Ask a LED Tech Articles - The IP Rating System

When you think about using LED lighting outdoors you should realize that not all LEDs are capable of withstanding the elements. Some are okay for outdoors but perhaps not under the conditions that you have in mind. We are often asked about what waterproof means since there are many different viewpoints. For example something that is waterproof is not necessarily submersible. A device that would be fine in dust and even a light spray of rain might be severely damaged from a direct and sustained spray from a garden hose or heavy rain.

To help you understand if an LED product can be used outside and under what conditions, you should be aware of its IP Rating. IP stands for International Protection but it is widely interpreted and accepted as Ingress Protection. The rating is shown on a chart that has a range of 0-6 on the first column for solids and a range of 0-9 on the second column for liquid. In our most common use of the IP Chart we simply think of dust and water. Because this is an international standard, manufacturers use this data to communicate product properties to designers, builders and consumers.

See the IP Rating chart here.

A typical LED fixture that is designed to be used inside only might have a rating like IP-60 while one intended to be used in say a landscaping application might have IP-65. Unless you have a need for extreme conditions you are not likely to see anything above IP-68.

Before you consider using any LED devices outdoors be sure to pay attention to the second number in the rating. Just because something is waterproof does not mean it can be submerged or that it will sustain heavy rain, snow or ice.

It is also important to make sure that the soil is well drained any in ground installations. Our in ground RGB lights for example, will not withstand flooding or being subjected to pooling water for extended periods of time. They are not intended for use in environments like splash pads or being hung from trees. You may snigger, but it's been done.

Another issue consumers run into from time to time is how lighting is installed. When we say a product can be used outdoors in a protected environment, we mean on a covered porch and not on an open frame gazebo. When we say under eaves, we mean on the horizontal and not the vertical with the exit wire unprotected. Again, it's been done.

So if you're planning an outdoor installation of any kind, please check with us and tell us exactly what products you like and how you plan to use them. An ounce of silicone is worth a pound of cure. We want you to be 100% satisfied with what you purchase from us and will tell you if we do not have a product to suit extreme conditions.

By: John Cody

Tags: Ask a LED Tech Articles, IP Rating System, LED Landscape Lighting, LED Lighting Information, waterproof lighting

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