The IP44 vs. IP65, Every region needs electronics manufactured to specific standards. It helps to know where you can use them without causing damage.
Undoubtedly, your lights need adequate power to operate. But it’s crucial to protect them from solids, liquids, or other factors that could cause potential hazards.
Without the proper protection, your LED fixtures may corrode and fizzle out faster. Or it may result in more dangerous situations like electrocution. Hence, it would help if you chose your IP rating correctly.
But what are IP ratings? And how can you choose the right one? Read on to find out.
What is an IP Rating?
IP Rating
IP ratings are values on every electronic device that indicate its resistance to potential hazards– water and solids. Thus, a higher number signifies more excellent protection.
Also, we call the values IP codes. These codes define the International Protection Code or Ingress Protection Rating, detailed in international standards EN 60529. Typically, IP ratings have two numbers. The first number represents the protection level from solid materials, while the second shows the device’s protection level from liquids.
Sometimes, IP codes may have up to three digits, with the third showing other information related to the device’s protection.
IP Rating Chart
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of each IP code:
First Digits ( Solid Material Protection)
Second Digit (Liquid Protection)
How to Understand a Lighting IP Rating?
Lighting Fixture
Lighting IP ratings depend on your application. Lower IP ratings, like those below IP44, are ideal for indoor applications with zero or no exposure to water or dust. Hence, most home lighting fixtures have IP20 ratings.
Light fixtures with higher IP ratings work better for applications in harsh weather conditions. If there’s a chance of liquid or dust contact, you must select a high IP rating offering the most protection.
IP44 vs. IP65: What is an IP44
A lighting fixture with an IP44 rating means it has protection from solid particles larger than 1mm and low-velocity water sprays from all directions.
Is IP44 Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Outdoor Lighting
You can use IP44 for outdoor use under certain conditions. Since it’s only splashproof, you’ll need an extra form of protection to guard lights with the IP44 rating from harsh weather conditions.
Is IP44 Waterproof?
Waterproof
IP44 rating can resist light rain and water splashes from all directions. In short, it’s splashproof but not completely waterproof.
Is IP44 suitable for Indoor Use?
Indoor Lighting
IP44 lights work fine for indoor use since they have protection against penetration from 1mm or larger solid particles.
IP44 vs. IP65: What is IP65?
IP65 ratings offer higher protection levels than IP44. Let’s take a closer look at what you can get from IP65.
Is IP65 suitable for Outdoor Use?
Lighting fixtures with IP65 ratings can handle outdoor applications, even when exposed to some weather conditions. However, the institutions will need some protection (sheltered locations) from heavier downpours.
Is IP65 enough for Rain?
Lights under rain
IP65 ratings can handle low-pressure rain. Also, it can protect the fixtures from airborne particle damages while keeping the screen and components safe.
Is IP65 Waterproof?
IP65 ratings offer water resistance against water jets from any angle. However, you can’t submerge lights with IP65 ratings because they’re not entirely waterproof.
Is IP65 suitable for Indoor Use?
You can use lights with IP65 ratings for indoor applications like bathrooms.
IP44 vs. IP65: Which is Better?
An IP65 rating provides better protection than IP44. As mentioned previously, your devices will have total protection from solid particles and water jets from all directions.
IP44 vs. IP65 Bathroom
Bathroom Lights
IP44 can resist water splashes from showers. IP65 is partially waterproof and can withstand direct jets from storms, but not total submersion. So, they are ideal in zones 2 and 3 (outer area) of the bathroom.
Other IP Ratings
Let’s look at other IP ratings and how they stand up to the IP44 rating.
What is IP67?
IP67 goes even further by providing complete protection against water immersion at 15cm to 100cm depths for up to 30 mins. Also, it safeguards devices from all solid particles.
IP44 vs. IP67
IP67 offers more protection. Further, it can handle ground lighting for exterior and interior applications.
Exterior Ground Lighting
What is IP55?
IP55 has partial waterproof qualities and protects lights from directed water streams at lower pressures. Also, it offers partial solid particle protection.
IP44 vs. IP55
IP55 provides more protection than IP44. And it can work in zone 1 of bathroom areas. Additionally, it also works for outdoor lighting applications.
What is IP54?
Similar to IP55, IP54 partially protects against solid particles but not against directed water streams. However, it can resist splashes from all directions.
IP44 vs. IP54
Both ratings are splashproof. However, IP54 offers more protection from solid particles.
What is IP20?
IP20 offers protection against accidental finger contact and smaller objects. Further, It doesn’t protect devices from water.
IP20 vs. IP44
IP20 is excellent in areas with less dust and water. And it can’t handle most applications like the IP44 ratings.
Ceiling Light
Last Words
IP ratings on products are essential because they show the level of protection. In short, it helps you know the device’s protective measures and how to work safely without incurring damages.
Additionally, most products get their IP ratings from certified and independent companies. These companies usually test the products. Then, assign a numerical IP rating that matches the test results.
Feel free to contact us if you have more questions.
