. IP ratings (Ingress Protection Ratings) explain how well a product can withstand environmental factors. The first number indicates intrusion protection, which describes how much protection a product has against solids. The level of intrusion protection is indicated by a number 1-6 with 1 being the lowest level of protection and 6 being the highest. Some examples of solids are dust and bugs. The second number measures moisture protection, which rates the level of exposure and how well the product's internal elements are sealed against liquids. Moisture protection is indicated by a number 1-9 with 1 being the lowest level of protection and 9 being the highest level of protection. Our IP rating table below explains the values in depth.
You may see an IPX rating on certain lights or products. An 'X' instead of a number indicates a manufacturer hasn't tested the product in that area. For example, a product with an IP6X rating offers full intrusion protection but hasn’t undergone testing for moisture protection.
IP69K Rating Overview
An IP69K rating is the highest level of protection a product can receive, meaning it is considered waterproof. Products with this rating can withstand washdowns and sprays from high-pressure jets and handle steam cleaning procedures without malfunctioning. We offer various NSF-certified products with an IP69K rating, making them ideal for various wet or controlled environments.
Why Do IP Ratings Matter in Industrial and Commercial Environments?
The purpose of IP ratings is to ensure safety and durability. Installing lights with proper IP ratings will increase life expectancy and require fewer replacements. They promote safety by ensuring you install lights that are well-adapted to the conditions they’re placed in. For example, light fixtures that can’t withstand water should not be installed in an industrial kitchen, public restroom, or outdoors.
Commercial
Applications where light fixtures with a high IP rating are well-suited for commercial spaces:
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Car Washes
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Commercial Kitchens
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Hospitals
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Parking Lots or Garages
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Pharmaceutical Facilities
Industrial
Applications where light fixtures with a high IP rating are beneficial in industrial areas:
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Chemical Plants
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Factories
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Food Processing Plants
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Manufacturing Plants
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Sanitary Areas
Benefits of Having a Higher IP Rating
While high IP ratings aren’t needed for all installments, there are situations where lights with a higher IP rating can be beneficial. Below are the benefits of having high IP-rated products in areas needing ingress protection.
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Longevity: Higher IP-rated products will likely have a longer lifespan since they are sealed, so outside elements can’t short out or corrupt the internal components. This will save you money on replacement and maintenance costs.
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Safety: Installing a light with a higher IP rating in areas susceptible to water or dust enhances safety by reducing the risk of a fire or electrical hazard.
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Compliance with Standards and Regulations: Choose products with higher IP ratings if you need lights that meet safety certifications or sanitation standards. Use the rating scale to evaluate if the product meets the intrusion protection requirements.
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Maintain Productivity: Installing light fixtures in harsh environments enhances workflow. You don't have to worry about not installing lights in certain areas and reducing visibility for employees. There also won’t be a risk of light outages or malfunctions during the work day due to excess water or dust.
Non-IP Rated Options
Other ratings might appear on our site besides the IP rating: a UL Rating or a custom rating.
UL Environmental Ratings: Underwriters Laboratories has their own specific product certifications.
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Dry Location: Preferred for indoor use only.
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Damp Location: Can withstand indirect or minimal moisture and typically installed indoors or outdoors.
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Wet Location: Safe to install in wet environments. Each product has its own specific depths of water it can withstand.
Each rating is subject to its own limits based on the specific product's qualifications.
Custom Environmental Rating: If a fixture doesn’t come with an IP rating or as UL listed, our test lab will run extensive testing to determine an appropriate environmental rating. These ratings come in 4 levels:
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Non-Weatherproof: Should be placed in indoor, dry environments, not suitable to be installed outdoors or exposed to direct moisture.
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Weatherproof: Can be installed either indoors or outdoors and works under various weather conditions, including snow and rain.
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Waterproof: Able to withstand any water or moisture conditions.
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Submersible: Can submerge in water.
Misinterpretations of IP Ratings
There are common misconceptions about IP ratings. One is that having a high IP rating is necessary. Areas not subject to water damage or dust exposure, such as offices or retail spaces, won’t need a high IP-rated fixture. Another is that high IP-rated products are completely durable. Just because a product might be durable through water or dust does not mean other factors can’t cause damage.
